AIRLINES
Airlines facing challenging times; skies were a lot rosier a year ago: AAPA DG
High fuel prices, supply chain issues, and sustainability concerns are currently affecting the airline industry significantly. The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines highlighted that operational costs are increasing due to rising jet fuel prices. Governments are encouraged to engage in benchmarking to identify competitive strategies for their respective aviation markets. Sustainable Aviation Fuel production remains constrained, impacting airlines' decarbonization efforts.
Unruly passenger restrained with flex cuffs, hospitalized after United flight lands at O'Hare
A United Airlines flight headed from Tokyo to Chicago encountered a troubling situation with an unruly passenger, prompting the crew to declare a Level 3 emergency. Upon arrival at O'Hare Airport, the individual was secured and taken to a medical facility for assessment. Moreover, an unrelated incident occurred that day when a lavatory faucet leak forced an emergency landing.
Why American Airlines drops 8 international routes for 2027 despite 5 flights still filling around 80% of seats
American Airlines international route cancellations 2027: American Airlines is dropping 8 international routes from its 2027 schedule, including flights to Paris, Brisbane, Doha and Zurich. Surprisingly, five of the affected services were still filling around 80% of their seats in the first half of 2026. Weak demand, Middle East hostilities and rising fuel costs are among the factors behind the changes.
EasyJet shareholders approve £5.7 billion Apollo takeover
EasyJet's shareholders voted to approve a £5.7 billion takeover by Apollo on Wednesday. This decision marks a major step towards removing EasyJet from the London stock market. With 97.07% of scheme shares in favor, the airline is targeting a deal completion by the first quarter of next year. Nonetheless, the takeover faces regulatory scrutiny in the EU regarding airline ownership rules.
Air India makes tangible progress in transformation, but turnaround will take time: Singapore Airlines
Air India is making progress in its multi-year transformation, focusing on customer experience and operational improvements. Singapore Airlines reported lower losses from associated companies, primarily Air India, aiding financial performance. The airline group faced challenges due to elevated jet fuel prices impacting profitability during the first half. Despite this, Singapore Airlines reported improved performance in the second quarter amid record revenues.
Singapore Airlines flight makes emergency landing in Australia after smoke detected
A Singapore Airlines flight from Brisbane to Singapore experienced smoke in the cabin during the journey. The aircraft made an emergency landing at Rockhampton Airport, where it arrived safely at 4:09 pm local time. All passengers disembarked without any issues and were provided with refreshments. The airline is working to assist passengers with alternative travel arrangements and rebooking. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the smoke incident.
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Air India losses narrow, but Singapore Airlines’ profit falls 44% as fuel costs rise
In its latest financial report, Singapore Airlines announced a net profit of S$134 million for the first half, down from S$239 million in the same period last year. The airline faced a more than 20% rise in expenses, driven by higher jet fuel prices that reached US$171 per barrel, marking an 86.7% increase. Nevertheless, revenue saw a boost of 16.8% to S$11.
IndiGo extends Saudi Arabia flight suspensions to Jeddah, Madinah, Riyadh and Dammam until Nov 21
IndiGo has extended the suspension of flights to four Saudi Arabian cities amid continuing safety and security concerns. Services to Jeddah and Madinah will remain suspended until November 21, 2026, while flights to Riyadh and Dammam will remain cancelled until November 30, 2026. The airline said affected passengers are being informed about alternative travel arrangements, refunds and ticket re-accommodation.
91% of Mumbai airport's international traffic to remain unaffected by Terminal 1 redevelopment
Mumbai's Terminal 1 redevelopment will leave around 91% of international passenger traffic unaffected, with 39 of 50 international airlines continuing operations at CSMIA. Eleven carriers may shift select services to Navi Mumbai International Airport from March 2027, as the revamp aims to address structural concerns and raise Terminal 1's annual passenger-handling capacity by 33% to 20 million by March 2029.
In a first since Covid, Diwali flight numbers fall as high fares, disruptions take a toll
Airlines scheduled about 6% fewer flights across October and November than a year earlier, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium. That marks the first capacity decline since 2020, when carriers slashed service capacity by nearly 45% amid the pandemic-induced collapse in travel demand.
Air India shortlists former Singapore Airlines executive Balagopal Kunduvara for CFO role
Air India has shortlisted former Singapore Airlines executive Balagopal Kunduvara for the CFO role as the airline steps up efforts to cut costs and improve financial performance. Kunduvara, who recently left his position as finance chief at Garuda Indonesia, has over two decades of experience at Singapore Airlines. The carrier reported losses of more than Rs 22,000 crore in the last financial year.
Air India considers departed Garuda CFO for top finance position
Most recently, Kunduvara was finance chief for Garuda Indonesia, a position he recently left after holding the job for little more than a year. Prior to that, he spent more than two decades at Singapore Airlines, which is a partial owner of Air India alongside conglomerate Tata Group.
Watch: Aircraft flips upside down at California airport after possible jet blast from Boeing 737, with two onboard
A Cessna 172 flipped over on the tarmac at John Wayne Airport on November 7, as seen in footage showing its proximity to a United Airlines Boeing 737. Thankfully, the two people aboard were unharmed. The Federal Aviation Administration announced an investigation into the circumstances, with the Orange County Flight School pointing to airport construction as a possible factor in the incident.
Australia's Qantas Airways to cut 850 jobs as AI takes off, back-office work shifts to India
Australia's largest airline Qantas will cut 850 jobs from mid-2027 as it shifts some corporate functions to India and accelerates the adoption of artificial intelligence. A partnership with Accenture will overhaul its back-end systems, even as the airline embarks on the largest fleet renewal programme in its history.
