Airports

New Delhi, 7th May 2025: As a precautionary step taken against expected retaliation by Pakistan, India has temporary shut down all flight operations from all major airports based near to the border area. These airports includes: Jammu, Pathankot, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Shimla, Dharamshala and Jamnagar, Srinagar, Leh, Amritsar and Chandigarh. As per reports, approx 200 flights were cancelled operating from these airports. This step has been taken due to safety concerns citing the missile strikes launched by Indian armed forces in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK). Due to this notification all Indian carriers including Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India Express, Akasa Air and several foreign carriers called off services to and from affected regions. IndiGo alone cancelled around 165 flights, while a source said that 35 flights to and from Delhi were cancelled between midnight and morning, including 23 domestic departures, eight arrivals, and four international flights. American Airlines and other global carriers also pulled back services. Air India, in a statement, said it had suspended flights to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot until 5.29 am on May 10, following directives from aviation authorities. Affected passengers are being offered a one-time rescheduling waiver or full refunds. SpiceJet confirmed the closure of multiple northern airports — including Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar, and Amritsar — “until further notice,” and promised refunds or alternate options. Akasa Air called off all its Srinagar flights, while regional operator Star Air cancelled services to and from Nanded, Hindon, Adampur, Kishangarh, and Bhuj. Air India Express, too, reported several cancellations, particularly to Amritsar, Jammu, Srinagar, and Hindon. “Multiple flights on our network are impacted,” it said, without specifying a resumption timeline. This has also impacted the operations of many international airlines operating in India and also using the Pakistan airspace.

Dubai,30th April 2025: Dubai International (DXB) catered to 23.4 million pax in the first quarter of 2025, maintaining strong momentum and reinforcing its position as the world’s leading international airport. The performance reflects both Dubai’s growing appeal as a global destination and DXB’s continued role as the gateway of choice for millions of travellers. Traffic was up 1.5% compared to the same period in 2024, despite a record-breaking Q1 last year. January alone saw the highest monthly traffic ever recorded at DXB – welcoming 8.5 million guests – an achievement made possible not just by infrastructure, but by the coordinated effort of thousands of people behind the scenes. India retained its position as DXB’s top destination country, with 3 million guests, followed by Saudi Arabia (1.9 million), the UK (1.5 million), Pakistan (1 million), the US (804,000), and Germany (738,000). At the city level, London led with 935,000 guests, followed by Riyadh (759,000), Jeddah (627,000), Mumbai (615,000), and New Delhi (564,000).Leisure travel also surged during the quarter, driven by a seasonal peak at the start of the year, Eid holidays, and spring break, with double-digit increases in traffic to destinations such as the Czech Republic (+30.6%), Vietnam (+28.6%), and Spain (+20.2%). Cargo volumes registered a minor contraction of 3.6% year-on-year during the first quarter, with DXB handling 517,000 tonnes of cargo. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports said,“Our Q1 performance sets a strong foundation for the year ahead, not only in terms of guest numbers, but in the calibre of the people behind them.Delivering the busiest month in DXB’s history while maintaining exceptional service levels cross baggage, guest flow, and accessibility is no small feat. It requires precision, agility, and an extraordinary team effort. “What makes this possible is the collective effort of our one DXB community, with each member playing a critical role across every touchpoint. This shared culture of collaboration and consistency is what elevates our performance and ensures we meet the growing expectations of our guests, every single day.” DXB also recorded 111,000 flight movements in Q1,up 1.9% over the same period last year, with an average of 215 guests per flight. Despite the continued growth in guest volumes, DXB sustained high levels of operational efficiency. More than 21 million bags were processed in Q1, with the rate of mishandled baggage reduced to fewer than 1.95 bags per 1,000 guests, translating to a success rate of 99.8%. Meanwhile, the use of real-time monitoring systems and biometric passport control helped ensure that more than 95% of guests experienced minimal wait times across key airport touchpoints.

