Aviation

IndiGo, India’s leading airline with a 64% domestic share, is embarking on a transformative global journey by adding Manchester and Amsterdam to its long-haul routes. CEO Pieter Elbers describes the launches as foundational, marking a shift not just in destinations but in aircraft strategy, partnerships, and service profile. By leveraging Amsterdam’s connectivity, IndiGo aims to seamlessly link India to Europe and North America.

IndiGo’s codeshare alliance with Turkish Airlines remains intact, despite the impending expiry of its damp lease for two Boeing 777-300ER wide-body aircraft on August 31, according to DGCA approval. The airline is actively evaluating alternatives—including operating its A321 fleet—to sustain connectivity to Istanbul. CEO Pieter Elbers confirmed in an interview that the carrier is exploring diversified fleet strategies to uphold services. While supply chain challenges persist, IndiGo has effectively managed fleet availability through lease renewals and operational adjustments.

Air India has distributed interim compensation to nearly two-thirds of families affected by the June 12 Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad. The airline, under Tata Sons' stewardship, pledged Rs. 1 crore per deceased and Rs. 25 lakh interim assistance, with ongoing support for survivors. CEO Campbell Wilson confirmed that next-of-kin have been repatriated, and dedicated teams in Ahmedabad are assisting families. During a "Safety Pause," the carrier has curtailed services, ramped up aircraft checks, and invested in reliability measures.

A medical emergency involving an Air India pilot caused a disruption in operations on July 4, when the pilot collapsed shortly before he was scheduled to command flight AI2414 from Bengaluru to Delhi. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the day, required immediate medical attention, prompting the airline to replace the crew member and deploy a standby pilot. Air India confirmed the development and stated that the affected pilot is currently stable and under medical supervision.

In a recent nationwide customer satisfaction survey conducted by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Bhopal, Khajuraho, and Udaipur airports emerged as the highest-rated airports in the country, each securing a perfect score of 5 out of 5. The survey, which covered 60 of the 62 AAI-managed airports for the January–June 2025 period, offers key insights into evolving service standards at India's regional airports.

InterGlobe Aviation, the parent company of India’s leading carrier IndiGo, has appointed Amitabh Kant, former Niti Aayog CEO and India’s G20 Sherpa, as a Non-Executive Director, pending regulatory and shareholder approvals. This strategic move supports IndiGo’s vision to become a globally competitive airline by 2030.

In a pivotal move toward its global expansion strategy, IndiGo has officially commenced long-haul international services with the launch of direct flights between Mumbai and Manchester. Operated using a wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, the thrice-weekly route marks a major milestone in IndiGo's evolution from a regional low-cost carrier to an emerging global player. The new service aims to boost connectivity for business travelers, students, tourists, and the Indian diaspora while reinforcing economic and cultural ties between India and the United Kingdom.

Deepinder Goyal, renowned for revolutionizing India’s food delivery landscape through Zomato, is now venturing into the aviation sector with a bold new startup — LAT Aerospace. Alongside co-founder Surobhi Das, the initiative aims to democratize regional air travel by making it significantly more affordable and accessible, particularly for residents of Tier-II and Tier-III cities. Backed by $50 million in early-stage funding, including a Rs.

A devastating crash involving Air India Flight AI 171 has left 274 people dead and raised urgent questions about aircraft safety and regulatory oversight in India. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner went down shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, striking a residential complex near BJ Medical College. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is now conducting a comprehensive investigation, including the possibility of sabotage and mechanical failure.

The investigation into the tragic crash of Air India flight 171 near Ahmedabad is entering a critical phase as authorities begin analyzing data extracted from the aircraft’s black boxes. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, claiming 241 lives on board and additional fatalities on the ground. Both cockpit voice and flight data recorders were recovered promptly and transported securely to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) laboratory in Delhi.