International Travel Archives

Singapore: Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group reported a sharp 57.4 per cent decline in annual net profit for the financial year ended March 31, 2026, as mounting losses at Air India and the absence of a one-time accounting gain from the Vistara merger weighed heavily on the carrier’s bottom line. The airline group posted a net profit of SGD 1.184 billion for FY2025/26, down from SGD 2.778 billion recorded a year earlier. Despite the steep fall in earnings, SIA’s core airline operations remained strong, with the group posting record revenue and higher operating profit driven by sustained passenger demand and network expansion. According to SIA’s earnings report, the biggest factor behind the profit decline was the absence of the SGD 1.098 billion non-cash accounting gain booked in November 2024 following the completion of the Air India-Vistara merger. The previous year’s results had been significantly boosted by that one-off gain after SIA’s stake in Vistara was converted into a 25.1 per cent shareholding in the enlarged Air India Group. At the same time, SIA swung from reporting profits from associated companies last year to posting a SGD 846 million share of losses in FY26, mainly due to Air India’s worsening financial performance. The airline said this year’s accounts reflected a full year of Air India losses, compared to only four months in the previous financial year after the merger completion. Financial disclosures from Singapore Airlines indicated that Air India Group, comprising Air India and Air India Express, recorded losses of approximately SGD 3.56 billion, equivalent to around USD 2.8 billion or more than ₹26,000 crore during FY2025/26. Some reports estimated the losses could be even higher at nearly ₹28,300 crore depending on accounting adjustments and currency conversion methods. The losses mark Air India’s largest annual financial setback since the Tata Group reacquired the airline in 2022. Air India has not yet officially released its standalone FY26 financial statements. Singapore Airlines attributed Air India’s financial pressure to multiple operational and geopolitical challenges, including elevated jet fuel prices, Middle East airspace restrictions, supply-chain disruptions, aircraft delivery delays, and the continued closure of Pakistani airspace for Indian airlines. These factors forced Air India to reroute several long-haul flights, increasing fuel burn and operating costs. The impact of the Iran conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz also emerged as a major concern for SIA itself. The airline warned that higher jet fuel prices resulting from the conflict are expected to weigh more heavily on earnings in the coming fiscal year because fuel costs are reflected on a lagged basis. Air India recently announced significant reductions to its international operations between June and August 2026, including suspending services on several overseas routes and reducing frequencies to destinations in Europe and North America. Routes affected include Delhi-Chicago, Mumbai-New York, and Delhi-Shanghai, while services to Paris, Milan, and Rome are also being reduced. Despite the financial turbulence, Singapore Airlines reiterated its long-term commitment to Air India and described the investment as a “core component” of its multi-hub strategy. The group said its partnership with Tata Sons provides direct access to one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets while complementing SIA’s Singapore hub operations. SIA stated that Air India continues to make progress in its fleet renewal and aircraft retrofit programme, customer experience initiatives, and operational performance improvements despite the difficult environment. While net profit fell sharply, Singapore Airlines’ operational performance remained resilient. Group revenue rose five per cent year-on-year to a record SGD 20.55 billion, supported by strong passenger demand, higher yields, and robust travel flows across Asia and Europe. Operating profit climbed 39 per cent to approximately SGD 2.52 billion, and the airline carried a record 42.4 million passengers during the year. The airline also maintained expansion plans despite industry pressures. Reuters reported that SIA intends to continue adding capacity and launching new services, including flights connecting Singapore and Madrid via Barcelona, while increasing frequencies to Manchester, Milan, Munich, and London Gatwick.

