Civil Aviation

New Delhi, 8th December 2025: TezJet Airlines, carrier based out of Kyrgyzstan, has commenced its direct passenger services between Delhi (DEL) and Bishkek (BSZ), marking a new milestone in India–Kyrgyzstan connectivity. The service aims to boost tourism, trade, and cultural ties between the two nations while offering travelers a convenient and affordable travel option. Often referred to as the “Switzerland of Central Asia”, Kyrgyzstan is a land of breathtaking mountain ranges, alpine lakes, and vibrant nomadic culture. From the crystal-clear waters of Issyk-Kul Lake to the bustling bazaars and rich heritage of Bishkek, the country offers Indian travelers a unique blend of adventure, nature, and cultural exploration — all within a short flight from Delhi. With simplified visa procedures and growing tourism infrastructure, Kyrgyzstan is rapidly emerging as a preferred destination for Indian holidaymakers, adventure seekers, and filmmakers. The inaugural flight ceremony was held at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (DIAL) in the presence of the Embassy of Kyrgyzstan in India, the GMR Airport leadership, and senior airport officials and dignitaries. Arun Kumar, President & CEO of TezJet, said,” We are thrilled to see our Delhi–Bishkek service takes off. This route represents not only a new flight but a new bridge connecting two vibrant regions. India is an important market for us, and we look forward to welcoming Indian travelers to experience the beauty and hospitality of Kyrgyzstan.”” TezJet has appointed Aeroprime as its GSA in India, which will be responsible for driving its passenger and cargo sales, supporting marketing initiatives, and ensuring seamless experiences for both travelers and freight customers in India. Abhishek Goyal, Executive Director & CEO of Aeroprime Group, added, “We are proud to partner with TezJet in this exciting journey. The commencement of direct flights between Delhi and Bishkek will unlock immense opportunities for tourism and business, bringing the people of India and Kyrgyzstan closer together.” The direct service between Delhi and Bishkek will initially operate once a week, every Sunday, offering direct connectivity for travelers and efficient solutions for cargo movement between the two nations.

Abu Dhabi, 8th December 2025: Etihad Airways and the German carrier Condor announced a strategic partnership alongside the launch of new daily flights connecting Frankfurt and Berlin to Abu Dhabi starting Summer 2026 and an extensive codeshare agreement. From 1 May 2026, Condor will operate daily services between Frankfurt and Abu Dhabi using its Airbus A330 aircraft, followed by the launch of daily Berlin-Abu Dhabi flights from 15 June 2026 operated by Airbus A320 aircraft. The new services willsignificantly broaden direct access to Abu Dhabi for German travellers, with seamless onwardconnections to Etihad’s extensive network across the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Australia. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “We are delighted to announce this strategic partnership with Condor and welcome their new services to Abu Dhabi. Germany is a vital market for Etihad, and adding Berlin alongside new Frankfurt options meets clear passenger demand – including a direct capital-to-capital link that further strengthens UAE-Germany ties.” “Above all, this partnership puts the traveller first: Condor guests will discover Abu Dhabi’s award-winning hub and seamless onward journeys across our extensive network, while our customers will benefit from enhanced connectivity to destinations across Germany and beyond.” “This codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways is the great foundation on which we are building our new services to Abu Dhabi to better connect Germany’s capital Berlin and Europe’s financial hub Frankfurt to the GCC and beyond,” said Jens Boyd, Commercial Director and Member of the Executive Committee of Condor. “As we build and expand connectivity within Europe from our home hub in Frankfurt, this first codeshare in Asia is one more step towards Condor becoming a true global player and partnering with the leading airlines across the globe.” These new services complement Etihad’s existing flights to Germany and expand direct, convenient access to Abu Dhabi for even more visitors, supporting the emirate’s growing tourism sector and wider economic ambitions. The move also continues Etihad’s ongoing commitment to attracting major international airlines to Abu Dhabi’s growing aviation ecosystem. Together, Etihad and Condor will offer enhanced connectivity between Europe and the Middle East, Asia and Africa, giving travellers access to over 80 destinations through the combined networks and creating even more opportunities to experience Abu Dhabi and its world-class attractions. Etihad Guest members will be able to earn and redeem miles when flying on the Condor-operated flights between Frankfurt or Berlin and Abu Dhabi, with further loyalty programme benefits to be introduced under the new partnership. The codeshare agreement will be implemented following regulatory approvals, with full details of the cooperation to be announced thereafter.