Singapore, 15th April 2025: Singapore Airlines has planned to renovate its SilverKris and KrisFlyer Gold lounges at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 over the next two years, investing S$45 million to elevate the on-ground customer experience at its main hub. Renovations will begin on 15 April 2025, progressing in phases, with completion expected around mid-2027. The revamped lounges will boast 50% more space and seating capacity, and feature upgraded facilities, signature elements from SIA’s flagship lounges at Changi Airport Terminal 3, and an enhanced variety of food and beverage options. Mr Yeoh Phee Teik, Senior Vice President Customer Experience, Singapore Airlines said: “This significant investment underscores Singapore Airlines’ unwavering commitment to elevating the end-to-end travel experience for our customers. Building on the success of our Terminal 3 lounges, we are extending our signature hospitality and thoughtfully curated offerings to Terminal 2. This upgrade reaffirms our continued dedication to providing a seamless, world-class experience that meets the high expectations of our discerning customers.” The all-new First Class SilverKris Lounge will feature a spacious area with increased capacity, higher ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The renovated bar will offer a premium experience, including barista services in the morning. The live cooking stations in the First Class SilverKris Lounge will serve a wide range of popular Singaporean, Asian, and Western cuisine of dishes, while the self-service buffet will also be expanded to mirror the offerings available at the SilverKris Lounge in Terminal 3. The Business Class SilverKris Lounge will expand by 30%, providing customers with more space and comfort. It will include a quiet rest area with recliners for customers to relax before their flight, and a redesigned living room area with diverse seating options including wingback chairs, sofa seats, and productivity pods. These will give customers the flexibility to work, dine, or rest in comfort. The expanded self-service buffet will feature both Asian and Western cuisines. A new full-service bar will complement the dining experience, serving fresh barista-made coffee in the morning and signature cocktails in the evening. The KrisFlyer Gold Lounge will double its capacity, offering various seating options, such as armchairs for lounging, workstations, and dining seats. New amenities will include in-lounge restrooms and shower suites, enabling customers to freshen up before their flights. To minimise disruption to customers, renovation will be carried out in phases. Construction of the new First Class SilverKris Lounge will begin on 15 April 2025, with expected completion by the fourth quarter of 2025. Construction of the new Business Class SilverKris Lounge is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, and the new KrisFlyer Gold Lounge in the first half of 2026.

Hisar, 14th April 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off a commercial flight from Hisar to Ayodhya and laid the foundation stone of the new terminal building at the Hisar airport, The airport named as Maharaja Agrasen Airport has a new terminal building,built at an estimated cost of over Rs. 410 crore. The new terminal building will include a State-of-the-art passenger terminal, a cargo terminal and an ATC building. The project is targeted to be completed in two years.The inaugural flight from Hisar to Ayodhya will operate twice a week, and three flights in a week to Jammu, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Chandigarh.

