Civil Aviation

Dhabi, 8 October 2026: Etihad Airways will operate a daily service to Damascus from 14 November 2026, increasing the route from four to seven weekly flights. Since its inaugural flight in June, the route has been warmly received by guests in both the UAE and Syria, and has quickly established itself as an important link between the two countries for families, business travellers and guests continuing across Etihad’s network. The move to a daily schedule offers each of them considerably greater choice in when they travel. Many Syrians have built their careers and raised their families in the UAE. For them, a daily service means a journey home can be planned around a family occasion or a long weekend. Arik De, Etihad Airways Chief Revenue & Commercial Officer, said: “The response to our Damascus service has impressed us from the very first flight, and a daily service is the natural next step. It brings the Syrian capital within easy reach of our guests in the UAE, and places Damascus just one stop from the many destinations we serve beyond Abu Dhabi.” From Abu Dhabi, guests travelling from Syria can continue onward with Etihad to destinations from Muscat and the Maldives to North America, including Toronto and Calgary, which joins the network on 25 October as Etihad’s newest destination on the continent, as well as New York and Charlotte. The UAE capital rewards those who stay, from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the museums of the Saadiyat Cultural District and the beaches of the Arabian Gulf, with Etihad’s Stopover programme making an extended visit effortless.

New Delhi, 5 October 2026: Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, has launched Maldivian Journey+, a new range of optional travel services designed to provide passengers with greater choice, convenience, and comfort throughout their journey. The introduction of Journey+ responds to growing passenger demand for greater flexibility and the ability to personalise their travel experience. The first phase brings together a range of optional services under the Journey+ subbrand, allowing passengers to tailor different aspects of their journey based on their individual travel needs. Under Phase 1, passengers will have access to five Journey+ services: Journey+ Premier, offering priority check-in and baggage handling for Domestic passengers, In addition to priority check-in and baggage handling, International passenger can also enjoy priority boarding service; Journey+ Bags, allowing passengers to purchase additional baggage in advance at preferential rates; Journey+ Relax, providing access to selected Maldivian lounges; Journey+ Upgrade, offering International passengers the opportunity to upgrade to a higher cabin class on select international flights, subject to availability. Journey+ Bites, a convenient pre-ordered onboard snack, and beverage combo for Domestic passengers. “Maldivian Journey+ has been developed around the evolving needs of our passengers and their desire for greater choice and flexibility when they travel with us,” said Ibrahim Iyas, Managing Director of Maldivian. “Many of these services have been requested by our passengers for some time, and with Journey+, we are bringing them together under one service that allows customers to personalise their journey based on what matters most to them. This is only the first phase, and we look forward to introducing more services and options as Journey+ continues to evolve.” Journey+ services can be purchased through the Maldivian Call Centre, Viber, WhatsApp, Ticketing Office, Passenger Sales Agents (PSA) and General Sales Agents (GSA), with services available for purchase up to 24 hours before departure. The launch represents the first phase of Maldivian Journey+, with additional services planned as part of Phase 2, including seat selection and other options aimed at giving passengers greater control over their travel experience. With Journey+, Maldivian continues to enhance its passenger experience by providing customers with greater flexibility to shape their journey around their individual preferences, while delivering on its commitment to convenient, comfortable and customer-focused travel.

