Aviation

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has appointed Vikram Singh as the new Airport Director of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (NSCBI), Kolkata, one of the country’s busiest aviation hubs. With over three decades of experience in airport operations, Singh’s leadership is expected to strengthen infrastructure modernization, enhance passenger services, and streamline operational efficiency.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a comprehensive review after a power bank caught fire on a domestic flight, raising safety concerns over lithium-ion batteries in air travel. Authorities are assessing causes, regulatory compliance, and potential gaps in airline safety protocols. The incident underscores the risks associated with carrying electronic devices in passenger cabins and cargo. Aviation experts stress the importance of adhering to carriage guidelines and implementing preventive measures to mitigate fire hazards.

Delhi Airport’s Terminal 2 (T2) has officially reopened following an extensive renovation aimed at modernizing infrastructure, improving passenger flow, and enhancing overall travel experience. The upgrade includes expanded check-in areas, advanced baggage handling systems, upgraded lounges, and improved retail and dining facilities. Designed to accommodate increasing passenger volumes and streamline airport operations, the renovation aligns with India’s vision of world-class aviation infrastructure.

A United Airlines flight was safely diverted to Salt Lake City International Airport after a passenger aircraft experienced a crack in its cockpit windshield mid-flight, prompting immediate precautionary measures. All passengers and crew remained unharmed, and emergency protocols were executed efficiently. Aviation experts highlight that windshield cracks, though rare, can pose serious safety risks, necessitating rapid decision-making and adherence to operational safety protocols.

Air India is intensifying its fleet modernisation and route expansion strategy as part of its broader transformation plan under the Tata Group. The airline has initiated a comprehensive retrofit of its Airbus A320neo aircraft, aligning interiors and configurations with global standards, while also announcing the addition of more than 170 weekly flights across domestic and short-haul international routes this winter.

Air India has announced the launch of a new direct flight connecting New Delhi and London, further strengthening its footprint in the United Kingdom and enhancing connectivity between the two capitals. The expansion comes amid growing demand for premium international routes and aligns with the airline’s broader strategy to reclaim its position as a global aviation leader. The new service will increase flight frequency between India and the UK, offering travelers more flexibility, convenience, and competitive options.

In a strategic move to strengthen its domestic network and enhance regional connectivity, SpiceJet has announced the launch of new direct flights to Port Blair and Udaipur. The expansion underscores the airline’s focus on tapping into India’s high-potential tourism markets while improving accessibility to key leisure and business destinations. With this move, SpiceJet aims to capitalize on the surge in domestic travel demand, diversify its route portfolio, and reinforce its position in the competitive aviation sector.

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation into an unusual RAT (Ram Air Turbine) deployment incident aboard an Air India flight. The RAT, a critical emergency device that supplies power during complete engine or electrical failure, was deployed under circumstances that raised safety concerns. Preliminary reports suggest no injuries occurred, but the event has prompted regulators to examine operational protocols, crew response, and aircraft systems.

Star Air, the regional Indian airline, is charting an ambitious expansion trajectory with the addition of new aircraft from Airbus and Embraer to its fleet. This strategic fleet augmentation underscores the carrier’s commitment to increasing capacity, enhancing route connectivity, and strengthening its presence in the competitive regional aviation market. The move aligns with broader industry trends of fleet modernization and operational efficiency.

Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi has launched an electronic arrival card system for foreign travellers, marking a significant step toward digitalizing immigration procedures and enhancing passenger convenience. The new initiative allows international arrivals to complete their arrival formalities online before reaching the airport, reducing processing times and minimizing manual paperwork.