Warsaw, 9th April 2025: LOT Polish Airlines has unveiled the newly renovated Polonez Business Lounge at Warsaw Chopin Airport which is now available to authorized passengers, departing from Warsaw. With this comprehensive transformation, LOT elevates its service standards, offering greater comfort tailored to the needs of all travellers. Whether passengers seek a place to rest, unwind, or work efficiently, the lounge provides an ideal setting before the next stage of their journey. The refurbishment aligns with the national carrier’s strategic goals for 2024–2028. Elegance, Style, and More Space The LOT Business Lounge Polonez impresses with its elegance, functionality and amenities, designed with the needs of modern travellers in mind. The space features a contemporary design and offers comfortable armchairs and sofas, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The colour scheme – deep navy blue, copper tones and amber – reflects LOT Polish Airlines’ visual identity, aligning with the Dreamliner cabin retrofit project and the newly opened LOT Business Lounge in Chicago. ‘We aimed to create a space that not only meets the highest standards of comfort but also redefines the travel experience for passengers who value modernity, exclusivity and a premium atmosphere. The LOT Business Lounge Polonez now combines elegance with functionality – offering more space, innovative solutions and carefully selected amenities that enable both relaxation and productivity. We wanted every guest to feel special and experience Polish hospitality at the very heart of our connecting hub, Warsaw Chopin Airport. We are delighted to welcome guests to our LOT Business Lounge Polonez’, said Izabela Leszczyńska, Director of Product Development and Customer Experience at LOT Polish Airlines. A major advantage of the redesigned interior is the expanded usable space – the Polonez Lounge now offers over 860 m² for guests, following a 153 m² expansion. As a result, the LOT Polish Airlines lounge offers more than 60 additional seats. New features in the expanded section include a self-service bar and a conference room, equipped with a screen and electrical outlets. The interior of the Polonez also features comfortable sofas, from which passengers have an unusual view of the terminal and the airport apron. The entire facility has been equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, and electrical outlets and USB ports are available in designated areas, providing convenient conditions for both work and rest. Special attention should also be given to the separate area of the lounge, formerly known as Elite, which has been enlarged and from now on operates as the Polonez Gold Lounge. Designed for the most demanding guests, offers a dedicated relaxation zone featuring comfortable loungers with optional partitions to ensure privacy and comfort. Relax Spot by Phenomé x LOT LOT Polish Airlines is expanding its range of luxury lounge amenities by introducing a new SPA zone with an enhanced service package under a new name. Relax Spot by Phenomé x LOT is a unique relaxation space where passengers can enjoy premium skincare treatments. The beauty salon is a rare service available in only a handful of business lounges worldwide, making LOT Business Lounge Polonez truly stand out. Relax Spot by Phenomé x LOT was created in collaboration with the Polish cosmetics brand Phenomé, whose products are also available on-board Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Regardless of the purpose of travel, proper skincare is an essential part of well-being, and the new SPA zone will allow passengers to unwind and rejuvenate before the next stage of their journey. The beauty salon services will be available to all guests of the Polonez Business Lounge starting from the first half of May 2025, from Monday to Friday. Access and Entry Rules The LOT Business Lounge Polonez is located in the Schengen area of Warsaw Chopin Airport and is open daily from 5 am to 11 pm local time. Complimentary access is available to: • Business Class passengers on flights operated by Star Alliance member airlines, • Business Class passengers transferring to domestic flights, • Passengers travelling on LOT Business Class charter flights who hold a Senator or SA Gold card, • Miles & More cardholders: o HON Circle members travelling on a flight operated by a Star Alliance carrier, o Senator/Star Alliance GOLD members travelling on a flight operated by a Star Alliance carrier, o Frequent Traveller members travelling on a flight operated by LOT, Lufthansa (LH), Austrian Airlines (OS), Brussels Airlines (SN), SWISS (LX) or Croatia Airlines (OU). Other LOT Polish Airlines passengers: LOT Business Class on charter flights, LOT Premium Economy Class on mid- and long-haul and charter flights, and LOT Economy Class passengers on short- and mid-haul flights can purchase entry to the Polonez business lounge at lot.com, through sales agents, the Contact Centre, or at Warsaw Chopin Airport.

Delhi , 04 April 2025: Akasa Air has commenced operations from Darbhanga today, marking its entry into Bihar. The airline will operate daily through-flights between Hyderabad and Darbhanga via Delhi, with no change of aircraft required at Delhi. This new route enhances connectivity between the tourist hub and two major metro cities. The inaugural flight was flagged off by the Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu in the presence of Akasa Air’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Vinay Dube and his team at a ceremony held at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. The event was also graced by senior government officials and the leadership of Delhi International Airport Limited. The maiden flight departed from Delhi at 0900 hrs. and arrived at Darbhanga Airport at 1055 hrs today. Darbhanga becomes the 28th destination added to Akasa Air’s expanding network, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to enhancing air connectivity from metro to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across the country. Vinay Dube, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Akasa Air, said, “We are thankful to the Honourable Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu-ji, for his support on this momentous occasion as we successfully launch our inaugural flight to Bihar. The launch of our operations in Darbhanga is a proud moment for Akasa Air as we continue to expand our network and provide enhanced connectivity across India. This addition reflects our commitment to strengthening regional air travel and unlocking new opportunities for economic and social growth in Bihar. We look forward to serving the people of Darbhanga with our customer-centric and efficient services.” Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air, added, “At Akasa Air, our goal is to provide seamless connectivity between metro and emerging cities, ensuring that passengers have access to affordable and reliable air travel. With the addition of Darbhanga to our network, we are proud to enhance connectivity to Bihar, a region with significant economic and cultural importance. This expansion aligns with our commitment to strengthening India’s aviation landscape by offering world-class service, convenience, and an unparalleled flying experience.”

