Airport Infrastructure & Air Traffic Management News

Skift

Navi Mumbai airport expands ground transport as airlines contest flight shifts from Mumbai

Navi Mumbai International Airport is adding buses, taxis and airport shuttles, with services connecting Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Pune ahead of the 2026-27 winter schedule. Separately, airlines are disputing flight reductions tied to Mumbai airport Terminal 1’s planned redevelopment from January 2027, objecting to the proposed shift of international operations to Navi Mumbai.

ch-aviation

China Eastern approves $507 million investment in Shanghai Pudong production support area

China Eastern Airlines’ board approved a CNY3.4 billion ($507 million) investment in a production support area at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. The project is part of the airport’s Phase IV expansion, linking the carrier’s base development to a major airport infrastructure program.

Bloomberg

UK Conservatives back Heathrow third runway as prime minister declines to support expansion

Britain’s opposition Conservatives say they will “do whatever it takes” to build a third runway at London Heathrow, putting the project at the center of a political divide after Prime Minister Andy Burnham declined to support the planned expansion.

Flying Magazine

High activity

FAA hires record 2,235 air traffic controller trainees in fiscal 2026, but chronic shortage persists

The FAA recruited 2,235 air traffic controller trainees in fiscal year 2026, exceeding its hiring target and setting an agency record. The milestone strengthens the staffing pipeline, but the agency continues to face a chronic controller shortage that remains an operational constraint.

ch-aviation

Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Paraguay sign MoU for a regional “single sky”

Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Paraguay have signed a memorandum of understanding to advance a regional “single sky” framework. The agreement signals closer coordination on airspace management and could shape future approaches to cross-border air traffic operations among the four South American countries.

Bloomberg

High activity

Thai Airways fires CEO after Bangkok floods strand thousands of bags and disrupt hub operations

Thai Airways has removed chief executive Chai Eamsiri and appointed Samrit Samniang as acting CEO after severe Bangkok flooding triggered major operational disruptions, including thousands of stranded bags at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The board is reviewing the flag carrier’s crisis-management procedures and response to the weather event.

Reuters

China’s Antelope Reef runway construction accelerates, with completion estimated by mid-2027

New satellite imagery shows China’s construction of a runway on Antelope Reef in the disputed Paracel Islands gathering pace. Analysts estimate the facility could be completed by mid-2027, potentially strengthening Beijing’s military control and operational reach in the South China Sea.

APEX

APEX Joins Aviation Coalition Urging Congress to Fund $30 Billion Modern Skies Act

The airline passenger experience association has joined aviation leaders calling on Congress to fund the $30 billion Modern Skies Act. The proposed investment would modernize the U.S. air traffic control system and improve the passenger experience.