Civil Aviation

Singapore, 30th June 2026: Air China and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have signed a MoU to establish a commercial joint venture partnership, which will allow them to deepen their collaboration and offer customers more travel options and flexibility, greater value, and additional benefits. The agreement covers the potential expansion of their codeshare partnership to additional destinations between Singapore and mainland China, within China, and beyond the two countries. The airlines plan to coordinate flight schedules, explore joint fare products, and pursue joint marketing and revenue-sharing arrangements. All initiatives are subject to the relevant regulatory approvals. Building on their long-standing relationship as Star Alliance members, the carriers also intend to deepen cooperation between Air China’s PhoenixMiles and SIA’s KrisFlyer frequent flyer programmes. This will enable members to enjoy enhanced rewards and greater opportunities to earn and redeem miles across both airlines. Both carriers will also look to exchange best practices in areas such as ground handling, catering, and in-flight service.  Qu Guangji, President, Air China, said: “As members of Star Alliance, Singapore Airlines and Air China enjoy a solid foundation of long-standing cooperation. We will further deepen our bilateral partnership, broaden the scope of codeshare arrangements, enhance frequent flyer programme synergies, and vigorously promote our joint venture initiatives. By consistently delivering diversified travel products and premium services, we will continue to offer greater convenience and more travel options to passengers flying on China-Singapore air routes.”  Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Airlines, said: “Singapore Airlines is pleased to embark on this strategic partnership with Air China, which has an extensive domestic and international network from its hubs in China. Together, we will offer customers more travel options, seamless connections, and enhanced convenience on flights between Singapore and China, and across our combined networks. Closer cooperation on services and frequent flyer programmes will further enhance the travel experience and create greater value for our customers. Our partnership will also support the growth of tourism, business, and cultural exchanges, strengthening economic and people-to-people ties while fostering deeper connections and shared opportunities between Singapore and China.”

The airline will commence direct flights to Abu Dhabi from 15 July 2026, expanding travel options across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and strengthening connectivity between India’s financial capital and the UAE capital. Delhi,22 June 2026: Air India Express has announced the launch of direct flights between Navi Mumbai International Airport and Abu Dhabi, becoming the first airline to operate international services from Maharashtra’s newest airport. The new route provides travellers across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region with a second gateway to the UAE, enhancing accessibility, convenience, and travel choice. Flights will operate from 15 July 2026, with an initial frequency of two weekly services, scaling to three weekly flights from 29 July 2026. With the addition of this route, Air India Express will operate 30 weekly flights from Navi Mumbai, connecting the airport directly to Abu Dhabi, Bengaluru, and Delhi. Air India Express’ presence in Maharashtra continues to grow steadily, with over 95 weekly flights from Mumbai, more than 100 weekly flights from Pune and 14 weekly flights from Nagpur. The airline operates one of the largest networks between India and West Asia connecting multiple Indian cities with destinations across Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. (Air India Express Image Courtesy: Krish Aarush/wikipedia)

Jeddah,18th June 2026:  flyadeal, the Saudia Group’s LCC has been ranked the most on-time airline in the Middle East for May 2026 and the second most on-time airline across the Middle East & Africa region. This is according to the latest On-Time Performance (OTP) Report published by Cirium, a aviation analytics company.As per the report, flyadeal achieved 93.37% on-time arrival rate and a 95.61% on-time departure rate during May. The results are based on 5,449 flights operated by flyadeal during May 2026 and reflect the airline’s continued commitment to delivering a dependable travel experience for its growing number of passengers. Capt. Abdulaziz Bahri, Chief Operating Officer, flyadeal commented: Being recognised by Cirium as the most on time airline in the Middle East is a tremendous achievement for flyadeal and a testament to the dedication of our people. Punctuality is the result of continuously coordinated decisions made every day across our operations. From flight planning and operational control to aircraft maintenance, airport handling and crew scheduling, every team plays a critical role in ensuring our flights depart and arrive on time. Achieving these results during one of the busiest operational periods of the year, coinciding with the 1447H Hajj season, the arrival of pilgrims from several countries, and the operation of additional flights during the Eid Al-Adha holiday, reflects flyadeal’s operational efficiency and its ability to maintain on-time performance while continuing to offer competitive fares to passengers. The airline’s investments in technology, operational planning, and performance management continue to strengthen flyadeal’s ability to maintain high levels of reliability as the airline expands domestically and internationally.

