Indian Aviation Archives - Aviation Today

New Delhi, India: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) concluded its 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) in New Delhi, bringing together more than 300 airline CEOs, regulators, and aviation stakeholders from across the globe. Hosted by IndiGo, the event marked India's first time hosting the AGM in over four decades and focused on rebuilding resilience in the aviation industry through growth, sustainability, and strategic collaboration. The agenda covered financial projections, climate targets, airspace challenges, and infrastructure investments, but the meeting also served as a global stage for key announcements from leading airlines shaping the post-pandemic recovery. Industry Financial Outlook and Challenges IATA adjusted its 2025 profit outlook slightly downward, projecting a global net profit of $36.0 billion, down from the $36.6 billion estimate released earlier this year. This revision, according to IATA, reflects macroeconomic uncertainty, prolonged aircraft delivery delays, and airspace restrictions in several regions. Despite the dip, the global aviation industry remains on a path to recovery, with projected total revenues nearing $979 billion and passenger traffic expected to approach 5 billion in 2025. However, cargo revenues have cooled, stabilizing at levels below pandemic highs. Carbon Commitments and SAF Bottlenecks Sustainability remained central to this year’s AGM, with global carriers reaffirming their commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. IATA noted that the goal requires cumulative investment of nearly $4.7 trillion, a major portion of which depends on ramping up Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production. Currently, SAF accounts for less than 1% of total aviation fuel use. Airline executives urged governments to create policy frameworks and incentives for SAF manufacturing, pointing out that current supply levels are far from sufficient to support decarbonization targets. Safety Amid Geopolitical Disruptions Several airline heads, including those from Middle Eastern and European carriers, raised concerns over growing airspace instability due to geopolitical tensions. Conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East have forced longer detours, increasing fuel burn and operational costs. IATA is working with global regulators to enhance coordination between civil aviation bodies and defense authorities, aiming to reduce rerouting delays and improve forecasting of regional airspace risks. Key Airline Developments Announced During the AGM Several airlines made significant announcements at the AGM that align with broader industry goals of network expansion, sustainability, and digital integration: IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, announced that it is doubling its widebody order of Airbus A350s, adding 30 more aircraft to its existing order of 30. This move signals a clear shift toward international long-haul operations, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027. Virgin Australia revealed plans to return to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) through a $2.3 billion IPO, offering more than 236 million shares at $2.90 each. The listing reflects the airline’s renewed financial health following its 2020 administration and a tighter focus on domestic operations and profitability. Air India and Air Mauritius jointly announced the expansion of their existing codeshare agreement, improving connectivity between India and Africa. Effective July 1, 2025, the agreement is expected to enhance route integration, streamline passenger transfers, and expand seat availability on shared routes. Riyadh Air, the emerging Saudi national carrier expected to launch commercial operations in 2025, signed multiple MoUs with global airlines including Singapore Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and China Eastern. These partnerships aim to facilitate future codeshare routes and lay the groundwork for integrated digital platforms. Aegean Airlines confirmed that it will commence direct flights between Athens and India using its new Airbus A321LR aircraft, with services expected to start by 2027. The move marks the Greek carrier’s first foray into the Indian market, aiming to tap into growing travel and tourism demand between Southern Europe and South Asia. India’s Aviation Growth Trajectory During the inaugural session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed delegates via video message, presenting India’s vision to become a global aviation hub by 2047, coinciding with the country's 100th year of independence. The government aims to increase the number of operational airports from 157 to 400, while tripling passenger capacity over the next two decades. India’s aviation sector, already one of the fastest-growing globally, is witnessing rapid infrastructure expansion. However, challenges such as pilot shortages, aircraft supply constraints, and simulator training capacity remain pressing issues. Several airlines are already in talks with global training providers to bridge the gap. IATA Leadership and AGM 2026 Host Luis Gallego, CEO of International Airlines Group (IAG), was appointed as the Chair of the IATA Board of Governors, succeeding Marjan Rintel of KLM. Gallego will lead the board through the next term, focusing on accelerating climate transitions, digital transformation, and cross-border operational standardization. It was also confirmed that the 82nd IATA AGM will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June 2026, hosted by LATAM Airlines Group. About IATA: The International Air Transport Association represents more than 320 airlines, accounting for over 80% of global air traffic. The AGM serves as the association’s highest decision-making body, enabling members to discuss policy, industry challenges, and future direction.

Global Airlines Drop Major Announcements as IATA AGM Returns to India After 40 Years

Aviation Today News Desk / June 4, 2025

Picture Credits: IATA New Delhi, India: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) concluded its 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) in […]

Flight operations across North India have been severely affected after the Indian government temporarily shut airspace over 10 airports as part of Operation Sindoor. Airports including Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, and Amritsar are closed to civilian flights, prompting major airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet to cancel or reroute several services. The move is part of heightened military preparedness following recent cross-border tensions. Passengers are advised to check with airlines before heading to the airport, as further delays and changes are expected.

