With the Middle East tensions flaring up, Air India has temporarily suspended its Tel Aviv flights and airlines have charted alternative flight paths to avoid the Iranian airspace. Longer flight paths will result in increased operational costs for the carriers, and the situation could also push airfares higher.
Air India, Vistara, IndiGo e inte and some international airlines are avoiding Iranian airspace and have opted for alternative paths for their flights to the West. A senior wide-body aircraft pilot at an Indian carrier told PTI that the alternative paths are increasing the flight duration.
With the revised flight paths chosen after taking safety and security into consideration, the duration of some flights has increased by around half an hour, the pilot said.
Such a scenario will result in higher operational costs, increased fuel usage and more crew members might have to be roped in for flights as there are duty time limitations. The pilot also opined the rise in expenses could even be passed on to the passengers, which means that international airfares could rise.
Iran launched dozens of drones and missiles at Israel in a retaliatory attack. Amid the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, Air India on Sunday decided to temporarily suspend the flights to Tel Aviv from Delhi.
Air India operates four weekly flights between the national capital and Israeli city. The Tata group-owned carrier recommenced services to Tel Aviv on March 3 after a gap of nearly five months.
Technicians at AI Engineering Services Ltd. — a state-run maintenance, repair and overhaul firm and an erstwhile Air India unit — will strike on April 23 due to various issues affecting their “well-being” and “professional growth,” All India Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Union wrote in a letter dated April 8 to the chief executive officer.
Air India and Vistara have opted for alternative flight paths for their flights to the West. An official in the know said that IndiGo, which operates flights to Istanbul with aircraft leased from Turkish Airlines, is avoiding the Iranian airspace. Air India on Saturday said it was closely monitoring the Middle East situation and that its aircraft will operate on alternative flight paths to and from India. On Saturday, Vistara said it is making changes to the flight paths of some of the flights due to the situation in the Middle East.
On Sunday, India said it is concerned over escalating hostilities between the two sides that threaten regional peace and security.
Iran carried out the attack on Israel in response to a suspected Israeli strike on its consulate in Damascus on April 1, in which seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards personnel, including two generals, were killed.
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Air India, one of India’s premier global airlines, is set to introduce non-stop service between Delhi and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) in Vietnam starting from June 1, 2024. The new route marks a significant addition to Air India’s extensive network and aims to provide travellers with enhanced connectivity and convenience.
Operating with its Airbus A320neo aircraft configured with two classes, Air India will offer flights five days a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, ensuring flexibility for passengers.
The launch of this route is strategically aimed at strengthening Air India’s presence in Southeast Asia while catering to the growing demand for travel between India and Vietnam. It also presents an opportunity for Vietnamese travellers to access Air India’s global network, creating seamless connections for passengers from the United States, Canada, UK, and Europe via Delhi.
Here is the schedule of flights for the Delhi-Ho Chi Minh City route, effective June 1, 2024:
– AI388: Departure from Delhi at 13:15 Hrs, Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City at 19:55 Hrs (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun)
– AI389: Departure from Ho Chi Minh City at 20:55 Hrs, Arrival in Delhi at 00:30 Hrs (+1) (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun)
Currently, Air India operates non-stop flights between India and four key destinations in Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Bangkok, Phuket (Thailand), and Yangon (Myanmar). The introduction of the Delhi-Ho Chi Minh City route reflects Air India’s commitment to expanding its global reach and offering passengers more travel options across the region.
China is Vietnam’s largest trading partner and a vital source of imports for its manufacturing sector. The two countries are already connected via a system of highways and two railway lines that are old and need upgrading on the Vietnam side. The other would run from Hanoi to Lang Son province, which borders China’s Guangxi region, passing through an area densely populated with global manufacturing facilities, including some owned by Chinese investors.
A member of Star Alliance, the largest global airline consortium of leading international airlines, Air India
offers seamless connectivity and facilities to passengers all over the world.
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Akasa Air, known for its rapid growth in India’s aviation sector, has officially commenced international operations with the launch of non-stop flights connecting Mumbai and Doha. The inaugural flight departed from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai at 1745hrs IST on March 28 and arrived at Hamad International Airport in Doha at 1940hrs AST. This new route signifies Akasa Air’s strategic move to expand its global presence and enhance connectivity between India and Qatar.
The commencement of the Mumbai-Doha route is a significant milestone for Akasa Air, featuring four non-stop flights per week to facilitate travel and trade between the two countries. The inaugural flight ceremony at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport was attended by key executives of Akasa Air, including Neelu Khatri (Co-Founder and SVP International), Ankur Goel (Chief Financial Officer), Belson Coutinho (Co-Founder and Chief Marketing and Experience Officer), and Bhavin Joshi (Co-Founder and Sr. Vice President – Strategy).
