2026

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)

Dubai, June 18, 2026: SolitAir, the UAE’s next-generation dedicated B2B airport-to-airport cargo airline, has appointed Dubai-based Aviation Training Center (ATC) as its preferred training services provider for dangerous goods (DG). The appointment is designed to equip SolitAir’s growing team with the latest approaches, techniques and competencies in the handling and transport of dangerous goods (DG) – acategory of cargo that is both commercially significant and among the most tightly regulated in the industry. The collaboration marks an important step toward strengthening the UAE’s aviation ecosystem, supporting its position as a global hub for safe, efficient and innovative air cargo operations. The transport of dangerous goods by air is governed by a strict, IATA-enforced framework of compliance obligations, revised annually to reflect emerging risks and evolving cargo profiles. The 67th edition of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, mandatory from 1 January 2026, introduced significant updates across lithium battery shipment requirements, revised state variations and standardised operator variation wording. Hamdi Osman, Founder & CEO, SolitAir said: “The revised requirements enforced by IATA changes underline the need for rigorous, current-edition training across airline operations teams. Through this partnership, SolitAir will ensure our teams remain fully current with these evolving standards, further strengthening the safety, operational excellence and workforce capability already underpinning our DG operations (categories 1-9),which span lithium batteries, flammable liquids and other hazardous materials across our expanding network.” Commenting on the partnership Neeraj Arora, CEO ATC Dubai, said: “Our collaboration with SolitAir underscores our commitment to delivering world-class training solutions that support the evolving needs of the aviation industry. Together, we aim to reinforce safety standards and empower aviation professionals with the competencies required in today’s dynamic operating environment.”

New Delhi, 16th June 2026: At a time when several airlines across the region temporarily suspended operations due to ongoing geopolitical developments, Royal Jordanian continued operating consistently over the past six weeks, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for travellers across the Middle East and beyond. The airline played a critical role not only in maintaining regular travel but also in supporting evacuation and essential movement during the period, reaffirming its commitment to reliability, passenger confidence, and regional connectivity. As global travel steadily regains momentum and traveller confidence begins to return, Royal Jordanian is strategically positioning Jordan as a preferred Middle East gateway for Indian travellers seeking safe, seamless, and culturally rich experiences. “During a period when uncertainty impacted travel sentiment across the region, Royal Jordanian remained operational and committed to serving passengers. Our continued operations reflect the resilience of both the airline and Jordan as a destination,” said a spokesperson from Royal Jordanian. In recent months, Indian outbound travel has been shaped by heightened caution, with travellers closely monitoring developments in the region. While Jordan remained stable and operational throughout, broader regional perceptions led many travellers to postpone plans temporarily. With the situation now easing, Royal Jordanian is witnessing renewed interest from Indian travellers looking for destinations that offer reassurance, accessibility, and meaningful experiences. At the forefront of this effort is the airline’s continued focus on ExploRJordan, a dedicated platform designed to showcase Jordan’s diverse cultural, wellness, adventure, and lifestyle offerings. The initiative aligns strongly with evolving Indian traveller preferences, which are increasingly shifting towards immersive and experience-led journeys. Royal Jordanian is also strengthening Amman’s position as a convenient and efficient hub, enabling Indian travellers to seamlessly connect onwards to the Levant and the wider Middle East through its extensive regional network. This reinforces Jordan’s role not only as a destination in itself but also as a strategic gateway to the region. Reaffirming its long-term commitment to the Indian market, the airline continues to focus on boosting inbound tourism to Jordan through enhanced connectivity, tailored offerings, and consistent engagement with Indian travellers and trade partners. Jordan itself presents a compelling proposition for travellers seeking authentic experiences with fewer crowds. From the timeless wonder of Petra to the dramatic desert landscapes of Wadi Rum and the therapeutic shores of the Dead Sea, the destination offers a unique blend of heritage, adventure, and wellness. Royal Jordanian continues to support tourism to Jordan through reliable operations, onboard comfort, and seamless connectivity via Amman. As travel demand gradually rebounds, the airline is also introducing competitive fares and flexible travel options, making it an ideal time for Indian travellers to rediscover the region. Backed by operational continuity, stability, and renewed traveller confidence, Royal Jordanian remains committed to strengthening Jordan’s position as a key gateway to the Middle East while deepening its presence in the Indian market.