Tag: airlines

Travel

Proactive Measures by Airports Authority of India to Ensure Seamless Operations Amid Indigo Airlines Disruption

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

In response to the operational crisis faced by Indigo Airlines, the Airports Authority of India, in coordination with all stakeholders, implemented a series of proactive measures to ensure smooth and uninterrupted airport operations. Extensive manpower was deployed across all passenger touchpoints including check-in, pre-security hold areas, boarding gates, and city-side zones to prevent congestion and ensure seamless queue management. Airport Operators provided additional check-in counters, while both airlines and airport teams strengthened staff presence to guide and support passengers.

To ensure a smooth flow of city-side operations, AAI coordinated closely with CISF, Goa Police, and the Traffic Police for crowd management around the Indigo ticketing counter. Extra ticketing counters were allotted for passenger convenience, and traffic authorities ensured lane discipline. CISF Quick Response Teams and Goa Police maintained surveillance to avoid any untoward incidents, while digibuddies assisted passengers at entry gates and additional CISF personnel facilitated faster terminal access. Seating availability, trolley retrieval, kids’ zone facilities, and swing operations were maintained for passenger comfort.

Monitoring of the terminal was strengthened through senior-level committees conducting frequent checks to ensure service delivery and a high standard of cleanliness. All washrooms, including city-side facilities, were fully manned with adequate consumables, and housekeeping teams maintained continuous cleaning cycles. First-aid facilities, wheelchairs, baby-care amenities including kettles, water, napkins, and diapers were ensured without interruption. The “May I Help You” counters were reinforced, with staff deployed at key passenger interaction points such as check-in and the security hold area. The Flybrary at the SHA was updated with reading materials, and concessions ensured the availability of refreshments, milk, and diabetic dietary options. Priority assistance was extended to wheelchair users, PRMs, seniors, pregnant women, and mothers with infants.

Information dissemination was strengthened through real-time updates in coordination with airlines. Flight Information Display Systems operated smoothly, and social-media platforms of Goa International Airport communicated timely updates regarding delays or cancellations. Airlines issued SMS and online notifications to passengers, and refreshment provisions were ensured for affected travelers.

Operational manpower remained robust, with check-in and ticketing counters fully staffed. Stakeholder representatives worked together from the 24×7 Control Room and AOCC. City-side deployments of security, traffic police, and housekeeping teams ensured uninterrupted operations. Baggage delivery was prompt with no congestion in the baggage claim areas, and any residual baggage was cleared the same day. Help desks manned by Indigo and the airport operator remained active at the city-side, departure hall, and arrivals zone.

A dedicated control room operated round-the-clock with representatives from Airlines, CISF, State Police, and AAI to handle coordination and grievances. Messages regarding delays and cancellations were disseminated promptly through digital displays, social media, and airline communication systems.

As per the directives of MoCA, a senior Director from the Ministry visited Goa Airport on 9.12.2025 to assess the facilities and action taken by AAI and stakeholders. He appreciated the proactive efforts of the Airport Operator, all airlines including Indigo, CISF, Police authorities, and supporting teams for ensuring smooth handling of the situation and briefed the media on the current status.

Airport operations have since normalized, with only an average of seven planned cancellations per day. Since these cancellations are pre-advised, passengers do not arrive at the airport, preventing congestion. Passengers who visit for ticket changes or cancellations are assisted 24×7 by the airline ticketing counter and the Duty Terminal Manager of AAI. All measures continue to be implemented to ensure a safe, seamless, and passenger-friendly airport environment.

Travel

IndiGo Cancels 200 Flights Amid Pilot Shortages, Crew No-Shows, and Escalating Operational Chaos

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

IndiGo faced one of its worst operational breakdowns in recent times on December 3, 2025, as skewed crew planning and shortages in pilot availability resulted in the cancellation of at least 200 flights and triggered massive delays across the country. Some aircraft were grounded for up to 12 hours, made worse by unexpected cabin crew no-shows in Mumbai, pushing the airline into crisis mode and forcing it to issue a public apology.

The situation had been building for weeks, but Wednesday marked a tipping point. At Delhi airport, frustrated passengers of a delayed Rajkot flight began chanting slogans after waiting six hours beyond their scheduled 5:40 a.m. departure, eventually taking off only at 11:30 a.m. Similar scenes unfolded in Mumbai, where passengers on a flight to Patna waited for hours as its departure time slipped from 11:15 a.m. to an estimated 8 p.m. Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport witnessed 62 cancellations for a second consecutive day, while Hyderabad saw 31 cancellations and Delhi 37.

