2026

Kuala Lumpur, 30th June 2026: Preliminary May 2026 traffic figures released by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed a moderation in international passenger traffic growth. Meanwhile, international air cargo markets continued to expand, supported by stockpiling activity as businesses sought to safeguard against potential supply disruptions and higher costs arising from the conflict in the Middle East. In May, the region’s carriers carried a combined total of 31.7 million international passengers, a 1.1% decline compared to the same month last year. Demand as measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) increased by 1.8% year-on-year, reflecting relatively stronger traffic on longer-haul routes. The regional performance was moderated by a reduction in traffic carried by some airlines, reflecting recent adjustments to international services, while overall available seat capacity remained broadly unchanged for the month. As a result, the average international passenger load factor rose by 1.2 percentage points to 82.0%. International air cargo markets continued to expand, boosted by stockpiling activity and increased shipments of technology products. Demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), grew by 2.5% year-on-year in May, while offered freight capacity expanded by 3.3%, resulting in a 0.5 percentage point decline in the average international freight load factor to 61.6% for the month. Commenting on the results, Wong Hong, Director General of AAPA, said, “International passenger markets remained broadly stable in May, with firm demand on longer-haul routes. Meanwhile, air cargo demand continued to grow, supported by technology-related shipments and precautionary stockpiling activity in response to evolving supply chain and geopolitical risks.” “For the first five months of the year, Asia Pacific airlines carried a combined total of 166.8 million international passengers, representing a 3.9% increase compared to the same period in 2025. International air cargo demand grew 4.7%, supported by the continued need for the timely movement of goods amidst operational disruptions particularly in conflict zones.” Looking ahead, Wong Hong said, “The recent easing of tensions in the Middle East may help to alleviate some concerns over supply chain disruptions and energy costs. While jet fuel prices have eased from recent highs, the average price of US$137 per barrel in the first two weeks of June continues to place pressure on airline operating costs.” He added, “Airlines continue to face uncertainty stemming from geopolitical developments, trade policy shifts and broader economic headwinds. Rising inflationary pressures are also contributing to higher non-fuel operating costs, and may weigh on consumer spending and travel demand in the months ahead.” Mr. Wong Hong concluded, “Overall, operating conditions for carriers remain challenging. Nonetheless, Asia Pacific carriers have responded well to evolving demand patterns, and remain agile in adjusting their networks and capacity deployment to capture growth opportunities and improve profitability, while maintaining strict cost discipline.”

New Delhi, 30th June 2026: Air India will deploy its B777-300ER aircraft featuring upgraded cabin interiors on flights between Delhi and Melbourne, effective 1 July, replacing the existing aircraft. This marks a significant enhancement in premium seat capacity on the route, comfort, and on-board experience, including the introduction of First Class on the route. Configured in a three-class layout, Air India’s upgraded Boeing 777-300ER features 08 First Class suites, 40 fully flat Business Class beds, and 280 Economy Class seats, representing a substantial increase in premium capacity compared to the existing B787-8 on this route, which features 28 Business Class and 241 Economy Class seats. The deployment brings a more consistent and elevated long-haul product to Air India’s Melbourne services, aligned with the airline’s ongoing transformation into a world-class global carrier.

New Delhi, 26 June 2026 : SriLankan Airlines recently concluded a limited-time sales contest in Hyderabad, specifically designed to encourage Business Class ticket issuance among its valued agencies. Recognizing the outstanding contributions of the top performers, the SriLankan Airlines extended tokens of appreciation to the agents. The recognition was extended to the three most productive agencies in the market, who collectively recorded the highest number of Business Class ticket sales during the contest period. SriLankan Airlines remains the only premium full-service carrier connecting Hyderabad to Colombo, operating five weekly flights from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD). Commenting on the recognition, Ishfaaq Uvaim, Manager Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, said, “Our agents are instrumental in showcasing the premium SriLankan Airlines experience to discerning travelers. This initiative was a small way to acknowledge their efforts and reaffirm our commitment to working together as we grow in this market.” SriLankan Airlines currently operates 90 weekly flights, linking Colombo with Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Trichy, Madurai, Cochin, Thiruvananthapuram, and Hyderabad. From its Colombo hub, the airline connects wide network spanning the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Far East.