New Delhi, 5th December 2025: Air India and Maldivian have entered into a bilateral interline partnership aimed at boosting connectivity between the two countries. Through this new partnership, Air India will provide access to 16 islands across the Maldives through Maldivian’s network, via Malé. The connection will serve across the archipelago such as Hanimaadhoo, Kooddoo, Gan, Kaadedhdhoo, Kulhudhuffushi, Dharavandhoo, Maafaru, and Kadhdoo, among others. This also enables Maldivian to serve Air India passengers from Delhi and Mumbai or those connecting through these large hubs onto Maldivian-operated flights from Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram to Malé and Hanimaadhoo Island. The interline partnership enables pax across both carriers to seamlessly travel on a single itinerary that combine Air India and Maldivian flights, ensuring convenient connections and coordinated baggage handling. “The Maldives continues to be one of the most preferred leisure destinations for Indian travellers, and this interline partnership with Maldivian opens the door to the country’s lesser-explored atolls and islands”, said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India. “By combining Air India’s extensive global network with Maldivian’s reach across domestic points beyond Malé, guests can now discover the true diversity of the archipelago on a single itinerary.” Air India is the only carrier operating daily flights between Delhi and Malé, providing a direct capital-to-capital link. Air India deploys more than 55,000 seats to the Maldives annually (in one direction), contributing significantly to the country’s tourism and trade. “This partnership marks a new chapter in our efforts to expand accessibility to the Maldives and provide connectivity for passengers traveling beyond Malé to the atolls,” said Ibrahim Iyas, Managing Director of Maldivian. “With Air India’s strong network and our reach within the Maldives, this collaboration will play a key role in supporting tourism and business travel between our nations.” The partnership aligns with both airlines’ goals to enhance regional cooperation and support tourism growth through stronger network integration, smoother connections, and improved customer experience.

New Delhi, 6th December 2025: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed IndiGo to clear all pending passenger refunds without delay. The Ministry has mandated that the refund process for all cancelled or disrupted flights must be fully completed by 8:00 PM on Sunday, 7 December 2025. Airlines have also been instructed not to levy any rescheduling charges for passengers whose travel plans were affected by cancellations. The Ministry has clarified that any delay or non-compliance in refund processing will invite immediate regulatory action. Special Passenger Support and Refund Cell To ensure seamless grievance redressal, IndiGo has been instructed to set up dedicated passenger support and refund facilitation cells. These cells have been tasked to proactively contact affected passengers and ensure that refunds and alternative travel arrangements are processed without the need for multiple follow-ups. The system of automatic refunds will remain active until operations stabilise completely. Assurance on Baggage Handling The Ministry has directed IndiGo to ensure that all baggage that was separated from passengers due to cancellations or delays is traced and delivered to the passenger’s residential or chosen address within the next 48 hours. Airlines have been told to maintain clear communication with passengers regarding tracking and delivery timelines, and to provide compensation where required under existing passenger rights regulations. ` Zero-Inconvenience Policy for Passengers The Ministry of Civil Aviation remains in continuous coordination with airlines, airports, security agencies, and all operational stakeholders to ensure that passenger rights are fully protected during this period of disruption. Oversight mechanisms have been reinforced to guarantee proper facilitation for senior citizens, differently-abled passengers, students, patients, and all those requiring urgent travel. The Ministry continues to closely monitor the recovery process and remains fully committed to restoring complete operational normalcy at the earliest. Source: PIB/MoCA

