Civil Aviation

Delhi,18 July 2025: Qatar Airways marks a landmark double anniversary in India this year with 20 years of operations to Delhi on 14 July 2025, and 30 years to Kolkata on 31 October 2025. These milestones highlight the airline’s unwavering commitment to one of its most strategically important and culturally rich markets. Qatar Airways started its operation in India in 1994 with Mumbai as its first Indian gateway, and has since grown to an extensive network of 13 Indian cities, with Kolkata joining the network in 1995, and Delhi in 2005. The airline currently operates 100 weekly flights across 13 Indian cities, including 14 flights per week from Delhi and seven flights per week from Kolkata. This robust schedule ensures seamless travel for business and leisure passengers alike, with extensive connectivity to Europe, the UK, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East via the award-winning Hamad International Airport in Doha. In the last fiscal year 2024/25 alone, Qatar Airways flew over 2.4 million passengers in and out of India. Notably during the COVID-19 global pandemic, Qatar Airways operated throughout the entire pandemic period to provide connectivity, and safely flew over 1.8 million passengers in and out of India between April 2020 to March 2022 in aid of global repatriation efforts. Qatar Airways Cargo contributes significantly to India’s import, export and trade industry, with a weekly cargo capacity of 2990 tonnes into India and 2990 tonnes out of India, operating 120 flights each week, out of which 20 flights are Boeing 777 freighters. “We are incredibly proud to celebrate these two significant anniversaries in India,” said Mr Karthik Viswanathan, Qatar Airways Vice President of Sales, Middle East, Caucasus, Pakistan & the Indian Sub-Continent. “Since serving the Indian market with our inaugural in 1994, we’ve built strong bonds with our Indian passengers, partners, and stakeholders—relationships that are rooted in service excellence, trust, and a shared vision of global connectivity. India continues to be a cornerstone of our global network, and we look forward to many more years of shared success.”

Delhi,16th July 2025: IndiGo customers will have access to 14 Jetstar Airways destinations across Australia and New Zealand as part of a new codeshare agreement between the two airlines.The agreement simplifies travel for customers of India’s largest airline by allowing them to create a single booking for journeys from India to Australia and New Zealand across IndiGo and Jetstar flights. Placing IndiGo’s code on Jetstar operated routes will enable convenient connections to Jetstar flights departing Singapore, Bangkok and Phuket for onward travel to cities including Sydney, the Gold Coast and Auckland. Jetstar bookings can be made at IndiGo’s website from Monday, 21 July 2025 for travel from Monday, 1 September 2025, subject to regulatory approvals. Jetstar CEO, Stephanie Tully said the partnership between the two airlines will significantly boost inbound tourism from India.“Australia and New Zealand’s unique attractions, world-class experiences and growing communities of Indian expats make both countries incredibly popular for travellers from the subcontinent. “This new codeshare agreement will provide IndiGo customers with convenient access to our extensive network allowing them to take off more for less down under.” Abhijit Dasgupta, Senior Vice President – Network Planning & Revenue Management, IndiGo said: “We are pleased to expand the horizons and offer our customers convenient connections from India to Australia and New Zealand. “This codeshare agreement with Jetstar will further strengthen business, trade and tourism related travel between the countries while fostering cultural exchanges. “This expansion is a part of IndiGo’s Internationalization strategy and commitment to delivering affordable, on-time, courteous, and hassle-free travel experience across our unparalleled network.”

