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New Delhi, 16th April, 2026: At the closing ceremony of Routes Asia 2026 in Xi’an, China, the hosting rights for the 23rd edition of Routes Asia is formally handed over to India, marking a significant milestone for the country’s rapidly expanding aviation sector. Routes Asia is the only route development event dedicated to Asia Pacific, which provides platform for the region’s airlines, airports, tourism authorities and aviation stakeholders to meet, share best practice and come together to develop network strategies and ensure future route development across Asia Pacific. Reflecting this strong growth trajectory and rising global prominence of the Indian aviation sector,China West Airport Group have officially handed over the hosting responsibilities of the Routes Asia 2027 to India by entrusting the hosting baton to Vipin Kumar, Chairman, Airports Authority of India in a dedicated networking session hosted by India on the sidelines of Routes Asia 2026, being held from 12th–16th April.Routes Asia 2026 has brought together over 1,500 delegates, including representatives from 165 airports, 125 airlines, and 35 tourism and government bodies from across the Asia-Pacific region, facilitating strategic airport-to-airline meetings to strengthen regional and international air connectivity. On the occasion, Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation in video message welcomed global airline leaders, airport authorities, and tourism professionals to participate in Routes Asia 2027 and establish new travel corridors. The highlight of the event was that India is preparing to host 24th edition of Routes Asia 2027. The country is embarking on a transformative journey to unlock the full potential of its skies. It was also noted that the platform will foster new partnerships, strengthen air connectivity, and inspire the next generation of aviation professionals, while driving economic growth and showcasing the diversity of Incredible India. Emphasizing the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat,’ it reaffirmed India’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, building a future where innovation, connectivity, and opportunity define every flight and reflect the nation’s global aspirations. India will be hosting Routes Asia 2027 in New Delhi from 16th–18th March, 2027, at Bharat Mandapam. The event is expected to attract over 2,000 delegates, including decision-makers from leading airlines, airports, and tourism authorities across Asia and beyond. The announcement builds on the official declaration made on 2nd September, 2025, in New Delhi, confirming that on behalf of the country, the Airports Authority of India will host the prestigious aviation forum for the first time in the country’s history. India’s aviation sector is witnessing significant expansion across both domestic and international travel segments, strengthening its position as an important aviation hub in the Asia-Pacific region. Currently served by more than 80 domestic and international carriers, the country continues to strengthen its global connectivity. Hosting Routes Asia 2027 marks a historic first for India and reflects the country’s emergence as a global aviation leader. With 165 operational airports and continued expansion into tier II and tier III cities, India is creating a robust ecosystem for airlines and stakeholders to explore new markets and enhance connectivity to emerging destinations. The event is expected to play a pivotal role in revitalizing air route networks across the Asia-Pacific region, while enabling the development of new travel corridors linking Asia with Europe, North America, and beyond. India’s assumption of the Routes Asia hosting baton from China marks a defining moment in its aviation journey and sets the stage for a landmark edition of Routes Asia in 2027 carrying its inimitable legacy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – which means ‘the world is one family’.

Astana, 9th April 2026: Air Astana, the flag carrier of Kazakhstan, has launched a new direct service from Almaty to Shanghai from 9th April 2026 onwards. The opening of this new service to the Shanghai is a major step forward in the ongoing expansion of Air Astana’s network across the country. The new Almaty to Shanghai route, launched in end of March, operates three times per week and compliments Air Astana’s existing network of services to Beijing, Guangzhou, Sanya and Urumqui and Yining. The addition of Shanghai strengthens the airline’s long-term commitment to developing connectivity between Kazakhstan and China, which began with its first flight between Almaty and Beijing in December 2002. With Shanghai now part of the network, the Air Astana Group offers up to 32 weekly services between Kazakhstan and six Chinese cities, providing passengers with increased travel options and supporting both point-to-point and transit flows across Central Asia, the Caucasus, Europe and Asia. In 2025, the Group carried more than 250,000 passengers between Kazakhstan and China, representing a 96% increase compared to 2024. Commenting at the event, Ibrahim Canliel, Chief Executive Officer of Air Astana Group, said: “The launch of our Shanghai service is an important milestone in the development of our network and reflects the growing strength of ties between Kazakhstan and China. We see strong and accelerating demand across both business and leisure segments, supported by visa-free travel. Shanghai is a key global city, and this route, our sixth destination in China, will further enhance connectivity not only between our two countries, but also for passengers travelling onwards across our network.”

