Civil Aviation

Delhi, 16-December-2025: Strengthening connectivity between Thailand and Uttar Pradesh, Air India Express has announced weekly flights between Varanasi and Bangkok starting February 1, 2026. The new service will offer travellers from Varanasi convenient non-stop connectivity to one of Asia’s most popular leisure destinations. Similarly, it will provide convenient options for tourists from Thailand to visit Varanasi, Sarnath, and other major attractions on the Buddhist circuit. Speaking on the announcement, Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, said, “The introduction of this non-stop service to Bangkok provides seamless access to one of India’s most sought-after international destinations. It aligns with our strategic focus on enhancing direct international connectivity from the nation’s rapidly growing non-metro and Tier-II cities. For inbound travellers, the service strengthens access to Varanasi – one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities and widely regarded as India’s spiritual capital – while further developing the Buddhist travel circuit for visitors from Thailand. This new connection reflects our credo of expanding the network with meaningful connections, supporting our commitment to deliver greater convenience and value to our guests.” This launch will further build on Air India Express’ presence in Thailand. The airline currently connects Bangkok with Bengaluru, Lucknow, Pune, and Surat, and operates direct flights between Hyderabad and Phuket.

New Delhi, 11th December 2025: Air India today announced a new, unilateral interline partnership with Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA).This interline partnership with Scoot will further strengthen Air India reach across Southeast Asia, North Asia and Australia via Singapore. With this, Air India guests has options to seamlessly access most of Scoot’s network with over 70 destinations across 18 countries in these regions. This includes the addition of these unique destinations to Air India’s extended international network that were previously not covered by any of the airline’s other existing partnerships: Macau SAR in China; Padang and Labuan Bajo in Indonesia; Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Langkawi, Ipoh, Kuantan, Miri, Sibu, Malacca and Kota Bharu in Malaysia; Davao and Iloilo City in the Philippines, Koh Samui, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai in Thailand; and Nha Trang and Phu Quoc in Vietnam. Air India guests can fly non-stop from Delhi, Mumbai or Chennai to Singapore and take onward journeys with Scoot to these destinations in addition to many other points across the Scoot network. To enhance customer convenience, both airlines have implemented Inter-Airline Through Check-In (IATCI), enabling passengers booked on a single ticket to receive boarding passes for both, Air India and Scoot flights, at the point of origin to provide a smooth transfer experience at Singapore Changi Airport. Air India guests can also look forward to checking in baggage to their final destination, subject to the applicable local laws and regulations. “Asia Pacific remains the world’s fastest-growing region for aviation, with intra-regional air travel demand surging at significant rates,” said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India. “Our new interline partnership with Scoot taps into that momentum, meeting the rising Indian traveller appetite for seamless access to far-flung corners of the continent – from Malaysia’s rainforests to Vietnam’s beaches and Indonesia’s emerging cities.” Calvin Chan, Chief Commercial Officer, Scoot, said, “This partnership marks an important step in broadening travel options for customers in India to discover unique destinations across Scoot’s extensive network via Singapore. We look forward to welcoming Air India customers onboard and connecting them to new experiences with Scoot.” Air India operates 49x weekly flights from India to Singapore, including thrice daily flights from Delhi, twice daily flights from Mumbai, and twice daily flights from Chennai.Air India and Singapore Airlines are codeshare partners, providing seamless connectivity to their common guests to over 60 destinations worldwide.

Delhi, 10 December 2025: Akasa Air had received the delivery of its 31st aircraft as the Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 aircraft.Bearing registration number VT-YBH, the Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 aircraft arrived at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on December 10, 2025. The latest aircraft is equipped with Safran Z200 seats, a next- generation seating solution designed to elevate the in-flight experience. These seats feature a generous 4-inch recline, an ergonomically contoured backrest, and enhanced cushioning for superior sitting comfort, alongside thoughtfully positioned additional conveniences such as USB-C and USB-A ports to support the needs of today’s hyper-connected travellers. In addition to their passenger-centric design, these seats align with the airlines sustainability and reliable goals using ultra-modern material and construction techniques. Vinay Dube, Founder and CEO, Akasa Air, said, “Every addition to our fleet represents much more than capacity; it reflects our ongoing promise to offer the highest levels of service – comfortable, modern and uniquely warm. The induction of our 31st aircraft is another meaningful step forward in Akasa’s journey to build a world- class airline rooted firmly in the evolving expectations of today’s Indian traveller.” The airline has a project of 195 additional aircraft scheduled for delivery over the next seven years and as long-term commitment to expanding capacity in line with rising demand.

New Delhi, 9th December 2025: To cater to the ongoing winter season, Air India has mentioned that it is working in close coordination with all stakeholders and has initiated several measures such as CAT III B crew rostering, CAT III B aircraft readiness, network-wide airport readiness, tech-enabled passenger assistance and proactive communications to minimise passenger inconvenience during the ensuing fog season. The DGCA has announced the winter schedule from 10 December 2025-10 February 2026 and the northern parts of India, including Air India’s primary hub Delhi, experience low visibility due to dense fog with a potential to have a cascading impact on flight schedule across the network. Following marked improvements in operations during the fog window last year, and taking cues from the previous years’ experiences, Air India has further strengthened its internal SOPs and adopted proactive measures to address potential fog-related delays and disruptions. Several initiatives have been put in place to mitigate disruption and minimise passenger experience during the fog season. These include: Crew Readiness: Air India will ensure adequate cockpit crew, trained in Low Visibility Operations (LVO) through CAT III B or specific Instrument Landing System (ILS), is in place to operate flights during the critical fog window. This also includes trained crew on stand-by for any exigency. Aircraft Readiness: Cat III B certified aircraft will be deployed for operations during the fog window at strategic locations that are prone to fog impact. Station Readiness: Air India has been working closely with its airport partners and has initiated proactive measures to minimize inconvenience to passengers during the fog season. This will include ensuring there are adequate ground support teams to aid passengers and keeping ready care packages with refreshments and other resources at origin as well as diversion airports. Airport teams will monitor delays, make regular announcements, and proactively rebook impacted passengers on alternative flights. Schedule Planning: Flight schedules have been aligned to minimise inconvenience to passengers on long-haul and metro-to-metro flights with onward connectivity. Disruption Monitoring: The Integrated Operations Control Centre and teams at key airports across Air India’s domestic network will work round-the-clock to keep every flight running safely and smoothly. This includes real-time met forecast to help prepare for anticipated disruptions, Safety Risk Assessments for severe weather alerts and enabling proactive schedule adjustments. Customer Contact Centre Readiness: Dedicated teams have been set up as part of the Customer Contact team to guide passengers on fog-related queries. Air India will proactively communicate with passengers to minimise inconvenience during the fog season. Passengers will receive alerts over SMS, WhatsApp and email before arriving at the airport and real-time updates will continue across the Air India website and social channels. Air India has also activated its Fog Care initiative to help passengers in scenarios where there are delays or schedule changes due to situations beyond our control. Under the initiative, flights that are likely to be affected by fog, based on met forecast, are proactively identified and passengers are alerted about any delay or a change in schedule. Passengers also have the option to avail complimentary rescheduling or opt for full refund without penalty through Air India Fog Care.

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.