New Delhi, 16th July 2025: Air India announced the partial restoration of schedules that were reducedpursuant to its “Safety Pause”, taken following the tragic accident of AI171 on 12th June 2025. That Pause enabled Air India to performadditional precautionary checks on its Boeing 787 aircraftas well as accommodating longer flying times arising from airspace closures over Pakistan and the Middle East. The partial resumption will see restoration of some frequencies from 1st August, relative to July, with full restoration planned from 1st October 2025. 1. NEW ROUTE: • From 01 August to 30 September, Air India will operate 3x weekly flights between Ahmedabad and London (Heathrow), replacing currently operating 5x weekly flights between Ahmedabad and London (Gatwick) 2. REINSTATEMENT OF FLIGHTS/INCREASED FREQUENCIES: Europe • Delhi-London (Heathrow): Reinstated two weekly flights previously curtailed, with all 24x weekly flights operating from 16 July onwards • Delhi-Zurich: Increased from 4x weekly to 5x weekly, effective 01 August Far-East • Delhi-Tokyo (Haneda): Reinstated two weekly flights previously curtailed, with all 7x weekly flights operating from 01 August onwards • Delhi-Seoul (Incheon): Reinstated two weekly flights previously curtailed, with all 5x weekly flights reinstated from 01 September onwards 3. ROUTES WITH CONTINUED REDUCTIONS/CHANGED FREQUENCY UNTIL 30 SEPTEMBER Europe • Bengaluru-London (Heathrow): Remains reduced from 7x weekly to 6x weekly; will further reduce to 4x weekly, effective 01 August 2025 • Amritsar-Birmingham: Remains reduced from 3x weekly to 2x weekly until 31 August; to operate 3x weekly, effective 01 September • Delhi-Birmingham: Remains reduced from 3x weekly to 2x weekly • Delhi-Paris: Reduced from 12x weekly to 7x weekly, effective 01 August • Delhi-Milan: Reduced from 4x weekly to 3x weekly, effective 16 July • Delhi-Copenhagen: Remains reduced from 5x weekly to 3x weekly • Delhi-Vienna: Remains reduced from 4x weekly to 3x weekly • Delhi-Amsterdam: Remains reduced from 7x weekly to 5x weekly; to resume 7x weekly, effective 01 August North America • Delhi-Washington (Dulles): Remains reduced from 5x weekly to 3x weekly • Delhi-Chicago: Remains reduced from 7x weekly to 3x weekly (to operate 4x weekly in August) • Delhi-San Francisco: Remains reduced from 10x weekly to 7x weekly • Delhi-Toronto: Remains reduced from 13x weekly to 7x weekly • Delhi-Vancouver: Remains reduced from 7x weekly to 4x weekly • Delhi-New York (JFK): Reduced from 7x weekly to 6x weekly, effective 16 July • Mumbai-New York (JFK): Reduced from 7x weekly to 6x weekly, effective 01 August • Delhi-New York (Newark Liberty): Reduced from 5x weekly to 4x weekly, effective 16 July Australia • Delhi-Melbourne: Remains reduced from 7x weekly to 5x weekly • Delhi-Sydney: Remains reduced from 7x weekly to 5x weekly Africa • Delhi-Nairobi: Reinstated services, operating 3x weekly until 31 August; to be suspended from 01-30 September 4. CONTINUED TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF ROUTES UNTIL 30 SEPTEMBER • Amritsar-London (Gatwick) (AI169/170):3x weekly flights • Goa (Mopa)-London (Gatwick) (AI145/146): 3x weekly flights • Bengaluru-Singapore (AI2392/2393): 7x weekly flights • Pune-Singapore (AI2111/2110): 5x weekly flights As the schedule reductions taken as part of the Safety Pause had been implemented until 31 July 2025 and the restoration to full operation is being phased, some services initially planned to operate between 1 August and 30 September 2025 will be removed from the schedule. Air India is proactively contactingaffected passengers to offer re-booking on alternative flights or a full refund, as per their preference. Air India apologizes for the inconvenience. With the partial restoration, Air India operate more than 525 international flights per week on 63 short, long and ultra long-haul routes.

Abu Dhabi,15th July 2025: Etihad Airways has signed a codeshare agreement with Greek regional carrier SKY express, opening access to 24 Greek island destinations and three additional Eastern Mediterranean cities for customers travelling via Athens.The partnership, effective 14 July 2025, builds on the strong performance of the existing interline cooperation between the two airlines and significantly expands Etihad’s reach across the Greek islands and broader Eastern Mediterranean region. Under the codeshare agreement, Etihad will place its code on SKY express-operated flights beyond Athens, providing seamless access to Greece’s most popular island destinations including Crete, Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini, and Kos, alongside sought-after destinations such as Corfu, Paros, and Thessaloniki.The partnership complements Etihad’s daily service to Athens by expanding connectivity exclusively via Athens as the gateway, positioning the Greek capital as a strategic hub for onward island travel. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “This partnership with SKY express opens exciting new possibilities for our customers to discover Greece beyond Athens. SKY express’s comprehensive island network perfectly complements our Athens service, giving travellers seamless access to some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful destinations through a single booking.” Gerasimos Skaltsas, Chief Commercial Officer at SKY express, said: “The collaboration with Etihad is a strong vote of confidence in SKY express, reinforcing our position as a reliable partner and significantly enhancing our connectivity. Passengers can now enjoy seamless access to the largest network of Greek destinations, served by the youngest fleet in Greece. Together, we are dedicated to making Greece a sought-after, year-round destination for visitors from around the world.” The codeshare arrangement allows customers to book connecting flights with streamlined check-in processes and automatic baggage transfers to their final destination. Customers can book the enhanced Greek network through etihad.com, the Etihad app, or travel agencies.

