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Rishikesh, India: India’s emerging seaplane operator SkyHop Aviation has successfully completed a key test flight at the Ganga Barrage in Rishikesh, marking a significant step toward launching the country’s first private commercial seaplane services. The trial, conducted earlier this week, involved a De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter fitted with amphibious floats, enabling it to take off from and land on water. The aircraft executed multiple water operations during the demonstration, validating its performance in riverine conditions and underscoring the feasibility of seaplane services in India’s inland waterways. The development comes as SkyHop moves closer to operational readiness, having already secured a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) and now progressing toward obtaining an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Regulatory clearance remains the final milestone before commercial deployment. According to company officials, the test is part of a broader plan to introduce scheduled and charter seaplane services connecting remote and underserved regions, particularly areas where conventional airport infrastructure is limited or unviable. The airline has identified island territories and coastal regions as priority markets, with initial operations expected to focus on routes linking the mainland with Lakshadweep. The Twin Otter platform, widely used in rugged and short-haul environments globally, offers seating for up to 19 passengers and is known for its short take-off and landing capabilities. Its amphibious configuration allows operations from both land runways and water bodies, making it suitable for India’s diverse geography, which includes extensive coastlines, rivers, and inland water systems. The test was a revival of India’s seaplane ambitions, which have seen limited progress despite earlier government-backed initiatives under the regional connectivity framework. If successfully scaled, seaplane operations could complement existing aviation networks by reducing travel time to remote destinations and opening new tourism corridors. However, challenges remain. Experts point to the need for clear regulatory frameworks for water aerodromes, coordination with local authorities, environmental clearances, and seasonal variability in water levels, particularly in river-based operations. Commercial viability will also depend on pricing, demand generation, and infrastructure readiness at potential destinations. Despite these hurdles, SkyHop’s successful demonstration at Rishikesh signals renewed momentum in India’s niche aviation segment. With certification processes underway, the coming months will be critical in determining whether seaplane services can transition from experimental trials to a sustainable commercial model in the country.

SkyHop Conducts Successful Seaplane Test, Advances India’s Commercial Launch Plan

Aviation Today News Desk / April 8, 2026

Rishikesh, India: India’s emerging seaplane operator SkyHop Aviation has successfully completed a key test flight at the Ganga Barrage in […]