GURUGRAM, 07 April 2026: Air India group today announced further revisions to its fuel surcharge structure across domestic and international routes. A. Fuel Surcharge on Domestic India Routes Following the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas’ and Ministry of Civil Aviation’s decision to cap domestic Aviation Turbine Fuel(ATF) price hike at 25%, Air India group is reflecting this calibrated approach, transitioning from a flat domestic surcharge to a distance‑based grid as follows, effective 08 April 2026 (including on Air India Express flights): A: FUEL SURCHARGE PER PASSENGER, PER SECTOR Distance Band (km)             Revised Fuel Surcharge                       Effective From 0–500                                         INR 299                                         0901 Hrs IST of 08 April 2026 501–1000                                   INR 399 1001–1500                                 INR 549 1501–2000                                INR 749 2000+                                         INR 899 B. Fuel Surcharge on International Routes At the same time, in the absence of any such mitigations on international ATF prices, the Air India group will be implementing more significant changes to fuel surcharges as below. According to the latest data published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global average jet fuel price rose to USD 195.19 per barrel for the week ending 27 March 2026, up from USD 99.40 at the end of February, recording a surge of close to 100%. ATF, produced by refining crude oil, has seen simultaneous increases in both its crude oil component as well as the refinery margin, known as ‘crack spread’, with the latter having nearly tripled within three weeks. It increased from USD 27.83 per barrel for the week ending 27 February to USD 81.44 for the week ending 27 March. This steep rise compounds the impact of rising crude oil prices, creating one of the most challenging fuel cost environments that airlines globally have faced in recent years. The fuel surcharges on international routes do not compensate for the exponential increase in jet fuel prices for international flights. Air India continues to absorb a significant portion of this increased cost. FUEL SURCHARGE PER PASSENGER,PER SECTOR – BY REGION Region                                Revised Fuel Surcharge                      Effective From SAARC (excluding Bangladesh)             USD 24                                  0901 Hrs IST of 08 April 2026 West Asia/Middle East              USD 50 China and Southeast Asia (excluding Singapore)                 USD 100 Singapore                                      USD 60 Africa                                             USD 130 Europe (including the United Kingdom) USD 205                             0001 Hrs IST of 10 April 2026 North America                             USD 280 Australia                                        USD 280 Revisions to fuel surcharge on flights to and from Bangladesh and Far East destinations, namely Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea, will be advised in due course subject to the requisite regulatory approvals. For the avoidance of doubt, tickets that have already been issued prior to the above times will not attract the new surcharge unless customers seek date or itinerary changes that require a recalculation of the fare. Air India will review its surcharges periodically and make appropriate adjustments as the situation requires.

Astana, 6th April 2026: As part of its fleet expansion plan, Air Astana has received a new Airbus A321neo aircraft on 3rd April 2026, delivered directly from the manufacturer’s facility in Hamburg, Germany. The aircraft has become the 63rd in Air Astana Group’s fleet and will support further capacity growth and the development of the airline’s route network. Air Astana’s fleet predominantly consists of Airbus aircraft, ensuring a high level of fleet commonality, operational efficiency and reliability. The Airbus A321neo belongs to the latest generation of Airbus aircraft, offering high fuel efficiency, enhanced passenger comfort and reduced environmental impact. The new aircraft will be deployed on both domestic and international routes.

