Image source: ATR’s Website
Kerala: The arrival of two new carriers, Air Kerala and Alhind Air, in 2025 is expected to significantly expand Kerala’s aviation industry. These initiatives seek to improve regional connections and offer both domestic and foreign travelers—particularly the considerable foreign population—affordable travel options.
Air Kerala
Background: A long-awaited project by the Kerala government under Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), designed to serve the state’s diaspora, particularly in the Gulf region.
Key Updates: Operated by Zettfly Aviation, Air Kerala recently secured the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC) and plans to commence operations by mid-2025.
Fleet & Plans: The airline will start with three ATR 72-600 aircraft, focusing on regional routes, with plans to expand to 20 aircraft for international services. Initial routes could include connecting major cities within Kerala (like Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Kannur) and potentially expanding to other South Indian cities.
For international routes, destinations in the UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi), Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah), and other Gulf countries
Objective: To offer cost-effective flights, filling a critical gap for travelers in Kerala and abroad.
Alhind Air
Background: Promoted by the Alhind Group, a leading travel and tourism provider, Alhind Air aims to provide seamless regional and domestic connectivity.
Launch Details: Set to operate from Kochi, the airline will also launch in mid-2025, beginning with three ATR 72-600 aircraft and scaling up to seven by 2026.
Focus: Alhind Air will cater to passengers within Kerala, South India, and eventually expand its network internationally, initial routes could include connecting Kochi (their hub) with cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, and other major cities in South India.
ATRs are twin-engine turboprop, short-haul regional airliners famous for their low emission as they tend to burn 30 percent less fuel. ATR 72-600 planes can accommodate up to 100 passengers.
Both airlines are expected to:
Boost regional connectivity with affordable and frequent flights.
Create jobs and support Kerala’s growing aviation infrastructure.
Offer foreigners more affordable and direct travel choices, particularly to Gulf nations.
Stay tuned to Aviation Today for more such updates.
![Washington, United States: A United Airlines flight bound for Guatemala City made an emergency diversion to Washington Dulles International Airport after a passenger allegedly attempted to open a cabin door at cruising altitude and assaulted another traveler, according to air traffic control communications and federal authorities. The incident involved United Airlines Flight 1551, operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 8, which departed from Newark Liberty International Airport on Thursday evening carrying 145 passengers and six crew members. The aircraft had been en route to Guatemala City when the crew declared an emergency and diverted to Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia. According to audio between the flight crew and air traffic controllers, the pilot informed controllers that the disruptive passenger attempted to open Door 2L while the aircraft was cruising at approximately 36,000 feet. The pilot also reported that the passenger later assaulted another individual onboard. During the exchange, the tower asked the crew which door the passenger had attempted to access. The pilot responded: “Door 2L at 36,000 feet and then [the passenger] assaulted a fellow passenger.” When controllers asked whether there were any injuries onboard, the pilot replied: “Not to our knowledge.” The aircraft landed safely at Washington Dulles at approximately 8:38 p.m. local time. Law enforcement and emergency personnel met the aircraft upon arrival. The FBI later confirmed that agents responded to the incident at the airport, although the agency did not immediately release additional details regarding the passenger’s identity, possible charges, or whether the individual was taken into federal custody. Flight tracking data showed the aircraft remained airborne for a period before diverting toward the Washington region instead of continuing south toward Guatemala. The diversion temporarily disrupted the scheduled international service but no injuries among passengers or crew were officially reported. United Airlines had not issued a detailed public statement at the time of publication regarding the circumstances surrounding the diversion or the status of the passenger involved. Federal authorities are expected to review crew reports, passenger statements, and onboard evidence as part of the investigation.](https://aviationtoday.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AVIATION-TODAY-UNITEDV-AIRLINES-RUDE-PASSENGER-768x432.jpg)
![Washington, United States: A United Airlines flight bound for Guatemala City made an emergency diversion to Washington Dulles International Airport after a passenger allegedly attempted to open a cabin door at cruising altitude and assaulted another traveler, according to air traffic control communications and federal authorities. The incident involved United Airlines Flight 1551, operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 8, which departed from Newark Liberty International Airport on Thursday evening carrying 145 passengers and six crew members. The aircraft had been en route to Guatemala City when the crew declared an emergency and diverted to Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia. According to audio between the flight crew and air traffic controllers, the pilot informed controllers that the disruptive passenger attempted to open Door 2L while the aircraft was cruising at approximately 36,000 feet. The pilot also reported that the passenger later assaulted another individual onboard. During the exchange, the tower asked the crew which door the passenger had attempted to access. The pilot responded: “Door 2L at 36,000 feet and then [the passenger] assaulted a fellow passenger.” When controllers asked whether there were any injuries onboard, the pilot replied: “Not to our knowledge.” The aircraft landed safely at Washington Dulles at approximately 8:38 p.m. local time. Law enforcement and emergency personnel met the aircraft upon arrival. The FBI later confirmed that agents responded to the incident at the airport, although the agency did not immediately release additional details regarding the passenger’s identity, possible charges, or whether the individual was taken into federal custody. Flight tracking data showed the aircraft remained airborne for a period before diverting toward the Washington region instead of continuing south toward Guatemala. The diversion temporarily disrupted the scheduled international service but no injuries among passengers or crew were officially reported. United Airlines had not issued a detailed public statement at the time of publication regarding the circumstances surrounding the diversion or the status of the passenger involved. Federal authorities are expected to review crew reports, passenger statements, and onboard evidence as part of the investigation.](https://aviationtoday.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AVIATION-TODAY-UNITEDV-AIRLINES-RUDE-PASSENGER-300x169.jpg)