Airlines, Indian Airlines, IndiGo, SpiceJet

Flights Cancelled Across North India as Airports Shut Amid Operation Sindoor

Aviation Today News Desk / May 7, 2025

Picture Credits: Air India (FB) INDIA: Air travel across northern India is facing significant disruptions following the Indian Armed Forces’

An unidentified aircraft crashed early Wednesday morning in Aklian Kalan village of Bathinda district, Punjab, killing one farm labourer and injuring nine others. The aircraft was reportedly flying at a low altitude before it went down in an open field around 2 a.m., followed by a secondary blast as villagers rushed to the site. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the aircraft was civilian, military, or unmanned. The crash has prompted a full investigation, with officials securing the area and working to identify the origin and purpose of the aircraft.

Aircraft Crashes, India, Investigation

Unidentified Aircraft Crashes in Punjab’s Bathinda, Leaving 1 Dead and 9 Injured

Aviation Today News Desk / May 7, 2025

Picture Credits: Hindustan Times Punjab, INDIA: In a disturbing incident early Wednesday morning, an unidentified aircraft crashed in Aklian Kalan

Indian airlines are facing disruptions due to recent regional airspace closures caused by geopolitical tensions. The restrictions are leading to longer flight times, increased fuel costs, and scheduling challenges. Airlines like Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet have submitted detailed inputs to the DGCA, highlighting the operational impact. They’re seeking urgent regulatory relief to manage the additional costs and ensure safe, efficient operations. The DGCA is reviewing the feedback and coordinating with regional authorities to address these challenges.

Airlines, DGCA, Indian Airlines, Indian Aviation, IndiGo, MoCA, SpiceJet

Indian Airlines Raise Concerns as Airspace Closures Disrupt International Flights

Aviation Today News Desk / May 6, 2025

Picture Credits: SpiceJet New Delhi, INDIA: Amid recent airspace closures impacting international routes across South Asia, Indian airlines have submitted

Airlines, Airports

Aviation Sector Grapples with Escalating Cybersecurity Threats Amid Global Alarm

Aviation Today News Desk / April 29, 2025

Picture Credits: briYYZ, Flickr The aviation industry is facing mounting cybersecurity threats, exposing critical vulnerabilities in both legacy infrastructure and

Akasa Air, India, Indian Airlines, Indian Aviation

Akasa Air Crosses 17M Passengers and 100K Flights in 3 Years, Expands Global Reach

Aviation Today News Desk / April 23, 2025

Picture Credits: Akasa Air Mumbai, INDIA: Since commencing operations in August 2022, Akasa Air has marked several significant milestones, demonstrating

Accidents, Aircraft Crashes, India

Trainee Pilot Dies in Solo Flight Crash After Trainer Aircraft Hits Tree in Gujarat’s Amreli

Aviation Today News Desk / April 22, 2025

Picture Credits: News Drum Gujarat, INDIA: Around 12:30 PM, a trainee pilot was killed when a trainer aircraft belonging to

DGCA, Pilot Training, Pilots

Pilot Training in India May Soon Be Open to Arts and Commerce Class 12 Students Too

Aviation Today News Desk / April 18, 2025

New Delhi, INDIA: In a significant policy shift, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is considering allowing Class 12

DGCA, Indian Airlines, Pilots

DGCA to Review Pilot Fitness Norms After Air India Express Captain’s Sudden Death

Aviation Today News Desk / April 17, 2025

New Delhi, INDIA: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to reassess its existing framework concerning pilot fitness

Indian Airlines, IndiGo

IndiGo Briefly Becomes World’s Most Valuable Airline After Surging Past Delta Air Lines

Aviation Today News Desk / April 14, 2025

Picture Credits: IndiGo Gurugram, INDIA: InterGlobe Aviation Ltd., the parent company of IndiGo Airlines, briefly claimed the title of the

Indian Aviation

Global Airlines Drop Major Announcements as IATA AGM Returns to India After 40 Years

Flights Cancelled Across North India as Airports Shut Amid Operation Sindoor

Unidentified Aircraft Crashes in Punjab’s Bathinda, Leaving 1 Dead and 9 Injured

Indian Airlines Raise Concerns as Airspace Closures Disrupt International Flights

Aviation Sector Grapples with Escalating Cybersecurity Threats Amid Global Alarm

Akasa Air Crosses 17M Passengers and 100K Flights in 3 Years, Expands Global Reach

Trainee Pilot Dies in Solo Flight Crash After Trainer Aircraft Hits Tree in Gujarat’s Amreli

Pilot Training in India May Soon Be Open to Arts and Commerce Class 12 Students Too

DGCA to Review Pilot Fitness Norms After Air India Express Captain’s Sudden Death

IndiGo Briefly Becomes World’s Most Valuable Airline After Surging Past Delta Air Lines

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