Recent News

Delhi, 12th September 2025: SriLankan Airlines has partnered with Axis Bank to offer exclusive airfare deals and other benefits to its customers. This strategic partnership marks an exciting new chapter for SriLankan Airlines as the airline continues to foster deeper connections with Indian travellers through seamless and affordable travel experiences. In the first phase of the collaboration, Axis Bank credit and debit cardholders will enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on both Business Class and Economy Class fares when booking through the SriLankan Airlines website. The discount applies to all SriLankan Airlines flights from India to Colombo, and onward via Colombo to all destinations in the Far East, the Middle East and the Maldives, as well as to Frankfurt and Paris. The benefits go beyond airfares. Customers travelling to Melbourne will receive an additional 5kg of checked baggage allowance, ensuring they have extra space for everything they need, including gifts for loved ones. As the partnership advances, SriLankan Airlines is excited at the prospect of offering even more attractive deals and greater value for money for its Indian customers. Fawzan Fareid, Regional Manager India, Bangladesh & Nepal of SriLankan Airlines, commented on the partnership, stating, “We are truly excited to partner with Axis Bank and about what this means for our shared customers, who have some fantastic benefits coming their way. This partnership is also remarkable as it marks the first time ever that SriLankan Airlines has collaborated with a private Indian bank. As one of the largest international carriers operating out of India, and with Axis bank being a prominent player in India’s banking sector, our combined strengths will enable us to deliver great value to our customers as this partnership continues to grow.”

Gurugram,9th September 2025: Air India has announced non-stop services between Delhi and Jaisalmer, starting 26 October 2025. The service will operate until 28 March 2026 to meet the seasonal tourism demand for India’s Golden City. Air India will operate double daily flights on this route using its A320 aircraft, offering the only full-service experience for travellers to Jaisalmer.The new flights to Jaisalmer are also timed to enable convenient connections to/from Europe, UK and major domestic stations. “Our new services to Jaisalmer open the doors to India’s Golden City for travellers seeking its timeless charm and for those who prefer to fly full-service,” said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India. “This seasonal service not only caters to the growing demand for cultural tourism but also underscores Air India’s dedication to making India’s heritage more accessible through seamless air travel.”

Delhi, 4th Sept 2025: Ministry of Civil Aviation, in partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and with support from the European Union has officially released the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Feasibility Study for India here today. The launch event was addressed by Union Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, Secretary of Civil Aviation Shri Samir Kumar Sinha, Director General of Civil Aviation Shri Faiz Ahmed and Ms. Jane Hupe, Deputy Director Environment, Air Transport Bureau, ICAO. Undertaken under the ICAO ACT-SAF Programme, the feasibility study assesses the potential for producing and utilizing drop-in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in India. It evaluates domestic feedstock availability, viable production pathways, infrastructure and policy readiness and the enabling conditions needed to establish a robust domestic SAF market. Drawing upon international best practices and tailoring them to India’s socio-economic and environmental context, the report provides a roadmap for sustainable fuel adoption. The study is being deliberated at a two-day workshop at Udaan Bhawan, New Delhi, with participation from ICAO, EASA, DGCA, industry partners, and multiple government departments, reflecting a whole-of-government approach towards SAF. Welcoming stakeholders to this landmark event, the Minister underscored SAF’s critical role in advancing India’s sustainable aviation growth. He reaffirmed India’s readiness to become self-sufficient in SAF production, targeting 1% blending by 2027, 2% by 2028 and 5% by 2030 in line with the CORSIA mandate. The Minister stated, “SAF is a practical and immediate solution to decarbonize the aviation sector, with the potential to cut lifecycle CO₂ emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional fuel”. He further highlighted that with over 750 million metric tonnes of available biomass and nearly 230 million metric tonnes of surplus agricultural residue, India has the capacity not only to meet its own SAF demand but also to emerge as a global leader and exporter. Shri Ram Mohan Naidu pointed to important milestones already achieved, including the designation of COTECNA Inspection India Pvt. Ltd. as the country’s first SAF certification body and the certification of Indian Oil Corporation’s Panipat Refinery as India’s first SAF producer. The Minister emphasized that SAF production will not only reduce crude imports and cut emissions by 20-25 million tonnes annually, but also boost farmers’ incomes by creating a strong value chain for agricultural residue and biomass. “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is on track to become the world’s largest domestic aviation market. With a collaborative approach, we are committed to positioning India as a leader in green aviation”, Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu added. The Secretary underlined that global warming is a collective challenge and mitigating its impact is a shared responsibility. He reiterated India’s commitment to the UNFCCC framework and emphasized that India already operates one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient aircraft fleets in the world. He also noted that 88 airports have already transitioned to 100% green energy usage, setting benchmarks for global best practices. The DGCA DG highlighted India’s position as the third-largest aviation market, with passenger traffic expected to double to 500 million by 2030. He stated that the SAF Feasibility Study will provide strategic insights to shape India’s national SAF policy framework, ensuring that sustainability remains integral to India’s aviation growth story. The SAF Feasibility Report marks a significant step in the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s commitment to creating a robust SAF ecosystem in India. This vision is anchored in a long-term policy framework that supports both the production and utilization of sustainable aviation fuels. With strong supply-side dynamics and significant sources of low carbon-intensity feedstocks such as energy crops, agricultural waste and Municipal Solid Waste, India holds immense potential to emerge as a global leader in SAF production. Courtesy: PIB