During the event, a ceremonial lamp was lit to mark the inaugural flight, and a special boarding pass was presented to the first passenger. The occasion also witnessed an all-women operating crew comprising two pilots and five cabin crew members, adding a touch of inclusivity and celebration to the launch.
As part of its expansion strategy and in response to strong demand, Vistara has announced the deployment of its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the Delhi – Bali route, effective from 31st March 2024. This move comes in anticipation of increased travel during the upcoming summer season. Vistara initially launched daily non-stop flights on this route in December 2023, operated by its A321LR aircraft, becoming the sole airline to offer direct flights between Delhi and Bali.
With the flight’s convenient schedule, travellers from various Indian cities like Ahmedabad, Goa, Varanasi, Lucknow, Bengaluru, Kochi, and Delhi will have seamless connectivity to Doha via Mumbai. Akasa Holidays, a subsidiary of Akasa Air, also offers customizable and affordable holiday packages for travelers looking to explore Doha.Akasa Air has secured traffic rights for three other international destinations – Kuwait, Jeddah, and Riyadh – signaling its ambitious plans for further global expansion in the near future. Since its inception in August 2022, Akasa Air has served over 7.75 million passengers and established connections with 21 cities across India and now Doha in Qatar.
The flight schedule for QP70 includes a departure from Mumbai to Doha at 17:45, with an expected arrival time of 19:40 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Similarly, QP71 includes a departure from Doha to Mumbai at 20:40, with an expected arrival time of 2:45 (+1) on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
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On his first visit to India post his relection in January 2024, the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dasho Tshering Tobgay, emphasised the need to strengthen air connectivity between India and Bhutan to promote tourism during an exclusive interaction organised by FICCI in New Delhi. Highlighting the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries, he invited more Indian tourists to explore Bhutan’s unique cultural heritage and natural landscapes.
“Our aim is to target 1,50,000 Indian tourists in the coming year,” stated PM Dasho Tshering Tobgay, underscoring Bhutan’s commitment to enhancing happiness and well-being among tourists through a holistic tourism policy. Globally, Bhutan is targeting to receive 3 lakh tourists. In 2023, 72659 Indian tourists travelled to Bhutan. The country yet the reach the pre-pandemic visitor arrival numbers, when it had received 2.30 lakh tourists.
The Bhutanese PM also invited more Indian carriers to fly to Bhutan and utilise the current air travel agreement between both the countries.
Bhutan’s tourism policy revolves around the concept of Gross National Happiness, focusing on sustainable development, social progress, cultural preservation, and good governance. Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay highlighted Bhutan’s efforts in education, ensuring that tourists receive excellent care and experiences during their visit.
During the interaction, the Prime Minister acknowledged the importance of good governance in ensuring the safety and security of tourists. He outlined plans to improve air access to Bhutan and sought collaboration from the industry to achieve this goal. Additionally, he announced that Bhutan government will work towards providing subsidies to airlines to reduce airfares and easing of permit processes for Indian tourists visiting Bhutan.
Over the past few years, there has been a notable increase of over 25 per cent in the number of female guides in Bhutan, particularly since the country reopened its doors to tourism in September 2022 after the COVID-19 pandemic. Presently, there are approximately 1,809 certified and validated guides in Bhutan.
On the ocassion, Jyotsna Suri, Past President, FICCI, emphasised Bhutan’s potential for tourism growth, citing its stunning landscapes and commitment to sustainable development. She called for increased collaboration between India and Bhutan in infrastructure development and trust-building initiatives.Dipak Deva, Chairman, FICCI Tourism & Culture Committee, stressed the need for enhanced air connectivity between India and Bhutan to facilitate tourism. He also highlighted the demand for a common regional package for tourism covering India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka, a proposal that the Bhutanese Prime Minister supported.
The summit concluded with a shared commitment to fostering greater understanding and collaboration between India and Bhutan, with a focus on promoting tourism and enhancing people-to-people ties.
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On his first visit to India post his relection in January 2024, the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dasho Tshering Tobgay, emphasised the need to strengthen air connectivity between India and Bhutan to promote tourism during an exclusive interaction organised by FICCI in New Delhi. Highlighting the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries, he invited more Indian tourists to explore Bhutan’s unique cultural heritage and natural landscapes.
