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New Delhi, India: India’s aviation watchdog has imposed a ₹20 lakh penalty on IndiGo for violating instrument flight procedure norms at Udaipur’s Maharana Pratap Airport, marking another compliance setback for the country’s largest airline. According to a regulatory filing by InterGlobe Aviation, the parent company of IndiGo, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) found the airline in breach of rules after it implemented a Standard Instrument Departure (SID) and Instrument Flight Procedure (IFP) that had been internally formulated by the company rather than issued by the Airport Authority of India (AAI), the only authorised body to publish such procedures. The DGCA stated that the airline’s actions violated Rule 133A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, along with provisions of Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) Section 9, Series C, Part I, specifically paragraphs 2.2 and 2.34, which mandate strict adherence to officially promulgated instrument procedures. InterGlobe confirmed that the communication from the DGCA was received on 17 November 2025. In its exchange filing, the company noted that the penalty would have “no material impact” on its operations or financial position. Industry observers say the latest order reflects DGCA’s tightening oversight on airlines’ compliance with flight procedures, especially at airports that require strict navigational conformity. Instrument departures and arrivals are critical for maintaining flight safety, particularly in regions with terrain challenges or high-density traffic. The penalty comes weeks after DGCA imposed a ₹40 lakh fine on IndiGo for using non-qualified full-flight simulators to train pilots operating to Category C airports, including Leh, Calicut, and Kathmandu. The investigation revealed that nearly 1,700 pilots underwent training on simulators that did not meet regulatory standards prescribed for operations into these high-difficulty airports. In that case, DGCA penalised IndiGo’s Director of Training and Director of Flight Operations with individual fines of ₹20 lakh each, citing oversight lapses and deviations from CAR guidelines.

DGCA Imposes Penalty On IndiGo For Instrument Flight Procedure Violation At Udaipur

Aviation Today News Desk / November 19, 2025

New Delhi, India: India’s aviation watchdog has imposed a ₹20 lakh penalty on IndiGo for violating instrument flight procedure norms […]

Mumbai, India: Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), the much-anticipated second airport for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, is set to commence commercial flight operations on 25 December 2025, with IndiGo and Akasa Air announcing inaugural services. IndiGo plans to connect NMIA to major domestic cities including Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, North Goa (Mopa), Jaipur, Nagpur, Kochi, and Mangalore. Ticket bookings for these routes are now open. Akasa Air will begin flights from NMIA on the same day, starting with Delhi, and will gradually introduce services to Ahmedabad, Goa (Mopa), and Kochi. The new airport, located near Ulwe in Panvel, is designed to complement the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and alleviate congestion in India’s busiest aviation hub. Phase 1 of NMIA features a single terminal and one runway, capable of handling approximately 20 million passengers annually, with expansion plans to increase capacity in subsequent phases. Early fare comparisons indicate a divergence between airlines. For instance, IndiGo’s one-way ticket from NMIA to Delhi is priced around ₹7,350, whereas Akasa Air offers the same route at ₹5,558, reflecting different pricing strategies and user-development fees at the new airport. Industry experts say NMIA’s opening is expected to create significant employment opportunities in aviation, including pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff, while providing passengers from Navi Mumbai and surrounding suburbs with more convenient access to air travel. While the 25 December launch date is confirmed, airlines are expected to release detailed schedules, aircraft types, and frequencies in the coming weeks. Full international operations will be phased in over time, with Phase 1 focused on domestic connectivity.

Airports

Navi Mumbai Airport Starts Operations Dec 25, IndiGo & Akasa Announce Inaugural Flights

Aviation Today News Desk / November 18, 2025

Mumbai, India: Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), the much-anticipated second airport for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, is set to commence