New Delhi, 30th Sept 2026: Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu unveiled the Curtain Raiser for Routes Asia 2027 in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in India’s preparations to host the prestigious international aviation event. The Curtain Raiser witnessed participation from representatives of 28 embassies, along with leading aviation stakeholders, underscoring the growing international engagement and collaborative opportunities surrounding Routes Asia 2027. The 24th edition of Routes Asia will be held from 16–18 March 2027 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, bringing together more than 115 leading airlines, representatives from 55+ countries, airports, tourism authorities and aviation stakeholders from across Asia and beyond. Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, while unveiling the curtain raiser plaque, presented India’s vision for Routes Asia 2027 under the theme “Bharat Aviation Rising: Inclusive Growth – Connecting Asia & Beyond.” He highlighted that guided by the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the event comes at an opportune moment as India advances towards becoming the world’s third-largest aviation market. He said, “Routes Asia 2027 is coming to the right place, at the right time, with the right opportunity! There is room for more capacity, more airlines and more routes”. With over 166 airports and plans to develop 100 additional airports over the next decade, India’s aviation sector is witnessing rapid expansion. The Minister emphasised the growing importance of the hub-and-spoke model, which can connect more cities and people with emerging markets, creating opportunities for airlines, tourism and economic growth. He also highlighted India’s active bilateral aviation engagements, particularly with Southeast Asian countries, and the continued growth in international air travel, with passenger traffic recording a compound annual growth rate of 4.6%. The Minister extended an invitation to the global aviation community to participate in Routes Asia 2027 and explore India’s diverse destinations and expanding aviation opportunities. He underscored the importance of collective stakeholder efforts in connecting Tier-II cities, strengthening international hubs and developing new routes that will shape the next chapter of India’s aviation journey. India formally assumed the hosting responsibilities for Routes Asia 2027 from China West Airport Group during the closing ceremony of Routes Asia 2026 in Xi’an, China, in April 2026, with Airports Authority of India, receiving the hosting baton. The upcoming edition is expected to attract over 2,000 delegates, including decision-makers from leading airlines, airports and tourism authorities. Addressing the gathering, Shri Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, highlighted the transformative role of aviation in connecting people, facilitating trade and creating economic opportunities. Emphasising that international travel should become increasingly accessible and seamless for tourism and business, he underscored the importance of partnerships and route development in strengthening India’s aviation ecosystem. Routes Asia 2027 will provide a strategic platform for strengthening partnerships, developing new air routes and positioning India as a preferred aviation and connectivity destination. The event reinforces India’s commitment to inclusive growth, international collaboration and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. (Courtesy: PIB/MoCA)

2nd India SAF Conclave brings together 500+ delegates and 200+ companies from 25+ countries; 5% blending targeted by 2030 New Delhi, September 28, 2026: India’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel industry will rest on two foundations: fair income for the farmers who supply feedstock, and a verifiable carbon economy that earns the trust of airlines and international markets. That was the central message at the 2nd India SAF Conclave & Awards 2026, organised by the SAF Association at Bharat Mandapam on September 28-29. H.E. Issa Saleh Abdullah Saleh Al Shibani, Ambassador of Oman to India, highlighted the scope for partnership. “India’s SAF transition presents significant opportunities for collaboration across energy, technology and investment,” he said. “Strong India-Oman partnerships can help develop sustainable aviation solutions and strengthen the clean-energy ecosystem. International cooperation will be critical to accelerating SAF adoption and building a sustainable aviation future.” H.E. Benedikt Höskuldsson, Ambassador of Iceland to India, pointed to next-generation possibilities. “Green technologies and Power-to-X pathways can play an important role in shaping the next generation of sustainable aviation,” he said. “Innovation must be connected with investment, technology deployment and practical implementation. International platforms such as the India SAF Conclave can help accelerate collaboration and the global SAF transition.”The conclave has drawn over 500 delegates, 200 companies and 100 industry leaders from more than 25 countries.”SAFA is committed to bringing the entire SAF value chain together through industry-led collaboration and global partnerships,” said Rohit Kumar, Secretary General, SAF Association & CMAI. “Our focus is to connect policymakers, investors, technology providers, feedstock players and buyers to create practical opportunities. Through SAFA Matchmaking and structured dialogue, we aim to turn collaboration into projects, investment and commercial-scale SAF production.” Harvest beyond the harvest Conclave material estimates that feedstock opportunities could add around US$160-300 (₹15,000-₹29,000) per hectare to farmer income. SAFA estimates India could produce about 40 million tonnes of SAF a year by 2050, roughly 10% of global potential. Sugarcane ethanol supply of around 1.5 billion litres gives Alcohol-to-Jet production a head start, while annual edible oil consumption of 29-30 million tonnes could yield 1.8-2.6 million tonnes of used cooking oil, though only a small share reaches authorised collection channels. Dr. Alok Sharma, Vice President, SAF Association and former Director, R&D, IOCL, said scale depends on supply. “Scaling SAF will require reliable feedstocks, technology readiness, financing, certification, infrastructure and long-term offtake commitments.” Proving every tonne SAF can deliver up to 80% lifecycle CO₂ savings, and India’s emerging carbon economy will depend on proving them. The S&P Global Energy-SAFA report, India’s Strategy