The heart of the crisis lies in a severe pilot shortage fueled by the complete rollout of stricter duty-rest norms on November 1. These regulations, created to address rising concerns about crew fatigue, had been deferred by the government for a year to allow airlines sufficient time for planning. Their full enforcement came only after pilot associations won a case in the Delhi High Court earlier this year. IndiGo’s pilots have argued that the airline failed to prepare, with rostering teams pleading with crew members to withdraw sick leave and even offering 1.5x salary for forgoing privilege leave in recent weeks—efforts that have largely fallen flat.

Government data revealed the depth of the disruption: IndiGo recorded only 35% on-time performance on December 2 and under 50% on December 1. In its statement, the airline attributed the chaos to a combination of “unforeseen operational challenges,” including technical glitches, winter-season schedule changes, congestion, adverse weather, and the updated crew-rostering rules. These factors, it said, created a compounding impact the airline had not anticipated.

To stabilise operations, IndiGo announced that it would adjust schedules over the next 48 hours, signaling that further cancellations were likely. Meanwhile, the pilot body ALPA India cautioned against any attempts to dilute the fatigue-management norms, arguing that IndiGo’s failure lay not in the rules themselves but in insufficient resource planning. The organisation reiterated that any relaxation in duty limits would compromise both passenger and crew safety at a time when pilots are already stretched to the upper limit of 13-hour duty periods, with long-standing grievances such as stagnant salaries despite significant airline profits further aggravating the workforce.

The unfolding crisis reflects deeper tensions within India’s fast-growing aviation sector, where aggressive expansion often collides with the need to ensure adequate rest, safety, and working conditions for crew members. IndiGo now faces the challenge of restoring normalcy while grappling with the structural issues that pushed its operations into turmoil.

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Air India Launches ‘One India’ Flat Fare Sale for Europe Flights

Tanisha Cardozo

Air India has launched an exciting new promotional campaign titled the ‘One India’ sale, offering Indian travellers a simplified and budget-friendly way to explore Europe. With this limited-time flat fare offer, customers can travel from any city in India to any Air India destination in Europe at a consistent price, regardless of the domestic origin. This promotion makes it just as affordable to fly from Varanasi to Milan via Delhi as it is to fly from Delhi to Milan.

Under the ‘One India’ sale, all-inclusive round-trip fares to European cities are set at ₹47,000 for Economy Class, ₹70,000 for Premium Economy (on applicable routes), and ₹1,40,000 for Business Class. Special fares for flights to London Heathrow are also available—₹49,999 in Economy, ₹89,999 in Premium Economy, and ₹1,69,999 in Business Class.

Beyond the flat fares, the offer includes one complimentary date change per ticket, adding a layer of flexibility to customers’ travel plans. Members of Air India’s Maharaja Club enjoy additional savings with zero convenience fees when booking through the airline’s official website or mobile app.

To sweeten the deal, Air India is offering additional discounts of up to ₹3,000 per passenger with the promo code FLYAI. For instance, return trips to Europe and the UK qualify for savings of up to ₹3,000, and one-way journeys can save up to ₹2,000.

The sale begins with exclusive early access via Air India’s website and mobile app on 7 September 2025, and becomes available through all booking channels—including travel agents, airport counters, and the airline’s contact centre—between 8 and 11 September 2025. Seats under this promotional fare are limited and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

The promotional fares are valid for travel until 31 March 2026, giving customers a wide window to plan and enjoy their European getaways. Air India currently operates direct flights to major European cities including London (Heathrow and Gatwick), Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Milan, Copenhagen, Vienna, and Zurich.

The ‘One India’ campaign underscores Air India’s commitment to enhancing travel access and affordability for Indian customers. With its Vihaan.AI transformation plan underway, Air India continues to modernize, expand, and offer world-class service while staying rooted in India’s legacy of hospitality. As the airline integrates fleet upgrades, customer benefits, and digital services, promotions like this reflect a renewed focus on customer-centric innovation.

