Indian Airports Archives - Aviation Today

Delhi, India: Air traffic in and out of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is facing significant disruption this week as temporary airspace closures come into force ahead of the 77th Republic Day celebrations. Authorities have issued formal restrictions that are expected to affect hundreds of scheduled flights between January 21 and January 26. Under Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) issued by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and associated civil aviation agencies, the airspace over Delhi will be closed to commercial departures and arrivals daily between 10:20 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. (IST) for a duration of 2 hours 25 minutes. The restrictions are designed to facilitate military flypast rehearsals, parade drills and associated aerial security procedures ahead of the Republic Day parade. According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, more than 600 flights are likely to be delayed, rescheduled or cancelled over the six-day period due to the closure coinciding with one of IGIA’s busiest scheduling windows. Airlines have warned of unpredictable movement patterns throughout the affected window, with adjustments to flight departures and arrivals increasingly likely during the restricted hours. Passengers travelling to or from Delhi are being urged to check flight status updates directly with carriers before their scheduled departure. On January 19, well ahead of the formal restriction dates, three Srinagar–Delhi flights were cancelled as preliminary rehearsals triggered temporary shutdowns of critical airspace corridors, highlighting the cascading impacts of the restrictions. Regional disruptions are also emerging. On the Delhi–Pantnagar route, early-morning services were cancelled due to the imposed no-fly zone, with airlines offering rebooking or refunds to affected passengers. Similarly, two Air India flights operating between Nagpur and Delhi have been cancelled through January 26 as operators adjust schedules in light of the closure. The closures coincide with peak winter weather conditions in the national capital region. Dense fog and poor visibility have already contributed to flight delays and cancellations at IGIA and other airports in northern India in recent days. A travel advisory issued on January 17 by Delhi Airport officials highlighted that persistent fog coupled with heightened Republic Day security measures could create compounded challenges for passengers and airlines. The airspace restrictions form part of an integrated national security plan for Republic Day, which also includes extensive no-fly zones and road traffic curbs in central Delhi on rehearsal and parade days. Delhi Police and civil aviation authorities have coordinated the measures to balance security needs with transport continuity.

Republic Day Airspace Closures May Affect 600+ Flights At Delhi IGIA For 6 Days

Aviation Today News Desk / January 21, 2026

Delhi, India: Air traffic in and out of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is facing significant disruption this week as […]

Mumbai, India: Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has officially commenced commercial flight operations, marking a major milestone in India’s aviation infrastructure expansion and easing long-standing capacity constraints in the Mumbai metropolitan region. On its first full day of scheduled operations, the airport handled 48 domestic flights, collectively serving more than 4,000 passengers, according to officials and airline data. The launch positions Mumbai as India’s first true dual-airport metropolitan region, complementing the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). The inaugural commercial arrival was an IndiGo flight from Bengaluru, which landed earlier in the day and received a ceremonial water salute. Other carriers operating from NMIA on day one included Air India Express, Akasa Air, and Star Air, offering connectivity to multiple domestic destinations. Initial operations at NMIA are being conducted on a limited daily schedule, with authorities confirming that flight volumes and operating hours will be gradually expanded in the coming weeks. The airport is expected to transition to round-the-clock operations once infrastructure readiness and air traffic coordination are fully optimized. Designed to significantly decongest CSMIA, NMIA will play a central role in accommodating Mumbai’s rapidly growing air travel demand. Once fully developed, the airport is projected to handle tens of millions of passengers annually, with future phases including international passenger services and dedicated cargo operations. Navi Mumbai International Airport is positioning itself as more than a transport hub by embedding culture, hospitality and leisure into the passenger journey from day one. Its non-aeronautical ecosystem introduces India-first concepts such as locally rooted dining brands, personalised meet-and-greet services, an in-terminal transit hotel and immersive cultural zones, reflecting a shift toward experience-led airport design. By integrating rest, retail, art and public spaces into its phased rollout, NMIA aims to redefine how airports engage with both travellers and the city, treating the airport as an extension of urban life rather than a standalone transit facility Aviation and government officials have described the launch as a transformational step for the region’s mobility ecosystem. By redistributing domestic traffic between two airports, authorities expect improved operational efficiency, reduced congestion, and better on-time performance for airlines operating in and out of Mumbai. The airport is also expected to act as a catalyst for economic development in Navi Mumbai, supporting employment generation, real estate growth, and logistics expansion.