for SAF Leadership: From Policy to Implementation, stresses traceability, verification and certification.India already has four ISCC-CORSIA certified co-processing facilities with combined capacity of 106,500 tonnes. The next step is extending that rigour to the farm gate and the kitchen, so the carbon economy stays credible and suppliers are fairly rewarded. The road to 5% The indicative blending pathway for international flights is 1% in 2027, 2% in 2028 and 5% by 2030, with demand rising from about 46,000 tonnes to roughly 250,000 tonnes. Existing capacity should cover 2027 and 2028, but if HEFA and ATJ projects due between 2028 and 2030 do not come online, the 2030 target will be missed. Those projects need steady feedstock, putting farmers and collection networks at the heart of delivery. Blending mandates alone, the report notes, will not build a viable industry. Building the ecosystem: SAFA and CMAI SAFA, working with CMAI, has brought policymakers, investors, technology providers, feedstock players and airlines onto a common platform. Through SAFA Matchmaking, structured dialogue and global partnerships, it is turning conversations into projects and investment. Its joint report with S&P Global Energy offers a data-backed roadmap. SAF YouTube channel launched The conclave today also saw the launch of the SAF YouTube channel, Alongside the SAFA Knowledge Hub, the channel extends SAFA’s knowledge initiatives to a wider audience, bringing the SAF conversation to industry, policymakers and the public. Growing market S&P Global Energy estimates India’s jet fuel demand could rise from about 192,000 barrels per day in 2024 to 277,000 by 2031. The two-day conclave includes B2B and B2G meetings, MoU signings, technical workshops and CORSIA and SAF-Bioeconomy roundtables. The report concludes that the 2027 and 2028 milestones will lay the foundation for the 5% target in 2030.

Andhra Pradesh, 28th Sept 2026: Orient Flights Aviation Academy, a DGCA-approved Flight Training Organisation and a unit of Orient Flights Pvt. Ltd., today inaugurated its new flying training base at Kurnool Airport, marking a significant milestone with the establishment of Andhra Pradesh’s first Flying Training Organisation. The inauguration ceremony was held at the OFAA Hangar, Kurnool Airport, with Sri. Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India, as the Chief Guest. Sri. B. C. Janardhan Reddy, Minister for Roads & Buildings and Infrastructure & Investments, Government of Andhra Pradesh, and Sri. T. G. Bharath, Minister for Industries & Commerce and Food Processing, Government of Andhra Pradesh, attended as Guests of Honour. The event was also attended by Sri. Bastipati Nagaraju, Member of Parliament, Kurnool; Smt. Gowru Charitha Reddy, Member of Legislative Assembly, Panyam; Shri Vipin Kumar, IAS, Chairman AAI; Shri. Madhu Sudana Sankar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation; Sri. Kona Sasidhar, IAS, Secretary to Government (FAC), Infrastructure & Investment Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh; Sri. Praveen Adithya C.V., IAS, Collector & District Magistrate, Nandyal; Dr. A. Siri, IAS, Collector & District Magistrate, Kurnool; and Smt. Rajakumari Ganiya, IAS, Managing Director, APADCL as Special Guests and distinguished invitees. The inauguration was held in the presence of Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese, Chairman; Dr. Elizabeth Verghese, Founder Chairperson; Dr. Ashok George Verghese, Director; Sri. Anoop Swamikannu, CEO, St. Joseph’s Group of Institutions; Mr. Enid Verghese Jacob, Associate Director; and Mr. Abel Mathew Prasad, Vice President, along with members of the Board of Directors, management officials, staff, cadet pilots and other distinguished guests. The establishment of the Kurnool FTO represents a significant expansion of professional pilot-training infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh. The new base will provide aspiring pilots from the state and neighbouring regions with greater access to structured, professional and safety-focused flight training. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese, Chairman, Orient Flights Aviation Academy, said: “The inauguration of our Kurnool flying training base is an important milestone in the journey of Orient Flights Aviation Academy and in the development of aviation training infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh. Our endeavour is to provide aspiring pilots with a structured pathway to a professional aviation career, supported by quality training, modern infrastructure and an uncompromising commitment to safety. We are grateful to the Government of India and the Government of Andhra Pradesh, our distinguished guests and all our stakeholders for their support and encouragement as we begin this new chapter at Kurnool.” The inauguration ceremony featured the unveiling of the inauguration plaque, addresses by the dignitaries and the formal commencement of OFAA’s operations at Kurnool. The event also highlighted the academy’s continued commitment to aviation education and professional pilot training. A key highlight of the ceremony was the flag-off of the inaugural flight, formally marking the commencement of flying training operations from the Kurnool base. The Kurnool facility is designed to provide cadet pilots with a professional training environment supported by modern learning resources and aviation-oriented infrastructure. The new base will complement OFAA’s established flying training operations at Mysuru Airport, Karnataka. The facility is expected to support aviation skill development and contribute to the growth of professional pilot-training infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh. By bringing structured flight training closer to aspiring pilots in the region, OFAA aims to help develop confident, disciplined, safety-conscious and industry-ready aviation professionals. The inauguration of the Kurnool FTO marks a new chapter in OFAA’s journey, strengthening its presence in South India and reaffirming its commitment to expanding access to quality pilot training and contributing to the continued growth of India’s aviation sector. The Kurnool FTO marks a new chapter in OFAA’s journey, strengthening its presence in South India and reaffirming its commitment to developing the next generation of aviation professionals. Through the expansion from its established Mysuru Airport base to Kurnool Airport, OFAA aims to further strengthen access to professional pilot training and contribute to the continued growth of India’s aviation sector.