Singapore Airlines Profit Drops 57.4% Amid Air India Losses & Missing Vistara Merger Gain

Aviation Today News Desk / May 15, 2026

Singapore: Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group reported a sharp 57.4 per cent decline in annual net profit for the financial year […]

United Kingdom

UK Aviation Records 302 Million Passengers In 2025, Marking Busiest Year On Record

Aviation Today News Desk / March 29, 2026

London, United Kingdom: The United Kingdom’s aviation sector recorded its highest-ever annual passenger traffic in 2025, with 302 million passengers

Global Aviation

Airlines Hike Ticket Prices Worldwide As Middle East Crisis Drives Global Fuel Surge

Aviation Today News Desk / March 12, 2026

Global: Major global carriers are increasing ticket prices and imposing fuel surcharges as escalating conflict in the Middle East drives

Middle East

US–Israel–Iran War Trigggers Widespread Airspace Closures, 4,000+ Flight Cancellations

Aviation Today News Desk / March 2, 2026

Middle East: Global air travel faced unprecedented disruption this weekend after the United States and Israel launched a large-scale attack

Frankfurt, Germany: Germany’s flagship carrier Lufthansa was forced to cancel nearly 800 flights on Thursday after pilots and cabin crew staged coordinated industrial action, disrupting travel for around 100,000 passengers . The 24-hour strike began shortly after midnight on Thursday, February 12, and affected most Lufthansa-operated services, particularly at its main hubs in Frankfurt and Munich, where departure boards showed widespread cancellations throughout the day. According to multiple industry reports, Lufthansa removed approximately 800 flights from its schedule, representing more than half of its planned daily operations. The airline said the walkout caused significant disruption to both short-haul and long-haul services, including intercontinental departures. Lufthansa confirmed that about 100,000 passengers were impacted by the cancellations. The airline implemented large-scale rebooking measures, transferring travellers to partner airlines within the Lufthansa Group including Swiss, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines as well as offering rail alternatives within Germany in cooperation with Deutsche Bahn. Passengers were advised not to travel to the airport unless they had received confirmation that their flight was operating. Lufthansa also stated that customers whose flights were cancelled were eligible for full refunds or rebooking at no extra cost. Under European passenger rights rules, affected travellers may also be entitled to compensation ranging from €250 to €600, as airline staff strikes are generally not classified as extraordinary circumstances. The strike was triggered by parallel disputes involving two major unions: Vereinigung Cockpit (VC), representing pilots, over disagreements related to pension schemes and retirement benefits. UFO (Unabhängige Flugbegleiter Organisation), representing cabin crew, over job security, working conditions and collective agreements, including concerns linked to Lufthansa’s regional subsidiary operations. The strike was driven by unresolved labour disputes between staff unions and Lufthansa management, the main issues were pension benefits, job security and stalled contract negotiations. Union leaders said negotiations with Lufthansa management had stalled after months of talks, prompting the one-day walkout. Lufthansa management described the action as “disproportionate and unnecessary”, warning that the disruption would affect not only passengers but also Germany’s wider aviation network during a high-demand travel period. As of Friday, February 13, Lufthansa spokesperson confirmed that the strike had ended as scheduled, and that flight operations were largely returning to normal. No further industrial action has been announced at this stage. The airline said most services were operating according to schedule on Friday, although minor residual delays and isolated cancellations remained possible due to aircraft and crew repositioning. The disruption coincided with a busy week in Germany, with international travel demand elevated due to major events such as the Munich Security Conference and the opening of the Berlin International Film Festival, amplifying the impact on business and diplomatic travel. Lufthansa operates more than 700 aircraft and carries over 100 million passengers annually, making it one of Europe’s largest airline groups. The strike represents one of the most significant single-day disruptions to its operations in recent years.

Airlines

Lufthansa Cancels 800 Flights as Pilot, Cabin Crew Strike Hits 100,000 Passengers

Aviation Today News Desk / February 13, 2026

Frankfurt, Germany: Germany’s flagship carrier Lufthansa was forced to cancel nearly 800 flights on Thursday after pilots and cabin crew

New York, United States: A Korean Air Airbus A380-800 operating Flight KE81 from Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) made a precautionary emergency landing on Monday after the pilots reported a hydraulic system irregularity during the aircraft’s final approach. The flight crew declared a PAN‑PAN, the international aviation urgency signal indicating an urgent situation that requires priority handling but does not constitute an immediate life-threatening emergency. Air Traffic Control granted the aircraft priority clearance for landing, and the crew executed a controlled descent and landing without incident. According to reports, the aircraft, registered HL7627, experienced limitations in certain automated flight systems due to the hydraulic anomaly. After touchdown, it was towed to the gate as a precautionary measure. All passengers and crew disembarked safely, though their onward travel was delayed as Korean Air conducted standard post-landing maintenance checks to ensure the aircraft’s operational integrity. A spokesperson for Korean Air stated, “Passenger safety is our highest priority. The precautionary landing was carried out in accordance with established safety protocols, and we can confirm that there were no injuries.” Aviation analysts note that while the Airbus A380 is no longer in production, it remains a critical aircraft for high-capacity, long-haul international routes.

