Aviation India

GST dept issues Rs 124 cr demand notice to SpiceJet, moves to cancel registration

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 30 May 2026 18:04:40 +0000

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Department has issued a Rs 124.65 crore tax demand to budget carrier SpiceJet for allegedly failing to file GST returns for several months, officials said on Friday, with the financially stressed airline also facing proceedings for cancellation of its GST registration.

The department has also issued a show-cause notice proposing cancellation of SpiceJet’s GST registration over repeated delays and alleged non-compliance in filing returns.

According to officials, the tax demand was raised following a provisional assessment conducted under Section 62 of the CGST and SGST Acts, 2017, after the airline allegedly failed to file returns within the prescribed timelines.

GST authorities said SpiceJet had “consistently committed irregularities” in filing returns and had repeatedly submitted them late.

As per the assessment, the department raised a demand of Rs 44.44 crore for November, Rs 43.79 crore for December, Rs 12.19 crore for January, Rs 12.10 crore for February and Rs 12.12 crore for March.

Officials said a show-cause notice regarding cancellation of the airline’s GST registration was issued on May 25, 2026, but the company has yet to clear pending compliance requirements.

30/05/2026 Moneycontrol

IndiGo Flight Makes Emergency Landing At Hyderabad Airport

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 30 May 2026 18:03:27 +0000

Hyderabad: An IndiGo flight operating from Bengaluru to Nagpur made a precautionary emergency landing at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport on Saturday after the pilot detected a technical issue during the journey.

The pilot alerted air traffic control and requested permission for an emergency landing. Following standard aviation safety procedures, the aircraft was diverted to Hyderabad and landed safely.

All 126 passengers and crew members on board were reported safe.

Airport emergency services, including fire, rescue and medical teams, were placed on standby as a precaution before the aircraft’s arrival.

The flight touched down without incident, and passengers were safely evacuated after landing.

The airline is likely to arrange alternative travel options for passengers affected by the disruption.

30/05/2026 India Today

Akasa Air announces special Ahmedabad flights from Bengaluru, Navi Mumbai for IPL 2026 final

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 30 May 2026 18:02:10 +0000

Akasa Air has announced special flights connecting Ahmedabad with Bengaluru and Navi Mumbai ahead of the IPL 2026 final, as travel demand rises for the championship match scheduled on May 31.

The airline said it will operate additional direct services on May 31 and June 1 to help cricket fans travel to Ahmedabad for the final and return shortly after the match. The temporary services will supplement Akasa Air’s existing network connecting Ahmedabad with nine domestic and international destinations.

According to the airline, the schedule has been designed to offer convenient travel options for fans attending the title clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans.

"On 31 May and 1 June 2026, Akasa Air will operate special direct flights to Ahmedabad from Navi Mumbai and Bengaluru," the airline said in a statement.

The carrier said the outbound flights on May 31 have been timed to help passengers arrive in Ahmedabad before the match, while the return services in the early hours of June 1 will allow fans to travel back soon after the final concludes.

The special flights include service QP 6892 from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad, departing at 9:30 am and arriving at 11:50 am on May 31. Flight QP 6882 from Navi Mumbai to Ahmedabad will depart at 2:45 pm and arrive at 4:15 pm the same day.

30/05/2026 StoryBoard18

Passengers demand sticking despite higher ticket prices: IndiGo

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 30 May 2026 17:58:37 +0000

India’s largest airline said that passengers are not getting deterred despite an increase in ticket prices to cover soaring fuel costs. Average domestic airfares have gone up by over 40% while international fares have climbed sharper as airlines levied fuel surcharge following a shoot up in jet fuel prices.

“It is very clear that we need to raise fares. Right now what we are seeing is that despite the increase in ticket price, the demand is inelastic, Rahul Bhatia, managing director of the airline, told analysts in a post results call on Friday.

Global average jet fuel prices rose to $195.19 a barrel for the week ended March 27 after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran. Prices have since cooled but were still at $159.85 a barrel, about 70% higher than February levels. While the government has absorbed 75% of the increase in jet fuel prices, it hasn’t provided any such cushion on the international front.

