CIVIL AVIATION MINISTRY
Air India explores alternative routes for North America flights amid airspace curbs
Air India is exploring alternatives for its North America flights from Delhi due to the Pakistan airspace closure, which has increased operational costs. The airline is considering technical stops within India, like Mumbai or Ahmedabad, to avoid costly European stops for refueling.
Airlines submit their inputs on airspace closure impact to civil aviation ministry
Indian airlines have shared their insights with the civil aviation ministry regarding the impact of Pakistan's airspace closure. The ministry is evaluating the situation and exploring solutions to address the resulting challenges. Air India estimates potential additional expenses of around USD 600 million annually if the closure persists, suggesting financial assistance and exploring alternative routes to mitigate costs.
Air India sees Pakistan airspace ban costing it $600 mn over 12 months, seeks aid
Air India anticipates incurring approximately $600 million in extra expenses if Pakistan's airspace ban persists for a year, prompting a request for government compensation. The airline projects losses exceeding $591 million annually due to increased fuel consumption and extended flight durations.
Mumbai airport rejects IATA claim on slot cuts, halt in cargo flights
Mumbai Airport refutes IATA's claim that halting cargo flights and cutting passenger slots aims to push airlines to Navi Mumbai Airport. MIAL asserts the changes follow a transparent, regulator-driven process for infrastructure upgrades. They deny pressuring airlines and highlight extensive consultations with stakeholders, emphasizing compliance with regulations and commitment to fair coordination.
Airspace blockade: India plots a flight path to skip Pakistan
Following Pakistan's airspace closure after the Pahalgam attack, Indian authorities are exploring alternative flight paths for Air India and IndiGo. A potential route over Chinese airspace is being considered to bypass Pakistan and Afghanistan, offering direct access to Europe and the US. However, this requires Chinese permission and safety modifications, including increased oxygen supply for high-altitude flights.
Pakistani troops violate ceasefire on LoC for 7th straight day; Indian Army responds
Pakistani forces have violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) for the seventh consecutive day, prompting a proportionate response from Indian troops. The violation occurred despite diplomatic talks between Indian and Pakistani military officials. Tensions have escalated further following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. India has taken multiple actions against Pakistan in response, including curtailing diplomatic engagements and reviewing the Indus Water Treaty.
Shifting wind patterns may delay flights, says Delhi airport operator DIAL
Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is anticipating potential flight delays due to shifting wind patterns, prompting air traffic flow management measures. These measures, implemented by ATC authorities, prioritize passenger safety and adhere to international protocols.
Airspace closure: Ram Mohan Naidu says government assessing situation, working with airlines for solutions
The Civil Aviation Ministry is carefully examining the impact of Pakistan's airspace closure. Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu says they are working with airlines to find solutions. The ministry will assess the effects on airlines and passengers. This includes potential fare increases due to longer flight times. Safety remains a key priority.
The Runway Beasts: When nilgais try to catch a flight
Indian airports are facing increased wildlife intrusions, posing a significant threat to flight safety. Recent incidents involving nilgais, jackals, and even a lion have prompted heightened alert levels and mitigation efforts. Airports are implementing measures like habitat modification, trapping, and technology-driven deterrents to minimize the risk of wildlife strikes, which can lead to catastrophic accidents.
Flying drones, UAV around Jewar airport punishable offence: Police
Gautam Budh Nagar Police have prohibited the operation of drones and unmanned aerial vehicles near Noida International Airport in Jewar, citing security concerns and airspace monitoring. Declared a Red Zone on October 8, 2024, by aviation authorities, unauthorized drone flights will face legal consequences under the Airports Authority of India Act, 1934, and UAV operation rules.
Pahalgam terror attack triggers airline surge pricing: Why India needs regulation to curb crisis profiteering
Following the Pahalgam attack, Srinagar flight prices surged. This raised concerns about unfair pricing. The DGCA intervened, but many travelers already faced high costs. The Consumer Protection Act needs amendment. It should address emergency profiteering in essential services. A 'crisis pricing code' is necessary. This will ensure fair pricing during emergencies. India must prioritize consumer protection over unchecked algorithms.
Pahalgam Terror Attack: Coffins carrying victims of terror attack reach Srinagar airport, nation in mourning
Following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of innocent tourists, efforts are underway to repatriate victims and ensure the safe return of other tourists. Government officials are coordinating assistance, and additional flights have been arranged from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai.
Jammu-Srinagar highway reopens partially; special train launched for stranded tourists
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, blocked for three days due to landslides, has reopened for one-way traffic. A special train from Katra to New Delhi is facilitating stranded passengers amidst an exodus of tourists following the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Authorities are working to ensure the safe return of visitors, with extra flights being organized.
Flight tickets from Srinagar remain exorbitantly high despite aviation ministry request
Following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, tourists stranded in Kashmir are facing exorbitant airfares as they try to return home. Flight tickets to major Indian cities have skyrocketed, with many flights sold out. The Civil Aviation Ministry is arranging additional flights to Delhi and Mumbai and urging airlines to waive cancellation fees to assist stranded tourists amidst the crisis.
Pahalgam attackers identified; Security agencies reveal sketches
Security agencies have released sketches of three suspected terrorists, Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah, and Abu Talha, believed to be involved in the deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in 28 fatalities. Survivor testimonies aided in the identification process, leading to the creation of the sketches.
Pahalgam terror attack: DGCA asks airlines to increase Srinagar flights
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, the DGCA has directed airlines to increase flights from Srinagar to assist tourists returning home. The aviation authority also urged airlines to waive cancellation and rescheduling fees for Srinagar flights. Air India and IndiGo are already operating additional flights, and the civil aviation ministry is monitoring airfares to prevent price surges on the Srinagar route.
Pahalgam attack: NH 44, connecting Srinagar and Jammu, opens partially for tourist vehicles, says Omar Abdullah
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, NH 44, connecting Srinagar and Jammu, has reopened for one-way traffic. Many tourists are leaving the valley. Omar Abdullah directed authorities to facilitate the departure of tourist vehicles in a controlled manner. DGCA has asked airlines to increase flights from Srinagar. Air India and IndiGo will operate additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai.
"Our soldiers will avenge...": Maharashtra DyCM Eknath Shinde condemns Pahalgam terror attack
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, attributing it to Pakistan and terming it an attack on the nation. He asserted that the Indian Army would retaliate strongly, hinting at a response similar to the Uri surgical strike.
Parliament panel members flag serious concerns about flight delays at Delhi airport
Parliamentarians have voiced strong concerns over the ongoing chaos at Delhi Airport, citing significant flight delays and passenger inconvenience. The disruptions, attributed to the closure of Terminal 2 and recent weather events, have drawn criticism from MPs who find the Civil Aviation Ministry's explanations unsatisfactory.
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