Gurugram, 2nd April 2026: Star Alliance has officially inducted ITA Airways as its newest member, marking the completion of the Italian carrier’s integration into the world’s largest airline alliance. ITA Airways marked its entry into the Alliance during a ceremony held at the Piazza di Spagna Lounge, Rome Fiumicino Airport Terminal 3. The ceremony was presided over by ITA Airways Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Joerg Eberhart, Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer Theo Panagiotoulias, and Lufthansa Group Chief Commercial Officer Dieter Vranckx, in the presence of media and institutional guests. Starting April 1, ITA Airways will be fully connected into the Alliance’s global network, linking its Rome Fiumicino hub and Milan Linate airport, served by 17 Star Alliance members collectively, with more than 1,150 destinations worldwide. Customers travelling across the network can now benefit from through check-in, reciprocal frequent flyer recognition and access to Star Alliance lounges, creating a more seamless customer experience, in and out of Italy. Celebrating the milestone, Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer Theo Panagiotoulias said: “On behalf of our members, I am delighted to welcome ITA Airways as the 26th member of Star Alliance. This is the result of a focused and collaborative integration effort. With ITA Airways on board, we not only expand our network to and from Italy, but also elevate the connected experience of our customers when travelling across multiple airlines, through access to the world’s largest network of airport lounges, more comprehensive loyalty benefits, and other benefits like baggage tracking – all designed to enhance the journey at every step.” Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways, said: “Joining Star Alliance marks a historic milestone for ITA Airways and a defining step in our growth. By becoming part of the world’s largest and most established global airline network, we significantly expand our international reach while offering our passengers a more seamless, consistent and high quality travel experience, with access to over 1,150 destinations worldwide, smoother connections, integrated services and a stronger premium proposition. At the same time, we enter Star Alliance bringing with us our distinctive Italian identity, enriching the Alliance and reinforcing ITA Airways’ role in connecting Italy with the world, combining global standards of excellence with the warmth and elegance that define the Italian way of flying.” ITA Airways’ induction into the Alliance has been mentored by the Lufthansa Group, and expert teams across the group airlines have facilitated an intense integration programme over the last several months. Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of Lufthansa Group, said: “The Star Alliance membership is only possible thanks to the strong commitment and close collaboration of dedicated teams at ITA Airways, Lufthansa Group and Star Alliance. We are pleased to introduce ITA Airways as fully fledged hub airline into the Lufthansa Group and into the Alliance, expanding options for travellers across Europe and the world. Together, ITA Airways and the Lufthansa Group, are unlocking a joint value proposition that will benefit our customers, our partners, and the Star Alliance ecosystem.” ITA Airways, which flies over 16 million customers every year, adds more than 350 daily flights to the Alliance network, supported by a strong domestic and regional footprint. The addition expands travel options across Italy and Europe, while improving connectivity between Southern Europe and key international markets. As part of its membership, eligible customers can enjoy priority services, lounge access across the Alliance network, and reciprocal frequent flyer programme recognition, including earning and redeeming miles. Star Alliance Gold customers will also have access to ITA Airways lounges in Rome, Milan and Catania. With the addition of ITA Airways, Star Alliance now comprises 26 member airlines, offering more than 17,500 daily flights across a global network spanning over 190 countries.

Delhi, 31st March 2026: The biggest Indian carrier, IndiGo has announced the appointment of William Walsh as its new Chief Executive Officer. This follows after the former CEO Peter Elbers resigned from his post in early March, which was accepeted by the Inter Globe management after the December 2025 operational fiasco. This strategic decision comes at a time when IndiGo seeks to strenghten its leadership team and drive growth and enhance its presence in the global aviation market. William Walsh’s role as CEO will involve overseeing the airline’s management and strategic direction, focusing on enhancing operational performance and customer experience. He is currently the Director General ‌of the International Air Transport Association(IATA) and will join the Indian airline in early August. On March 31, 2026, IndiGo’s Board of Directors approved the appointment of William Walsh as CEO, subject to regulatory approvals. Walsh, who is currently the Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), will conclude his tenure there on July 31, 2026, and is expected to join IndiGo by August 3, 2026. Walsh is renowned for his extensive experience in the aviation industry, having previously served as CEO of British Airways and the International Airlines Group (IAG). His leadership is credited with effective restructuring and successful mergers and acquisitions. Walsh tenure at IATA is coming to end on July 31. He started as a commercial pilot, moving to different roles as the COO and then CEO of Aer Lingus (2000-2005) and later moved to British Airways as CEO (2005-2011), CEO of IAG (2011-2020) and to IATA. Walsh’s experience of “managing large-scale airline operations and navigating complex market dynamics make him ideally suited to strengthen and lead IndiGo for continued growth,” said Vikram Singh Mehta, IndiGo’s chairman, in an exchange filing on Tuesday.