Preliminary Report – Accident involving Air India’s B787-8 aircraft bearing registration VT-ANB at Ahmedabad on 12 June 2025 Source: AAIB( Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau) The interim report of Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), mentioned that the switches that supplied fuel to the two engines on the aircraft shifted or “transitioned” to the ‘CUTOFF’ position three seconds after the aircraft became airborne. Later, there was a loss of engine thrust and both engines shut down, resulting in the crash. However,the U.S. regulator makes no new recommendation of safety measures for Boeing 787-8; it reminds counterparts of 2018 advisory on potential disengagement of lock on fuel switches on the aircraft.The AAIB report said that Air India did not carry out the recommendations made in the FAA’s 2018 advisory on the potential disengagement of the lock on the fuel switches that required inspection of aircraft, as well as replacement of the switches carrying specific serial numbers with “an improved locking feature”. It added that Air India explained that this was so because the FAA bulletin “was an advisory and not mandatory”. The report also found that no defects in the fuel control switch of this aircraft had been reported after 2023, when the throttle control module of the cockpit control panel was last replaced on this aircraft. https://aaib.gov.in/What’s%20New%20Assets/Preliminary%20Report%20VT-ANB.pdf

Kuala lumpur,10 July 2025: Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of national carrier Malaysia Airlines, has exercised its purchase rights for 20 additional A330neo aircraft through a direct order with Airbus – reaffirming its commitment to a long-term strategy for fleet renewal and network development. With this latest acquisition, Malaysia Airlines is set to become one of the largest A330neo operators in the Asia-Pacific region – strengthening its position as a leading premium airline in one of the world’s fastest-growing travel markets. This new order builds on MAG’s initial commitment in 2022 for 20 A330neo aircraft – comprising 10 directly purchased and 10 leased from Avolon – bringing the Group’s total A330neo commitment to 40 aircraft to date. Deliveries from this additional batch are scheduled between 2029 and 2031. The A330neo remains a cornerstone of MAG’s fleet modernisation programme, enabling the Group to serve high-growth markets more efficiently while enhancing the overall travel experience. The aircraft features the latest cabin design, including an all-suite Business Class with sliding privacy doors, full-flat beds, and direct aisle access. Across all cabin classes, passengers will enjoy refreshed interiors, next-generation seating, and the latest in-flight entertainment system – delivering a consistently premium journey in line with Malaysia Airlines’ service standards. The expanded widebody fleet will enhance connectivity and drive network development across key markets in ASEAN, China, India, and Australasia – strengthening Malaysia Airlines’ position as a leading premium carrier in the Asia-Pacific region. Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, Group Managing Director of MAG, said, “The A330neo continues to deliver the right balance of operational efficiency, range, and cabin comfort to support our network and growth strategy. With its enhanced fuel efficiency and flexibility across both regional and long-haul routes, the aircraft is a strong fit for our evolving market needs. It also allows us to offer a product that aligns with our premium positioning – streamlined, modern, and designed around passenger comfort and expectations. This additional order reinforces our long-term vision of building a future-ready fleet that supports sustainable growth, delivers consistent value to our passengers, and strengthens our competitiveness in key markets.” Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, said, “We are proud to further strengthen our relationship with Malaysia Aviation Group as it expands its A330neo fleet. This repeat order is a strong endorsement of the A330neo’s exceptional performance, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort, as well as a testament to the aircraft’s popularity among the world’s premium airlines.” To date, MAG has taken delivery of four (4) A330neo aircraft, currently operating on selected services to Auckland, Melbourne, and Bali. Six (6) more are scheduled for delivery by the end of the year, with the remaining aircraft from the original order set to arrive progressively through to 2028.

