Civil Aviation

Gurugram, 01 OCTOBER 2025: Air India inaugurated India’s first non-stop flight to the Philippines. The inaugural flight to Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, departed from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport per schedule. H.E. Josel F. Ignacio, Ambassador of the Philippines to India, and Maria Cynthia P. Pelayo, Minister and Consul General, Embassy of the Philippines in India, joined P. Balaji, Group Head – Government, Risk, Compliance & Corporate Affairs, Air India, and other senior officials from the Embassy and Air India at Delhi airport for the inauguration of Air India’s new services to Manila. With the launch of services to Manila, Air India further strengthens its presence in Southeast Asia, now operating to eight destinations across seven countries in the region. In addition to providing non-stop connectivity to an increasing number of travellers between India and the Philippines, the new flights also open new connections for Filipino travellers to access Air India’s robust network across Europe and North America via Delhi. Air India’s flights between Delhi and Manila are operated by the airline’s Airbus A321LR aircraft, featuring a three-class cabin configuration to offer a choice of Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class to travellers. Air India is one of the few airlines in Southeast Asia to offer fully flat beds in Business Class in the single-aisle A321 aircraft. Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said: “The launch of non-stop flights to Manila unlocks the immense potential for tourism to the Philippines, as Indian travellers, with their growing appetite for leisure travel and increasing spending power, seek new and exciting destinations. These new services will help showcase the Philippines’ vibrant culture and stunning landscapes to many Indian travellers, while also fostering greater trade and cultural exchange, strengthening the bonds between the two nations.”

Bengaluru,01 October 2025: Akasa Air has commenced daily direct flights connecting Bengaluru and Phuket, strengthening its footprint in Thailand. The inaugural flight on 01st October 2025 departed Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru at 0625 hrs IST arriving at Phuket International Airport at 1240hrs ICT. The route complements Akasa Air’s daily Mumbai–Phuket service inaugurated in September 2025, underscoring the airline’s commitment to expanding its presence in high-demand international destinations. In an event held at Kempegowda International Airport to flag off the maiden flight, a ceremonial lamp was lit in the presence of Anand Srinivasan, Co-Founder and Chief Information Officer, Akasa Air. The event was also graced by the leadership of Kempegowda International Airport, and a special boarding pass was presented to the first passenger on the inaugural flight. The daily non-stop flights from Bengaluru are scheduled at convenient timings, making travel seamless and well-suited for both business and leisure travellers. With Thailand’s visa-free entry for Indian passport holders, passengers can enjoy a simplified, hassle-free travel experience that further enhances accessibility to this popular destination.

Webling, 30 September, 2025: Akkodis and Deutsche Aircraft have signed a strategic agreement to significantly advance the development and production of innovative regional aircraft in Germany, with a focus on technological excellence and strengthening the local aerospace ecosystem. Under the agreement, Akkodis will become a first-tier supplier, playing a central role in Deutsche Aircraft’s supply chain. As a global digital engineering consulting company, Akkodis brings expertise in aircraft system development and specialised engineering to support Deutsche Aircraft in achieving its key programme milestones. The company will manage the entire development process – from defining requirements and integrating complex systems, and testing on the ground and in flight, right through to final certification of the new aircraft. In addition, its Aerospace & Defence division contributes capabilities in digital modelling and simulation, advanced materials and preparations for alternative propulsion systems such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and hydrogen. Over the years, Akkodis has proven to be a reliable partner through its technological competence, proactive solutions and ability to mobilise global resources. Akkodis will leverage digital development methods that enable faster, more efficient and lower-emission aircraft development. “This agreement reinforces our diversification strategy and strengthens our role in the aerospace industry,” says Dr. Peter Mehrle, CEO of Akkodis Germany. “Together with Deutsche Aircraft, we are demonstrating Europe’s industrial capability and innovative power. By combining their expertise with our digital engineering know-how, we are driving regional aircraft development that is made in Germany and positioning Europe as a leader in sustainable aviation.” “For us, this cooperation is about translating engineering expertise into real progress,” explains Reiner Oldewurtel, Vice President Akkodis Germany AS&D GmbH. “Through close collaboration with Deutsche Aircraft, we are contributing to faster system integration, more efficient testing and smoother certification – always guided by quality, passion and forward thinking.” “The partnership with Akkodis is a significant step in our mission to develop the next generation of regional aircraft. We are committed to digital excellence and emission-reducing technologies to actively shape the future of aviation from Germany, for Europe and beyond,” emphasises Nico Neumann, CEO of Deutsche Aircraft. Both companies view the partnership as a long-term commitment that goes beyond traditional project collaboration, driven by a shared ambition to make regional aircraft more efficient, lower-emission and future-ready from a European base.