Singapore, 23 September 2026: Safran Landing Systems inaugurates today the extension of its Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul center in Singapore, in the presence of His Excellency Stephen Marchisio, ambassador of France to Singapore, Cindy Koh, Executive Vice President of the Singapore Economic Development Board, Olivier Thomas, MRO Executive Vice President of Safran Landing Systems as well as industry partners and customers. This US$22 million investment, supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board, underscores Safran Landing Systems’ commitment to strengthening Singapore’s role as a strategic hub for aircraft maintenance in the Asia-Pacific region. The new 7,500-square-meter extension features a state-of-the-art assembly line for landing gear overhauls, increasing capacity and flexibility to meet the evolving needs of major aircraft fleets while supporting airlines throughout Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. Established in 1979 and a strategic partner of SIA Engineering Company since 2000, the Singapore site is Safran Landing Systems’ key facility in the region for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of commercial aircraft landing systems. It provides end-to-end MRO capabilities, including disassembly, inspection, machining, surface treatment, assembly, and final certification. This expertise covers a wide range of aircraft including the Airbus A320 family, A330, A350, A380, as well as Boeing 737, 787, and ATR regional aircraft. The site currently employs 360 people. The expansion is expected to create nearly 100 new jobs by 2030, alongside a strong commitment to continuous training and talent development. These investments will strengthen the site’s technical capabilities and enable the deployment of advanced repair technologies, further enhancing the range of repair capabilities in Singapore. Sustainability and employee well-being are also integral to the new facility. The new building is equipped with 2,800 square meters of solar panels, energy-efficient LED lighting, and advanced cooling solutions designed to improve energy efficiency while providing a more comfortable working environment. The solar installation is expected to generate renewable electricity, corresponding to approximately 60% of the site’s consumption and reducing carbon emissions, reinforcing Safran’s commitment to continuously improving its environmental performance. These investments reinforce Safran Landing Systems’ ambition to set new standards for responsible and sustainable MRO operations, supporting safer, more efficient, and more environmentally conscious aviation for the region and beyond. “Today’s inauguration marks a proud milestone, achieved thanks to the collective commitment of our teams, partners, and the local community, built over decades here in Singapore. This investment is a strong signal of Safran Landing Systems’ trust in the region’s potential and deepens our determination to support our airline customers, now and in the future, with ever higher standards of excellence and sustainability.” François Bastin, Safran Landing Systems CEO. “The latest expansion by Safran Landing Systems brings advanced repair technologies to Singapore and adds to our comprehensive suite of MRO offerings. We value Safran’s confidence in Singapore and look forward to working with them to develop the next generation aerospace technologies here, create good jobs and rewarding career pathways for Singaporeans.” Cindy Koh, Singapore Economic Development Board, Executive Vice President. As the world leader in landing and braking systems, Safran Landing Systems delivers highperformance MRO solutions to airlines and military fleets. Its global network of seven industrial facilities – including Singapore – ensures flexibility, responsiveness, and quality, making Safran Landing Systems a trusted partner to operators in pursuit of safer, more efficient, and more sustainable aviation.