Pieter Elbers Resigns As CEO Of IndiGo; Co-Founder Rahul Bhatia Takes Interim Charge SEO DES: During Elbers’ tenure IndiGo crossed $10 billion revenue grew its fleet to 440+ aircraft, placed a 500‑plane Airbus order boosting market lead SOCIAL: IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers resigned effective March 10, 2026, citing personal reasons and requesting his notice period be waived. His resignation follows the airline’s worst operational disruption in December 2025, when over 2,500 flights were cancelled due to compliance issues with DGCA’s Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules. The DGCA imposed a ₹22.2 crore penalty, issued warnings to senior executives, and mandated operational reforms and refunds. Rahul Bhatia, co-founder and managing director, will serve as interim CEO, emphasizing reliability, customer service, and operational integrity. During Elbers’ tenure (2022‑2026), IndiGo crossed $10 billion revenue, expanded its fleet to 440+ aircraft, and placed a record 500‑aircraft order with Airbus, consolidating its market leadership. The board will announce a permanent CEO in due course. New Delhi, India: India’s largest airline, IndiGo, announced that Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers has stepped down from his position effective immediately, following its worst operational disruption in history and ongoing regulatory scrutiny. The airline’s managing director and co-founder Rahul Bhatia will assume interim leadership as the company searches for a new CEO. In a resignation letter dated March 10, 2026 and addressed to the board of InterGlobe Aviation Ltd (IndiGo’s parent), Elbers cited “personal reasons” for relinquishing his post and asked that his notice period be waived. In the letter, Elbers wrote: “As per our conversation, due to personal reasons, I herewith submit my resignation from the position of CEO of IndiGo with effect from today. I would request that the notice period may be waived off.” He added: “It has been both an honor and privilege to serve as IndiGo’s CEO these past years… and being a part of the great IndiGo family, its beautiful growth story and the steps we have made together. If the company desires… I will be available for any handover or transition otherwise.” The Board of Directors took official note of his resignation at a meeting held on March 10, 2026, and confirmed he will be relieved at the end of business hours that day. The leadership transition followed a severe operational crisis in early December 2025, when IndiGo struggled to comply with newly introduced Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) aimed at reducing pilot fatigue. The airline’s crew rostering and planning systems failed to accommodate the stricter limits. Between December 3 and 5, 2025, IndiGo cancelled more than 2,500 flights and delayed nearly 1,900 others, affecting over 300,000 passengers across India’s domestic and international network. The aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), undertook comprehensive action in the weeks following the disruption. A four‑member high‑level panel was constituted to investigate operational lapses, focusing on planning, manpower deployment and fleet utilisation. In January 2026, the DGCA imposed a total penalty of ₹22.20 crore on IndiGo the highest fine ever levied on an Indian airline for operational non‑compliance for multiple instances of regulatory lapses relating to FDTL and crew rostering. The regulator also issued formal warnings to senior executives, including CEO Pieter Elbers, and ordered organisational reforms and ₹50 crore bank guarantee linked to monitored compliance improvements. The DGCA additionally required the airline to complete all pending refunds owed to passengers whose flights were cancelled between December 3‑5, 2025, and tightened oversight mechanisms, including weekly and fortnightly reviews of operational compliance by regulators. Following Elbers’ exit, Rahul Bhatia, who has been managing director of IndiGo since co-founding the airline over two decades ago, will temporarily oversee the airline’s operations until a permanent CEO is appointed. In an internal email to employees, Bhatia acknowledged the December crisis, saying: “What happened last December should never have taken place… Our customers didn’t deserve it.” He thanked frontline staff for their efforts to restore operations and emphasised a renewed focus on operational integrity, reliability, service and professionalism. The airline’s chairman, Vikram Singh Mehta, said Bhatia’s return to executive management is intended to strengthen company culture and reinforce operational excellence, reinforcing IndiGo’s commitment to customers and stakeholders. Elbers, a Dutch airline executive and former CEO of KLM, was appointed CEO of IndiGo in September 2022 to guide the airline’s next phase of expansion. During his tenure, the carrier achieved significant milestones: Crossed the $10 billion revenue mark for the first time. Expanded its fleet to more than 440 aircraft. Placed a record 500‑aircraft order with Airbus, one of the largest aircraft purchases in aviation history. These expansions supported IndiGo’s market leadership in India’s growing aviation sector. While Elbers’ resignation marks a leadership change at one of India’s most influential airlines, industry observers note that the airline continues to navigate strategic growth amid rising competition, regulatory scrutiny and infrastructure challenges. The board said selection of a new CEO is underway and will be announced in due course.

Pieter Elbers Resigns As CEO Of IndiGo; Co-Founder Rahul Bhatia Takes Interim Charge

Aviation Today News Desk / March 11, 2026

New Delhi, India: India’s largest airline, IndiGo, announced that Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers has stepped down from his position