“Our aim is to target 1,50,000 Indian tourists in the coming year,” stated PM Dasho Tshering Tobgay, underscoring Bhutan’s commitment to enhancing happiness and well-being among tourists through a holistic tourism policy. Globally, Bhutan is targeting to receive 3 lakh tourists. In 2023, 72659 Indian tourists travelled to Bhutan. The country yet the reach the pre-pandemic visitor arrival numbers, when it had received 2.30 lakh tourists.
The Bhutanese PM also invited more Indian carriers to fly to Bhutan and utilise the current air travel agreement between both the countries.
Bhutan’s tourism policy revolves around the concept of Gross National Happiness, focusing on sustainable development, social progress, cultural preservation, and good governance. Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay highlighted Bhutan’s efforts in education, ensuring that tourists receive excellent care and experiences during their visit.
During the interaction, the Prime Minister acknowledged the importance of good governance in ensuring the safety and security of tourists. He outlined plans to improve air access to Bhutan and sought collaboration from the industry to achieve this goal. Additionally, he announced that Bhutan government will work towards providing subsidies to airlines to reduce airfares and easing of permit processes for Indian tourists visiting Bhutan.
Over the past few years, there has been a notable increase of over 25 per cent in the number of female guides in Bhutan, particularly since the country reopened its doors to tourism in September 2022 after the COVID-19 pandemic. Presently, there are approximately 1,809 certified and validated guides in Bhutan.
On the ocassion, Jyotsna Suri, Past President, FICCI, emphasised Bhutan’s potential for tourism growth, citing its stunning landscapes and commitment to sustainable development. She called for increased collaboration between India and Bhutan in infrastructure development and trust-building initiatives.Dipak Deva, Chairman, FICCI Tourism & Culture Committee, stressed the need for enhanced air connectivity between India and Bhutan to facilitate tourism. He also highlighted the demand for a common regional package for tourism covering India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka, a proposal that the Bhutanese Prime Minister supported.
The summit concluded with a shared commitment to fostering greater understanding and collaboration between India and Bhutan, with a focus on promoting tourism and enhancing people-to-people ties.
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The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) has conditionally approved merger of TATA SIA Airlines – Vistara, a joined venture between Singapore Airlines and the Tata Group with Air India, which is also owned by the Tata Group used Telace Pvt Ltd. The approval has been granted following the acceptance of commitments from the involved parties.
The commission has granted conditional approval for merger under certain conditions where Singapore Airlines and the merged Air India – Vistara have been asked to maintain flight capacity on the routes operated by them between both the countries at pre-Covid levels.
The CCCS had received a joint application in November 2020 concerning the merger request between Singapore Airlines and Vistara. Subsequently, concerns were raised regarding the merger’s impact on market competition, particularly on routes between Singapore and New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Tiruchirapalli.
To address competition concerns, the CCCS has also asked both the parties to appoint an independent auditor to monitor compliance and submit a written annual report for each report year; and submit an interim report which monitors their respective compliance with the committed capacity levels for every three weeks of non-fulfilment in a report year.
Notably, the Tata Group had announced to merge both the full-service carriers – Air India and Vistara to form a single, bigger airline where Singapore Airlines will acquire 25.1 per cent stake and rest will be owned by the Tatas. India’s competition commission approved the merger deal in September 2023.
Commencing from March 31, 2024, IndiGo will operate direct flights between Ahmedabad-Rajkot, Ahmedabad-Aurangabad, Bhopal-Lucknow, and Indore-Varanasi. Additionally, the airline will launch direct flights between Kolkata-Srinagar and Kolkata-Jammu from April 10, 2024, and April 21, 2024, respectively. Moreover, a new connecting flight between Kolkata and Jammu via Srinagar will also be introduced from April 10, 2024.
In a statement, a Singapore Airlines spokesperson welcomed the approval and said the proposed merger is in progress, pending foreign direct investment and other regulatory approvals.The proposed now merger awaits other regulatory and foreign direct investment approvals. According to news report, the Vistara management expects the merger to be completed by mid-2025.
When completed, the merger of Air India and Vistara will result in an enlarged Air India Group comprisiong Air India Express (Merged entity of Air India Express and Air Asia India) with a significant presence in all key Indian airline market segments. This will also bolster Singapore Airlines’ presence in India, strengthen its multi-hub strategy, and allow it to continue participating directly in this large and fast-growing aviation market.
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The domestic carrier, Akasa Air has announced the addition of Srinagar as the 20th destination to its expanding network.
Starting March 1 2024, the airline will operate daily flights between Mumbai and Srinagar catering to the growing air travel demand between these two cities. This expansion is a significant milestone for the airline as it marks the entry into the state of Jammu and Kashmir, strengthening its domestic presence in the northern part of the country. Travellers can book flights starting February 2, 2024, on Akasa Air’s website, Android and iOS app or through multiple leading OTAs.