Kuala Lumpur, 7th July 2025: AirAsia Berhad, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Capital A Berhad, signed a landmark agreement with Airbus valued at USD12.25 billion for 50 A321XLRs with rights for 20 A321XLRs. With this agreement, the airline takes a major step towards becoming the world’s first low-cost narrow-body network carrier, anchored by its multi-hub strategy. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery commencing 2028 through 2032. Witnessed by Prime Minister of Malaysia YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the agreement was signed today in Paris between Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A, and Christian Scherer, CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft. Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A and Advisor & Steward of AirAsia Group said: “We pioneered low-cost travel in Asia – now, we are taking it to the next level. AirAsia is on a transformative journey to become the world’s first low-cost network carrier. This is about exponential growth, connecting geographies beyond Asean, and making flying even more democratic. We gave people in Asean the opportunity to explore Asia – now we want the world to see Asean, and Asean to see the world. The A321XLR and A321LR are the game-changers enabling this vision, and we are proud to lead the charge in making our world smaller. We can’t wait to paint the skies even wider in red.” Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus said: “We are pleased to confirm this agreement, as AirAsia Group begins its next development chapter. Having resumed its growth trajectory, which we salute and support, the airline is creating solid fleet efficiencies, allowing global network expansion. The A321XLR unlocks new opportunities for AirAsia to launch non-stop flights linking primary and secondary cities all around the globe.” The next-generation A321XLRs will operate alongside AirAsia’s all-Airbus fleet of A320 Family and A330 aircraft, supporting its long-term strategy to deliver unmatched connectivity across Asia and beyond, while maintaining a low-cost model through improved route economics, enhanced aircraft utilisation and fleet efficiency. AirAsia Group aims to carry 150 million guests annually by 2030, reaching a cumulative total of 1.5 billion guests since inception. The new fleet plays a pivotal role in this transformation. AirAsia’s multi-aircraft strategy enables the airline to match capacity with demand, reduce fuel consumption, and support a sustainable, cost-effective growth model in a highly competitive global landscape. The A321XLR also offers up to 20 per cent lower fuel burn per seat than the Airbus A321neo aircraft, significantly improving emissions performance and operating efficiency.

Abu Dhabi, 3rd July 2025: Etihad Airways has touched down in Atlanta for the first time, expanding its U.S. footprint and connecting the cultural and commercial heart of the U.S. Southeast with Abu Dhabi and beyond. The launch marks another milestone in Etihad’s North American expansion. Etihad’s first flight from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport to Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport touched down on 2 July, making Atlanta the fifth U.S. gateway in Etihad’s global network, joining New York City, Chicago, Washington D.C., and Boston. Guests travelling from Abu Dhabi benefit from the convenience of the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility at Zayed International Airport – the only one of its kind in the region. This allows passengers to clear U.S. immigration and customs before departure, arriving in the United States as domestic travellers and saving valuable time on arrival. The newly launched route meets the growing appetite for travel between the UAE and the US, catering to business travellers, vacationers, and those visiting friends and family. It also makes it easier for guests from across the southeastern U.S. to visit Abu Dhabi and experience a city where modernity meets rich heritage, offering a vibrant mix of culture, adventure, relaxation and stunning beaches. The new service is operated using Etihad’s next-generation Airbus A350-1000, a fuel-efficient, environmentally advanced aircraft offering a quieter ride, and the airline’s latest onboard product on key long-haul routes. The Atlanta route launched with four flights per week, but record-high load factors and remarkable early bookings have prompted Etihad to fast-track expansion, with daily flights set to commence from November 2025. Demand from both leisure and corporate segments has exceeded expectations, firmly validating Atlanta’s position as a key market for Etihad. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “Atlanta is a dynamic city with deep cultural, economic and aviation significance. This new service enhances access to the southeastern United States while offering seamless connections across the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Asia. “With U.S. Preclearance at Zayed International Airport, guests can enjoy the convenience of arriving in Atlanta as domestic travellers. We’re delighted to bring our award-winning experience to guests travelling to and from Atlanta. “It also means we’re excited to welcome even more guests to our amazing home in Abu Dhabi. U.S. travellers are already curious about what the city has to offer: from beautiful beaches and fantastic theme parks to world-class cultural experiences and mouthwatering cuisine. The response to this route has been phenomenal – the strength of early bookings has been so impressive that we’ve already announced daily flights starting later this year. It’s a clear sign that travellers are eager to discover everything Abu Dhabi has to offer.” The elevated Business Class is home to 44 Business Suites, each with a sliding door providing each guest with enhanced privacy within their suite. In addition to the direct aisle access, every Business Class seat is designed for maximum comfort and converts into a fully flat bed of 79 inches in length, with ample storage for convenience. Noise-cancelling headphones and an 18.5-inch TV screen provide a cinematic experience to enjoy Etihad’s extensive inflight entertainment offering. The Business seats also feature a built-in wireless charging dock and Bluetooth headphone pairing. The A350 is also home to 327 Economy Smart Seats with an innovative recline, 13-inch touch screen with Bluetooth headset pairing. All guests can also take advantage of complimentary Chat packages on Wi-Fi or opt for full surfing throughout the flight.