New Delhi, 26 June 2026: The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has launched AIR SUVIDHA 2.0, an upgraded contactless Passenger Health Self-Declaration Portal, to strengthen public health surveillance at Points of Entry in response to the ongoing Ebola disease outbreak. The launch follows the WHO’s declaration of the Ebola/Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 17 May 2026 under the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005. The current outbreak has been confirmed as Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), and countries bordering DRC and Uganda — including South Sudan — have been assessed as high-risk for transmission (as updated by WHO). Developed in collaboration with the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, the portal enables International arriving passengers to submit a mandatory online Health Self-Declaration — covering 21-day travel history, exposure history and related symptoms, if any — prior to immigration clearance. The portal enables real-time data sharing with the Airport Health Officer, Bureau of Immigration, IDSP and State Surveillance Officers, enables swift identification and referral of at-risk travellers- while keeping the arrival experience seamless and contactless, with no physical forms to fill on landing. Airsuvidha Self Declaration Form (SDF) can be completed 24 hours in advance before arrival to India. Passengers are requested to fill the forms before boarding of the flight , during web check-in for swift clearance on arrival and only required to show the downloaded SDF at the International Travel Health Desk or Immigration counter. All International travellers are requested to complete their Self-Declaration accurately and in advance, in the interest of passenger safety and Public Health. The portal may be accessed at https://airsuvidha.civilaviation.gov.in/ (Courtesy: PIB/MoCA)

Delhi, 25 June 2026: Akasa Air, has announced the addition of Udaipur to its expanding domestic network. Effective 15th October 2026, the airline will commence daily direct flights connecting Udaipur with Mumbai and Bengaluru. Commenting on the launch, Anand Srinivasan, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air, said, “We are delighted to launch services to Udaipur, a city that represents India’s rich cultural heritage and continues to see strong demand across leisure and hospitality travel. With direct connectivity from Mumbai and Bengaluru, customers will now have more convenient access to one of the country’s most iconic destinations. As we continue to strengthen our domestic footprint, our focus remains on building a network that is relevant, customer-centric, and aligned with evolving travel demand. Udaipur is an important addition to our portfolio, and we look forward to offering travellers Akasa Air’s warm, dependable, and efficient flying experience,” he added. The launch reinforces Akasa’s commitment to building a comprehensive and demand-led network across India, while improving access to emerging and high-potential tourism markets.

Delhi, 23 June 2026:  Akasa Air, had announced strong financial and operational performance for the financial year ended March 31, 2026, reflecting the continued strength of its business model, disciplined execution, and growing customer preference. During FY2025–26, Akasa Air delivered strong growth across key business metrics. Operating revenue increased 37%, supported by a 30% growth in capacity measured through Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs). The airline inducted 10 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft during the year, rapidly expanding its fleet to 37 aircraft. Cargo volumes reached approximately 171,000 tonnes by the end of FY2025–26, while stage adjusted Revenue per Available Seat Kilometre (RASK) improved by 10%, driven by enhanced distribution capabilities, operational excellence and strong focus on customer experience backed by a technology first approach. Commenting on the performance, Ankur Goel, Chief Financial Officer, Akasa Air, said: “FY2025–26 was an important year for Akasa Air as we continued to strengthen our business while delivering sustained growth. We achieved strong revenue growth, improved margins, expanded our fleet and network, and further strengthened our financial foundation through the successful completion of a strategic investment transaction. These milestones reflect the strength of our business model, the discipline of our execution, and the confidence of both our customers and investors. As India’s aviation market continues to grow, we remain focused on building a well-capitalised, resilient airline with a long term perspective and a clear commitment to creating lasting value for all stakeholders.”

