Category Archives: Aviation

Maldivian announced the launch of direct flights from Bangalore to Hanimaadhoo, commencing 15th May 2025. This new connection offers Indian travellers’ direct access to the pristine islands of the northern Maldives—an untouched paradise waiting to be explored. With return fares starting from just USD 337, this direct route makes it easier and more affordable than ever for Indian tourists, honeymooners, and adventure seekers to discover the Maldives beyond the traditional resorts. The northern atolls, known for their serene lagoons, local island charm, and diving hotspots, offer a more authentic and peaceful Maldivian experience. Hanimaadhoo, located in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, is home to some of the most beautiful and unspoiled islands in the country. The region is perfect for those seeking a quiet island escape, community-based tourism, and sustainable travel experiences. This direct service eliminates the need for a domestic transfer from Malé, allowing travellers to reach their destination faster and more conveniently. Whether it is a weekend getaway or a longer tropical retreat, the new route offers a convenient connection from the heart of South India to one of the Maldives’ best-kept secrets. Bookings are now open and available via Maldivian’s official website, mobile app, and travel partners across India.

Due to government notification on airspace restrictions, IndiGo in a press statement said, “Over 165 IndiGo flights from multiple airports (Amritsar, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Gwalior, Jammu, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, Leh, Rajkot, and Srinagar) are cancelled until 0529 hrs. IST of 10 May, 2025. The airline advised its customers to check their flight status on the airline’s website or mobile app before heading to the airport. Customers whose flights are affected can reschedule the booking on the next available flight or opt to cancel their bookings at no additional cost, and a full refund will be processed, it added.

Amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan following the Indian Army’s precision strikes on Pakistani terror camps, Spicejet Airlines issued a flight advisory for airports in the northern parts of the country. “Airports including Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar and Amritsar would be closed until further notice. Departures, arrivals and consequential flights would also be impacted. Passengers are advised to plan their journey accordingly and check their flight status before flying,” the advisory stated.

Amid ongoing airspace restrictions triggered by escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, many flights to and from Pakistan and northern India have been cancelled or delayed at Dubai International Airport. Dubai-based carriers Emirates and flydubai have reported delays and cancellations. According to the airport’s latest flight status, the following flights have been cancelled: Multan (MUX): FZ 340 Lahore (LHE): EK 623, AC 7617, FZ 360 Sialkot (SKT): EK 619, FZ 338 Karachi (KHI): FZ 332 Faisalabad (LYP): FZ 356 Islamabad (ISB): FZ 354 The following flights have been delayed: Lahore (LHE): PA 416, EK 625, AC 7579 Sialkot (SKT): PK 179 Islamabad (ISB): PA 210, EK 613, AC 7571 Multan (MUX): FZ 326 New Delhi (DEL): EK 513 Peshawar (PEW): EK 637 Abu Dhabi cancels flights Several flights from Zayed International Airport have been cancelled as airspace restrictions continue to disrupt operations in the region. According to the airport’s latest flight status, the following flights have been cancelled: Etihad Airways (EY297) – Karachi Pakistan International Airlines (PK264) – Lahore Air Arabia Abu Dhabi (3L335) – Multan Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates and reschedule if necessary. Qatar Airways suspends flights to Pakistan Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended all flights to Pakistan following the closure of Pakistani airspace. The airline said it is closely monitoring the situation and reaffirmed that the safety of passengers and crew remains its top priority. Passengers have been advised to check the latest updates on affected flights by visiting qatarairways.com or by contacting the airline’s customer service centre at +974 4144 5555.

Several Northern India Airports are closed for civil flight operations with immediate effect, hours after India struck terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) under ‘Operation Sindoor’. NOTAM action is underway. On 30 April, India issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), prohibiting all Pakistan-registered and military planes from flying into Indian airspace. The ban, from 30 April to 23 May, 2025, came on the heels of increased border tensions and ceasefire breaches following the recent terror attack at Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. List of airports to remain closed: 1. Leh (IXL) 2. Thois (THW) 3. Srinagar (SXR) 4. Jammu (IXJ) 5. Amritsar (ATQ) 6. Pathankot (IXP) 7. Chandigarh (IXC) 8. JodhPur (JDH) 9. Jaisalmer (JSA) 10. Jamnagar (JGA) 11. Bhatinda (BUP) 12. Bhuj (BHJ) 13. Dharamshala (DHM) 14. Shimla (SLV) 15. Rajkot (RAJ) 16. Porbandar (PBD)

Amid the spike in tension between India and Pakistan, several global carriers—including Air France and Lufthansa—have been rerouting flights to avoid Pakistani airspace, as air traffic between the two nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours becomes increasingly restricted. Thai Airways has also suspended use of the airstrip following Pakistan’s directive to close its airspace. Additionally, Korean Air has been avoiding Pakistani airspace for its flights operating between South Korea’s Incheon and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Meanwhile, Taiwan’s EVA Air announced it will adjust its flights to and from Europe to avoid airspace affected by the India-Pakistan tension for safety reasons. One flight from Vienna will be diverted back to that city, while a flight from Taipei to Milan will be diverted to Vienna for refuelling before continuing on its destination.  

In the wake of the prevailing situation between India and Pakistan, IndiGo issued a travel advisory stating that flights to/from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Bikaner, and Jodhpur are cancelled for the day. The airline is anticipating changes in flight schedules across its network and advises all its customers to stay updated on their flight status before heading to the airport.

Posting a latest update on X, Air India Express said that due to notification from the airport authorities, flights to and from Amritsar, Gwalior, Jammu, Srinagar and Hindon are cancelled till 05:30 hrs on 10 May. Thus, the airline is offering a full refund or free rescheduling for its customers of these flights.

Air New Zealand marked a momentous new chapter in its 85-year journey, unveiling both a striking new uniform collection and the first of its fully redesigned 787-9 Dreamliners. These two milestones signal the airline’s continued commitment to celebrating Aotearoa while delivering world-class innovation to customers around the globe. Uniform Like No Other: A Celebration of Aotearoa Air New Zealand reveals its brand-new uniform – a bold and meaningful expression of the airline’s pride in Aotearoa and its unique cultural heritage. Designed by acclaimed New Zealand-born fashion designer Emilia Wickstead, with bespoke hand-painted prints from tā moko artist Te Rangitu Netana, the uniform marks a powerful new era of identity for Air New Zealand. “For us, this is more than just a uniform; it is a celebration of our people, our culture, and our values. Air New Zealand has never been about standing still or blending in. As an airline, we are all about being bold, celebrating what makes us unique, and celebrating our team members. This new uniform encapsulates everything we stand for – a combination of innovation, rich cultural heritage, and a sense of pride and belonging.” Worn by 6,000 Air New Zealanders globally, the new uniform will undergo in-flight and ground trials beginning May 2025, with full rollout across the airline in 2026. Introducing the Future of Flying: The All-New 787-9 Dreamliner Air New Zealand also revealed its first retrofitted 787-9 Dreamliner – ZK-NZH – setting a new benchmark in onboard experience and aircraft design. Customers can book seats starting Wednesday, 7 May, ahead of the aircraft’s debut flights from Auckland to Brisbane on Monday, 19 May, followed by its first long-haul to San Francisco. This retrofit is …

As per IATA’s global passenger demand report of March 2025, international demand rose to 4.9 per cent compared to March 2024. Additionally, capacity was up by 7 per cent year-on-year, and the load factor was recorded 79.9 per cent. Domestic passenger demand rose 0.9 per cent compared to March 2024.