INDIA AIRLINES
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.
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.
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.
CM Devendra Fadnavis says no flights will shift from Mumbai to Navi Mumbai airport; opposes proposed relocation of international services and suggests an alternative plan for Terminal 1 redevelopment
Mumbai airport news: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is opposing plans to shift international flights from Mumbai airport to Navi Mumbai airport. He communicated with the union civil aviation minister regarding an alternative redevelopment proposal for Terminal 1. This plan aims to keep the existing terminal operational during its replacement construction. The Airports Authority of India holds a minority stake in Mumbai airport, while Adani Airport Holdings Ltd is the majority stakeholder.
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.
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.
Air India starts using Iraq airspace for New York, Newark direct flights; likely to see 10% fuel savings
Air India has resumed non-stop flights to New York and Newark using Iraqi airspace, cutting journey times by around four hours to 16 hours and saving nearly 10% in fuel costs. The revised routes also offer greater flexibility in crew deployment and help ease the impact of prolonged airspace restrictions.
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.
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.
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.
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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