New Delhi, India, 11th June 2026: Centrum Air, Uzbekistan based airline, has announced an increase in its flight frequencies between India and Uzbekistan, further strengthening connectivity between the two countries. The airline will now operate five weekly flights, offering greater flexibility, convenience, and travel options for passengers.The enhanced schedule reflects the growing demand for travel between India and Uzbekistan,driven by increasing tourism, business exchanges, medical travel, and cultural ties.The additional frequencies are expected to support both leisure and corporate travellers while contributing to the continued growth of bilateral tourism and trade. Since entering the Indian market, Centrum Air has witnessed encouraging passenger demand,particularly from travellers seeking seamless access to Uzbekistan’s historic cities, cultural attractions, and expanding business opportunities. The increase to five weekly services demonstrates the airline’s commitment to the Indian market and its long-term growth strategy in the region. Speaking on the development, Abdulaziz Abdurakhmanov, Founder and CEO of Centrum Holding, said, “India remains one of the most important international markets for Centrum Air. The increase in frequencies is a direct response to growing passenger demand and reflects our confidence in the market’s potential. We are committed to offering reliable, comfortable, and affordable travel options while strengthening connectivity between India and Uzbekistan.” The enhanced services will provide travellers with greater scheduling flexibility and improved connectivity across Centrum Air’s growing network. Passengers will also benefit from convenient onward access to key destinations within Uzbekistan and the wider Central Asian region. Abhishek Goyal, CEO & Executive Director, Aeroprime Group, the airline’s GSA partner in India, added, “The response to Centrum Air’s services from Indian travellers and the trade community has been extremely encouraging. Increasing operations to five weekly flights is a significant milestone that reflects the strength of the India-Uzbekistan travel corridor. We look forward to supporting Centrum Air’s continued expansion and making Uzbekistan more accessible than ever for Indian travellers.”

New Delhi, 8th June 2026: Air India and Thai Airways International (THAI), Thailand’s national carrier, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) building on their existing interline agreement, to explore a deeper partnership aimed at boosting connectivity between Thailand, India, and destinations beyond, leveraging each other’s global network strengths. The MoU was signed on 07 June 2026 on the sidelines of the ongoing IATA AGM in Rio de Jeneiro, Brazil. Air India and THAI intend to enter into a codeshare agreement in 2026, subject to the requisite regulatory approvals, designed to expand travel options for travellers between India and Thailand and deliver enhanced customer value across their respective networks. The two Star Alliance member carriers intend to place their respective designator codes (‘AI’ for Air India and ‘TG’ for THAI) on each other’s flights between India and Thailand as well as on select international routes from the two countries, providing their customers with convenient access to several destinations across Asia, North America, and Europe. The specific terms governing the proposed codeshare agreement will be announced in due course. Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said: “India and Thailand are connected by longstanding cultural ties, growing economic engagement, and strong flows of tourism and business travel. As Asia reinforces its position at the centre of global growth, deeper collaboration between leading airlines will be key to enabling that growth by making travel more seamless and accessible. This MoU with Thai Airways brings together two carriers with complementary strengths and a shared commitment to service excellence. It also supports Air India’s broader ambition to strengthen India’s connectivity with the world, offering our customers more choice and greater value.” Chai Eamsiri, Chief Executive Officer, THAI, stated: “The MoU with Air India marks a meaningful milestone in our strategy to strengthen the regional connectivity and better serve to passengers traveling between Thailand, India and destination beyond. It also reflects the shared commitment of both airlines to supporting economic growth, promoting people-to-people exchanges, while contributing to broader cooperation between the two countries.”