Whether you’re a student, a business traveller, or a family looking to explore Europe, Air India’s ‘One India’ sale offers one of the most compelling deals of the year. Don’t miss this opportunity to travel smarter, farther, and more affordably.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Emirates Airline to Ban Use of Power Banks Onboard from October 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

DUBAI – In a major policy shift aimed at enhancing in-flight safety, Emirates Airline will prohibit the use of power banks onboard all its flights starting 1 October 2025.

As global concerns rise over lithium battery-related incidents, Emirates has decided to proactively update its dangerous goods regulations. While passengers will still be allowed to carry one power bank under 100Wh, any in-flight usage—including charging devices or recharging the power bank—will be strictly forbidden.

🔒 New Power Bank Rules on Emirates Flights:

RuleAllowed?Details
Carry one power bank (<100Wh)✅ YesMust be clearly labeled with capacity
Use power bank to charge devices❌ NoCharging any device via power bank is not permitted
Charge power bank onboard❌ NoNot allowed to connect to aircraft power sources
Storage onboard✅ YesOnly in seat pocket or under seat; overhead bins not permitted
Checked baggage❌ NoPower banks must only be carried in hand luggage

🧯 Why This Ban?

The move stems from safety concerns over thermal runaway—a dangerous condition where lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries overheat, potentially causing fires or explosions. Many generic or unregulated power banks lack proper safety controls, increasing risks during flight.

By ensuring power banks are both limited in number and easily accessible, Emirates aims to reduce fire risks and improve cabin crew response during emergencies.

🔍 Power Bank Policies Across UAE Airlines:

  • Etihad Airways allows up to 10 spare lithium batteries (incl. power banks), but prohibits use onboard.
  • FlyDubai permits batteries up to 160Wh but bans in-flight charging.

Air Arabia allows one device with power bank (under 100Wh); no usage allowed during flight.

📌 What Travelers Should Do:

  • Check the power bank’s watt-hour rating (must be under 100Wh).
  • Keep it in hand luggage, not in checked bags.
  • Do not use or charge it during flight.
  • Ensure the capacity is clearly labeled and the power bank is in good condition.

Passengers are also advised to consult Emirates’ full Dangerous Goods list and UAE customs regulations before flying.

 Emirates’ updated policy reflects a growing industry trend toward stricter lithium battery management to prioritize passenger safety. If you’re flying from October 2025 onwards, make sure your power bank complies—and leave it unplugged.

🛫 Safe travels, the Emirates way.

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Goa’s Manohar International Airport crosses the 10 Million Passengers’ Mark

allycaralgoa

Goa, June 17, 2025 – Manohar International Airport (GOX), developed and operated by GMR Goa International Airport Ltd. (GGIAL), a subsidiary of GMR Airports Limited is proud to announce that it has handled the arrival of 10 million passengers within 2 years and 4 months of its operations.

Manohar International Airport currently handles a total of 7 domestic airlines and 5 international airlines, which offer direct flights to over 19 domestic & 6 international destinations across the globe; alongside offering daily hub services to Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, which connect to hundreds of worldwide destinations.

The gradual increase in the number of passengers using Manohar International Airport & airlines operating from GOX is a testimony that GOX is emerging as a preferred airport for passengers & airline partners. With modern infrastructure, a state-of-the-art Passenger Terminal Building, and a plethora of avenues to shop, dine, and relax,  Manohar International Airport is equipped to provide a fun-filled, seamless travel experience.

The airport has curated Goan merchandise, souvenir shops, and art galleries that support local artisans & craftsmen. It is a one-stop destination to cherish domestic panache while savouring local & international delicacies. It offers an ample seating area allowing guests to relax, soak up the vibrant Goan culture, and create lasting memories.

 With new and flexible flying schedules for domestic and international routes, unconstrained connectivity, e-Visa facilities, and modern infrastructure, Manohar International Airport is equipped to provide a seamless and enjoyable travel experience for all its passengers.

Mr. RV Sheshan, CEO of GGIAL, shares his gratitude on this momentous occasion, stating, “Since the time of our inauguration, various airlines, connected destinations, and services for our esteemed travellers have been added, but one thing remains the same – our commitment to the comfort and safety of passengers. This is, and has always been our top priority.

I would like to thank all passengers who have contributed to this milestone by using Manohar International Airport. I would also like to thank our airline partners, concessionaires, concerned Govt departments, Govt of Goa,  MOCA & last but not least our airport staff for their everyday commitment and efforts to ensure the best possible passenger services, baggage, and aircraft handling.”