Airline marks the Kingdom’s National Day with a cashback offer, extra Alfursan Miles and special activations, including a flypast at the National Day Airshow Saudi Arabia, 23 September 2026: flyadeal, Saudia Group’s fast-growing low-cost carrier in the GCC, has launched a multi-dimensional campaign to celebrate the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s National Day, bringing exclusive fare and loyalty offers to customers as it encourages travellers to discover more of the Kingdom’s destinations. This year’s celebrations carry added significance for the airline: flyadeal itself took to the skies for the first time on National Day, 23 September 2017, with its maiden flight from Jeddah to Riyadh. Nine years on, the carrier marks the occasion from a considerably larger domestic and international network. 96% cashback up to SAR 300 in partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority In partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority, flyadeal is offering passengers 96% cashback, up to SAR 300 per booking, on eligible domestic flights booked between 20 and 27 September 2026 for travel from 4 October to 20 December 2026 through its website or mobile app using the promotional code SNDAY. The promotion is available across all flyadeal bundles and applies to selected domestic destinations. The offer is limited to 16,500 vouchers. Cashback will be credited after travel, with vouchers valid until 31 December 2026. Through this collaboration, flyadeal and the Saudi Tourism Authority aim to encourage travellers to explore more destinations across the Kingdom, supporting domestic tourism and Saudi Vision 2030’s tourism ambitions. 96% extra Alfursan Miles on flyMax Alfursan members who book flyadeal’s flyMax bundle can earn 96% extra Alfursan Miles, on top of the 100% bonus already credited on Reward Miles on eligible domestic flights. The offer applies to miles earned on cash bookings only. Bookings must be made between 19 to 30 September 2026, for travel between 19 September to 31 December 2026. flyadeal takes part in the Saudi National Day Airshow flyadeal also took part in the Saudi National Day Airshow in Jeddah, flying an Airbus A320 aircraft in the display. A rehearsal flight took place on 19 September 2026, ahead of the official airshow on 20 September 2026. “Saudi National Day reminds us of the strength, ambition and hospitality that define the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. At flyadeal, we are proud to play our part by making it easier and more rewarding for people to travel, explore and experience the many destinations that make Saudi Arabia unique. Through these National Day offers, we want our customers to enjoy greater value, earn more rewards and create lasting memories as they travel across the country, while supporting the continued growth of domestic tourism and connectivity under Vision 2030.” Sanjiv Kapoor, Acting Chief Executive Officer, flyadeal and Executive Vice President Strategies at Saudia Group Through its expanding domestic and international network, flyadeal continues to connect travellers to destinations across the Kingdom and beyond, supporting greater choice and flexibility for passengers while contributing to the growth of Saudi Arabia’s aviation and tourism sectors.

Singapore, 21 September 2026: Air Astana received two major accolades, being named Best Airline in Central Asia & CIS for the 15th consecutive year and Best Airline Staff Service in Central Asia & CIS for the tenth time at the prestigious 2026 World Airline Awards, held on 18 September 2026 at the iconic Langham Hotel in London. The awards are organised by Skytrax, the international air transport rating organisation. Air Astana continues to lead the region in quality and service delivery, with 2026 marking another year of double-award success at the World Airline Awards. This continued recognition reinforces its position as the top-rated carrier in Central Asia & CIS and reflects strong customer appreciation of the airline’s consistently high standards and quality of staff service. FlyArystan, the Group’s low-cost carrier, also confirmed its regional leadership by receiving the Best Low-Cost Airline in Central Asia & CIS award for the fourth consecutive year. Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, said: “Air Astana’s success at this year’s World Airline Awards serves to highlight the high standards of their front line service and product standards. Customers show a strong appreciation of their service, and this success in 2026 demonstrates Air Astana’s dedication to providing an excellent quality of onboard experience, and consistent service delivery.” Ibrahim Canliel, CEO of Air Astana Group, said: “We are honoured to receive these prestigious Skytrax awards for both Air Astana and FlyArystan. This recognition is particularly meaningful because it reflects the views of our passengers and demonstrates the strength of both airlines across their respective market segments. I would like to thank our customers for their continued trust and loyalty, and our entire team for their dedication and commitment to delivering the highest standards of safety and service. We will continue to invest in our people, our fleet and our customer experience as Air Astana Group enters the next stage of its growth.”