Don't let fare caps clip airlines' wings
Recently, airline price surges during festival seasons have raised concerns about imposing fare caps. While there is public demand for such measures, they may disrupt airlines' pricing flexibility. Regulations on airfares are more effective when they account for market demand and emergencies like natural disasters. Airlines might resort to add-on charges if their revenue is impacted by fare restrictions.
Soaring fares fail to ground year-end international travel plans
Despite a 25% increase in international airfares, bookings for year-end overseas holidays among Indians have risen by one-third. Many travelers are opting for more affordable destinations, especially in Southeast Asia and Japan. Airlines are reporting full flights, indicating high demand for international travel from India. Some international carriers are increasing their flight capacities in response to this demand.
UAE flight cancellations continue as airlines suspend Saudi routes until November 19
Flight disruptions continued across the UAE on November 9, with airlines cancelling services to several Saudi Arabian destinations amid ongoing security concerns. Etihad Airways has resumed its daily flights to Jeddah but suspended services to Riyadh and Dammam until November 19.
Airlines go premium as demand for business-class seats outpaces economy
Since 2020, airlines have increased the number of premium seats significantly to meet growing consumer demand. Airlines are adopting strategies to enhance premium offerings, including gourmet meals and exclusive lounges. This focus has resulted in premium products generating substantial ticket revenue. Various airlines are implementing new options, such as Economy Plus and first-class services.
Mumbai airport slot row: AOC questions ministry approval to deny slots to 12 international airlines
Airline Operators Committee has raised concerns regarding the slot allocation for twelve international carriers. The carriers have not received their requested slots for the summer 2027 season. Mumbai International Airport is planning to temporarily relocate operations to Navi Mumbai International Airport. This move is due to the redevelopment of Terminal 1. Clarity on the approval from the civil aviation ministry is being sought by the committee.
Saudi airline flyadeal launches direct flights between Jeddah and Lucknow
In a new development plan, Flyadeal is expanding its services to India with new direct flights from Jeddah to Lucknow, scheduled to commence on November 4, 2026. With three flights a week, this new route reinforces ties between the two countries, satisfying the needs of travelers for business and family connections.
Pakistan more loyal to China than the dragon is to itself: Brahma Chellaney highlights curious case of Taiwan airline ban and a u-turn in 24 hours
Pakistan’s one-day restriction on Taiwanese airlines using its airspace has drawn attention to Islamabad’s close alignment with Beijing. Geopolitical commentator Brahma Chellaney said the move, reversed after China reportedly expressed surprise, showed Pakistan attempting to defend Chinese interests more aggressively than China itself.
Mumbai airport asks 12 international airlines to shift to Navi Mumbai
Mumbai airport has given slots to 38 out of 50 airlines for the upcoming summer schedule. Twelve remaining airlines may operate from Navi Mumbai airport during Terminal 1 redevelopment. Passengers traveling to 14 designated destinations will shift their operations accordingly.
Explainer: What do we know about the wave of bomb threats against flights in Europe?
Airlines in Europe have experienced a series of coordinated bomb threats this week, prompting security responses and flight diversions. Many threats were communicated via anonymous emails, but none have proved genuine so far. The risks associated with such threats can disrupt airline operations significantly and lead to financial costs. Aviation security officials emphasize the need to treat every threat seriously until proven otherwise.
US airlines may face fresh scrutiny as Democrats plan probes into pricing and passenger rights
Following a significant midterm election victory, Democrats intend to scrutinize airlines regarding personalized pricing practices and passenger protection rules. The Federal Trade Commission has requested information from major airlines about the influence of personal data on pricing. Congress plans to revive protections that were previously withdrawn, including compensation for travel disruptions. Legislators are also exploring requirements for transparency in ticket pricing and additional passenger rights.
International airlines have choice to shift to Navi Mumbai airport or suspend operations temporarily: Adani Airports CEO
International airlines currently operating from Mumbai airport are given options to temporarily suspend operations or relocate. Discussions are ongoing with various international carriers regarding this transition. Indian airlines such as IndiGo and Air India have agreed to shift certain operations.
Star Air cuts weekly flights on high fuel costs, says airline official
Star Air has reduced its weekly flights by 15-20%, largely due to soaring Aviation Turbine Fuel prices. The airline is calling for a special fuel pricing strategy to support regional operators. This change is in response to increasing operational expenses caused by volatile fuel costs amid geopolitical tensions. Although the government had previously set up a Price Stabilisation Fund for airlines, it has since expired.
Singapore Airlines says 46,000 booking records affected by Amadeus breach
Singapore Airlines said on Tuesday that about 46,000 booking records may have been affected by a cybersecurity incident involving Amadeus, its reservation technology
Indian airlines seek to boost domestic MRO capabilities as aircraft fleets expand
Indian airlines are focusing on building in-house capabilities for maintenance and repair as the aircraft fleet grows. Air India plans to establish an MRO facility in Bengaluru by 2027, while IndiGo emphasizes the need for self-reliance. Akasa Air's maintenance facility at Noida airport is expected to be operational by 2028. The commercial aircraft fleet in India, currently around 800, is predicted to double in coming years as air traffic increases.
Cancelled flight ticket? GSTAT says airlines can refund GST to passengers and claim it back from the government
Taxpayer wins GST refund denial case after depositing GST on airline ticket with the govt and later refunding the GST back to passengers due to cancelled ticket; GSTAT orders GST department to issue GST refund with interest to taxpayer
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