Singapore, 4th Sept 2025: Singapore Airlines (SIA) unveiled its new in-flight safety video, which creatively presents essential safety features while taking customers on a journey around Singapore’s diverse and vibrant landmarks, neighbourhoods, and communities. Produced in collaboration with Singapore Tourism Board (STB), the video features SIA’s cabin crew visiting notable landmarks including the Esplanade, Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa, Lau Pa Sat, and Jurong Lake Gardens. Theyengage with local communities including a lion dance troupe, Kolam artists, Silat practitioners, and members of an aqua aerobics team, who help to demonstrate the in-flight safety procedures. The video combines real-life footage with watercolour effects, inviting viewers to discover Singapore’s rich multicultural heritage and visual arts scene. The artistic treatment draws inspiration from Singapore’s vibrant arts landscape, reflected in iconic murals throughout the city that depict its history and culture. Mr Vinod Kannan, Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing, Singapore Airlines, said: “This video creatively presents vital safety information while showcasing Singapore’s vibrant and diverse cultures, sights, and communities. Safety remains our absolute priority, which is why each scene was carefully designed to reinforce these essential safety messages. We hope the video resonates with Singaporeans and Singapore residents, evoking a sense of home whenever they watch it on board, while giving visitors a compelling introduction to our beautiful island state and its myriad attractions.” Mr Kenneth Lim, Assistant Chief Executive, Marketing Group, Singapore Tourism Board, said: “Singapore Airlines’ new in-flight safety videocelebrates Singapore’s diverse communities and rich culture. This strategic partnership allows us to showcase Singapore’s distinctcharacter to millions of travellers worldwide, whilereinforcing our position as a preferred destination for both business and leisure.”

Delhi, 2nd September-2025: Air India Express has commenced direct flights from Ahmedabad and Chandigarh, connecting directly to Bengaluru, enhancing access from these cities to the country’s tech capital. The airline will operate twice daily services from Chandigarh and daily services from Ahmedabad, with the Ahmedabad-Bengaluru service increasing to twice daily from September 16, 2025, offering greater convenience for both business and leisure travellers. This network expansion also includes upcoming services between Dehradun and Bengaluru, set to commence from September 15, 2025. The inaugural flight from Chandigarh, flagged off by Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, departed from Chandigarh Airport at 16:40 hours and will land in Bengaluru at 19:40 hours. The first Ahmedabad – Bengaluru flight took off at 11:00 hours and arrived at 13:25 hours. Speaking at the launch from Chandigarh Airport, Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, said, “Our new routes from Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, and soon Dehradun to Bengaluru reflect our commitment to creating meaningful connections between state capitals and major metros. With thoughtfully curated fares including our cabin-bag only Xpress Lite fare, comfortable seats, hot meals onboard, and our unique ‘Tales of India’ aircraft liveries, we deliver a warm, distinctly Indian travel experience with every flight. This expansion is another step towards building our pan-India network serving leisure and business travellers with efficiency.” The airline’s new Boeing aircraft VT-BXB which has a livery inspired by Punjab’s Phulkari textile pattern was deployed to operate the first flight from Chandigarh.The airline has launched more than fifty such tail arts each on its new aircraft as part of its ‘Tales of India’ initiative, which pays tribute to India’s vibrant artistic heritage.