Abu Dhabi, 2nd July 2025: Etihad Airways and Vietnam Airlines have signed a frequent flyer partnership agreement to allow loyalty members of either airline to earn and redeem miles across both networks from 1 July 2025. Mark Potter, Managing Director Etihad Guest at Etihad Airways, said, “We are pleased to offer our members even more ways to earn and redeem their Etihad Guest miles, rewarding guests for every extraordinary travel experience. Complimenting Etihad’s launch of flights to Hanoi from November this year, this partnership gives our members access to Vietnam Airlines’ impressive global network, offering members more destinations across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and domestic Vietnam. We look forward to welcoming Lotusmiles members onboard Etihad soon, to experience our signature Emirati hospitality and earn and redeem their miles with us, one adventure at a time.” Nguyen Sy Thanh, Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles Director, also commented, “We are delighted to partner with Etihad Airways. This collaboration will offer Lotusmiles members greater opportunities to earn and redeem miles across an extensive global network, including destinations in North America and the Middle East. It also ensures a seamless and rewarding travel experience, delivered with world-class service from both airlines. This marks an important milestone in our journey to enhance customer value and reinforce our continued commitment to provide memorable travel experiences. Beyond that, the partnership reflects our dedication to delivering the image of Vietnam and its rich cultural identity closer to the world.” This partnership is a demonstration of the commitment established by both carriers signing a Memorandum of Understanding in October last year and reflects the initial phase of expanded cooperation. The MoU was designed to strengthen ties between the airlines and formalised a commitment to explore further collaboration for both Etihad and Vietnam Airlines’ customers. Etihad will begin flights to Hanoi in November as one of 16 new destinations the airline is launching this year. The inaugural will create a new bridge between Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates and offer more value to loyalty members of both airlines.

Muscat, Oman, 30th June 2025: oneworld gets its 15th member airline as Oman Air as the flag carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, strengthens the alliance’s presence across the Middle East and unlocks new opportunities for global travel. “We are proud to welcome Oman Air to the oneworld family,” said Nat Pieper, CEO of oneworld. “Oman Air brings valuable strategic reach and award-winning product and service to the alliance. This partnership opens up exciting new connections for our customers, particularly across the Gulf and South Asia, and reinforces oneworld’s position as the premium alliance for international travellers.” Effective 1 July, oneworld customers can access an extended network of destinations across Oman Air’s growing global schedule — including the launch of a new non-stop Muscat–Amsterdam service. As a full oneworld member airline, Oman Air will provide oneworld Emerald, Sapphire, and Ruby customers with benefits including earning and redeeming miles, earning status points, priority check-in and boarding and lounge access. Likewise, Oman Air’s top tier customers will gain access to oneworld priority benefits including a network of nearly 700 premium airport lounges globally, as well as newly opened oneworld branded lounges in Amsterdam’s Schiphol and Seoul’s Incheon Airports. “Oman Air is honoured to be joining the oneworld alliance, whose members and global footprint represent the best of what international travellers want to experience,” said Con Korfiatis, CEO of Oman Air. “We are thrilled to be able to welcome oneworld customers to the Sultanate of Oman to experience our unique culture, stunning mountain excursions, beautiful beaches, and, above all, the warm hospitality of the Omani people.” Oman Air, with its hub at Muscat International Airport, serves 42 destinations across 22 countries and territories globally, including key oneworld hubs around the world. The airline offers three cabins, including its exclusive Business Studio with private suites on select longer-haul flights. Known for its exceptional in-flight hospitality, the airline has received several international awards including most recently Best Food & Beverage and Best Cabin Service in the Middle East at the Apex 2025 Awards. In late 2024 it also became one of only 10 airlines in the world to be awarded the prestigious APEX WORLD CLASS by YATES+ award, and the first to gain the APEX WORLD CLASS by YATES+ status for its Business Class Lounge at Muscat International Airport.