Srinagar has witnessed a consistent increase in travel demand over the past years. The launch of operations on the route will cater to a blend of business and leisure travellers and will bolster connectivity, trade, and tourism in the region.
With this launch, Akasa Air seamlessly connects Mumbai to 13 cities across India. “Known for its picturesque mountains and enchanting valleys, Srinagar has witnessed an uptick in domestic and international tourism and our flight launch will further boost economic activity in the region. Akasa Air is in growth mode and has achieved a milestone of adding 20 destinations to our network in just 17 months of operations, becoming the fastest-growing airline in the history of Indian aviation,” stated Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air.
The airline’s first flight will deploy its fleet of Bombardier CRJ200ER aircraft for services on this new route. Zooom’s Chief Executive Officer Atul Gambhir stated that the airline will also persist in its support role, promoting the UDAN scheme, by launching additional services focused on the regional connectivity routes.
Commenting on the launch, Belson Coutinho, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing & Experience officer, Akasa Air said, “We are super excited to bring the Akasa experience to Srinagar, a city with immense tourism and commercial significance as we expand and strengthen our footprint across the country. Since inception, our industry-leading and customer friendly products and services such as Pets on Akasa and the popular Café Akasa menu backed by our signature Akasa experience have made a positive impact while creating a warm, friendly and inclusive travel experience. As we rapidly expand our network, we look forward to hosting an increasing number of travellers and providing them with a memorable experience.” Akasa Air has introduced multiple quality products and differentiated services to ensure inclusive, warm and comfortable flying experience. The brand-new aircraft provide ample legroom and high comfort and come with USB ports in a majority of aircraft, allowing passengers to charge their gadgets and devices on the go. There are other notable services like Cafe Akasa and Pets on Akasa.
In addition, Akasa Air has introduced its safety instruction card and onboard menu card in Braille for persons with visual impairment.
Since its launch in August 2022, Akasa Air has served over 6.3 million passengers and connects with 20 cities across India, namely Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Delhi, Guwahati, Agartala, Pune, Lucknow, Goa, Hyderabad, Varanasi, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Port Blair, Ayodhya, Gwalior, and Srinagar.
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In a groundbreaking announcement at WINGS India 2024, Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing airline, unveiled a firm order for 150 fuel-efficient Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. This marks a historic achievement, as Akasa Air becomes the first Indian airline to reach an order book exceeding 200 aircraft within just 17 months of commencing operations. The order, consisting of 737 MAX 10 and 737 MAX 8-200 jets, is a testament to the airline’s robust financial foundation and the confidence Boeing places in Akasa Air’s future.
Vinay Dube, Founder and CEO of Akasa Air, shared insights from the airshow at Hyderabad, stating, “This large and historic aircraft order puts Akasa on a path of becoming one of the top 30 leading airlines in the world, by the turn of this decade. Akasa’s remarkable growth testifies to the sheer promise that India holds as an aviation market, and we are thrilled to be a part of this journey.”
The addition of 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, slated for delivery through 2032, reinforces Akasa Air’s commitment to expanding its domestic and international operations. This significant milestone reflects the airline’s confidence in the growth potential of India’s aviation sector.
In 2021, Akasa Air initiated its aircraft acquisitions with an order for 72 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, followed by an additional order for 4 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft in June 2023. The recent order brings the total to an impressive 226 aircraft. Currently operating a fleet of 22 aircraft, Akasa Air anticipates receiving a total of 204 aircraft over the next eight years.
The airline announces the commencement of daily flights connecting Ayodhya to Pune and Delhi, providing seamless travel options for passengers. Flight operations are set to commence on February 15, 2024, and travellers can now book flights through various channels, including Akasa Air’s website, mobile apps, and leading online travel agencies (OTAs).
The Boeing 737 MAX family, selected by Akasa Air, aligns with the airline’s sustainability goals. Offering enhanced range and fuel efficiency, the 737 MAX reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions by 20 per cent compared to its predecessors. Furthermore, it boasts a 50 per cent lower noise footprint and superior passenger experience.Dube emphasised Akasa Air’s commitment to sustainability and customer experience, stating, “This underscores our growth philosophy of expanding in step with the laser-focused delivery of industry-leading customer experience.”
Having served over 6.3 million passengers since its launch in August 2022, Akasa Air currently connects 18 cities across India. With plans for expansion in India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, this monumental aircraft order positions Akasa Air to meet the escalating demand in India’s aviation market, which is projected to become the largest by 2047.