New Delhi,4th December 2025: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has taken serious note of the recent operational disruptions and cancellations of flights across IndiGo’s network. Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, personally chaired a high-level review meeting with IndiGo’s senior management in the presence of the Secretary, Civil Aviation, Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), senior officials of the Ministry, and the Airports Authority of India (AAI). During the meeting, IndiGo presented data on cancellations and attributed the disruption to challenges in crew planning and implementation of the revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms, along with seasonal weather-related constraints. It was noted that the revised FDTL regulations were implemented in phases as per Hon’ble Court directions to ensure improved fatigue management and enhanced flight safety. Ram Mohan Naidu expressed clear displeasure regarding the manner in which the situation has been handled by the airline, and stressed that ample preparatory time had been available to ensure a seamless transition to the new regulatory requirements. The Minister further directed IndiGo to urgently normalize operations and to ensure that there is no increase in airfares due to the current situation. The Minister instructed the airline to proactively inform passengers of any likely cancellations well in advance and to ensure that all necessary facilities, including hotel accommodation where required, are provided promptly to minimize inconvenience. The Minister also held a meeting with senior officers of AAI and directed that all airport directors must continuously monitor the situation on the ground and extend full support to all stranded passengers. He has instructed officials of MoCA to communicate the need for proper coordination among all stakeholders — including airports, ATC, and other airlines — to restore normalcy at the earliest. The DGCA has been directed to conduct strict real-time monitoring of IndiGo’s operations, including field inspections at major airports, with special emphasis on passenger-handling arrangements and timely communication during delays and cancellations. Officers have been deployed to IndiGo’s operational control centers for continuous oversight. The Ministry remains fully committed to ensuring smooth air travel and to safeguarding passenger rights and safety. All aspects of IndiGo’s operational recovery and passenger support measures will continue to be closely monitored until full stability is achieved. ( Only the headline has been changed in this news, rest of the content is published on as shared by PIB/MoCA)

Payerne, Switzerland,4th December 2025: JEKTA, the Switzerland-based manufacturer of the zero-emissions Passenger Hydro Aircraft – Zero Emissions 100 (PHA-ZE 100) amphibious aircraft, has revealed photographs of the 1:9 scale model of the PHA-ZE 100 amphibious flying boat that it is using to gather test data representative of the full-size aircraft. While the final aircraft configuration will evolve based on data generated by operating the model in the air and on the water, the model is closely representative of the definitive PHA-ZE 100 design. Details include a distributed electric powerplant based on eight electric motors, advanced aerodynamic configuration and large cockpit and cabin windows. Trials are being performed in Italy, home of JEKTA Head of Design Max Pinucci. The country’s storied seaplane history has proven inspirational for Pinucci and the wider JEKTA team, while testing of the next-generation PHA-ZE 100 design is building on that legacy. JEKTA CEO and co-founder George Alafinov said,“The 1:9 scale model is large enough to provide data representative of the full-size aircraft and is allowing us to efficiently expand the test envelope while verifying data already collected in our computer modelling. We will continue to refine the aircraft configuration based on findings from the model testing and feed back into our digital models, ensuring the aircraft’s maturity as we work towards introducing it to the global air transport network in 2030.” With its diverse operational capabilities, adaptable interior configurations, and economically attractive operating parameters, the PHA-ZE 100 can support a growing range of operational demands. Since its launch in 2022, JEKTA has already confirmed more than USD$1.35 billion in forward PHA-ZE 100 customer commitments and is scheduled to begin production in 2030/2031. ( Top Photo Caption)- The PHA-ZE 100 1:9 scale model showcases how the amphibious aircraft will alight on its flying-boat hull, supported by underwing outrigger floats. The full-size aircraft will include retractable wheeled undercarriage for amphibious operations.

France, 28th November 2025: One year after acquiring a stake in AURA AERO, a French pioneer in low-carbon aviation, EDF Group (Electricité de France, a French multinational electric utility company) increases its participation to 2 million euros, through its subsidiary SAFIDI, dedicated to local anchorage. With this new investment, the Group reaffirms its commitment to providing long-term support for the growth of a low-carbon, regional light aircraft industry, in France. Accelerating the energy transition in aviation In a context where aviation must significantly reduce its emissions, EDF Group is stepping up its support for AURA AERO, to accompany the sector’s energy transition. By committing to this innovative industrial player, EDF Group is contributing to the development of electric and hybrid aircraft and participating in the structuring of a sector of the future, anchored in Occitanie. Concrete support for the technological and industrial development of AURA AERO AURA AERO is developing ERA, a 19-seater hybrid-electric regional aircraft with nearly 700 purchase intentions, valued at $12 billion. Through its investment, EDF Group will deploy its energy expertise, from battery performance to charging management and the integration of electrical requirements into airport platforms. At the same time, the INTEGRAL range, the latest generation of two-seater training aircraft, continues its industrialization. The first INTEGRAL R aircraft have been delivered, INTEGRAL S is moving towards certification, and INTEGRAL E, the first 100% electric two-seater aircraft with aerobatic capabilities, is undergoing a flight test campaign following its maiden flight in December 2024. Beyond its financial commitment, EDF Group is making the expertise of its R&D and engineering teams available to AURA AERO and the aviation sector in general. These teams are working on the development and advanced testing of batteries, as well as the deployment of charging infrastructure dedicated to electric aviation, aiming at standardization and interoperability at European level. A structuring partnership for the transition of air transport The partnership between EDF Group and AURA AERO combines two complementary areas of expertise: that of an energy company committed to the electrification of mobility and that of an aircraft manufacturer designing low-carbon planes. Together, the two partners are creating the technical, industrial, and regional conditions necessary for the development of carbon-free regional aviation. Marc BENAYOUN, Executive Director of EDF Group, says: “This investment marks a new step in our commitment towards the electrification of mobilities. By supporting AURA AERO, EDF Group is helping to develop a low-carbon aerospace industry in France and Europe”. Jérémy CAUSSADE, President and co-founder of AURA AERO, adds: “EDF’s commitment and support for an innovative industrial company such as AURA AERO is a very positive signal for the French economy. EDF’s expertise in energy decarbonization is a major asset to accelerate our industrial development and promote the emergence of clean aviation in Europe”.