New Delhi, May 20, 2026: In a significant step towards enhancing passenger experience and promoting inclusive airport infrastructure, a series of passenger-centric and culturally significant facilities at Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi were formally inaugurated today by Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Minister of Civil Aviation, in the presence of Sanjay Seth, Minister of State for Defence. The newly inaugurated facilities include the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Feature Wall with Statue, UDAN Yatri Café, AVSAR Counter, Kids Zone and Flybrary.The Bhagwan Birsa Munda Feature Wall with Statue has been developed as a tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The installation reflects Jharkhand’s rich cultural heritage and historical legacy while offering passengers an immersive and visually engaging experience upon arrival. Speaking on the occasion, Minister Ram Mohan Naidu stated,“Today’s unveiling of the statue of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda is an occasion to honour the confluence of tribal pride and modern development. I firmly believe that our airports should not merely serve as centres of travel, but should reflect the identity, heritage and spirit of the states they represent. Every passenger arriving at Ranchi Airport will now be welcomed by the inspiring legacy of Bhagwan Birsa Munda Ji and introduced to the soul of Jharkhand.” Highlighting aviation growth in Jharkhand, the Minister added,“Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, India’s civil aviation sector has witnessed transformative growth, with the number of airports increasing from 74 in 2014 to 165 today. In Jharkhand too, this progress has been remarkable. Annual air passenger traffic has grown more than fivefold since 2014, aircraft movements have increased over three times, and air cargo has also recorded nearly threefold growth.” Talking about future expansion of aviation infrastructure in the state, the Minister said,“Through Modified UDAN, 100 new airports and 200 heliports will be developed across the country, immensely benefiting tribal regions and aspirational districts. RCS operations have already commenced at Jamshedpur Airport and airports at Dumka, Hazaribagh, Daltonganj, Dhalbhumgarh and Chaibasa are planned to be developed under the UDAN scheme.” Highlighting Ranchi Airport’s growing passenger traffic, Naidu noted that annual passenger numbers have increased from 17 lakh to over 27 lakh in the last five years. Keeping future demand in view, a comprehensive plan has been prepared for the reconfiguration and expansion of the terminal building. Under the proposal, the Domestic Security Hold Area will be expanded to 6,480 sqm, increasing peak-hour passenger handling capacity to 2,160 passengers. He further stated that plans are also underway for the development of a Parallel Taxi Track, Rapid Exit Taxiway and two additional aircraft parking aprons to improve runway efficiency and operational capacity. “We are committed to connecting Ranchi with global destinations and creating new economic opportunities for Jharkhand,” the Minister said.Sharing his ‘Ease of Flying’ vision around inauguration of passenger-centric facilities, Minister added that the UDAN Yatri Café will provide affordable food and beverages to passengers, making airports more inclusive, while the Flybrary initiative seeks to promote reading culture and create more meaningful travel experiences.

Abu Dhabi. 20th May 2026: Etihad Airways will increase its Airbus A380 service to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to double-daily this summer, expanding the route to triple-daily overall and making Paris one of only a handful of destinations in the world to be served twice a day by the iconic double-decker aircraft. From 1 July, Etihad’s expanded Paris schedule will include two daily Airbus A380 services departing Zayed Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) at convenient morning and afternoon departure times designed for both business and leisure travellers, complemented by a third daily Boeing 787-9 service featuring First, Business and Economy cabins. Together, the additional frequencies will significantly expand premium travel capacity between Abu Dhabi and the French capital. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “Paris is one of our most popular and most loved destinations, and this summer we are giving our guests more of what they love. Flying double-daily on the A380 to Charles de Gaulle is a statement of confidence in one of the world’s great travel markets. Whether our guests are heading to Paris for business, for leisure, or as the start of a journey onward across Europe, we are offering them our iconic A380 experience at the double.” The double-daily A380 operation will bring more of Etihad’s flagship experience to the French capital than ever before. Guests travelling between Abu Dhabi and Paris can enjoy the airline’s celebrated onboard offering across every cabin, from The Residence – the world’s only three-room suite in commercial aviation – and the exclusive First Apartments, to the spacious Business and Economy seats. With three daily flights to Paris, including two operated by the A380, Etihad is significantly expanding premium travel capacity between Abu Dhabi and one of the world’s most iconic destinations, while strengthening connections to the wider Middle East, Indian subcontinent and Asia through its growing global network.

Riyadh,20th May 2026: flyadeal, Saudi Arabia’s low-cost airline has announced the launch of scheduled services to India with daily flights between Riyadh and Hyderabad beginning 1 July 2026 onwards. Sanjiv Kapoor, flyadeal acting Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President Strategies at Saudia Group, said: “India, a long-awaited addition to flyadeal’s growing network of international destinations,is a key part of Saudia Group and flyadeal’s long term strategy. “Our promise of friendly, efficient, low fare, and on-time service, builds on parent Saudia Group’s long-established presence in India since 1964 through our sister airline Saudia. “Hyderabad is the first step of our planned expansion into India, fuelled by the strong economic, social and cultural tiesthat India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have enjoyed for decades.Together with Saudia, the Saudia Group will now serve the Indian market comprehensively. Saudia offering full-service excellence and flyadeal delivering the best low fares for price-conscious travellers.” He added: “flyadeal will soon announce a second Indian destination as we execute our India market strategy.” flyadeal has, over the past three years,operated special Hajj and Umrah pilgrim-only flights from select points in India to Saudi Arabia, but this is the first time the airline will operate regular scheduled services between the two countries. The Hyderabad route will be operated by flyadeal’s Airbus A320neo aircraft with 186 seats in an all-Economy Class configuration. Features include USB-A or USB-C charging ports in every seat, and Airbus’ highly-acclaimed ‘Airspace’ cabin interior with extra large overhead bins.