Airports

Navi Mumbai Airport Begins Operations With 48 Flights, Serving Over 4k Passengers Daily

Aviation Today News Desk / December 26, 2025

Mumbai, India: Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has officially commenced commercial flight operations, marking a major milestone in India’s aviation

New Delhi, India: In a decisive move to tackle widespread flight cancellations by IndiGo, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced on 5th December, 2025 that certain Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) enforced by the DGCA have been placed in abeyance with immediate effect. The temporary suspension aims to restore airline operations, relieve passenger distress, and maintain safety standards. IndiGo, India’s largest domestic carrier, cancelled over 1,000 flights across its network over the past five days, affecting major airports including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Hyderabad. On Friday, 5 December, nearly 400 flights were cancelled in a single day, disrupting travel for thousands of passengers. Previously, media reports estimated that cumulative cancellations during the multi-day disruption crossed the 550 flight mark nationwide. The airline’s on-time performance (OTP) fell sharply to 8.5%, 19.7% on Wednesday, 35% of the IndiGo flights operated on time on Tuesday, down from 67.7% in November 2025 before FDTL enforcement. The disruption was triggered by DGCA’s revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms, aimed at reducing pilot fatigue and enhancing safety. The stricter Phase 2, effective from 1 November 2025, mandates 48 hours of weekly rest, limits consecutive night duties, and caps night landings and duty extensions The official PIB statement highlighted that the abeyance of FDTL rules is “urgent and proactive” and undertaken “solely in the interest of passengers,” particularly seniors, students, patients, and travellers dependent on timely air services. The government has mandated: Immediate restoration of flight schedules, with normal operations expected within three days. Airlines provide real-time updates, automatic refunds for cancellations, hotel accommodation for stranded passengers, and special assistance for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. A 24×7 control room to monitor airline operations and coordinate corrective measures. A high-level inquiry to examine the causes of the disruption, determine accountability, and recommend preventive measures. While safety-driven, these rules exposed gaps in crew availability, particularly for an airline of IndiGo’s scale. The airline had notified regulators about challenges in roster planning and pilot availability, prompting the government’s intervention. What the Abeyance Means The abeyance is temporary and does not repeal FDTL rules; safety remains a priority. Airlines are expected to take operational measures, including flexible crew rostering, to restore service reliability without compromising pilot rest and safety standards. DGCA will conduct ongoing reviews to ensure compliance and implement corrective actions. Passengers affected between 3–6 December 2025 are eligible for full refunds or rescheduling. The government has assured that all necessary measures are being taken to prioritise passenger safety, care, and convenience during the temporary relaxation.

DGCA

DGCA Eases FDTL Rules Temporarily After IndiGo Cancels Over 1,000 Flights In Five Days

Aviation Today News Desk / December 6, 2025

New Delhi, India: In a decisive move to tackle widespread flight cancellations by IndiGo, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced

New Delhi, India: India’s aviation industry is bracing for a difficult FY2026, with ICRA estimating sector-wide losses to climb to Rs 95–105 billion, almost double the Rs 55 billion loss expected in FY2025. Softening passenger growth, upcoming fleet inductions and ongoing global and domestic disruptions are set to pressure financial performance. Even so, ICRA has maintained a stable outlook for the year, supported by steady travel demand, though influenced by cross-border tensions, accident-related caution and tariff-linked challenges on the commercial side. Domestic passenger traffic in October 2025 reached 142.8 lakh, up 4.5% from October 2024 and 12.9% higher than September 2025. Capacity deployment grew 1.7% year-on-year to 99,816 departures, with passenger load factor rising to 84.7%, compared with 82.4% a year earlier. For April–October 2025, domestic traffic stood at 944.5 lakh, a 1.6% year-on-year increase. ICRA expects full-year FY2026 domestic travel to grow 4–6%, reaching 172–176 million passengers. International traffic carried by Indian airlines rose 5.8% year-on-year in September 2025, touching 28.3 lakh, though sequentially down by 5.7%. In H1 FY2026, international traffic reached 175.6 lakh, marking 9.1% growth. ICRA projects further expansion of 13–15% in FY2026. Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) remains a key cost concern. ATF prices in November 2025 were 4.4% higher year-on-year and 0.8% higher month-on-month. FY2025 had seen average ATF prices fall to Rs 95,181 per KL, about 8% lower year-on-year, but recent months have reversed that relief. Fuel constitutes 30–40% of airline operating expenses, while 35–50% of major costs are dollar-linked. The rupee’s depreciation in Q2 FY2026 led to notable forex losses for several carriers, though most remain unrealised. Fleet shortages persist. Pratt & Whitney engine problems and broader supply-chain delays resulted in around 133 aircraft being grounded across various airlines by March 2025, representing 15–17% of total industry capacity. IndiGo had 70 aircraft grounded in March 2024 due to powder-metal contamination, which reduced to about 40 by September 2025. Go Airlines, hit by similar issues, eventually grounded half its fleet in FY2024 and suspended operations. These constraints have increased operating costs through replacement leases, poorer fuel efficiency and higher spot-rental rates. Despite strong PLFs and firmer yields, profitability remains limited. The industry’s interest coverage ratio is expected to remain at 1.5–1.7 times for FY2026. Large carriers benefit from parent backing, while others continue to face liquidity stress and stretched balance sheets. The DGCA has proposed new passenger-centric norms allowing customers to cancel or modify tickets within 48 hours of booking without charges, provided the travel date is beyond five days (domestic) or fifteen days (international). Refunds are to be processed within 21 working days.