The airline said that on domestic routes it has been able to pass on the higher costs incurred from high fuel prices, while on the international routes, it has been unable to do so.

30/05/2026 Arindam Majumder/Economic Times

Strict screening for Ebola at Tirupati

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 30 May 2026 17:51:58 +0000

TIRUPATI: District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) Dr Balakrishna Naik, along with health department officials, met the Airport Director on Friday and discussed strict surveillance protocols to prevent any possible entry of Ebola cases into the district.

During the meeting, health officials explained seriousness of Ebola, its modes of transmission, and the importance of maintaining hygiene and infection control measures.

They also briefed airport authorities on the precautionary guidelines issued by the Government of India. Airport officials informed the health team that currently only Air India and IndiGo flights are operating from Tirupati International Airport. Officials also discussed plans to deploy a dedicated medical screening team at the airport to identify and monitor high-risk passengers.

As part of emergency preparedness, the DMHO informed airport authorities that a special Ebola isolation ward with 10 beds has been established at SVRRGGH.

30/05/2026 New Indian Express

CISF reviews security prep in North, airport sectors

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 30 May 2026 17:49:58 +0000

Senior officers and unit commanders from various CISF formations participated, with discussions focusing on strengthening security preparedness, enhancing response capabilities through better inter-agency coordination, and expanding the use of advanced technologies to safeguard critical infrastructure and civil aviation installations.

According to an official statement, the review assumes significance amid evolving security challenges in strategically sensitive and border states, including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana and Gujarat.

Special emphasis was laid on preparedness against emerging threats such as drone intrusions, sabotage attempts and disaster situations. To counter low-altitude aerial threats, CISF has launched a phased counter-drone training programme in coordination with the Indian Army, aimed at equipping personnel to detect, track and neutralise hostile unmanned aerial systems.

The review also covered joint training initiatives with the Army and other agencies in areas such as counter-terrorism operations, quick response and disaster management. These include counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism training, specialised quick reaction team drills, battle inoculation exercises and resilience programmes focusing on stress management and mental preparedness.

30/05/2026 Times of India

Akasa Air adds special flights to and from Ahmedabad ahead of IPL 2026 final

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 30 May 2026 17:39:45 +0000

New Delhi: Akasa Air on Saturday announced special flights to Ahmedabad from Bengaluru and Navi Mumbai ahead of the IPL 2026 final, amid surge in travel demand from cricket fans heading to the city for the season's title clash on May 31.

The airline said it will operate additional direct services on May 31 and June 1, supplementing its existing network connecting Ahmedabad with nine domestic and international destinations.

The special flights are designed to allow fans to reach Ahmedabad before the IPL final and return soon after the match concludes.

"On 31 May and 1 June 2026, Akasa Air will operate special direct flights to Ahmedabad from Navi Mumbai and Bengaluru," the airline said in a statement.

The carrier added that the services have been timed to offer "greater convenience with morning and midday departures on 31 May allowing fans to reach Ahmedabad comfortably ahead of the match, and early morning return services on 1 June to travel back soon after the match, providing flexibility for those who prefer not to extend their stay."

30/05/2026 Economic Times

Mosque shift to extend Kol airport lifeline by 10 yrs

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 30 May 2026 17:28:21 +0000

Kolkata: The airport mosque shift will give Kolkata airport a lifeline of 10 more years, aviation industry experts said.

While the civil aviation ministry and the state govt have cited airport’s safety and security to push for the relocation of the mosque that is situated at the end of the secondary runway, officials who have served at the airport said the airport capacity that is due to get saturated by 2035 can be extended by a decade if the mosque is shifted and the secondary runway gets upgraded to match the primary runway.

According to an aircraft movement forecast, the number of daily flight movements is expected to go up from 174 at present to 351 by 2035. Passenger movement is forecast to shoot up from 2.5 crore now to 5.6 crore in 2035.

While the passenger handling capacity will be increased by constructing a new terminal, to extend the life of the airport beyond 2035, the runway capacity needs to go up as well. Airport officials said shifting the mosque and making the land available for the full utilisation of the secondary runway is key to that.