Dubai, 8th May 2026: Emirates unveiled a striking livery of a large UAE flag emblazoned across the fuselage of its iconic Airbus A380 aircraft, the world’s largest commercial passenger aircraft. The new livery on A6-EVG, is an extension of the airline’s iconic tail design, and a powerful tribute to the spirit, ambition and unity of the UAE. This initiative is part of Emirates’ ‘This Flag Will Always Fly’ campaign, responding to the nationwide initiative launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. This initiative called on all citizens and residents to raise the UAE flag as a unifying symbol across society, a shared responsibility and pride in the nation’s strength and cohesion during recent challenges. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates airline and Group said: “We’re proud to respond to HH Sheikh Mohammad’s call to raise the flag as a tribute to the UAE’s unity and strength. Since our inception, every Emirates aircraft has proudly carried the UAE flag wherever it flies. This new livery is our way of honouring a home that has given us so much, and a nation that stands as proof of what is possible when we collectively choose, every day, to reach higher. There is no greater stage for our flag than in the skies, and no greater privilege for Emirates than to fly it with pride.” The special livery features the colours of the UAE rendered in a bold, eye-catching 3D design that drapes elegantly across both sides of the aircraft. The moving canvas of national pride has already flown to New York and Brisbane and is scheduled to operate to more A380 destinations in the Emirates network, becoming visible from runways, skies and cities around the world. Plans are underway to apply the flag design to an Emirates Boeing 777, the next largest commercial airliner in the sky after the A380. The UAE flag is already a hallmark of every Emirates aircraft, painted across the tails of one of the world’s most recognisable fleets, and carrying the nation’s colours across continents, time zones and cultures each day. The special flag livery is one of many that have marked special national events and commemorations in the UAE. In 2017, the airline featured a customised decal of the late HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, with a bespoke livery for its 100th A380. The initiative marked the airline’s first initiative for the ‘Year of Zayed’, with 10 aircraft flying the special livery. That same year, the airline revealed the first of 40 aircraft carrying livery designs dedicated to Expo 2020 Dubai.

CHICAGO, April 29, 2026: United Airlines has announced new summer schedule with service to new European destinations in Croatia, Italy, Scotland and Spain. The new routes begin launching April 30 — giving customers even more options to reach unique, culturally rich destinations across Europe. In 2026, United will offer up to 210 flights daily during peak travel times between the U.S. and 36 destinations in Europe including Greenland – including 14 that no other U.S. network carrier serves – giving travelers more options at the times they want to travel most. New flights launch as soon as this week, including: Split, Croatia (SPU) – First-ever nonstop service begins April 30 with three weekly flights to Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. Bari, Italy (BRI) – The only carrier to serve Southern Italy’s gateway to Puglia, with four weekly flights starting May 1. Glasgow, Scotland (GLA) – The only nonstop service launches May 8, with daily service connecting travelers to Scotland’s cultural capital. Santiago de Compostela, Spain (SCQ) – First-ever service to Spain’s historic pilgrimage destination begins May 27, with three weekly flights from Newark/New York. Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF) – Daily nonstop service from Washington-Dulles launches May 21, the only service on this capital-to-capital route with lie-flat business class seats. These flights connect travelers directly to some of Europe’s most stunning summer destinations—from the coastal cities of Croatia to the historic streets of Italy and the cultural hubs of Spain and Scotland. Additionally, on the heels of last summer’s successful expansion, United will resume summer-seasonal service to destinations from the airline’s largest summer expansion ever in 2025, including: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (UBN) – Three weekly flights from Tokyo/Narita starting April 30 Faro, Portugal (FAO) – Four weekly flights service from Newark/New York starting May 15 Madeira Island, Portugal (FNC) – Three weekly flights from Newark/New York on May 16 (three weeks earlier than in 2025) Palermo, Italy (PMO) – Three weekly flights from Newark/New York starting May 22 Bilbao, Spain (BIO) – Three weekly flights from Newark/New starting May 30 Nuuk, Greenland (GOH) – Twice weekly flights from Newark/New York starting June 6 (one week earlier than in 2025) Demand for Distinct European Destinations United continues to see growing interest in destinations that go beyond traditional European travel destinations. The airline’s customers are increasingly seeking coastal, cultural and off-the-beaten-path experiences. United’s summer 2025 schedule expansion set a record for the most new destinations the airline has introduced in a single season. These routes delivered a strong performance in their first year and have great momentum as demand continues to increase.