INDIA AIRLINE INDUSTRY
How intelligent commerce is shaping the next frontier of merchant payments
For a decade, the task in India’s merchant payments was to get every shop and website to accept digital money. The value, leaders argued, at GFF 2026, is now moving to identity, risk, credit and growth, and to preparing the checkout for AI agents that may soon shop on consumers’ behalf.
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.
South Africa expands Electronic Travel Authorization to Indian travellers
South Africa's Electronic Travel Authorization system now allows online visa applications for 53 countries including India. The new ETA system simplifies the visa process for eligible travellers and their families. Minors can now apply online, enhancing accessibility for younger visitors. The expansion aims to support tourism growth ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027. The transition from the eVisa system to ETA will be completed by December 1, 2026.
Overall, India Inc credit profile looks healthy: Ramnath Krishnan, Icra Group CEO
Corporate India's credit profile has maintained strength following a period of deleveraging post-Covid, although external pressures exist. While rating upgrades continue to outnumber downgrades, specific sectors like chemicals and airlines face challenges. The potential for a drop in credit ratios exists, dependent on geopolitical factors and inflation rates. Companies remain hesitant to invest heavily amid uncertain consumer demand, leading to muted private sector capex.
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.
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US sanctions India-based couple, companies over alleged support for Iran's Shadow oil fleet
The United States imposed sanctions on Suniel Kumar Sharma and Jaspreet Preeti Shahid for aiding Iran's shadow fleet. Their network allegedly provided fraudulent maritime registrations to help sanctioned vessels transport Iranian petroleum. Several companies linked to the couple also received sanctions under Executive Order 13902. Additionally, a Turkiye-based company was sanctioned for providing services to US-designated Iranian airlines.
India proposes 1% mandatory blending of green jet fuel from January
India has introduced a draft policy for the mandatory blending of sustainable aviation fuel for international flights. The initial blending requirement is set at 1%, increasing to 5% by 2030, and 20% by 2040. Airlines must source approximately 90% of their aviation turbine fuel from international airports to curb economic tankering. Non-compliance may lead to penalties for airlines and oil marketing companies in this proposal.
US slaps sanctions on Indian, Turkish firms and people for aiding Iran
The sanctions are part of the Trump administration's "Operation Economic Outcast," which aims to cut off Iran's ability to sell oil to fund the war with the US and Israel. Treasury unveiled the new sanctions a day after Democrats made huge gains in midterm elections, winning control of both houses of Congress as voters expressed anger about the Iran war and its impact in fueling US inflation.
SpiceJet’s meltdown: Rs 5,500 crore raised, but where did the money go?
SpiceJet's mounting financial crisis raises serious questions over the fate of more than Rs 5,500 crore raised in recent years, its unpaid dues, operational collapse and regulatory oversight. Despite repeated capital infusions, the airline faces mounting losses and possible bankruptcy, while questions persist over fund utilisation, management accountability and aviation safety.
Government prepares draft sustainable aviation fuels policy; moots mandatory blending in ATF from 2027
The civil aviation ministry has circulated the draft National Policy on Sustainable Aviation Fuels which mandates use of only indigenously manufactured SAF to be blended with Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF).
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
Air India CEO targets lower costs, higher passenger yields to steer airline towards profitability
Air India CEO Tewolde Gebremariam said the airline is working to reduce operating costs and improve passenger yields as it pursues a financial turnaround. The plan includes bringing unit costs in line with industry levels, restructuring its Delhi network, expanding international flights from Mumbai and exploring Bengaluru as a third hub.
Airbus wants more 'Made in India' aircraft parts: From titanium to complex assemblies, here's what company plans to source next
Airbus plans to increase its annual sourcing of components and services from India to USD 2 billion before 2030, up from the current USD 1.6 billion. India head Jurgen Westermeier called the country a "very important market" and stressed the need to strengthen local manufacturing, MRO infrastructure and aviation training as the country's aircraft fleet expands.
For investors with a 3- to 5-year horizon: 5 mid-cap stocks from different sectors with upside potential of more than 19%
A development worth noting is that there was net FII buying in five of the last six trading sessions. But it is still tentative, and cannot be declared as a reversal of the selling trend of the past few months. While indications are that they are favouring large-cap stocks, there are bargains to be had in the mid-cap space for the discerning investor.
Navi Mumbai airport presents big opportunity for IndiGo, says CEO Willie Walsh
IndiGo sets its sights on enhancing its international long haul network by shifting some flights to Navi Mumbai airport. Willie Walsh, the airline's CEO, sees this as a pivotal move for future growth. Despite opposition from other foreign carriers, IndiGo is undeterred, viewing Navi Mumbai as an essential opportunity as Terminal 1 of Mumbai airport undergoes renovations next year.
India's domestic air traffic fell 8.3% in September as demand remained under pressure: IATA
In September, India's domestic air traffic declined by 8.3% year-on-year, marking a significant drop. This decrease was the steepest observed in 2026 so far, according to IATA. The demand for air travel faced pressure due to rising fuel prices and weaker economic conditions. Capacity contracted by 7.9% during the same period, leading to a slight dip in Passenger Load Factor. Overall, domestic traffic fell by 2.