Now, the primary runway has a peak capacity of 42 flights an hour. But when the operation shifts to the secondary runway once or twice a week due to maintenance requirements, it drops to 27 flights an hour. The average works out to 33 flights an hour.“Once the mosque goes, the entire length of the runway can be utilised. This will increase the flight handling capability of the secondary runway to 42 as well. The hourly average can increase from 33 flights to 43 flights. That would mean an additional 10 flights an hour or 120 more flights over a 12-hour period when maximum flights operate in a day,” an air traffic control official at Kolkata airport said.

Operation of 120 more flights a day works out to at least 18,000 more flyers daily or over 65 lakh in a year.

“Increasing the airside capacity of Kolkata airport is absolutely crucial because unlike Jewar Airport in Noida near Delhi and Navi Mumbai International Airport near Mumbai, there is no alternative airport in Kolkata. Unless the airport’s aircraft handling capacity goes up, Kolkata and the rest of India’s economic growth will stagnate,” said Kaushik Bhattacharya, former director of Kolkata airport.

29/05/2026 Subhro Niyogi/Times of India

Fare hikes needed to shield IndiGo from cost pressures, says Rahul Bhatia

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 30 May 2026 16:11:11 +0000

In light of elevated fuel prices, India’s largest airline, IndiGo, is looking to hike air fares to navigate the high-cost environment faced by Indian airlines. The airline in the Jan-Mar quarter faced significant headwinds from geopolitical tensions, volatile fuel prices, and currency depreciation.

“So for us it is very clear that we need to take fares up to protect ourselves against some of these additional costs that are showing up and for the moment what we are discovering is that the fares are sticking, the demand is there,” said Rahul Bhatia, Founder and Managing Director, InterGlobe Aviation Ltd, in the post-earnings conference call on Friday.

“For the moment, what we are seeing is as we take the fares up, the market is inelastic to these hikes and fares, and we just deal with this on a daily basis and see where we go,” Bhatia added.

The airline saw demand disruption in the quarter due to the escalating conflict in West Asia, affecting international operations to the region and Europe, which accounted for 18 per cent of total capacity, or about 160 daily flights.

In Q4 FY26, the airline recorded a net loss of ₹2,537 crores, as against a profit of ₹3,067 crores in the same period a year ago. In the March quarter, the rupee depreciated sharply by around 5 per cent against the US dollar, resulting in a foreign exchange loss of ₹4,820 crores for the airline.

The management outlined that the bottom line was also impacted by a high base in the same period last year, when demand was boosted by Maha Kumbh Mela-related travel.

Revenue from operations in the quarter was ₹22,438 crore, recording modest year-on-year growth of 1.3 per cent.

30/05/2026 Dev Kachari/ET Infra

CISF, Army join hands to counter drone threats at India’s airports

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 30 May 2026 16:10:16 +0000

NEW DELHI: With drones emerging as a prime source of low-altitude threats at sensitive airports, particularly in J&K and Punjab, the CISF, which guards 72 airports across the country, has tied up with the Indian Army to equip its personnel with advanced capabilities to detect, track and neutralise hostile unmanned aerial systems (UAVs). Simultaneously, 659 personnel from its specialised aviation security group have undergone rigorous ‘military-grade battle inoculation training’ to prepare for quick response teams (QRTs) to be deployed at all CISF-protected airports by the year-end.

The progress of the counter-drone training programme and the battle inoculation training for airport QRTs was reviewed at an operational review for the CISF’s north sector and airport sector, chaired by CISF DG Praveer Ranjan in Chandigarh on Friday. The meeting took stock of the progression of key technological and operational upgrades across the commercial airports under CISF protection. Discussions centred on reinforcing perimeter security at airports, upgrading surveillance networks and adopting next-generation screening tools, including full body scanners, to maintain world-class aviation security standards.

Senior officers and commanders of various CISF units participated in the meeting, which saw detailed discussions on strengthening security preparedness, enhancing response capabilities through better inter-agency coordination, and the adoption of advanced technologies for the protection of critical infrastructure and civil aviation installations.

Addressing the commanders, the DG said: “CISF remains fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of the nation’s critical infrastructure and providing a secure environment for citizens through proactive, technology-driven, and responsive security measures.”