Incidents

Korean Air A380 Makes Precautionary Landing At New York JFK Due To Hydraulic Problem

Aviation Today News Desk / January 27, 2026

New York, United States: A Korean Air Airbus A380-800 operating Flight KE81 from Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) to New

New Delhi, India: British Airways has announced a strategic expansion of its operations in India, reinforcing its commitment to one of the world’s fastest‑growing aviation markets and deepening ties between the United Kingdom and India. The airline confirmed plans to enhance its India‑UK connectivity with expanded flight frequencies, service upgrades, and broader market engagement, reflecting rising travel demand and the nation’s increasing importance as a global travel hub. British Airways plans to introduce a third daily service between London Heathrow and New Delhi starting in 2026, pending regulatory and slot approvals. Currently, the carrier operates two daily flights on the Delhi–London sector alongside multiple services to other Indian cities, including Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. The additional daily frequency is part of a broader expansion strategy aimed at supporting growing passenger traffic between India and the UK, particularly for business, education and leisure travel. In parallel with network growth, British Airways is reintroducing its First Class cabin on select Mumbai services and plans to deploy its latest Club Suite business‑class product across all major India routes by the end of 2026. These enhancements signal a targeted effort to elevate the customer experience and cater to premium travel demand. Industry observers note that such product upgrades align with broader trends in international long‑haul markets, where passenger expectations for comfort and service are rising, particularly on transcontinental routes. British Airways executives have described India as one of the airline’s most dynamic and strategically important markets, second only to the United States in terms of overall demand. The expansion reflects enduring bilateral links and increased economic interaction following the UK‑India Free Trade Agreement signed earlier this year. Beyond connectivity, the airline’s engagement extends to local employment and infrastructure, with facilities such as customer support centres in Gurugram that underscore long‑term commercial commitment. India’s aviation sector continues to grow robustly, recently ranking as the world’s fifth largest aviation market with over 240 million passengers in 2024, according to International Air Transport Association data, a testament to strong domestic and international travel demand. Industry expansion is not limited to foreign carriers. Indian airlines like IndiGo and Air India have also been scaling international operations, including new long‑haul services to Europe and beyond, intensifying global connectivity. With accelerating global mobility, British Airways’ expanded footprint in India represents a calculated growth strategy designed to capture rising demand on one of the world’s most vibrant aviation stages. By augmenting flight frequencies, enriching onboard products and bolstering customer support infrastructure, the airline aims to reinforce its competitive positioning while strengthening UK‑India travel and trade links.

Airlines

British Airways Plans Major Expansion In India’s Growing Aviation Market By 2026

Aviation Today News Desk / December 14, 2025

New Delhi, India: British Airways has announced a strategic expansion of its operations in India, reinforcing its commitment to one

Hyderabad, India: A software professional from Kerala was arrested on Saturday for allegedly misbehaving with a female flight attendant onboard an Air India flight operating from Dubai to Hyderabad, police confirmed on Sunday, November 30. According to officials, the incident took place during the flight on Friday, November 28, when the accused passenger, reportedly under the influence of alcohol, allegedly touched the cabin crew member inappropriately during the journey. The flight landed at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), Hyderabad, where security agencies were alerted immediately after the complaint was received. Police said that after the aircraft landed, crew members discovered a handwritten note containing obscene and abusive remarks left behind on the passenger’s seat. The matter was escalated to airport security and local law enforcement, following which the accused was taken into custody for questioning. A formal case was registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections related to sexual harassment and use of criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty. The accused was produced before a local court and has been remanded to judicial custody, police added. Investigators are also examining whether the passenger consumed alcohol before boarding or during the flight. Officials stated that strict action would be taken based on the findings of the probe and supporting evidence provided by the airline and crew members. The airline has so far not issued a detailed official statement on the matter. However, aviation authorities reiterated that any form of misconduct toward airline staff or fellow passengers will attract strict legal consequences.