Bangalore, India: In a major milestone for India’s indigenous defence manufacturing, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) successfully carried out the maiden flight of the first series-production HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft (tail number TH-4001) from its Bengaluru facility on Friday. The aircraft, built under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, marks the transition of the HTT-40 programme from development to full-scale production. According to HAL, the flight lasted approximately 40 minutes and validated the aircraft’s performance parameters, flight controls, and avionics systems. “This achievement reflects our capability to design, develop, test, and now produce a world-class basic trainer entirely within India,” said HAL Chairman and Managing Director C.B. Ananthakrishnan. “The HTT-40 will soon play a key role in shaping the next generation of Indian Air Force pilots.” The HTT-40 (Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40) is a tandem-seat, fully aerobatic turboprop aircraft designed for ab-initio pilot training. The trainer can perform a range of operations including basic flying, aerobatics, instrument training, and night sorties. Unlike earlier prototypes, the newly flown TH-4001 represents a production-standard version that will lead HAL’s delivery commitments to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The aircraft is powered by a Honeywell TPE331-12B turboprop engine and features a modern glass cockpit, zero-zero ejection seats, hot refuelling capability, and advanced avionics such as VOR/ILS, TACAN, and IFF. HAL officials confirmed that the indigenous content of the HTT-40 currently stands at around 56%, with plans to push it beyond 60% as local suppliers scale up production. The Indian Air Force has placed an order for 70 HTT-40 aircraft, valued at approximately ₹6,800 crore. Deliveries were initially targeted for late 2025 but were delayed due to supply chain constraints, particularly the delayed shipment of Honeywell engines. HAL now expects the first batch of production aircraft to be delivered to the IAF by February 2026, after completion of flight certification and quality assurance trials. A second production line at HAL’s Nashik division has also been inaugurated to accelerate output and meet the IAF’s requirements. The HTT-40 will replace the ageing HPT-32 Deepak trainers that were grounded in 2009 following safety issues. With its modern systems and improved safety standards, the aircraft will serve as the backbone of the IAF’s basic flight training programme, bridging a crucial capability gap in pilot induction.

Military Aviation

HAL’s HTT-40 Enters Production To Boost Indian Air Force Pilot Training Capability

Aviation Today News Desk / October 25, 2025

Bangalore, India: In a major milestone for India’s indigenous defence manufacturing, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) successfully carried out the maiden

Mumbai, India: On October 8, 2025, the first phase of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) was inaugurated, marking a significant milestone in India’s aviation sector. Built at a cost of around Rs 19,650 crore under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model by the Adani Group, the airport is expected to ease congestion at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and enhance the city’s position as a global aviation hub. Phase 1 of NMIA features Terminal 1 and Runway 1, equipped with 10 bus gates and 29 aero bridges. The facility is designed to handle 20 million passengers annually, with plans to expand capacity to 90 million in future phases. Its lotus-inspired architecture includes 12 sculptural columns resembling petals and 17 mega columns supporting the roof, reflecting India’s cultural heritage. Situated in Ulwe, Navi Mumbai, about 37 kilometers from South Mumbai, NMIA is integrated with multimodal transport options, including metro, roadways, and public transport systems, ensuring seamless connectivity. The airport also hosts India’s largest aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities, positioning it as a major cargo and logistics hub. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the inauguration ceremony, alongside Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, highlighting the national importance of the project. Chief Minister Fadnavis announced that the first ticket issued from the airport would bear the name of the late D.B. Patil, a prominent farmer leader and legislator. Commercial operations are scheduled to begin in December 2025. NMIA’s advanced facilities, strategic location, and integration with multimodal transport networks are set to transform Mumbai’s aviation landscape. In addition, the 'Mumbai One' app was launched to enhance urban mobility. The platform integrates services from 11 public transport operators across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, allowing seamless travel on trains, metros, buses, monorails, and Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT), which serves around 200,000 passengers daily.