30/05/2026 Bharti Jain/Times of India

IGI gets India's first aviation weather monitoring system

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 30 May 2026 16:07:19 +0000

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated India’s first ‘SkyCast’ System at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), New Delhi.

SkyCast is a next-generation, integrated atmospheric remote sensing system designed for aviation weather monitoring. It brings together multiple real-time measurements of fog, aerosols, turbulence, moisture, and visibility into a single, comprehensive aviation weather intelligence framework.

The system was developed under the Government of India’s Mission Mausam initiative by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).

The primary objective of SkyCast is to usher India into an era of fog-free, weather-smart aviation.

It aims to dramatically reduce flight delays, cancellations, and diversions caused by adverse weather conditions while maximizing safety during critical take-off and landing phases.

Key Features:

Multi-Sensor Integration: Combines state-of-the-art instruments including a Radar Wind Profiler, SODAR, Microwave Radiometer, Ground-based Fog Aerosol Spectrometer (GFAS), and a CL61 Lidar-based Ceilometer.

3-Kilometer Atmospheric Monitoring: The system continuously monitors and maps boundary-layer dynamics, wind speed, wind direction, vertical velocity, and turbulence up to an altitude of nearly 3 km.

Micro-Level Fog Tracking: Utilizes the GFAS to study droplet sizing and aerosol-fog interactions (crucial for Delhi’s pollution-heavy fog) and the Lidar Ceilometer to track the vertical structure and density of fog.

Short-Window Alerts: Provides precise nowcasting and real-time alerts to aircrews and pilots within a tight 3-hour window.

Data-Driven Scalability: The vertical profiles of temperature, humidity, and wind will feed directly into advanced forecasting models, AI-enabled decision support systems, and urban pollution management.

30/05/2026 Insights On India

India’s domestic air traffic slips 2% in April as higher fares, fuel costs cloud aviation outlook: ICRA

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 30 May 2026 16:06:02 +0000

India’s aviation sector has entered FY2027 on a subdued note, with domestic passenger traffic declining both year-on-year and sequentially in April, signalling a moderation in travel demand amid elevated airfares and mounting cost pressures.

According to rating agency ICRA, domestic air passenger traffic stood at an estimated 140.8 lakh in April 2026, down 1.6% from 143.1 lakh in the corresponding month last year and 2.0% lower than 143.7 lakh recorded in March 2026.

The decline comes after domestic traffic growth remained muted through FY2026, when passenger volumes rose just 1.4% to 1,677.4 lakh, broadly in line with ICRA’s expectations.

The slowdown in passenger growth was accompanied by a reduction in airline capacity deployment. Domestic carriers operated around 97,598 departures during April, 0.6% lower than a year earlier and 1.4% below March levels.

Despite the moderation in traffic, Passenger Load Factors (PLFs) remained healthy at an estimated 85.9%, though lower than 86.8% recorded a year ago.

ICRA attributed the weakness partly to softer discretionary travel demand as airfares remained elevated. The agency noted that flight cancellations, geopolitical disruptions and higher operating costs have begun weighing on the industry's growth trajectory.

Domestic traffic growth in FY2026 remained significantly below the double-digit expansion witnessed in previous years.

International passenger traffic carried by Indian airlines grew 3.9% to 350 lakh passengers in FY2026, falling short of ICRA’s earlier expectation of 7-9% growth. The rating agency said its projections were drawn before the escalation of geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which subsequently disrupted operations and increased costs for airlines.

30/05/2026 Avishek Banerjee/Fortune India

India’s Aviation Sector Takes a Global Stage with the Notification of Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Rules, 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 30 May 2026 16:04:29 +0000

India’s civil aviation market is currently the fastest growing market and ranks as the third largest globally. In span of last few years, the domestic carriers in India have placed an unprecedent orders for hundreds of aircrafts with international manufacturers involving financial commitments running into billions of dollars.1 This extraordinary expansion has positioned India as one of the most significant markets for global aircraft manufacturers, lessors, and financiers.