Delhi, 13th March 2025: Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL) has announced the on boarding of Mangaluru International Airport and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport into the DigiYatra initiative of the MoCA. With this, all seven operational airports of AAHL now offer passengers access to use DigiYatra to access the airports. This significant step aligns with AAHL’s commitment to enhance passenger experience through seamless and contactless travel. Jeet Adani, Director, AAHL, stated, “Since its launch on 15 August 2023, DigiYatra took flight at five of our airports: Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, and Guwahati. There has been substantial rise in the adoption of DigiYatra by passengers, with some of our airports showing a utilisation as high as 37 percent in one day. More passengers are opting for the convenience and speed of DigiYatra, thereby redefining their travel experience”. Implementation of DigiYatra is testament to AAHL’s commitment to transform the aviation sector in India by embracing cutting-edge technology and providing world-class services to passengers. The DigiYatra initiative aims to provide a paperless and hassle-free travel experience for passengers, leveraging facial recognition technology for seamless entry at airports. The facial recognition technology used by DigiYatra enables seamless passage at various checkpoints. DigiYatra eliminates the need for physical documents, making the travel process efficient and ecologically friendly. It provides an additional layer of security by verifying passenger identity through biometric data.DigiYatra also reduces wait times at various touchpoints, ensuring a smoother and quicker journey for passengers. Security and privacy are central to Digi Yatra’s mission.

Dubai,5th March, 2025: Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) are working their ways to ensure smooth aircraft movements as several of them face what the EUROCONTROL calls “structural capacity shortfalls, and less airspace availability for re-routings.” Globally, aircraft movements is expected to reach 178.1 million by 2042, up from 106.7 million in 2024.In 2042, international passenger traffic will reach the 8.7 billion mark and domestic traffic to 10.6 billion passengers, as per ACI World. Several ANSPs will be showcasing from May 6 to 8 at the 24th edition of Airport Show, the MENASA’s largest airport industry B2B platform, at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). The Airport Show will have on display Communications, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) systems needed to keep the skies safe, secure and efficient, and for delivering consistently high levels of service to airports and airlines. The 8th edition of ATC Forum, a co-located conference supported by DANS among others, will see experts and specialists discussing ATC modernization and innovation in the Middle East whose aviation market is expected to reach US$33.7 billion by 2029, with US$151 billion in airport investments and US$2.4 billion in aircraft investments. Ibrahim Al Ahli, Acting CEO of Dubai Air Navigation Services (DANS), the ANSP for four airports in the UAE including DXB, remarked: “The focus of leading ANSPs is to develop, support and achieve optimum usage of their airspace by adopting new systems and technologies.This is being ensured through new air traffic management capabilities. Our relentless pursuit is for excellence since the 1980s and we continue our work to keep up high the status of the global aviation hub that boasts a thriving aviation ecosystem with unparalleled connectivity. The ANSP has been enhancing its ability to cooperatively manage aviation growth until 2030.The Airport Show participation of over 160 exhibitors from over 20 countries, four of whom featured their dedicated pavilions and over 120 buyers from more than 35 countries, in the previous edition. There were 3,500+ meetings under its hugely popular Business Connect Program. It is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group.The three-day show will have co-located conferences – the Global Airport Leaders’ Forum (GALF), Airport Security Middle East, the ATC Forum, and Women in Aviation (WIA). The platform is supported by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Airports, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, Emirates Airlines, Dubai Air Navigation Services, and dnata, among others. May Ismail, Event Manager at RX, a global company that organizes about 400 events across 42 industry sectors in 22 countries including Airport Show, said: “Air Traffic Control (ATC), like the other civil aviation domains, has been witnessing tremendous transformation as new technologies and innovations emerge. The whole purpose is to enhance efficiency and safety of ATM and ATC. The technology-driven era is enablingthe airports to become thriving hubs. There are challenges and opportunities of growth from disruptive technologies for the ATM. We have to explore what best in available now and what is going to come in the future. Airport Show is serving this niche phase.” The ATC market faces challenges such as high deployment costs, system complexity, stringent regulatory requirements, and cybersecurity concerns related to flight data protection. Advancements in satellite-based navigation, NextGen ATC systems, and the integration of AI are anticipated to enhance efficiency and capacity in airspace management.The Middle East will see until 2030 around 1,058 new aircraft delivered in the region. Passenger traffic in the Middle East is projected to grow by more than nine percent by 2027.