Delhi, 1st Sept. 2025: SriLankan Airlines completes another journey around the sun on 1 September 2025, celebrating its 46th Anniversary by giving its valued customers more reasons to explore the world with special anniversary offers. A pioneer in the region, SriLankan Airlines has long been a true ambassador for Sri Lankan hospitality on the global stage. Local in spirit, global in operations and renowned for its award-winning service, the airline looks ahead to many more years of seamlessly connecting people, cultures and trade. Spreading the cheer, customers can enjoy 20% off Business Class and 15% off Economy Class return fares to all online destinations when booked via the SriLankan Airlines website between 1 – 5 September ’25. Members of the airline’s loyalty programme, FlySmiLes, who book within the first two weeks of September will also earn 46% bonus miles, symbolising 46 years in the skies.

Delhi, 28-August 2025 : Air India Express has launched a limited-period ‘PayDay Sale’ across its domestic and international network. On domestic network, logged-in members can book Xpress Lite fares starting from Rs.1,299 (with zero check-in baggage) and Xpress Value fares from Rs.1349. Travellers can book their flights on these attractive fares through the airline’s website and mobile app. For international routes, the PayDay Sale fares start from Rs. 4,876 for Xpress Lite and Rs.5403 for Xpress Value. The discounted fares for both domestic and international flights are valid for bookings made until 1st September 2025. These fares are applicable for travel till 31st March 2026. The airline offers Zero Convenience Fees on Xpress Lite bookings on the airline’s mobile app. Xpress Lite fares also offer discounted check-in baggage rates – Rs.1,000 for 15 kg on domestic flights and Rs. 1,300 for 20 kg on international flights. The airline’s website offers fab deals for loyalty members, including 25% off Xpress Biz fares and 20% off Biz Upgrades on domestic bookings. Xpress Biz is the airline’s business class equivalent with best-in-class legroom with complimentary Gourmair Hot Meals, Xcess Check-in Baggage (25 Kg for DOM, 40 Kg for INT) and Xpress Ahead Priority Services. Biz seats are available on over 40 brand new Boeing 737-8 aircraft that Air India Express has recently inducted as part of its rapid expansion. Logged-in members also enjoy 20% off ‘Gourmair’ hot meals, standard and prime seat selection, Xpress Ahead priority services, 10 kg Xcess Check-In Baggage, 3 kg Xtra Carry-On Baggage, and earn upto 8% NeuCoins on every purchase. Additionally, the airline extends special offer like discounted fares and benefits on its website for students, senior citizens, members of the armed forces, and their dependents, ensuring a wide range of benefits for flyers. For added convenience, the website also offers flexible payment options, including EMI and Buy Now, Pay Later plans.

Gurugram, 22nd August 2025: Air India and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the supply of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), marking a major step towards a greener future for Indian aviation. Under the MoU, Air India, a Tata Group company, and IOCL have outlined their shared commitment to promote the adoption of low-carbon fuels in aviation, support global decarbonization goals, and contribute to the transition towards more sustainable air transport operations. As part of its broader strategy to achieve the IATA Net Zero by 2050 target and comply with CORSIA obligations, Air India is actively pursuing initiatives in operational efficiency, low-carbon emissions, and now, SAF. This MoU marks a significant step in expanding its green aviation portfolio. The MoU was signed by Shailesh Dhar, Executive Director (Aviation), IndianOil and P Balaji, Group Head – GRC and Corporate Affairs, Air India, in the presence of AS Sahney, Chairman, IndianOil and Campbell Wilson, CEO & Managing Director, Air India, and other officials. AS Sahney, Chairman, Indian Oil said,“The signing of this MoU with Air India represents a strategic step in India’s transition to sustainable aviation. With our ISCC-CORSIA-certified SAF from Panipat, IndianOil is ready to provide a sustainable fuel solution that will help decarbonize air travel. Partnering with India’s flagship carrier, we are aligning national growth with global climate goals and setting a benchmark for the industry.” Campbell Wilson, CEO & Managing Director, Air India said: “Through this MoU with IndianOil, Air India is committed to support the Government of India’s initiatives to promote sustainable development in the aviation sector and to further its own sustainability goals to achieve the IATA Net Zero by 2050 target.” Air India’s fleet renewal plan, with 570 new aircraft on order, will enable the airline to operate one of the lowest carbon emitting fleets in the world and its plans to establish more non-stop city-pairs will result in less emissive flights and itineraries. Air India has also adopted market-leading flight planning and optimisation systems, including upgrading its route planning software and coordination with air traffic management, and has entered into an MOU with India’s Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and the Indian Institute of Petroleum to collaborate on the research, development and deployment of SAF. These efforts align with India’s broader push for green aviation, which includes India’s target of 5% SAF blending by 2030 and the development of SAF supply chains across the country. T