But commercial growth alone is not enough. Capital follows confidence and that requires legal certainty, the assurance that if an investment goes wrong, the law will provide a reliable, timely, and effective remedy. For too long, India’s aviation finance framework failed to provide that assurance. Foreign creditors who leased aircraft to Indian airlines found themselves trapped in protracted litigation when airlines defaulted, watching asset values erode while courts slowly worked through disputes that should have been resolved in weeks.

The Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Act, 2025 and the Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Rules, 2026 (2026 Rules) are India’s answer to this challenge. By giving domestic legal force to the Cape Town Convention, the globally accepted framework for aircraft finance that India had signed in 2008 but never fully implemented vide domestic legislations. Now, it’s a time when India finally bridges the gap between India’s international commitments and its domestic legal reality. That which was once a treaty on paper is today an enforceable law on the ground and India stands alongside the world’s leading aviation finance nations in offering foreign investors a legal framework that is certain, reliable, and internationally recognised.

These Rules are designed to address long-standing enforcement gaps. While the Act establishes the substantive legal framework, the Rules provide the operational mechanism for its implementation. Together, they mark a structural shift in India’s aviation financing regime, aligning it with global best practices and transforming India from a jurisdiction approached with caution by international aircraft financiers into one offering greater legal certainty and creditor confidence.

30/05/2026 Love Kumar Gupta/SCC Times

Ahmedabad airport incorporates hospitality venue

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 May 2026 17:52:00 +0000

Adani Airport Holdings Ltd and Bastian Hospitality launched Maison Twenty-Seven at Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The venue positions itself as India's first airport-integrated hospitality and wellness destination.

The 52,000-square-foot destination sits next to Terminal 2's arrivals area, near GIFT City in Gandhinagar.

The space is designed for business travelers, families and Ahmedabad residents alike.It runs on a reservations and day-pass model, giving passengers flexible access between flights through AAHL's Pranaam guest services platform, the company said in a statement.

The venue includes dining, wellness, entertainment and community-style spaces. A portion of the property is also reported to be allocated for regional artists and artisans from Gujarat.

"At Adani airports, we are reimagining airports as dynamic lifestyles and social ecosystems that extend far beyond travel," said Arun Bansal, AAHL CEO. “As Ahmedabad and GIFT City continue to emerge as globally significant growth hubs, we believe destinations like Maison Twenty-Seven will redefine the role airports play in shaping urban experiences”.

29/05/2026 Asian Hospital

Mosque, temple and modernisation: Can Kolkata airport become world-class?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 May 2026 17:50:00 +0000

The expansion of Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport will require the relocation of two religious structures in its vicinity—a mosque and a temple—as authorities push ahead with plans to transform the airport into a world-class aviation hub and develop a Delhi-style Aerocity around it.

While public attention has largely centred on the long-pending issue of relocating the Gouripur Jame Masjid, commonly known as the Bankra Mosque, INDIA TODAY has learnt that a temple located near the airport police station will also be shifted as part of the proposed terminal expansion.

“It is not just about the mosque. A temple located near the airport will also be relocated. There will be no compromise when it comes to development,” said Sourav Sikdar, the BJP MLA from Uttar Dum Dum, after meeting Union civil aviation minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu on May 21. Most of the airport falls under Sikdar’s constituency.

Sikdar said redevelopment of the Kolkata airport was a major priority of the new BJP government in the state. “Developing the Kolkata airport into a world-class facility so that its full potential can be explored is a priority of the honourable chief minister. We are working towards realising it,” he said.

29/05/2026 Arkamoy Datta Majumdar/India Today

Squall forces 5 flight diversions, 20 delays

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 May 2026 17:46:00 +0000

Kolkata: The season’s strongest squall disrupted flight operations at the city airport for nearly an hour on Friday, forcing five flight diversions and delaying around 20 services. The squall recorded at the airport was 74 kmph.

Flight movements were suspended between 2.21 pm and 3.20 pm after weather conditions deteriorated rapidly, airport officials said. Officials said at least 10 incoming flights circled over the city for several minutes before being cleared to land. Ten departing flights were also held up on the tarmac till visibility improved and conditions became safe for flight operations.

“Due to thunderstorm activity, the air traffic controller had to temporarily regulate flight movements to ensure passenger safety, leading to delays and diversions,” an airport official said. “Operations resumed gradually after the weather improved.”