Delhi, 23rd Sept. 2025: The Air India group has announced its plans to commence commercial flights from Navi Mumbai International Airport(NMIA) starting from the airport’s first phase of operations.This airport is operated by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. In the initial phase,Air India Express, will operate 20 daily departures or 40 Air Traffic Movements (ATMs) from and to NMIA, connecting 15 Indian cities. The Air India group intends to scale up to 55 daily departures (110 ATMs) by mid-2026, including up to 5 daily international flights from NMIA. By Winter 2026, Air India group aims to further expand its operations to 60 daily departures (120 ATMs) from NMI, seamlessly connecting passengers to key domestic and international destinations. Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said: “We look forward to commencing operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport, as Mumbai joins the league of world cities with more than one airport. We are happy to work with Adani Airports to build NMIA not only as a point that connects to the rest of India, but also as one of the country’s key global transit hubs for both – passengers and cargo – given its strategic geographical location. At the Air India group, we are proud to lead the charge in connecting the West to the East and beyond via India, and our expansion at NMIA will support India’s growth as a global aviation hub.” Arun Bansal, Chief Executive Officer, Adani Airport Holdings Ltd., said: “We are delighted to welcome Air India Group to Navi Mumbai International Airport as one of our valued airline partners. Their ambitious expansion plans and global vision are perfectly aligned with our aim of making NMIA a benchmark in global aviation. This partnership will redefine Mumbai’s connectivity landscape and strengthen India’s twin-airport strategy, NMIA’s adoption of technology for enhancing efficiency and best in class experience for passengers will play a pivotal role in delivering seamless and superior passenger journeys for decades to come.” Air India Express’ planned operations at NMIA will significantly boost connectivity to and from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to destinations across and outside India, while fostering seamless international transits through NMIA. Navi Mumbai International Airport is being built in five phases, with the launch phase expected to accommodate 20 million passengers per annum (MPPA) and handle 0.5 million metric tons (MMT) of cargo. Upon full completion, NMIA will have the capacity to serve 90 MPPA and handle 3.2 MMT of cargo annually.

Delhi, 17th September 2025: Air India Express has announced its membership with International Air Transport Association (IATA).IATA represents some 350 airlines from more than 120 countries, accounting for over 80% of global air traffic. A condition for IATA membership is the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), which is the global industry standard for airline operational safety auditing. Airlines have to comply with over 900 standards in order toachieve their IOSA registration. ”We welcome Air India Express into the IATA family. Air India Express has been on the IOSA registry since 2017, and we are glad that they have taken the next step to become an IATA member. Having Air India Express as a member broadens the perspectives that we can bring to the global issues affecting our industry,” said SheldonHee, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Asia Pacific. Commenting on the membership, Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, said: “Becoming a part of the IATA family is a proud moment for us. It highlights our commitment to enhance our global standing, assuring our guests of world-class standards, and facilitates access to global partnerships. As we continue to grow our footprint, IATA membership is an additional step taken by Air India Express to ensure that every journey is supported by the highest standards of reliability, safety, and convenience.”

Panaji, 15th September 2025: Goa based Indian regional airline, FLY91 has announced the waiver of convenience fees on all bookings made through its official website during the month of September. The offer comes with no restrictions on travel dates, giving customers complete flexibility to plan their journeys while saving on additional charges. The initiative, valid until September 30, 2025, is part of FLY91’s effort to make air travel more accessible and affordable for customers across its growing network of tier two and tier three destinations as we move into the festive season. By removing the convenience fee, the airline is extending direct savings to its passengers, reaffirming its commitment to customer-friendly and transparent pricing. “By doing away with the convenience fee this month we are offering our customers genuine savings and a more transparent booking experience,” said Manoj Chacko, managing director and CEO of FLY91.