India Has 25,001 Active Pilots As Fleet Growth Accelerates; Employment Data Missing SEO DES: Earlier data showed six major airlines employ 13,989 pilots, suggesting many licensed pilots are outside scheduled carriers or not on payrolls SOCIAL: India has 25,001 active licensed pilots, the government informed Parliament, based on data maintained by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for pilots under 65 with valid licences. The total includes 10,051 airline transport pilots, 12,480 commercial pilots, and smaller numbers across helicopter and private licence categories. However, the DGCA does not track employment status, meaning the figure reflects licensed manpower rather than pilots currently flying. Earlier parliamentary data showed that six major domestic airlines employ about 13,989 pilots, indicating a significant portion of licensed pilots operate outside scheduled airlines or are not on active payrolls. As India’s aviation sector expands rapidly with large aircraft orders, pilot training output is rising, with a record 1,628 CPLs issued in 2024. Experts say the key challenge is not just increasing numbers but ensuring pilots are operationally ready, while the absence of real-time workforce data remains a policy gap. Delhi, India: India currently has 25,001 active pilots, the government told Parliament, offering the latest official snapshot of the country’s licensed aviation workforce at a time when airlines are rapidly expanding fleets and networks. In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said the data is based on records maintained by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and includes pilots below the age of 65 who hold valid licences issued by the regulator. The figures reflect licence status only and not actual employment across airlines or other aviation operators. According to the government’s response, the total pool of 25,001 active pilots comprises: Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL – Aeroplane): 10,051 ATPL (Helicopter): 210 Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL – Aeroplane): 12,480 CPL (Helicopter): 777 Private Pilot Licence (PPL – Aeroplane): 1,477 PPL (Helicopter): 6 ATPL holders typically serve as captains on commercial airline operations, while CPL holders form the backbone of first officers, charter pilots, business aviation crews, and instructors. The Ministry clarified that the DGCA does not maintain centralised data on how many of these pilots are currently employed, unemployed, or actively flying. As a result, the official count represents licensed manpower rather than the number of pilots on airline rosters. This distinction is significant in the Indian context, where many licensed pilots may be between jobs, flying in general aviation, working overseas, or not actively employed due to market conditions or training costs. In a separate parliamentary reply earlier, the government had stated that six major domestic airlines together employed about 13,989 pilots, indicating that a substantial number of licensed pilots operate outside scheduled airlines or are not on active payrolls. The disclosure comes as India remains one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. Domestic airlines have placed record aircraft orders over the past two years, with hundreds of narrowbody and widebody jets scheduled for delivery through the next decade. Industry executives say the challenge is not just numbers but readiness ensuring newly licensed pilots are type-rated, line-trained, and operationally prepared for complex airline environments. On the supply side, pilot training output is rising. The DGCA issued a record 1,628 Commercial Pilot Licences in 2024, the highest annual figure so far, as new flight training organisations entered the market and existing academies expanded capacity. From a regulatory standpoint, the lack of real-time employment data remains a gap. While the DGCA tracks licences, medical validity, and renewals, it does not currently maintain a national employment registry for pilots. This makes it difficult for policymakers to precisely assess shortages, unemployment, or skill mismatches across the aviation sector. As India positions itself as a global aviation hub, experts say integrating licensing data with workforce planning will become increasingly important especially as airlines, training academies, and regulators attempt to balance safety, growth, and manpower sustainability in one of the world’s most dynamic aviation markets.

India Has 25,001 Active Pilots As Fleet Growth Accelerates; Employment Data Missing

Aviation Today News Desk / February 17, 2026

Delhi, India: India currently has 25,001 active pilots, the government told Parliament, offering the latest official snapshot of the country’s

New Delhi, India: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to two proposed airline operators Al Hind Air & FlyExpress in a strategic move aimed at expanding competition in India’s domestic aviation market following recent operational turmoil involving market‑leader IndiGo. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said in a social media post that the ministry has met with representatives from three emerging carriers Shankh Air, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress over the past week as part of efforts to encourage new entrants to the sector. While Shankh Air had already received its regulatory clearance earlier, both Al Hind Air and FlyExpress secured their NOCs this week. Al Hind Air is backed by Kerala’s Alhind Group, and FlyExpress is a Hyderabad‑based enterprise traditionally focused on courier and cargo operations. Shankh Air’s proposed business plan includes connecting major cities within Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow, Varanasi, Agra and Gorakhpur, with affordable air connectivity options. The government’s approvals come amid heightened scrutiny of India’s aviation market structure. Earlier this month, IndiGo’s failure to fully adapt to new crew rostering regulations triggered the cancellation of thousands of flights, stranding thousands of passengers. Industry analysts and officials have called for greater competition to prevent future systemic shocks. The Civil Aviation Ministry has highlighted existing schemes such as UDAN as instrumental in enabling smaller regional players including Star Air, India One Air and Fly91 to expand connectivity, while stressing there is substantial scope for further growth in what is one of the world’s fastest‑growing aviation markets. In the aftermath of IndiGo’s operational disruption, regulators have initiated multiple reviews. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has taken cognisance of complaints alleging antitrust violations by the airline, which holds a dominant market share. The initial assessment could lead to a detailed investigation if evidence of market abuse is found. IndiGo’s operations, which stabilised in mid‑December with restoration to roughly 2,200 daily flights, are also under regulatory examination. Authorities have imposed temporary fare caps and ordered expedited refunds for affected passengers.   While the approvals for Al Hind Air and FlyExpress signal a policy pivot towards diversification, aviation experts caution that long‑term viability for new carriers hinges on tackling structural challenges such as high operating costs, fuel taxation, and aircraft acquisition bottlenecks. The government’s move to issue NOCs to new airlines reflects a broader strategy to build resilience in India’s air transport sector by reducing over‑dependence on a small number of carriers and enhancing choices for millions of domestic flyers.