29/05/2026 Tamaghna Banerjee/Times of India

Ebola screening intensified at Vizag airport

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 May 2026 17:45:00 +0000

VISAKHAPATNAM: Authorities at Visakhapatnam International Airport have intensified health screening and surveillance measures for international passengers in line with the Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, following concerns over Ebola disease outbreaks reported in parts of Africa.

The precautionary measures were implemented for Scoot Flight TR784 arriving from Singapore starting Wednesday night.

The flight landed around 10.30 pm IST with 184 passengers onboard. Officials said all required health screening and surveillance procedures were carried out in coordination with multiple agencies to ensure public health safety while maintaining smooth airport operations and passenger convenience.

Airport authorities stated that effective coordination was maintained among the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Airport Health Organisation (APHO), Immigration, Customs, airline representatives and other departments concerned for implementation of the prescribed guidelines and monitoring protocols wherever necessary.

29/05/2026 New Indian Express

Bengaluru overtakes Mumbai as India’s second busiest domestic airport

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 May 2026 17:36:00 +0000

Mumbai, known as the city of dreams and home to one of India’s busiest and most crowded airports is slowly losing its long-held position as the country’s second busiest domestic aviation hub.

Bengaluru airport has now moved ahead of Mumbai in domestic passenger traffic, marking a major shift in India’s aviation landscape.

The rise of Bengaluru airport, combined with the rapid growth of Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), signals a bigger transformation taking place in Indian aviation. Experts say this change is being driven not by global geopolitical tensions or the ongoing West Asia conflict, but by factors much closer to home namely airport capacity limits, airline network strategies, better infrastructure and growing passenger demand in emerging urban centres.

According to the latest passenger traffic data released by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for April 2026, Bengaluru handled 31.78 lakh domestic passengers during the month, while Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) handled 28.93 lakh domestic passengers. Delhi remained India’s busiest domestic airport with 49.29 lakh passengers.

29/05/2026 Swati Ketkar/Mathrubhumi

Air India expands codeshare with Croatia Airlines to additional routes to Croatia

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 May 2026 17:33:00 +0000

Air India expanded its codeshare partnership with Croatia Airlines in May, giving passengers of India’s national carrier access to additional routes to and from Croatia via European hubs. According to Aeroroutes, the expansion covers several Croatia Airlines routes that have gradually been added to the codeshare since early May 2026.

According to data published by Aeroroutes, Air India now places its code on additional flights operated by Croatia Airlines. The expanded agreement includes routes from Dubrovnik to Rome Fiumicino and Zurich, from Split to Copenhagen, Milan Malpensa, Rome Fiumicino and Zurich, and from Zagreb to Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Zurich.

The expanded codeshare is particularly important for connecting Croatian destinations with Air India’s long-haul network, as it allows passengers to combine flights more easily within a single booking, with more convenient connections and a wider range of possible itineraries. In practice, Air India passengers can more easily continue their journeys to Zagreb, Split or Dubrovnik via European cities where Croatia Airlines operates scheduled services.

29/05/2026 AvioRadar

Every aircraft will have made-in-Telangana component by 2030, says Minister Sridhar

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 May 2026 17:32:00 +0000

Telangana aims to ensure that by 2030, every aircraft flying anywhere in the world will carry at least one component made in Telangana, according to IT and Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu. He emphasised that the state is positioning itself as a global hub for aerospace and defence manufacturing.

The minister highlighted that aerospace and defence exports from the state have significantly increased, rising from Rs 15,900 crore in 2024 to Rs 32,850 crore in the current financial year, reflecting an annual growth of 103%.

For the first time since the formation of Telangana, aerospace and defence exports have surpassed pharmaceuticals to become the state’s leading export segment.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, Telangana has attracted investments in aerospace and defence worth Rs 4,200 crore since January 2024. Additionally, projects worth another Rs 12,500 crore are currently in the pipeline.

The minister noted Hyderabad’s rapid growth in aerospace manufacturing, including areas such as aero-engines, defence systems, drones, and space technologies. Recently, major aerospace facilities have been inaugurated by Safran Aircraft Engines and Tata Advanced Systems Limited.

