AIR INDIA FLIGHTS
Air India, Drukair announce interline partnership to boost India-Bhutan connectivity
Air India and Bhutan’s Drukair have announced an interline partnership allowing passengers to travel on both airlines under a single ticket. The tie-up will offer through-baggage and easier connections between Bhutan, Air India’s domestic network and international destinations through Delhi, Guwahati and Kolkata.
India mulling random drug test for commercial pilots at least once a year
India may require all commercial pilots to undergo random drug tests annually. This proposal follows an Air India captain testing positive for marijuana after an incident. The aviation regulator is consulting stakeholders on these proposed tighter testing rules. Safety and operational impacts are being carefully considered by the government. Current random testing covers at least ten percent of pilots each year.
Turkish military transport flights to Pakistan raise eyebrows in India
In a 60-hour operation, Turkish military transport aircraft, including C-130 Hercules and A400M models, delivered cargo to Pakistan’s military bases. There is speculation that these flights transported Turkish military gear and drones. This event highlights the strengthening defense relationship between Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, reigniting discussions about Ankara’s military backing for Islamabad.
DGCA weighs annual random drug tests for pilots after Air India Phuket-Delhi incident: Ram Mohan Naidu
India's aviation regulator is considering mandatory annual random drug tests for all pilots. This proposal follows a recent Air India incident, prompting policy review. Currently, only ten percent of pilots undergo random drug testing each year. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is consulting stakeholders on potential rule changes. Any new policy will balance aviation safety with airline operational impacts.
India overtakes China in premium intercontinental demand: Lufthansa Exec
Lufthansa Group executive says tronger passenger and premium demand makes India an attractive market. India is now Lufthansa's second-largest intercontinental market after the United States. The airline is expanding capacity and adding premium services to India. A partnership with Air India could further shape Lufthansa's India strategy.
Not just Leh, Ladakh could get two new airports soon; Thoise may start flights by December and Kargil later
Ladakh is working to expand commercial air connectivity beyond Leh, with Thoise targeting flights by December and Kargil being assessed for civilian operations later. The plans could make remote destinations such as Nubra, Turtuk, Drass and Kargil easier to reach while supporting tourism and local economic activity.
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Delhi rains disrupt flights: 15 Delhi-bound flights diverted; Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet issue advisories
Heavy rain battered Delhi-NCR on Monday, causing widespread waterlogging and traffic disruptions. Fifteen Delhi-bound flights were diverted due to adverse weather conditions impacting operations. Airlines issued travel advisories, urging passengers to check flight statuses before departing. The weather office issued red and orange alerts for thunderstorms and strong winds.
IndiGo to launch twice-weekly direct flights between Gaya and Bangkok from October 26
IndiGo will launch twice-weekly non-stop flights between Gaya and Bangkok from October 26, connecting Bodh Gaya directly with Thailand’s capital. Operating on Mondays and Thursdays, the service is expected to support Buddhist pilgrimage, tourism and Bihar’s hospitality sector.
Frequent traveller? Know about status matching and how to use existing loyalty programmes to get another
A status match essentially allows one loyalty programme to recognise your credentials from another. Instead of spending 50 nights at a hotel chain or flying dozens of sectors with an airline to reach elite status, you show that another company already considers you a valuable customer. The new programme may then grant you equivalent status, usually for a limited period.
Air India Express flight from Ranchi to Bengaluru delayed by five hours due to oxygen cylinder
An Air India Express flight from Ranchi to Bengaluru experienced a significant delay. The aircraft had to arrange oxygen cylinders from Delhi for the return journey. This delay occurred after a passenger required oxygen during the inbound flight. The flight, number IX 1244, eventually departed for Bengaluru after the cylinders arrived. Passengers waited for approximately five hours at Birsa Munda Airport.
Nubra Civil Airport terminal likely to open by December
Ladakh plans to launch civilian flights from Thoise Airport by December. Runway re-carpeting is underway for a November completion deadline. A joint inspection will assess Kargil airport's readiness for civilian flights. These operations will boost the region's connectivity and tourism potential. The Indian Air Force approved land for a new civil terminal.
LG reviews operationalisation of commercial flights from Thoise, Kargil airports in Ladakh
Ladakh's Lieutenant Governor reviewed commercial flight operations for Thoise and Kargil airports. The Indian Air Force approved land for a new civil terminal in Nubra. Runway recarpeting at Thoise is scheduled for November completion. A joint inspection will assess Kargil airport's readiness for civilian flights.
IndiGo reservation system restored after second technical disruption this week, bookings hit
IndiGo's reservation system was restored Friday after technical issues disrupted bookings. The airline's website and app experienced intermittent problems affecting ticket reservations. Passengers faced difficulties with bookings, web check-ins, and payment confirmations. These repeated disruptions pose a challenge for the new CEO, Willie Walsh. This follows significant flight cancellations due to pilot rostering issues last December.
Delayed, lost and mishandled: Air travellers had one big complaint in July, their baggage
Delayed and lost baggage caused the most passenger dissatisfaction in July. This issue accounted for nearly one-third of all airline complaints received. Flight delays and refund problems followed as significant passenger concerns. Airlines resolved most complaints, while IndiGo carried most domestic passengers. Overall passenger traffic showed slight growth from the previous year.
Air India international traffic plunges 36% as war, airspace curbs hit overseas operations
Air India's international passenger numbers fell 36 percent in the April-June quarter. This decline occurred as the US-Iran war and Pakistani airspace restrictions impacted Indian carriers. Foreign airlines, however, saw their India carriage increase by seven percent during this period. Overall international travel to and from India decreased by 10.5 percent. The prolonged Pakistani airspace closure continues to burden Indian airlines with longer routes.