Incidents

Kerala Techie Arrested For Harassing Cabin Crew On Dubai-Hyderabad Air India Flight

Aviation Today News Desk / December 1, 2025

Hyderabad, India: A software professional from Kerala was arrested on Saturday for allegedly misbehaving with a female flight attendant onboard

San Francisco, United States: An Emirates flight from San Francisco to Dubai was delayed for more than three hours after several Indian passengers requested to disembark, alarmed by reports of a new U.S. executive order introducing a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applicants. Flight EK226, operated by an Airbus A380, was due to depart San Francisco International Airport at 5:05 p.m. on September 19. According to eyewitness accounts cited by Paddle Your Own Kanoo, panic spread through the cabin shortly before takeoff as passengers received news updates about the policy. Many expressed fears that the new rule could prevent them from re-entering the United States. The situation escalated to the point where the aircraft’s captain made an onboard announcement, acknowledging the unusual circumstances and informing passengers that anyone wishing to leave could do so. Some accepted the offer, prompting ground staff to locate and remove their baggage from the aircraft, a process that extended the delay. Eventually, the flight departed at approximately 8:45 p.m., more than three hours behind schedule. The disruption followed news of a new executive order signed by the U.S. President Donald Trump, requiring new H-1B visa applicants to pay a $100,000 processing fee. While White House officials have since clarified that the fee applies only to new petitions and not to existing visa holders or renewals, uncertainty quickly spread among travelers. The confusion was particularly acute among Indian nationals, who make up more than 70 percent of H-1B visa holders in the United States. Many of those onboard EK226 were reportedly concerned that leaving the U.S. might jeopardize their legal status or future employment. The White House has clarified that the $100,000 fee applies solely to new H‑1B visa applicants on a one-time basis. Nevertheless, many observers suggest that this steep charge could effectively make the H‑1B visa an impractical option for most foreign workers seeking entry to the United States.

Airlines

Emirates Flight From San Francisco Delayed as $100K H‑1B Visa Fee Triggers Panic

Aviation Today News Desk / September 22, 2025

San Francisco, United States: An Emirates flight from San Francisco to Dubai was delayed for more than three hours after

Starting April 1, 2025, airlines flying internationally to and from India will be required to share detailed passenger information with Indian Customs. This new rule, issued by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), aims to strengthen border security and improve risk management. It applies to all airlines, including those using Global Distribution Systems (GDS), with specific deadlines for compliance | Aviation Today

News

Airlines Must Share Passenger Data with Customs from April 1, 2025

Aviation Today News Desk / December 31, 2024

India: Starting April 1, 2025, airlines flying internationally to and from India will be required to share detailed passenger information

International Travel

Singapore Airlines Profit Drops 57.4% Amid Air India Losses & Missing Vistara Merger Gain

UK Aviation Records 302 Million Passengers In 2025, Marking Busiest Year On Record

Airlines Hike Ticket Prices Worldwide As Middle East Crisis Drives Global Fuel Surge

US–Israel–Iran War Trigggers Widespread Airspace Closures, 4,000+ Flight Cancellations

Lufthansa Cancels 800 Flights as Pilot, Cabin Crew Strike Hits 100,000 Passengers

Korean Air A380 Makes Precautionary Landing At New York JFK Due To Hydraulic Problem

British Airways Plans Major Expansion In India’s Growing Aviation Market By 2026

Kerala Techie Arrested For Harassing Cabin Crew On Dubai-Hyderabad Air India Flight

Emirates Flight From San Francisco Delayed as $100K H‑1B Visa Fee Triggers Panic

Airlines Must Share Passenger Data with Customs from April 1, 2025

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