Category Archives: Aviation

After TAAI’s intervention, IndiGo will reinstate SME fares for retail agents withdrawn earlier due to misuse. Agents must sign an indemnity and upload GST details for every booking. TAAI also ensured OTAs will soon be restricted, creating a fair marketplace. Agents are advised to contact the respective IndiGo sales representatives.

SriLankan Airlines concluded a humanitarian relief mission to Myanmar on 5 April 2025, undertaken at the request of the Government of Sri Lanka. The operation involved the transportation of 26 relief personnel and a consignment of essential relief equipment, including urgently needed medical supplies. Despite significant logistical challenges and time constraints, the SriLankan Airlines team responded with exceptional professionalism and commitment. The mission was planned and executed at short notice following the formal request from the Ministry of Defense. Coordinating with multiple stakeholders under considerable constraints was no easy feat, but the seamless collaboration of all parties involved ensured a safe and timely operation. SriLankan Airlines extends its sincere appreciation to the Secretary of Defense and his team for their unwavering support and cooperation, which was instrumental in the success of this effort. This mission stands as yet another testament to SriLankan Airlines’ continued commitment to humanitarian causes, both at home and abroad, reaffirming its role not only as Sri Lanka’s National Carrier, but also as a proud partner in serving humanity worldwide in times of need.  

Aloke Singh, MD, Air India Express, said Indian carriers’ capасity is set to outpace demand, potentially leading to lower fares. The airline will add about 15 aircraft in the 2025-26 fiscal year. This 45% capacity increase is expected to raise monthly passenger numbers to 2.5 million from 2 million next year.

Sharing his vision for Digi Yatra to be known as the ‘Travel stack of India’, Suresh Khadakbhavi, CEO, Digi Yatra, said, “We would like to enable the next phase of our journey, enabling international end to end seamless travel and to make the app available for Indian and global citizens. We are working with IATA, ICAO and other ministries to make this dream come true.”

ITA Airways has officially received approval to start the integration process into Star Alliance following a verdict by the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board (CEB). Building on its induction into the Lufthansa Group earlier this year, this decision paves the way for its much anticipated entry into the world’s largest airline alliance. The onboarding process will now move at full throttle. Celebrating the milestone, Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer Theo Panagiotoulias stated: “In early 2026, ITA Airways is expected to officially join the Star Alliance network as a full member. The decision by our Chief Executive Board underscores the strong confidence our members have in ITA Airways. As a gateway for Italy, its addition strengthens our global network, offering seamless and connected journeys to more travellers worldwide.” Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways, said: “We are excited to join the Star Alliance network and to bring the excellence of Made in Italy into the alliance, further enhancing its global reach. This is a significant milestone in ITA Airways’ growth, and we look forward to offering our customers the future privileges of the world’s largest airline network.” ITA Airways will add 360 daily flights to the Alliance network, further strengthening the Alliance’s footprint in the European region. The biggest growth will come from its home cities, especially Rome and Milan, which are currently served by 16 Star Alliance members collectively. Leveraging their legacy within the Alliance, Lufthansa Group is mentoring ITA Airways through its integration journey into Star Alliance. “I am proud that ITA Airways will become the fifth hub airline of the Lufthansa Group to join Star Alliance. As the mentor of the membership process, we will …

Vietjet operated two special relief flights, VJ2875 and VJ2877, using an Airbus A330 and an A321 to transport Vietnamese rescue teams to Myanmar following the devastating earthquake. In support of the emergency response, the airline facilitated the swift deployment of relief personnel from the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and Ministry of National Defense. The two flights departed from Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport to Yangon on March 30. Vietjet ensured the rapid deployment of these flights by expediting flight permits and technical preparations. Its experienced crew and staff have been assigned to assist the relief mission, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to humanitarian aid. The flights transported 106 rescue and relief personnel from the Vietnamese armed forces, along with trained search-and-rescue dogs and over 60 tons of essential aid supplies, including medical equipment and food, to support earthquake relief efforts in Myanmar. Vietjet CEO Dinh Viet Phuong said: “Vietjet is always ready for special missions. We swiftly completed all necessary preparations and successfully operated two flights to transport emergency rescue teams from the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of National Defense to Myanmar, providing timely support for earthquake relief efforts.” Upon landing at Yangon Airport, Myanmar, rescue personnel from the Vietnamese armed forces, alongside Vietjet staff, immediately begin unloading and transporting essential supplies to designated relief sites. Police and military officers also take part in search-and-rescue operations, provide medical assistance, and support recovery efforts in the aftermath of the earthquake. A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, causing widespread devastation. The disaster has claimed over 1,600 lives, injured nearly 3,500 people, and left hundreds missing. Strong tremors damaged homes, collapsed bridges, and disrupted roads across the …

From May, SkyTeam member Vietnam Airlines will introduce two new nonstop routes from Hanoi to Bengaluru and Hyderabad, operated by its two-class Airbus A321 aircraft with recliner seats in business class. Hanoi – Bengaluru is launching on 1 May with four weekly flights – each Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Hanoi – Hyderabad is launching 8 May with three weekly flights operating every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Vietnam Airlines says these new routes reflect its ongoing commitment to offering convenient travel options and strengthening cultural and economic ties between Vietnam and India.

Akasa Air plans to be among the world’s 30 largest airlines by fleet size by 2030, said Vinay Dube, CEO, Akasa Air. The airline also aims to capture 15% of India’s domestic market share within the next 5 to 7 years. With an aggressive expansion strategy, Akasa is set to increase aircraft orders and enhance its network to compete with established Indian carriers.

Campbell Wilson, CEO, Air India, has indicated that the global aircraft shortage, caused by supply chain issues affecting manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus, is expected to persist for another four to five years. This situation has impacted Air India’s expansion plans, leading to the operation of older aircraft and increased maintenance costs.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has assured that while technology-driven solutions like DigiYatra and web check-in enhance efficiency, the manual check-in system remains fully operational, ensuring a seamless experience for all passengers, including those without smartphones or those who prefer manual processes.