India Grants NOCs To Al Hind Air And FlyExpress To Boost Airline Competition

Aviation Today News Desk / December 24, 2025

New Delhi, India: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to two proposed airline operators Al

New Delhi, India: Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in New Delhi were severely disrupted on Monday as dense winter fog and hazardous air pollution levels brought visibility to near‑zero and forced widespread cancellations and delays across the aviation network. According to airport authorities and airline sources, at least 228 flights were cancelled at Delhi alone on Monday due to extremely low visibility, with five additional flights diverted to alternate airports as a safety precaution. Cancellation figures include both departures and arrivals, with reports noting 131 departures and 97 arrivals affected. Across northern India, analysts estimate that up to 300 flights were cancelled as the disruption spread to other airports in the region and hundreds more were delayed, compounding travel challenges for passengers ahead of the peak winter travel period. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for dense fog across the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining states, warning that visibility could remain significantly reduced throughout the day. Early‑morning visibility levels reportedly plunged to just a few metres at several monitoring points in Delhi, complicating both air and ground travel. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported air quality readings in the capital well into the ‘Severe’ category, with some areas registering Air Quality Index (AQI) values above 450. The hazardous smog contributed to the persistence of fog conditions and posed additional health risks to commuters and airport personnel. Major carriers including IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet and others issued travel advisories urging passengers to verify flight statuses before traveling to the airport. Some airlines also provided options for refunds or rebooking for affected travellers. IndiGo reportedly cancelled more than 100 flights from Delhi as part of the disruption, reflecting the scale of impact on airline schedules. International carriers were also affected, Etihad Airways confirmed that its Delhi–Abu Dhabi service experienced delays due to low visibility conditions. The prolonged low‑visibility conditions led to significant passenger inconvenience, with travellers facing long waits, flight rescheduling, and uncertainty over departure times. Ground transport in and around Delhi was also affected, with fog contributing to slower vehicular movement and hazards on major road corridors. Local advisories recommended travellers allow extra time for airport transfers, check updated flight information frequently, and make contingency plans due to the ongoing weather challenges. Meteorologists indicate that dense fog in northern India could persist into Tuesday and possibly Wednesday, raising the prospect of continued disruptions until visibility improves. Aviation authorities are working to coordinate operations under low‑visibility procedures, but safety considerations remain the primary determinant of flight movements.

Dense Fog And Smog Disrupt Delhi Airport Operations, 200+ Flights Cancelled And Delayed

Aviation Today News Desk / December 16, 2025

New Delhi, India: Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in New Delhi were severely disrupted on Monday as