Airports

New Navi Mumbai Airport Inaugurated, Set to Handle 20 Million Passengers Annually

Aviation Today News Desk / October 13, 2025

Mumbai, India: On October 8, 2025, the first phase of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) was inaugurated, marking a

New Delhi, India: Air India Express has officially joined the International Air Transport Association (IATA), marking a major milestone in its growth and global expansion strategy. IATA represents over 350 airlines across more than 120 countries, accounting for more than 80% of global air traffic. Membership requires airlines to complete the rigorous IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), ensuring compliance with over 900 safety and operational standards. Air India Express has maintained its IOSA registration since 2017, highlighting its commitment to operational excellence. Sheldon Hee, Regional Vice President for Asia Pacific, IATA, welcomed the airline, stating, “Air India Express has been on the IOSA registry since 2017, and we are glad that they have taken the next step to become an IATA member. Having Air India Express as a member broadens the perspectives we bring to global issues affecting our industry.” Aloke Singh, Managing Director of Air India Express, said, “Becoming a part of the IATA family is a proud moment. It highlights our commitment to enhance our global standing, assures our guests of world-class standards, and facilitates access to global partnerships. This membership ensures that every journey meets the highest standards of reliability, safety, and convenience.” The IATA membership allows Air India Express to participate in global financial settlement systems, including the Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP), streamlining payments and enabling wider distribution through accredited travel agents. This step also empowers the airline to contribute actively to shaping global aviation policies and standards. Currently, Air India Express operates a fleet of 115 aircraft, offering over 500 daily flights to 41 domestic and 17 international destinations, including key markets in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. The airline has recently launched daily direct flights between Bengaluru and Bangkok starting October 18, 2025, enhancing connectivity during the festive season. This strategic development positions Air India Express as one of India’s fastest-growing carriers, combining international operational standards with expanding global reach to provide passengers with safer, more reliable, and globally connected travel experiences.

Airlines

Air India Express Joins IATA, Connecting 41 Domestic & 17 Global Destinations

Aviation Today News Desk / September 22, 2025

New Delhi, India: Air India Express has officially joined the International Air Transport Association (IATA), marking a major milestone in

Mumbai, India: A major aviation scare unfolded on Friday afternoon when a SpiceJet Bombardier Q400 aircraft operating flight SG 2906 from Kandla to Mumbai lost one of its main landing gear wheels shortly after take-off. The aircraft, carrying 75 passengers and crew, landed safely at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) under full emergency protocol, averting a potential disaster. According to airport authorities at Kandla, air traffic controllers spotted an object falling off the aircraft during take-off around 2:38 pm. Upon closer inspection, officials confirmed that it was the outer wheel of the right rear landing gear, along with metal rings that rolled off the runway. The parts were later recovered for investigation. Despite the wheel loss, the pilots continued to Mumbai after coordinating with air traffic control. A full emergency was declared at Mumbai airport, where firefighting and rescue teams were positioned near the runway. The aircraft landed at 3:51 pm on Runway 27, taxied under its own power, and parked safely. All passengers disembarked without incident. A SpiceJet spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating that the airline is cooperating with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for a detailed probe. “The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority. The affected aircraft has been grounded pending thorough inspection,” the airline said in a statement. Aviation experts suggest several possible causes for such a wheel detachment, including failure of the locking mechanism, loose axle nuts, bearing issues, or material fatigue. The Q400’s landing gear has dual wheels on each side, which allowed the pilots to land with reduced but adequate braking capability. Operations at Mumbai airport resumed shortly after the aircraft was cleared from the runway. No further delays were reported. The DGCA has initiated an inquiry to determine whether the incident was due to a maintenance lapse, manufacturing defect, or operational issue. Preliminary findings are expected in the coming days.

Incidents

SpiceJet Flight Lands Safely in Mumbai After Wheel Loss Mid-Flight, DGCA Investigates

Aviation Today News Desk / September 13, 2025

Mumbai, India: A major aviation scare unfolded on Friday afternoon when a SpiceJet Bombardier Q400 aircraft operating flight SG 2906

aviation industry India

DGCA Imposes Penalty On IndiGo For Instrument Flight Procedure Violation At Udaipur

Navi Mumbai Airport Starts Operations Dec 25, IndiGo & Akasa Announce Inaugural Flights

HAL’s HTT-40 Enters Production To Boost Indian Air Force Pilot Training Capability

New Navi Mumbai Airport Inaugurated, Set to Handle 20 Million Passengers Annually

Air India Express Joins IATA, Connecting 41 Domestic & 17 Global Destinations

SpiceJet Flight Lands Safely in Mumbai After Wheel Loss Mid-Flight, DGCA Investigates

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