Dubai, 20th November 2025: Novus Aviation Capital, a global aircraft leasing and financing platform, announced the placement of two Airbus A350-900 aircraft with Ethiopian Airlines at the Dubai Airshow 2025. The signature ceremony took place at the Airbus Chalet during the event, marking another milestone in the long-standing collaboration between the Ethiopian Airlines and Novus. Mounir Kuzbari, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Novus Aviation Capital, commented, “Ethiopian Airlines has long been a key customer for Novus, and we are proud to continue working with the airline as it expands its fleet with additional A350 aircraft. This collaboration highlights our ability to source capacity that meets the evolving needs of our airline customers”.

Dubai, November 18, 2025: Middle East carriers are entering a new era of growth and modernization with the region’s airplane fleet expected to more than double over the next 20 years, Boeing [NYSE: BA] said today at the 2025 Dubai Airshow. By 2044, the region’s share of global passenger traffic will expand beyond 10% with growth fueled by tourism and trade, hub development and an expanding middle class. Capitalizing on modern hubs, which are well-located within an 8-hour flight from 80% of the world’s population, Middle East carriers will further connect people and economies in Europe, Africa and Asia. Boeing’s 2025 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) projects the region’s airlines will need nearly 1,400 widebody passenger jets by 2044 – the largest share of new deliveries of all global regions – as they expand global connectivity with newer, more fuel-efficient fleets. “As passenger traffic in the Middle East continues to outpace global GDP growth, the region is reinforcing its position as a global connector and destination for global travelers,” said Darren Hulst, Boeing vice president of Commercial Marketing. “Carriers will need efficient, versatile airplanes to expand long-haul and regional networks while renewing their fleets for the decades ahead.” Middle Eastern carriers also continue to expand freight capacity and logistics to serve the world’s large and fast-growing cargo markets. Of the 185 freighter deliveries expected by 2044, about 75% will be large twin-engine jets designed for high-value, temperature-sensitive and time-critical cargo. The Middle East CMO also forecasts through 2044: Low-cost carriers will expand to nearly 25% of Middle East seat capacity, serving middle-class and tourism demand within the region and to South Asia and reaching much of Europe. The Middle East single-aisle fleet has nearly quadrupled over the last 25 years. Looking ahead, two-thirds of single-aisle deliveries will contribute to growth. To sustain network expansion and fleet growth, there is demand for $455 billion in commercial aviation services and 234,000 new aviation personnel. The Middle East’s maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities are an important part of its services ecosystem supporting local fleets and global operators.

Dubai, 18th Nov 2025: Low-cost carrier flydubai has signed a MoU with Airbus for its first-ever narrowbody aircraft order from the European planemaker. Announced on the second day of the Dubai Airshow 2025, the order comprises 150 A320neos to be delivered by 2032. The deal marks a significant shift in flydubai’s fleet strategy. Until now, the airline has operated an all-Boeing fleet. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai, signed the MoU with Christian Scherer, CEO, Commercial Aircraft, Airbus. “We are pleased to announce a landmark agreement for 150 A321neo aircraft, representing another important milestone in flydubai’s journey,” said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. “This new agreement is not only about adding aircraft. It supports the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.”