Stocks in news: RIL, Jio, Trent, Suzlon Energy, IndiGo, Vedanta Power and RVNL
On Thursday, Indian equities experienced a recovery, with Nifty closing above the 22,900 mark. Stocks such as Reliance Industries, Jio Platforms, and IndiGo are expected to remain in focus. Several companies reported varied profit results for the September quarter, impacting market sentiment. Regulatory developments and credit rating updates are also being closely monitored by investors. The upcoming earnings announcements from notable companies will further influence market activity.
Akasa Air hikes pilots' salaries by up to 15% to retain them
The revised pay structure will take effect January 1, 2027, with fixed monthly salaries increasing across all eight pilot grades, from first officers to designated examiners.
Airlines can't predict oil prices anymore. Travellers may be left footing the bill
Airlines globally face challenges in fuel cost hedging as prices remain elevated due to geopolitical tensions. Major airlines like AirAsia and Ryanair have halted new hedges, anticipating further fare increases. Higher fuel costs may push ticket prices up by 15% to 20%, straining consumer willingness to pay. Many US and European airlines have reduced hedging, exposing them to market fluctuations.
India braces for first Diwali after Gulf war with tighter budgets
As households prepare for Diwali, rising food prices and travel expenses are impacting festive budgets significantly. Increased costs for essential items like vegetables and sweets are leading to reduced discretionary spending. E-commerce platforms have seen lower sales compared to last year, indicating a shift in consumer behaviour.
Expensive flights, struggling airlines: Why India's airfare crisis has no easy fix for passengers
India's proposed new airfare framework would require airlines to submit fare structures to the DGCA a month in advance, amid festive-season fare spikes of up to 68% on major domestic routes. Rising fuel costs, limited capacity and airline failures complicate efforts to protect passengers from steep price increases.
Boeing sales chief McMullen to retire, company memo says
Boeing's global sales and marketing chief Brad McMullen will retire in December and be succeeded by Ryan Weir, currently heading North American sales, according to a memo seen by Reuters. McMullen helped lead the planemaker's commercial recovery after a 2024 mid-air door plug blowout, as Boeing works to regain market momentum.
Bullock cart delivered fuel to Air India flight when J.R.D Tata was carrying airmail from Karachi to Bombay; he stopped to refuel at Ahmedabad on October 15, 1932
Air India's aviation story began on October 15, 1932, when J.R.D. Tata piloted a De Havilland Puss Moth carrying airmail from Karachi to Ahmedabad and Bombay. During the Ahmedabad stop, petrol arrived in four-gallon cans on a bullock cart. The historic flight demonstrated how aircraft could help deliver mail between cities faster.
Air India hijack mystery: What happened on AI Frankfurt flight that sent the emergency code. Mumbai ATC says code was sent from plane, but experts say only one in a trillion chance of it going inadvertently
Air India’s Frankfurt-Delhi flight AI2030 was diverted to Jaipur after Mumbai ATC detected hijack transponder code 7500, prompting extensive security checks. The pilots reportedly said the flight was operating normally. While the aircraft and crew were cleared to continue, aviation and security agencies are investigating the alert. Senior Boeing 787 pilots say accidentally entering the code is extremely unlikely because each digit must be set manually.
One power bank banned on all flights in India after IndiGo Delhi-Chennai flight fire scare; reason behind power banks explosions inside planes
Which power bank has DGCA banned? DGCA has banned the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 power bank from flights to, from and within India after an IndiGo Delhi-Chennai flight was diverted to Hyderabad following smoke from a passenger’s electronic device. The incident has renewed concerns about lithium-ion battery fires, why they happen and how passengers should carry electronic devices on flights.
Airbus forecasts huge hiring gap as aviation services market expands
Airbus projects a need for 2.44 million personnel in aviation, including pilots and maintenance staff. This forecast highlights challenges in recruitment after the COVID-19 pandemic affected workforce availability. The company aims to significantly increase service revenue to over $10 billion by 2030. Growth in commercial services is expected to average 3.8% annually, doubling the market size by 2045. Airlines are increasingly prioritizing data connectivity as a key service component.
Air India bomb, hijack scare: Frankfurt-Delhi flight cleared after Jaipur security sweep
An Air India flight operating on October 14 was diverted to Jaipur due to a suspected security threat. The incident led to the activation of a transponder code indicating unlawful interference by the pilot. Following a safe landing, passengers were deplaned and underwent security checks by multiple teams. After thorough inspections, the aircraft was cleared for departure to Delhi in the afternoon.
GE Aerospace to nearly double supplier spend in India by 2030, eyes growing Aviation demand
The announcement was made alongside the release of a report by Ernst & Young (EY), GE Aerospace's Economic Impact in India, which assesses the company's economic contribution to India's commercial aviation, defence, manufacturing and engineering sectors over four decades.
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