Bloomberg
• Mihir Mishra
Akasa Air supports a proposed Indian policy change that would allow airport operators to run airlines, according to its top executive. The position contrasts with market leader IndiGo’s opposition, setting up a debate over competition and the relationship between airport ownership and airline operations.
Airlines
Latest source-backed stories
Wizz Air had 27 A320neos grounded at the end of June because of Pratt & Whitney GTF engine issues, but says its fleet is on track to move beyond the disruption by the end of 2027. The timeline underscores the continuing effect of engine availability on narrowbody capacity planning.
Akasa Air supports a proposed Indian policy change that would allow airport operators to run airlines, according to its top executive. The position contrasts with market leader IndiGo’s opposition, setting up a debate over competition and the relationship between airport ownership and airline operations.
Cebu Pacific expects to return to a more traditional growth model in 2027, moderating capacity increases after an aggressive post-pandemic expansion. The Philippine carrier remains confident in its long-term prospects while acknowledging that growth is beginning to slow.
Skytraders’ VH-VHD “Snowbird 1” evacuated a U.S. expeditioner from the U.S.-operated McMurdo Station to a hospital in New Zealand after an urgent request for assistance. The Australian crew exploited a narrow weather window to conduct the mission amid extreme cold and near-pitch-black Antarctic conditions.
An Egyptian court has upheld a $787 million award against Iraqi Airways, maintaining a major legal and financial liability for the Iraqi flag carrier. The ruling adds pressure to the airline as it manages the consequences of the long-running dispute and its potential impact on operations and finances.
High activity
Malaysia Aviation Group has ordered compulsory drug testing for all 1,260 Malaysia Airlines pilots, with screening due by Aug. 15, after an airline pilot was arrested at Jakarta airport and allegedly found carrying 55 pounds of ecstasy. The group said cabin-crew testing and stricter screening would follow.
The planned sale of Russian regional airline Izhavia will proceed despite the carrier losing its air operator certificate, creating uncertainty around the transaction’s structure, operating continuity and value. The development highlights the regulatory and operational risks facing airline ownership deals in Russia’s aviation market.
IndiGo operated Navi Mumbai International Airport’s first dedicated freighter service on Aug. 2, using A321-200(P2F) VT-IKX on a Bengaluru–Navi Mumbai–Sharjah–Delhi rotation. The launch establishes the new airport as an operating point for IndiGo’s cargo network and adds a west India gateway to its freighter schedule.
Create a free account to see more recent Airlines stories and keep bookmarks in one place.