Kuala Lumpur, 22nd June 2026: Malaysia Airlines (MAB) and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have launched their strategic joint business partnership, formalised in January 2026 following the regulatory approvals, with the introduction of joint fare products for travel between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. The new joint fare offerings build on the airlines’ existing codeshare partnership, enabling MAB and SIA to provide customers with a greater variety of fare options between the two capital cities, as well as enhanced connectivity across the combined network of both carriers. MAB and SIA are also working towards the progressive introduction of additional customer benefits, including reciprocal lounge access, coordinated flight schedules, and joint corporate travel arrangements. These initiatives reflect the airlines’ deepening commercial collaboration and shared commitment to improving connectivity between Malaysia, Singapore, and the wider region. Bryan Foong, Chief Executive Officer of Airline Business, Malaysia Aviation Group, said: “This joint business partnership with Singapore Airlines marks a significant milestone in the expansion of our commercial collaboration. By introducing joint fare products, we are giving our customers greater choice, improved flexibility, and a more seamless travel experience. This collaboration also lays the foundation for deeper integration across our networks, ultimately benefiting both leisure and business travellers.” Lee Lik Hsin, Chief Commercial Officer, Singapore Airlines, said: “The introduction of joint fare products with Malaysia Airlines expands the range of fare options available to customers travelling between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, offering more flexibility and convenience when planning their journeys. As we deepen our collaboration, we will continue to combine our strengths to enhance both airlines’ offerings and deliver greater value to customers, while strengthening the long-standing people-to-people connections and trade links between Singapore and Malaysia.”

New Delhi, 22nd June 2026: Air India and Booking.com, the global digital travel platforms, has announced a strategic partnership to deliver a more seamless and rewarding travel booking experience. Customers can now access a vast array of global accommodations via a dedicated co-branded platform on the Air India website and mobile app, powered by Booking.com, along with exclusive benefits and loyalty rewards for Maharaja Club members. The co-branded platform offers Air India customers access to Booking.com’s extensive global inventory of over 31 million reported listings in 45 languages, including 8.6 million listings in homes, villas and other unique places to stay, backed by its 24/7 customer support. Air India’s Maharaja Club members can earn 5 Maharaja Points for every INR 100 spent on stays booked through the dedicated platform. These points can be redeemed for award flights and cabin upgrades. Customers will also benefit from exclusive discounts of up to 15% on participating properties for a limited period, from June 22 to July 21, 2026. “Our partnership with Booking.com is another step in our efforts to build a comprehensive travel ecosystem for our customers. By combining Air India’s growing global network with Booking.com’s vast portfolio, we are offering our guests greater convenience, choice and added value across journeys,” said Abhijit Menon, Divisional Vice President & Head of Revenue Management, Air India. Laura Houldsworth, Managing Director and Vice President, Asia Pacific at Booking.com, said “As travellers increasingly seek integrated, digital-first travel experiences, we are excited to partner with Air India. This collaboration reflects our Connected Trip vision of making travel planning simpler and more seamless. By combining our diverse global accommodation inventory with Air India’s growing international network, we are helping to make it easier for travellers to book their flights and stay in one place. This partnership also reinforces our commitment to India, delivering greater value, rewarding loyalty and creating a more seamless, end-to-end travel experience.”

New Delhi, 18th June 2026: India’s annual defence production has surged to an all-time high of Rs 1.78 lakh crore in the Financial Year (FY) 2025-26. The milestone represents a 15.6% growth over the previous fiscal year’s output of Rs 1.54 lakh crore and a staggering 110% increase since FY 2020-21 when the figure was Rs 84,643 crore. The indigenous defence production has increased almost four times from Rs 43,746 crore in FY 2013-14. Defence Public Sector Undertakings and other PSUs accounted for approximately 76% of total production, while the private sector contributed 24%, which is a rise from 22% in FY 2024-25. The share of the private sector is at its all-time high of around Rs 42,000 crore in FY 2025-26, reflecting its expanding role in the defence ecosystem. The growth in defence production over the years has tremendously contributed in achieving the record defence exports of Rs 38,424 crore in FY 2025-26. The achievement reflects the growing momentum of the Government’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, spearheaded by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. In a post on X, Raksha Mantri  Rajnath Singh credited the inspiring leadership of Prime Minister  Narendra Modi for taking India’s defence production to newer heights, and lauded the collective efforts of the Department of Defence Production and public & private sectors for achieving the landmark. He highlighted that the upward trajectory is a clear indicator of the country’s expanding defence industrial base. With sustained policy support, several new initiatives, increased private sector participation, and growing export capabilities, the defence production sector is poised for continued acceleration in the years ahead, he added. (PIB/MoD)