Seoni, India: A training aircraft belonging to Redbird Flight Training Academy crashed on Monday evening after its wing struck a 33 kV high-voltage power line near Sukatra village, in the Kurai police-station area of Seoni district. According to police, the incident occurred around 6:25–6:30 pm, roughly 2 km from the Suktara airstrip, as the aircraft was preparing to land. Eyewitness accounts describe sparks and a loud explosion as the plane’s wing contacted the line, after which the aircraft plunged into a nearby field. Authorities identified those on board as the instructor pilot Ajit Anthony and trainee pilot Ashok Chawda. Both sustained injuries and were taken to a private hospital in Barapathar. Officials say they are “out of danger.” Local police and power-company staff, aided by villagers, rescued the two pilots from the wreckage soon after the crash. A preliminary probe indicates that the aircraft may have suffered a “technical snag,” possibly an engine malfunction, causing it to lose power as it descended. The wing then struck the overhead power line of the Badalpar Substation, triggering the crash. The impact caused the 33 kV line to snap, immediately tripping the electricity supply. Roughly 80–90 villages around the substations reportedly experienced a blackout, and repair crews have been deployed to restore power to the affected areas. The district police have launched an official investigation to ascertain the precise cause of the crash. It remains uncertain whether pilot error, mechanical failure, or a combination of factors led to the collision. Final determination will await the outcome of the inquiry. So far, there have been no fatalities. Residents near the Suktara airstrip, however, expressed deep concern, noting that this was not the first incident involving a training aircraft in the area. Earlier in May 2025, a training aircraft operated by Redbird Aviation Pvt. Ltd. overturned during landing at the Suktara airstrip in Seoni district, Madhya Pradesh. The flight was being conducted solo by a trainee pilot. Initial reports attribute the incident to a faulty landing. Fortunately, the trainee escaped without injury and there was no fire. Months later on August 9, 2025 again a trainer aircraft of Redbird Flight Training Centre crash-landed near Baramati Airport in Pune district. During a routine training sortie at around 8 a.m., the trainee pilot realised one of the aircraft’s tyres was damaged. Upon touchdown, the front wheel detached and the aircraft veered off the taxiway, crossing to the far side of the airfield. Despite the abrupt landing and loss of the wheel, the pilot escaped unhurt.

Aircraft Crashes

Redbird Training Aircraft Crashes Near Seoni After Hitting High-Voltage Line; 2 Injured

Aviation Today News Desk / December 9, 2025

Seoni, India: A training aircraft belonging to Redbird Flight Training Academy crashed on Monday evening after its wing struck a

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.

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: A Parliamentary Standing Committee has raised red flags over the mounting personnel crisis in India’s civil aviation regulatory framework, cautioning that the persistent staff shortage at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) now poses an “existential threat” to air safety. The committee has urged the government to immediately grant the DGCA full administrative and financial autonomy, a step it believes is essential for safeguarding the integrity of one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. The recommendations were part of the committee’s report, “Overall Review of Safety in the Civil Aviation Sector,” which comes at a time when Indian aviation is under heightened scrutiny following the June 12 crash of Air India flight AI 171. The tragedy, which killed 260 people, has triggered renewed debate about whether India’s regulatory institutions are adequately equipped to manage the pressures of rapid industry growth. Earlier in a written response to the Lower House, the minister stated that 441 new positions were established at the DGCA as part of a restructuring exercise concluded between 2022 and 2024. The process of filling up the posts involves framing of recruitment rules and the action by the recruiting agencies like Union Public Services Commission (UPSC) and Staff Selection Commission (SSC). “The recruitment is a continuous process and posts are filled up according to the prescribed procedure” the minister said and added that BCAS is a deputation-based organisation. The parliamentary panel underscored the seriousness of the DGCA’s manpower crisis, describing it as “profound and persistent.” According to the data it reviewed, the regulator has filled only 553 of 1,063 sanctioned posts, leaving nearly 50% of positions vacant. This gap, the panel warned, has direct implications for safety oversight. At a time when the aviation sector is expanding at record pace with passenger traffic expected to nearly double by the end of the decade, the regulator’s inability to deploy sufficient inspectors, technical experts, and operational staff risks creating “systemic vulnerabilities.” The report also zeroed in on the Airports Authority of India (AAI), which manages air traffic control operations nationwide. It flagged a severe shortage of Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs) and pointed to a worrying pattern of staff fatigue caused by overwork. The committee accused the AAI of routinely violating prescribed duty-time restrictions for controllers, a practice it deemed “an active and ongoing threat to the safety of the flying public.” In response, it recommended the urgent implementation of a national Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) to track workload, rest cycles, and fatigue among controllers. Additionally, it called for a detailed staffing audit across AAI operations to ensure adequate manpower levels are sustained. Beyond staffing, the panel pressed for stronger measures to tackle runway incursions and high-risk operational events. It recommended that each incident undergo a comprehensive root-cause analysis, with corrective action taken to prevent recurrence.

Parliament Panel Warns DGCA, ATC Staff Shortage Poses Risk to Indian Aviation

Aviation Today News Desk / August 21, 2025

New Delhi, India: A Parliamentary Standing Committee has raised red flags over the mounting personnel crisis in India’s civil aviation