Chennai, 28th Feb 2025: Union Minister for Civil Aviation,Ram Mohan Naidu, inaugurated the UDAN Yatri Cafe at Chennai Airport, marking the second such facility under this initiative. The first UDAN Yatri Cafe was inaugurated on December 19, 2024, at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the historic airport. The Kolkata Cafe has been a resounding success, with travelers expressing high satisfaction with the quality, taste and cost of the offerings. Following immense passenger demand, the initiative is now being expanded nationwide. At the Chennai Airport, strategically located in the pre-check area of the T1 domestic terminal, the cafe will offer all connected passengers access to hygienic refreshments at nominal prices. Ram Mohan Naidu said, “The UDAN Yatri Cafe is a testament to Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of inclusive flying, making air travel more convenient, accessible and affordable for all. Following its successful launch at Kolkata Airport, there has been strong demand from travelers to introduce this facility at other airports. After the eastern gateway of Kolkata, we are proud to bring the UDAN Yatri Cafe to the southern gateway, Chennai Airport which is one of the oldest and now the fifth busiest airport in the country, handling over 22 million passengers annually. We are committed to enhance passenger convenience here and with the Digi Yatra and Trusted Traveler Program E-gates, we are also providing a seamless, end-to-end digital travel experience.” Minister Ram Mohan Naidu also shared that the 86,135 sq.m. expansion of Terminal 2 is underway to enhance international operations. Additionally, the refurbishment of Terminals 1 and 4 is progressing with an investment of over Rs.75 crore, while a comprehensive traffic flow management system, costing ₹19 crore, is being implemented to ease city-side congestion. Beyond infrastructure, Chennai International Airport is dedicated to passenger convenience. Free buggy services for senior citizens and pregnant women, childcare rooms, medical facilities and modern lounges ensure that every effort is made to provide a comfortable travel experience. In the media interaction, Minister also highlighted that the Chennai Airport operates entirely on green energy and houses a 1.5 MW solar power plant as part of its commitment to environment. The UDAN Yatri Cafe aligns with the spirit of the UDAN scheme aimed at democratizing air travel and modernizing airport infrastructure. The event was attended by Dr T R B Rajaa, Minister for Industries, Tamil Nadu, senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, AAI and Chennai Airport, marking another milestone in the Ministry’s mission to enhance passenger experience and connectivity.

Delhi, 17th February 2025: Alstef Group has completed the comprehensive baggage handling system and screening upgrade at Henri Coanda International Airport, located in Otopeni, just north of Bucharest, Romania. This project, which began two years ago following a public tender by Bucharest National Airports Company (CNAB), marks a significant milestone in the enhancement of the airport’s operation. The upgrade included the installation of 56 new check-in conveyors, 12 self-service bag drops, an outbound sortation system with five Standard 3 screening machines, two new make-up carousels, and a transfer connection to the domestic terminal. In addition to the technology upgrades, Alstef Group also managed the associated civil works, HVAC, and other infrastructure expansions to ensure seamless project execution. “This was our first collaboration with CNAB,” says Pierre Boussard, Project Manager for Alstef Group. “We are proud of the results and are excited to continue our partnership with a five-year operations and maintenance contract now in place.” Henri Coandă International Airport is Romania’s largest and busiest airport, and this successful project marks Alstef Group’s expanding presence in Eastern Europe.