Gurugram, 10th September 2025: Air India and Air Astana, the flag carrier of Kazakhstan, have signed a new codeshare agreement to offer more flight options to travellers.The codeshare partnership enables cooperation between the two carriers on trunk routes between Kazakhstan and India, covering Air Astana routes operated between Almaty and Delhi, and Almaty and Mumbai. With this, Air India will place its ‘AI’ designator code on Air Astana’s flights to and from India, providing its customers convenient access to Almaty, a rapidly growing tourism and business hub in Central Asia. Air India customers travelling to Almaty from points beyond Delhi and Mumbai will be able to conveniently travel on a single ticket and check-in their baggage through to Almaty at the point of origin. Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said: “Our new codeshare partnership with Air Astana creates stronger air links to Kazakhstan, a fast-growing market with immense potential for tourism. Beyond serving leisure travel demand, our partnership will also support trade and cultural exchanges between our two countries, while bringing a new destination in Central Asia closer to our customers.” Peter Foster, the Air Astana Group’s Chief Executive Officer, commented on the codeshare with Air India: “We are delighted to have concluded a comprehensive code share agreement with Asia’s oldest airline. Air India is an exceptionally well-managed business, which operates a comprehensive network of flights to, from and across India, the world’s most populous country and one of the fastest growing travel markets. India is of key strategic importance to the Air Astana Group as we increase flights from Kazakhstan to Delhi, Mumbai and Goa. The code share will accelerate the increasingly strong business, tourist and student traffic flows between our two countries”. The new arrangement builds on an existing interline partnership between Air India and Air Astana that came into effect earlier in 2025. Under the interline agreement, Air India customers already have convenient connections via Almaty to multiple destinations across Central Asia and China including Astana (Kazakhstan), Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), Tashkent (Uzbekistan), Dushanbe (Tajikistan) and Urumqi (China). Air Astana enjoys access to 18 destinations across Air India’s domestic network and 9 international destinations via Delhi and Mumbai. With this step-up to a codeshare agreement, travel between India and Kazakhstan becomes more convenient for customers while also opening a wider network of destinations through a single booking and check-in process.

Itanagar, 5th Sept 2025: Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu emphasised, “Growth of Civil Aviation infrastructure and enhanced connectivity are giving wings to the aspirations of North East India.” North East Region Ministers’ Conference on Civil Aviation 2025 & 3rd North East Aviation Summit, organised by Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, was held today in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. The conference was graced by the presence of Shri Pema Khandu, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, as the Chief Guest and Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, Minister for Civil Aviation, as the guest of honour. Shri Tesam Pongte, Speaker, Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly remained present at the inaugural function. Shri Lalduhoma, Chief Minister of Mizoram; Shri Tsering Thendup Bhutia, Minister of Civil Aviation, Govt of Sikkim and Shri Jogen Mohan, Minister of Hill, Development and Cooperation, Govt of Assam graced the Conference and led the respective State Govt delegations for the interaction with the Ministry and the Aviation Industry. Shri Balo Raja, Minister of Civil Aviation, Arunachal Pradesh presented the State’s perspective.   In the inaugural, Chief Guest Shri Pema Khandu, Chief Minister, Arunachal Pradesh emphasised that transportation connectivity is the most critical sector for development of the NER. In the last 10 years, aviation infrastructure and connectivity status of NER has seen unprecedented growth. Having airports in Arunachal Pradesh was a long cherished dream of the people which got realised because of the active support of the Ministry of Civil Aviation under the visionary leadership of the hon’ble PM. Progress in creation of aviation infrastructure and path breaking schemes like UDAN have been instrumental in transforming the socio economic aspirations of the NE region. Shri Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, emphasized the need for deepening Centre-State-Industry collaboration for the accelerated growth of the Civil Aviation sector in the North East Region. He emphasized that enhanced air connectivity is vital for improving accessibility to remote and border areas, promoting tourism, facilitating cargo and logistics, and driving industrial as well as socio-economic growth in Arunachal Pradesh and the North East Region. To realise its strong tourism potential, North East Region should solve its connectivity challenges in fast pace. Also there is need for accelerating skilling initiatives for fast tracking employment generation among the youths of the region. An industry driven aviation ecosystem would be able to cater to both these needs. The Minister expressed pride in informing that the number of operational airports in the region has grown from nine in 2014 to 16 at present. Aircraft movements have nearly doubled, while domestic passenger traffic has increased more than threefold since 2014. Encouraging the states to harness on the region’s tourism potential, the Minister stated: “You have not seen India until you have seen North East India. The natural beauty, vibrant culture, warm hospitality and the strong essence of Indianness found here are unmatched.” He urged the states to focus on developing tourism infrastructure and hospitality services to complement expanding aviation connectivity.   Highlighting future support for infrastructure creation, the Minister shared that For the North Eastern group of states, we have decided to offer four pre-feasibility studies for Greenfield Airport development every financial year, free of consultancy or other charges. This will encourage states to plan and build new airports and take full advantage of the growth momentum. He assured continued support from the Central Government and emphasized that aviation is no longer a luxury—but a critical enabler of Viksit Bharat @2047. Highlighting India’s transformation into the third-largest domestic aviation market, he pointed to initiatives like UDAN, expansion of airports, growth of regional carriers, focus on Aviation skilling and efforts to incentivise MRO sector as key pillars of progress. As part of Session on Opportunities for states, officials from Ministry of Civil Aviation and AAI presented various airport development models and opportunities like HEMS and skilling of youth to the states. It was followed by One on One interaction with the state delegations. Parallel interactions of the states with Industry partners were also organised. During the interaction with the Ministry, Shri Lalduhoma, Chief Minister, Mizoram, highlighted that the development and betterment of aviation in the North East is not only a matter of improving air travel but a vital step toward unlocking the region’s true potential. Enhanced aviation connectivity will bridge geographical barriers, link remote areas with the rest of India, and foster stronger integration with national and international markets.   He emphasized that better air infrastructure—such as new airports, heliports, and regional connectivity through smaller aircraft and helicopters—will directly benefit tourism, trade, healthcare access, and emergency services. Improved aviation services will also empower local communities by creating new avenues for employment, boosting entrepreneurship, and attracting private investment into the region. Shri Balo Raja, Hon’ble Minister of Land Management, Civil Aviation during his speech on States’s perspective emphasized that strengthening regional connectivity is pivotal to unlocking the immense economic potential of North East India. The Minister highlighted that aviation development in the North Eastern region will play a transformative role in establishing robust air links between remote towns and metropolitan cities will reduce travel time, improve mobility, and integrate the region more closely with the rest of the country, Improved air cargo facilities will provide new avenues for the export of horticultural produce, handicrafts, and other local products, thereby boosting regional trade and commerce. Shri Tshering Bhutia, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation & Industries, Govt of Sikkim emphasized the importance of policy-driven initiatives that will create a more conducive environment for investment, ease of doing business, and expansion of air services in the North Eastern region. He advocated for the full scale operationalisation of Pakyong Airport by expediting resolution of challenges. He reaffirmed the State’s commitment to work in close partnership with the Centre to build a robust aviation ecosystem in Sikkim. Shri Jogen Mohan, Minister of Hill, Development and Cooperation, Govt of Assam, appreciated the Ministry’s effort to reach out to States and take them as partners for driving policy reforms and implementation frameworks. He detailed the aspirations of the State

