Air India News

FlightGlobal

Air India Express 737 backtracked on runway as Indian Navy fighter took off

An inquiry into a serious runway incursion at Dabolim found that an Air India Express Boeing 737 crew failed to acknowledge a hold-short instruction. The aircraft backtracked along the runway while a Navy fighter was taking off, bringing airline and military operations into conflict.

Reuters

High activity

Air India weighs more widebodies as aviation leaders debate India’s global growth strategy

Air India is considering additional widebody aircraft as its new leadership targets long-term growth and a larger share of international markets. Executives across the sector also called for multiple globally competitive Indian carriers, more scrutiny of airport investment and charges, and infrastructure and efficiency improvements to position India as a global aviation hub.

ch-aviation

Air India breaks ground on multi-facility MRO hangar at Delhi airport

Air India has started work on a new maintenance, repair and overhaul hangar at Delhi International, the airline announced. The multi-facility project adds a dedicated MRO development to the carrier’s base at the airport, though no details on capacity, cost or completion timing were provided.

Skift

High activity

IndiGo and Air India Express to shift international flights to Navi Mumbai from 2027

IndiGo and Air India Express will move selected international services from Mumbai’s existing airport to Navi Mumbai International Airport in a phased transition. IndiGo plans to start in February 2027, gradually shifting 12 daily departures and expanding service to 12 destinations; the changes coincide with redevelopment plans at Mumbai airport’s Terminal 1.

Paddle Your Own Kanoo

High activity

Saudi security concerns disrupt Riyadh flights as Riyadh Air shifts some operations to Al Qassim

Riyadh Air is moving some Boeing 787-9 services about 400 km northwest to Al Qassim, with passengers offered a complimentary 4.5-hour bus ride from Riyadh. Air India, Air India Express and Akasa Air have suspended or extended suspensions on Saudi routes, with Air India’s pauses covering Riyadh and Dammam through Nov. 7 and Jeddah through Oct. 31, 2026.

APEX

Air India adds restaurant-style dining to select long-haul business-class flights

Air India is introducing restaurant-style dining, personalized service and new tableware in business class on select long-haul flights. The change brings a more tailored onboard dining experience to part of the carrier’s premium offering; the report does not specify which routes or when the rollout will expand.

Reuters

High activity

Air India creates cost-savings team as conflict, airspace disruptions and fuel costs pressure operations

Air India has formed a dedicated team to identify savings across its operations and tightened spending approvals, according to an internal memo. CEO Tewolde Gebremariam cited airspace disruptions, the Middle East conflict and high jet fuel costs as pressures on the airline.

Reuters

High activity

Norse Atlantic to wet-lease two Boeing 787-9s to PIA for UK routes as Pakistan carrier rebuilds its fleet

Norse Atlantic has signed an ACMI agreement to operate two 787-9s for Pakistan International Airlines, with service on PIA’s UK routes expected to begin as early as next month. The deal gives Norse a place for aircraft after its IndiGo arrangement ended, while PIA’s new private owners weigh fleet options as roughly half its aircraft are inactive.