Airlines / Aviation
Air India suspends operations to and from Tel Aviv until August 8
Tata-owned airline Air India has announced a suspension of flight operations to and from Tel Aviv until August 8, due to rising Middle Eastern tensions. The airline is monitoring the situation and has extended support to passengers with confirmed bookings, offering a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation charges.
Air India cancels Tel Aviv flight
Air India cancelled its flight from Delhi to Tel Aviv on Thursday, citing operational reasons. The decision coincides with escalating tensions in the conflict between Israel and the terror group Hamas. Air India operates four flights from Delhi to Tel Aviv every week.
Akasa Air may have 1000+ departures by festive season
Akasa Air, which will celebrate its second anniversary next week, is projected to reach 1,000 weekly departures by this year's festive season, solidifying its status as India's fastest-growing airline. Currently, the airline operates over 900 weekly departures. Additionally, Akasa Air aims to double its Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) by the end of FY25, growing from the current range of 15-18%.
No engine malfunction with Boeing 737 Max aircraft operated by Indian operators, says MoCA
The government reported on Thursday that Indian operators have not experienced any engine failures with the Boeing 737 Max aircraft lately. Murlidhar Mohol, the minister of state in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, provided this information in the Lok Sabha.
Air India Express launches Freedom Sale with tickets starting from ₹1947
Air India Express launched a 'Freedom Sale' with fares starting from ₹1947 on its website. The offer, valid for bookings made until 5th August and travel until 30th September 2024, includes discounts for loyalty members, students, senior citizens, SMEs, healthcare staff, and armed forces personnel and their dependents on both domestic and international routes.
Govt introduces bill to replace 90-year-old Aircraft Act; aims to improve ease of doing biz
The Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Bill 2024 aims to update the 90-year-old Aircraft Act, addressing ambiguities and redundancies. Introduced by Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, the bill proposes new regulations on aircraft design and manufacturing, aligning with global civil aviation standards. It also transfers the issuance of important certificates to the DGCA from the DoT.
Delhi HC asks SpiceJet's CFO to appear before it if airline fails to make balance payment to its engine lessors
The Delhi High Court demanded SpiceJet's CFO appear on August 8 if the airline doesn't pay Rs 20 crore to engine lessors. SpiceJet is raising funds and hopes to pay by the next hearing. The lessors, Team France 01 SAS and Sunbird France 02 SAS, sought action due to unpaid dues, initially moving the court in December.
AI Express to start direct flights to Dhaka from Sep 3
Air India Express launched direct flights between Chennai, Kolkata, and Dhaka from September 3. This initiative aimed to bolster trade, tourism, and medical travel from Bangladesh. Six weekly flights were scheduled for each route. Dhaka became the airline's 15th international destination, offering connections to the Gulf and other international locations.
Air India Express launches direct flights to Dhaka from Chennai and Kolkata
Air India Express will start weekly flights between Dhaka and Kolkata, and Dhaka and Chennai, beginning September 3, 2024. The flights will run from Tuesday to Sunday with no layovers. Tickets can be booked online and through major booking channels.
Adani Group considers investing in Vietnam's airports
India's Adani Group plans to invest in two Vietnamese airports, Long Thanh and Chu Lai, the Vietnamese government said after Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with Gautam Adani in Delhi. This follows Adani's recent approval to build a seaport in Vietnam. Investment details and timelines were not disclosed.
Must Watch
Akasa Air eyes flights to Asia’s tourist hotspots like Thailand & Malaysia
Akasa Air is expanding its international network across Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent to cater to the growing demand for overseas air travel in India. With plans to add destinations such as Kathmandu, Dhaka, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia, the airline aims to capitalize on Indians' love for traveling. Despite fierce competition from established rivals like IndiGo and Air India, Akasa has carved a niche by offering unique services like allowing pets on board. The airline's rapid growth and strategic fleet expansion highlight the evolving landscape of India's aviation industry.
Air India may carve out separate cargo entity with dedicated freighters
Air India follows homegrown budget carrier SpiceJet, which has already demerged its cargo operations. IndiGo, India's leading airline, is also focusing heavily on the segment, including on dedicated freighters.
SpiceJet delays June salaries, says disbursing in 'phased way'
SpiceJet in Mumbai has delayed June salary payments and previously defaulted on provident fund contributions. Despite the situation, SpiceJet states that 95% of staff have been paid in phases and aims to settle outstanding provident fund dues. The airline continues to prioritize clearing these financial obligations for its 8,000 employees.
Going to Leh? Here's why you should worry about your flight
Leh airport faced disruptions in flight operations because of high temperatures, leading to thin air conditions. Airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet canceled multiple flights, mostly to Delhi. This was an unusual scenario. Meanwhile, Indian airlines recorded 427 technical faults by mid-July 2024, a rise from the previous years' data.
Ahead of Air India merger, Vistara offers VRS to ground staff
The full-service carrier, a 51:49 joint venture between the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, is scheduled to merge into Air India by the end of this year. Vistara's scheme comes just two weeks after Air India announced a VRS as well as voluntary separation scheme (VRS) for all its eligible staff, which will run till August 16.
Domestic airlines saw 427 incidents of technical faults in aircraft this year: Govt data
Eight scheduled passenger airlines encountered 427 technical faults in their planes between January 2024 and July 19, 2024, as per official data. During this period, 268 flights were canceled due to these issues. The data, provided by Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, showed Air India, IndiGo, and Alliance Air having the highest number of incidents and cancellations.