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In a groundbreaking move, Air India has announced the establishment of South Asia’s largest integrated aviation training academy, covering 600,000 sq ft in Gurugram, India. Concurrently, Airbus, in a 50:50 joint venture with Tata-owned Air India, revealed plans for the Tata Airbus Training Centre, a world-class pilot training facility in Gurugram, Haryana.
The academy, unveiled at Wings India 2024 in Hyderabad, will train over 50,000 aviation professionals, encompassing pilots, cabin crew, ground handling, engineering, and security staff. Over 20 Full Flight Simulator (FFS) Bays will support Airbus and Boeing fleet training, ensuring crew readiness and enhancing the overall aviation ecosystem.
Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD, Air India, emphasised the academy’s role in making India’s aviation industry self-reliant and contributing to the country’s fast-growing aviation market. “Our new training academy is a major step forward in making the Indian aviation industry more self-reliant, and to building the aviation infrastructure that India needs as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. We are delighted to be working with our partners in this journey.”
The academy will include simulators for Airbus A320 Family, A350, Boeing 777, Boeing 787, and Boeing 737 family, fostering a comprehensive training environment.
Joint Venture with Airbus
Airbus and Tata-owned Air India have joined forces in a 50:50 joint venture to launch a world-class pilot training center in Gurugram. The joint venture with Airbus to setup ‘Tata Airbus Traning Centre‘ which is due to be operational starting early 2025, marks a significant collaboration wherein Airbus contributes to equipping the training centre with 10 FFS Bays.
It is the latest in a series of troubles for Boeing, whose reputation as the premier American aircraft manufacturer has been tarnished by a series of manufacturing flaws that have led some airlines to hold off aircraft purchases or go with its European rival, Airbus.
The Tata Airbus Training Centre aims to provide A320 and A350 flight training to approximately 5,000 new pilots over the next decade. The center will house 10 Full Flight Simulators, classrooms, briefing, and debriefing rooms, fostering a comprehensive Airbus Flight Training Device setup.Approved by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the center will offer courses ensuring compliance with global aviation standards.
Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director, Airbus India and South Asia, highlighted Airbus’ commitment to developing human capital, addressing India’s need for 41,000 pilots and 47,000 technicians in the next two decades.
“The pilot training centre with Air India and the maintenance training partnership with GMR are a testament to Airbus’ commitment to developing human capital. Airbus is directly investing and operating training capabilities to ensure that the growth of the India aviation industry is accompanied by adequate skilled manpower that is readily available,” he said.
Airbus is also partnering with GMR Aero Technic to provide Aircraft Maintenance Engineering training courses in Hyderabad.
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In a momentous occasion, Air India Express marked the inauguration of the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya Dham by launching its maiden flight from Ayodhya to Delhi on December 30, 2023. The inaugural flight, IX 1769, took off at 17:23 hours, making Ayodhya the airline’s 45th destination and its third station in Uttar Pradesh, following Lucknow and Varanasi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Ayodhya International Airport, and Air India Express was an integral part of this historic day. Aloke Singh, Managing Director of Air India Express, presented the first boarding pass of the flight to the guests at the Ayodhya airport, marking a significant milestone.
Singh expressed pride in directly connecting Ayodhya to major metropolitan cities such as Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kolkata right from the commencement of operations at the airport. These cities, being vital hubs on the airline’s network, offer convenient one-stop itineraries for pilgrims and tourists from the Northern, Southern, and Eastern parts of India to reach Ayodhya.
The Ayodhya to Delhi route will be served daily, while flights to Bengaluru and Kolkata will operate on a tri-weekly basis. Passengers can make bookings through the airline’s award-winning app and website, airindiaexpress.com, along with other major booking platforms.
his announcement follows the recent news of IndiGo’s inaugural operations from the soon-to-be-inaugurated Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport in Ayodhya, starting from December 30, 2023, connecting Delhi. Additionally, commercial operations from Delhi to Ayodhya will commence from January 06, 2024, followed by flights from Ahmedabad to Ayodhya starting January 11, 2024.
Air India Express already operates both international and domestic services from Uttar Pradesh. The airline has a weekly schedule of 21 flights connecting the sacred city of Varanasi to Bengaluru and Sharjah. Furthermore, with 60 weekly flights from Lucknow, Air India Express links the capital city to Dubai and other prominent Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Pune.In a bid to enhance customer experience, Air India Express recently introduced the Vista VIP, a business class-like product featuring wider seats, increased legroom, Gourmair hot meals, additional baggage allowance, and Xpress ahead priority boarding services. Moreover, the airline made history by becoming the first to operate a direct flight from Surat to Dubai on the same day the Surat International Airport inaugurated its new international terminal.
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