Delhi, 31st March 2026: Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives recently completed its 18 years of operations in India. For nearly two decades, India operations have remained a key pillar of Maldivian’s regional connectivity and growth. Maldivian currently flies 5 times every week to both Thiruvananthapuram and Cochin. Over the past eighteen years, these routes have played an important role in strengthening access to essential markets and enhancing connectivity between the Maldives and major Indian cities. The network has also supported tourism, trade, education, and medical travel, further reinforcing the close ties between the two neighboring countries. The airlines in an special event brought together key stakeholders, partners, and team members to reflect on the airline’s journey in the Indian market and to recognise the contributions of those who have helped shape this success over the years. As part of the celebration, long-serving staff and valued partners were presented with commemorative awards in recognition of their dedication, loyalty, and longstanding support throughout Maldivian’s 18 years of operations to India. Maldivian’s continued service to India underscores the airline’s commitment to maintaining strong regional links and delivering greater convenience for travellers journeying between the Maldives and India. As one of the airline’s most important international markets, India continues to contribute significantly to Maldivian’s broader vision of connecting the Maldives to key destinations across the region. With the largest domestic network in the Maldives, Maldivian also provides seamless connections for travellers arriving from India to destinations across the country, linking them to resort islands, local communities, business hubs, and essential services. “India has been an integral part of Maldivian’s international journey for the past 18 years,” said Ibrahim Iyas, Managing Director of Maldivian. “This milestone is not only a celebration of our operations, but also a tribute to the dedicated staff, trusted partners, and loyal customers who have supported us throughout the years. We remain committed to strengthening this important market and further enhancing connectivity between the Maldives and India.”

Noida, 28th March 2026: The date 28th March 2026 will be remembered as an iconic day not only for the uttar Pradesh or Noida but also for the nation as the one of the much awaited airport at Jewer in Greater Noida finally got inaugurated by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. The PM said that this airport marks a new chapter in the Viksit UP, Viksit Bharat Abhiyan mission . With addition of Noida International Airport, Uttar Pradesh has now become one of the states with the highest number of international airports. There are total seventeen operational airports in Uttar Pradesh till now. Benefits of Noida International Airport The far-reaching impact of the new airport will benefit a vast region encompassing around Uttar Pradesh in the vicinity of 100-200 kilo meters range. The airport will bring numerous new opportunities for all the sections of the society. The PM said, “Aircraft will fly from here to the world, and this airport will also become a symbol of a developed Uttar Pradesh taking flight.” On the IDAN scheme the PM said,” Recently, the Central Government has further expanded the UDAN scheme with an approval of approximately Rs 29,000 crore, under which 100 new airports and 200 new helipads will be built in smaller cities in the coming years. UP will also benefit immensely from this.” Addressing a critical gap in India’s aviation ecosystem, the Prime Minister drew attention to the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector, noting that 85 per cent of Indian aircraft still have to go abroad for MRO services. PM Modi noted that the government has resolved to make India self-reliant in the MRO sector as well and highlighted that today, the foundation stone of an MRO facility has been laid here at Jewar. “When ready, it will serve aircraft from India and abroad , generating revenue for the country, keeping our money within India, and creating numerous jobs for the youth,” announced The PM. The first phase of the Noida International Airport is projected to become the largest in India once fully built, with the capacity to handle 225 million passengers each year. Airport Operations Timeline Early this month on March 6th, the DGCA issued the aerodrome license to the airport after multiple delays due to various factors. As per the official project plan, the domestic and cargo operations is expected to start within 45 days after issuance of the license. However, the exact date is not yet announced but as per the media sources the commercial flight services may begin between mid-April and May 2026.The international flight are likely to begin from September 2026.The official sources confirmed that initially the airport will start operations with limited domestic flights mostly during daytime hours, before gradually expanding to full-scale domestic and international services. The airport officials also mentioned that the airport is now physically ready, commercial services will commence only after final approvals, including tariff clearance and airline scheduling, are completed. The Noida International Airport, has been already assigned the IATA code DXN and now the process of complete coordination with airlines, ground handlers, and other stakeholders before launching passenger flights is under process. Airport Development Plans Noida International Airport is spread across over 1,300 hectares and is being developed into multiple phases. The first phase which was inaugurated includes one runway and a terminal capable of handling around 12 million passengers annually. In its final form, the airport is planned to have up to five runways and a capacity of 70 million passengers per year by 2040, positioning it among Asia’s largest aviation hubs. (Pix Courtesy: PIB)