Aviation Forecast

ICRA Warns Of Rs 105 Billion Loss For Indian Aviation In FY2026 Amid Slowing Growth

Aviation Today News Desk / November 21, 2025

New Delhi, India: India’s aviation industry is bracing for a difficult FY2026, with ICRA estimating sector-wide losses to climb to

Kolkata, India: A SpiceJet flight operating from Mumbai to Kolkata made an emergency landing at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport late Sunday night after reporting an engine malfunction during descent, officials confirmed. The aircraft, operating as SpiceJet flight SG 670, took off from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai) and was nearing Kolkata when the flight crew reported a technical issue involving one of its engines. Air traffic control promptly declared a full emergency, and rescue and fire services were placed on standby. According to airport officials, the aircraft landed safely at 11:38 p.m. (IST) and taxied to the parking bay without further incident. All passengers and crew disembarked safely, and no injuries were reported. The airline did not disclose specific details about the nature of the engine failure. Technical engineers have begun an inspection of the aircraft to determine the cause of the malfunction. No smoke or fire was detected upon landing, according to airport emergency services. Authorities withdrew the full emergency status shortly after touchdown, confirming that the situation was under control. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to review the incident as part of its routine safety oversight, officials familiar with the matter said. Industry experts note that while modern twin-engine aircraft are designed to fly safely on one engine, in-flight engine shutdowns trigger mandatory reporting and inspection protocols under DGCA norms.

Incidents

SpiceJet Mumbai–Kolkata Flight Makes Safe Emergency Landing After Engine Failure

Aviation Today News Desk / November 11, 2025

Kolkata, India: A SpiceJet flight operating from Mumbai to Kolkata made an emergency landing at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International

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

Airports

AERA Proposes Baggage Delays, Dirty Toilets May Soon Cost Airports in Fee Reductions

Aviation Today News Desk / September 17, 2025

New Delhi, India: Indian airports may soon face financial penalties for service lapses such as baggage delays, long queues, and

New Delhi, India: A new report by Knight Frank, forecasts a remarkable rise of almost 50% in India’s annual air passenger traffic over the next five years. Passenger numbers are projected to escalate from 412 million in FY25 to 600 million by FY30. According to the report, this substantial jump will drive a sharp increase in aeronautical revenues, driven by both higher passenger counts and enhanced spending per traveler. A major highlight of the analysis involves non-aeronautical revenue streams which include retail, food and beverage, duty-free shopping, parking, advertising, and real estate leasing. Airports operating under the public–private partnership (PPP) model are pivotal: while they handle 64% of India’s total air traffic, they generate a dominant 87% of the nation’s non-aero revenue. The report also spotlights the performance of India’s busiest airports, Mumbai Airport earns approximately USD 20.1 per passenger from non-aero sources. Delhi Airport closely trails with about USD 18.1 per passenger. These numbers are impressively close to global aviation giants like London Heathrow (USD 21.6) and Tokyo Haneda (USD 19.9). Knight Frank's analysis emphasizes that India’s airports are now at a strategic crossroads. With passenger volumes expected to soar to 600 million by FY30, financial sustainability will increasingly depend on diverse revenue models. The report urges airport developers and operators to move beyond traditional infrastructure approaches and adopt the concept of aerocities integrated commercial hubs encompassing retail, hospitality, leasing, and other services turning airports into urban growth engines, not just transit points. The projected surge in air travel offers both significant opportunities and challenges. Operators must balance capacity expansion with revenue diversification to ensure long-term resilience as passenger numbers climb.

Airports

India’s Air Passenger Traffic Expected to Reach 600M Annually by FY30, Says Report

Aviation Today News Desk / September 5, 2025

New Delhi, India: A new report by Knight Frank, forecasts a remarkable rise of almost 50% in India’s annual air

Airports

BCAS Issues Security Alert for Airports in India Warning of Possible Terror Threat

Aviation Today News Desk / August 7, 2025

New Delhi, India: All airports across India have been placed on high alert following a directive issued by the Bureau

India

Night-Time DGCA Audits Expose Gaps in Aircraft Maintenance, Safety Protocols Violated

Aviation Today News Desk / June 27, 2025

Delhi, India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has raised safety concerns after identifying repeated aircraft defects and operational

Indian Airports

Republic Day Airspace Closures May Affect 600+ Flights At Delhi IGIA For 6 Days

Navi Mumbai Airport Begins Operations With 48 Flights, Serving Over 4k Passengers Daily

DGCA Eases FDTL Rules Temporarily After IndiGo Cancels Over 1,000 Flights In Five Days

ICRA Warns Of Rs 105 Billion Loss For Indian Aviation In FY2026 Amid Slowing Growth

SpiceJet Mumbai–Kolkata Flight Makes Safe Emergency Landing After Engine Failure

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

AERA Proposes Baggage Delays, Dirty Toilets May Soon Cost Airports in Fee Reductions

India’s Air Passenger Traffic Expected to Reach 600M Annually by FY30, Says Report

BCAS Issues Security Alert for Airports in India Warning of Possible Terror Threat

Night-Time DGCA Audits Expose Gaps in Aircraft Maintenance, Safety Protocols Violated

Follow Us

Quick Links

Navigate

General Support

News Desk Support

Follow Us