Flying Wedge Defence unveils FWD Supreme Lite touted as India’s first AI-fighter jet
Defence startup Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace has unveiled its FWD Supreme Lite flight demonstrator as it moves its AI-piloted fighter programme from digital design towards physical testing. The 250-kg-class aircraft is undergoing ground tests and is targeting a first flight in Q3 2026. FWDA says the Supreme family is built around its Mobbing Doctrine and includes RATO as a capability under exploration.
DGCA may mandate random psychoactive substance tests for over 25% flight crew across Indian airlines
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is set to make it mandatory for airlines to randomly test more than 25 per cent of their flight crew every year for psychoactive substances through urine samples and this testing requirement would apply to all Indian airlines, top official sources said.
International immigration opens at Andhra Pradesh’s new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport
International immigration services are now operational at the new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport. This development officially opens the facility for international travel and global connectivity. Commercial flight operations commenced at the new airport on August seventeenth. The airport now handles all Visakhapatnam flights under the VTZ airport code. Airlines have successfully shifted their Visakhapatnam operations to this new facility.
Air India undertakes pilot testing programme amidst scrutiny after Phuket incident
Air India has voluntarily undertaken a testing programme covering all its pilots, beyond regulatory requirements, amid heightened scrutiny following the Phuket-Delhi flight incident. The airline said the move reflects its commitment to safety and professionalism, while urging stakeholders to avoid speculation and wait for verified findings after the ongoing process is completed.
'Two Air India pilots found non-negative in drug test'
Two additional Air India pilots have reportedly tested non-negative in initial drug tests. These pilots have been removed from flying duties while confirmatory results are awaited. Nearly 400 pilots have undergone mandatory screening under Air India's program. This testing covers cockpit crew across the airline group, including Air India Express. The airline is conducting these tests beyond the civil aviation regulator's rules.
Scandinavian Airlines to launch Copenhagen-Mumbai flights from October 1
Scandinavian Airlines will restart its India operations on October 1 after a 17-year absence. Non-stop flights will connect Mumbai and Copenhagen five times weekly using an Airbus A330. This route aims to capture India's growth and Mumbai's financial hub status. The service restores SAS presence and expands its intercontinental network significantly. InterGlobe Air Transport has been SAS's exclusive sales agent in India since 1990.
Vizag's new International airport begins commercial operations
Visakhapatnam's new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport commenced commercial operations on Monday. IndiGo flight 6E 6408 from Hyderabad marked the first arrival at the new aviation gateway. The airport also welcomed its first international services connecting to Abu Dhabi and Singapore. IndiGo and Air India Express flights received ceremonial water cannon salutes during the opening.
Two more Air India pilots fail drug test after Phuket-Delhi flight incident
Two more Air India pilots failed preliminary drug tests following a recent incident. Air India mandated psychoactive substance screening for all its pilots after a previous positive test. The captain of the Phuket-Delhi flight claimed prescribed sleeping pills caused his positive result. Over 400 pilots have undergone this new internal safety testing process.
Kawa UAV successfully conducts maiden flight of jet-powered 'Divyastra Mk3' loitering munition
Kawa UAV Pvt. Ltd. successfully flew India's first indigenous jet-powered loitering munition, Divyastra Mk3. This advanced system was powered by an indigenous jet engine developed by DG Propulsion. The Defence Research and Development Organisation also completed trials for its Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile. These trials included both air-to-ground and air-to-air modes for various targets. These developments mark significant milestones in India's defense manufacturing capabilities.
Air India Phuket-Delhi flight lost hydraulics for seconds: Airbus asks airline to check if it was genuine failure or glitch
An Air India flight experienced a rare hydraulic control loss, injuring 24 passengers. The aircraft's flight data recorders showed a sudden pressure drop across all systems. This incident caused the elevators and ailerons to briefly stop responding to pilot commands. While the captain is under scrutiny, initial data suggests no human error caused the event. Investigators are examining a hydraulic pressure switch to determine the exact cause.
Air India Phuket-Delhi flight logged multiple hydraulic failures; autopilot disconnects before 300ft drop
Air India flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi experienced technical warnings on August 4. The Airbus A320 aircraft suffered a sudden 300-foot altitude drop over Odisha. This incident resulted in injuries to twenty passengers and four cabin crew members. A post-flight maintenance report revealed multiple system warnings and alerts.
Captain of Air India flight that injured 24 is investigated after drug reports
India's aviation ministry awaits drug test results for an Air India captain. The captain was flying a plane which dropped suddenly midair last week. Twenty-four passengers and crew members sustained injuries during the flight. Both pilots underwent routine screening after the aircraft landed safely. An independent investigation is currently underway to determine the cause.
Air India flight captain tests positive for substance abuse
An Air India pilot who operated the Phuket-Delhi flight that rapidly lost around 300 feet, injuring 17 passengers, tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory test. DGCA rules allow rehabilitation after a first positive test, while Air India’s policy mandates termination.
Air India flight’s 300-foot drop: AAIB says wait for evidence before drawing conclusions
Air India Phuket Delhi flight turbulence case: The government urges caution regarding Air India flight AI2379 conclusions. Investigations are underway to determine the circumstances and contributing factors of the incident. Twenty passengers and four cabin crew members sustained injuries during the flight. The pilot's initial drug screening returned a non-negative result, prompting further testing. Air India's CEO met with aviation officials to discuss the mid-air turbulence case.
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