Gurugram, 19 September 2026: Air India, India’s leading global airline, today announced that it has been honoured with three major accolades at the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards, winning ‘Best Airline in India’, ‘Best Airline Staff in India & South Asia’, and receiving the coveted Skytrax 4-Star Airline Certification for Business Class and Economy Class. Passenger-voted Skytrax Awards reflect growing customer confidence in Air India The awards for ‘Best Airline in India’ and ‘Best Airline Staff in India & South Asia’ are especially meaningful as they are based on customer feedback gathered through the world’s largest airline passenger satisfaction survey; making them a direct reflection of guests’ experiences and perceptions of the airline. Moreover, the award for ‘Best Airline Staff in India & South Asia’ is a particularly significant recognition of the efforts of Air India’s frontline teams across cabin crew, airports, customer support, and operational functions, who serve millions of guests each year. Air India builds on recent Skytrax 4-Star Airline Rating achievement The honours follow Air India’s recent elevation from a 3-Star to 4-Star airline which is widely regarded as a global benchmark for airline quality. Together, the recognitions underscore the airline’s ongoing transformation under the Vihaan.AI programme and its ambition to become a world-class global airline with an Indian heart. Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, along with Air India cabin crew received the awards on behalf of the airline at the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards ceremony held in London, UK. Campbell Wilson remarked, “To be recognised as ‘Best Airline in India’ and to receive the award for ‘Best Airline Staff in India & South Asia’ is especially meaningful because it reflects the New Air India experience our guests are experiencing and acknowledging. These awards belong to the more than 24,000 Air Indians whose professionalism, warmth, and commitment are driving our transformation every day.” “Combined with our Skytrax 4-Star certification, these recognitions demonstrate the steady progress Air India has made in recent years. While we are encouraged by how far we have come, we remain focused on the work ahead as we continue investing in our people, products, technology, and customer experience to build an airline that makes India proud on the global stage.” Air India’s ongoing Vihaan.ai transformation Over the last few years, Air India has undertaken one of the most comprehensive transformation programmes in global aviation, Vihaan.ai, encompassing fleet modernisation, upgraded cabins, reimagined lounges, digital innovation, enhanced customer support, and extensive investment in service excellence and employee training. Today, more than 130 narrowbody and widebody aircraft in Air India’s fleet are either new or upgraded, bringing the New Air India experience to customers across domestic and international routes. From the introduction of India’s first Airbus A350 and new line-fit Boeing 787-9 aircraft to the ongoing retrofit of legacy narrowbody and widebody aircraft, these investments are progressively elevating the guest experience across the airline’s network. Customer feedback highlights Air India’s transformation journey The airline’s evolving customer proposition has been reflected in steadily improving customer feedback and advocacy scores, alongside growing recognition from customers. Air India’s Net Promoter Score (NPS) – a key measure of customer advocacy – has improved by more than 70 points, rising from -35 in late 2022 to nearly +40 today, reflecting tangible gains in areas that matter most to passengers. On Air India’s flagship A350s and B787-9s, the NPS is consistently in the high 60s. As Air India continues its Vihaan.AI journey, the airline remains committed to further enhancing its customer experience, expanding its global footprint, and setting new benchmarks for Indian aviation.

London, 18 September 2026: Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited celebrates a decade of service excellence after being named the winner of two prestigious accolades at the SKYTRAX World Airline Awards 2026: “World’s Best Regional Airline” and “Best Regional Airline in Asia.” This marks the 10th consecutive year the airline has received both awards. The awards ceremony was held at The Langham, London, United Kingdom. The achievement represents another significant milestone for Bangkok Airways, reflecting the continued trust and confidence of passengers worldwide, as well as the dedication of employees across the organization in maintaining high standards of safety, service quality, and memorable travel experiences over the past decade. Mr. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, President of Bangkok Airways said, “This year’s achievement is particularly meaningful for Bangkok Airways, as it marks the 10th consecutive year that we have been recognized as both the World’s Best Regional Airline and the Best Regional Airline in Asia. This recognition reflects the trust that passengers around the world have continued to place in Bangkok Airways over the years.” “On behalf of our management team and all Bangkok Airways employees, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our passengers for every vote, every journey, and the continued trust and support they have given us. I would also like to dedicate this achievement to all our employees, from our frontline teams who serve passengers every day to those working behind the scenes, whose commitment and attention to detail help make every journey safe, seamless, and memorable.” “Over the past decade, the trust of our passengers has been a driving force behind our continuous improvement, while the dedication of our people has been at the heart of our service excellence. We will continue to uphold the highest standards of safety while further enhancing our products, services, and overall passenger experience, ensuring that every journey with Bangkok Airways reflects the warmth, care, and distinctive experience of Asia’s Boutique Airline.” The SKYTRAX World Airline Awards are widely recognized within the global aviation industry. The awards are based on passenger surveys conducted among travelers from around the world, reflecting their views on airline products and service quality across a broad range of areas. Bangkok Airways has received both the World’s Best Regional Airline and Best Regional Airline in Asia awards in the same year on 10 occasions since 2016: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. No SKYTRAX World Airline Awards ceremony was held in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.