Delhi, 3rd September 2025: Uzbekistan’s biggest private airline, Centrum Air announces the launch of direct scheduled flights between Delhi and Tashkent, beginning on October 3, 2025. The service will initially operate twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Fridays, strengthening air connectivity between India and Uzbekistan. Indian travellers can look forward to affordable fares, convenient schedules, and a comfortable travel experience. All flights will be operated using Centrum Air’s modern fleet, which includes Airbus A320neo, A321neo, and the widebody A330-300 aircrafts. Flight schedule (local time) Tuesday and Friday ● Delhi 12:10 – Tashkent 14:50 ● Tashkent 06:55 – Delhi 10:55 Executive statements Abdulaziz Abdurakhmanov, Founder and CEO of Centrum Air, stated: “We are proud to open a direct link between Delhi and Tashkent. This route will not only provide convenience for travellers, but will also support Uzbekistan’s role as a regional hub, connecting India with Central Asia, Europe, and the Middle East”. Abhishek Goyal, Executive director & CEO of Aeroprime Group, added: “We are proud to be the Exclusive GSA in India for Centrum Air and to support the launch of Centrum Air’s direct Delhi–Tashkent flights, which will provide Indian travellers with affordable and convenient access to Uzbekistan and beyond. This new route opens immense opportunities for tourism, trade, and business travel.”

Chennai, 02 September 2025: Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, marks a major milestone as it celebrates 25 years of serving Chennai – one of India’s leading metropolitan hubs and a vital gateway in the airline’s South India network. Since launching its inaugural flight on 1 September 2000, Emirates has carried more than 10.7 million passengers on more than 38,000 flights between Dubai and Chennai, reinforcing its long standing commitment to the city’s growing travel and trade aspirations. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, joined Emirates’ celebration to commemorate the milestone. Chennai International Airport also marked the anniversary with a celebratory water cannon salute today, upon the arrival of EK544. On the occasion, Mohammad Sarhan, Emirates’ VP – India and Nepal said: “We are delighted to celebrate 25 years of service to Chennai and connecting its people to our global network. We would like to thank M.K Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for joining us in our celebration, marking an important partnership that has grown from strength to strength over the years. The unwavering support of the authorities and all local stakeholders has been invaluable to the success of our operations and we extend our sincere gratitude on the occasion.”