The Safran Aircraft Engine Services India (SAESI) facility at GMR Aerospace Park, established with an investment of around Rs 1,300 crore, is the company’s largest global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) centre for LEAP aircraft engines. This facility covers 45,000 square meters and is expected to service up to 300 LEAP engines annually, generating over 1,000 skilled jobs by 2035.

Safran has also announced the establishment of an M88 engine MRO facility in Hyderabad, with an investment exceeding Rs 400 crore for servicing Rafale fighter jet engines. This proposed facility is expected to employ around 150 specialists and service more than 600 engine modules annually.

Additionally, Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Safran Aircraft Engines have jointly inaugurated a Rs 425 crore manufacturing facility in Adibatla for producing complex rotating components for CFM LEAP engines. This unit will manufacture critical aero-engine components for global aviation supply chains, including those linked to Pratt & Whitney.

29/05/2026 New Indian Express

IndiGo reports Rs 2,536 crore loss in Jan-March quarter over forex losses

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 May 2026 16:17:00 +0000

Hit by a declining rupee amid a challenging external environment, InterGlobe Aviation, the parent of IndiGo airline, reported a net loss of Rs 2,536 crore for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 (Q4FY26). It reported a net profit of Rs 3,067 crore in the year-ago quarter (Q4FY25).

The airline’s revenue from operations grew by just 1% year-on-year to Rs 22,438 crore during the reported quarter while total cost grew by 30% to Rs 25,932 crore. Passenger ticket revenues declined marginally to Rs 19,425 crore.

Excluding the impact of foreign exchange and exceptional items, IndiGo reported a net profit of Rs 1,921 crore in Q4FY26. A declining rupee severely impacts airlines in India by inflating operational costs, triggering foreign-exchange losses and squeezing profit margins as roughly 60% of their expenses, including aviation turbine fuel (ATF), aircraft leasing and maintenance are dollar-denominated.

At 95 per dollar, the rupee has declined more than 5% so far in calendar year 2026. In the last one year, the decline is around 10%.

For the full financial year 2025-26, IndiGo reported a loss of Rs 2,393 crore. The airline had reported a profit of Rs 7,258 crore in FY2024-25. Revenue from operations for the full year grew by 5% to Rs 84,962 crore.

On operational metrics, Indigo’s capacity increased by 3.4% to 43.6 billion Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) in Q4FY26. Passenger volume declined by 1.1% to 31.6 million during the quarter while Yield decreased by 2.2% to Rs 5.20 (INR/KM).

29/05/2026 Arshad Khan/New Indian Express

IndiGo swings to ₹2,536.9 crore loss due to forex loss, high ATF prices

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 May 2026 16:14:00 +0000

IndiGo airline, formally known as InterGlobe Aviation, on Friday posted a consolidated net loss of ₹2,536.9 crore in the fourth quarter of 2025-26 (FY26), hurt by sharp foreign exchange losses, elevated aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices and flight cancellations due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

The airline had reported a consolidated net profit of ₹3,067.5 crore in the year-ago period.

IndiGo said the rupee depreciated sharply by around 5 per cent against the US dollar during the fourth quarter, resulting in a foreign exchange loss of about ₹4,820 crore. “Foreign exchange losses are largely mark-to-market losses,” Gaurav Negi, chief financial officer of IndiGo, said during the analyst conference call, adding that these forex losses are primarily linked to aircraft lease and maintenance liabilities payable over 8–10 years.

"Mark-to-market losses" arise when companies are required to account for liabilities at prevailing currency rates even if the actual payment will happen years later.

Negi said the airline’s operations, especially on the international side, had to be curtailed due to the West Asia conflict. “We had close to 160 daily frequencies that we were running to the Middle East as well as into Europe. Once the crisis happened... a large part of this had to be cancelled,” he noted.

29/05/2026 Deepak Patel/Business Standard

Bell wins 407GXi helo order with TransBharat Aviation in India

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 May 2026 16:13:00 +0000

Bell Textron announced the order of the first Bell 407GXi helicopter in India to TransBharat Aviation, one of India’s most established non-scheduled rotary-wing operators. Founded in 1990, TransBharat Aviation operates a fleet that includes the iconic Bell 206B3 and the Bell 407.