Ahmedabad, 27th March 2026: Air India has announced that all its domestic flight operations at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport will shift from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2, effective 29 March 2026. The relocation covers Air India’s schedule of 210 weekly domestic flights operating to and from Ahmedabad, while the airline’s international flights departing and arriving in Ahmedabad already operate from Terminal 2. This transition is part of Air India’s ongoing efforts to enhance the airport experience for guests travelling to and from Ahmedabad. Spread across 49,000 sq. m built‑up area, Terminal 2 offers a significantly upgraded passenger experience and is equipped with 52 check‑in counters, self-baggage drop kiosks, DigiYatra kiosks, 17 departure immigration counters, 22 arrival immigration counters, 8 Fast Track Immigration e‑gates at departures and arrivals, and a wide range of retail and F&B options. Air India has begun proactively notifying all passengers booked to travel to or from Ahmedabad about the terminal change through SMS, email, and other direct communication channels. Travellers are also advised to double‑check their terminal information before heading to the airport to avoid any last‑minute inconvenience.

New Delhi, 23rd March, 2026: The Board of InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo) announced the appointment of Aloke Singh as Chief Strategy Officer.In this role, he will lead the Company’s long-term strategic planning function and drive enterprise-wide transformation initiatives focused on accelerating growth, enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening competitive positioning in a rapidly evolving global aviation landscape. He will partner closely with the leadership team on cross-functional priorities designed to improve agility, elevate customer experience and deliver sustainable shareholder value. Aloke Singh brings over three decades of aviation industry experience spanning Strategy, Planning, Operations and Commercial functions. He has a proven track record of leading complex operational and cultural transformation, driving rapid growth and managing large-scale expansion programmes. More recently, he served as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Air India Express, where he played a pivotal role in the airline’s transformation, delivering operational improvements and driving rapid growth. He has previously held senior leadership positions, including in the Strategy domain, at Air India and Oman Air. Welcoming Aloke Singh, IndiGo’s Managing Director Rahul Bhatia said, “Aloke brings an exceptional blend of strategic vision and operational depth. His comprehensive understanding of the aviation ecosystem will be invaluable as we build a more agile, resilient and future-ready organisation, and accelerate our next phase of growth. For now, Aloke will report to me. Once the next CEO assumes office, he will transition to reporting to the new Chief Executive.” Commenting on his appointment, Aloke Singh said “I am delighted to join IndiGo at such a pivotal moment for the airline and for Indian aviation broadly. Having redefined India’s domestic and shorthaul international aviation landscape, IndiGo is taking its ambitions global. I look forward to working with colleagues across the organisation to sharpen our strategic direction, double down on operational excellence and deepen and broaden our markets.”