“The sale of the first Bell 407GXi in India reflects the confidence that operators like TransBharat Aviation place in Bell aircraft,” said David Sale, managing director, Asia Pacific, Bell. “This aircraft represents the ideal combination of advanced avionics, exceptional performance, and reliability for the diverse and challenging missions flown across India. We are honored to support TransBharat Aviation as they continue to set new benchmarks in the Indian aviation industry.”

TransBharat Aviation’s Bell 407GXi will join a global fleet of more than 1,500 Bell 407s that have collectively logged over six million flight hours across utility, corporate, air medical, and public safety missions worldwide.

“TransBharat Aviation has always been committed to delivering excellence in aviation, and the addition of the Bell 407GXi to our fleet is a reflection of that commitment,” said Siddharth Shankaran, CEO, TransBharat Aviation. “This aircraft not only enhances our operational capabilities but also strengthens our ability to serve communities right across India. We are excited to bring this state-of-the-art platform to the country and believe the 407GXi will be instrumental in connecting underserved communities, including through our participation in the UDAN regional connectivity scheme.”

29/05/2026 Asian Aviation

Delhi airport, SpiceJet issue travel advisory: Bad weather likely to affect flight operations

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 May 2026 16:12:00 +0000

Budget carrier SpiceJet announced on May 29 that adverse weather conditions in the national capital could disrupt flight operations, prompting the airline to advise passengers to closely monitor the status of their flights.

In a late evening travel advisory, the airline said all arrivals, departures and consequential flights operating to and from Delhi may be impacted due to inclement weather conditions in the region.

“Due to bad weather in Delhi, all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights may be affected,” SpiceJet said, while requesting passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.

The advisory came as parts of Delhi-NCR witnessed thunderstorms, gusty winds and rainfall following a weather alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The weather office had forecast thunderstorms and lightning activity across several parts of north India, including the national capital region.

Delhi airport authorities said flight operations at the airport were continuing normally despite the prevailing weather conditions. However, passengers were advised to remain in touch with airlines for updated schedules and possible changes in departure or arrival timings.

“As per the India Meteorological Department’s forecast, Delhi is experiencing inclement weather conditions and thunderstorms. However, flight operations at Delhi Airport are currently normal,” Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) said in a statement.

The airport operator added that ground teams were coordinating with multiple stakeholders to minimise inconvenience to passengers and ensure smooth operations.

“Our on-ground teams are working diligently with all stakeholders to ensure your journey remains hassle-free,” the airport operator said.

29/05/2026 Economic Times

IndiGo mulls hedging fuel costs after quarterly loss as crude surge hits margins

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 May 2026 16:11:00 +0000

India's IndiGo, opens new tab said it will consider hedging fuel costs to ‌protect margins after posting a quarterly loss on Friday, as soaring crude prices driven by the Iran war have pushed up jet fuel prices and squeezed airlines globally.

Jet fuel is typically the largest expense for airlines worldwide, and sharp price swings can erode profitability, particularly for carriers such as IndiGo that do not hedge fuel.

Airlines hedge fuel costs through financial contracts that lock ⁠in prices, helping cushion sudden spikes in fuel costs and improve cost predictability.

"We will be putting our minds to start looking at whether fuel hedging is another option...given what we've experienced in the last three months now," CFO Gaurav Negi said on a conference call.

The airline posted a net loss of 26.62 billion rupees ($280.2 million) for the quarter ended March 31, compared with a profit of 30.73 billion rupees a year earlier, hit by capacity curbs, a declining rupee and higher costs.

More than 60% of the company's costs are linked to the dollar, and a weaker rupee pushed up ‌its ⁠expenses by 31%. The airline reported a foreign-exchange loss of 48.82 billion rupees for the quarter, compared with a gain of 1.38 billion rupees a year earlier.

IndiGo also approved a plan to partially prepay up to $450 million in lease obligations to its wholly owned subsidiary, which will use the funds to acquire aircraft, engines and ⁠parts.

29/05/2026 Kashish Tandon/Reuters