Tag: Aviation News

Travel

Air India Adds 174 Weekly Flights to Domestic and Short-Haul International Network for Winter 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Air India has announced a significant network expansion for the Northern Winter Schedule 2025, introducing 174 additional weekly flights across key domestic and short-haul international routes starting 26 October 2025. The new schedule strengthens connectivity between major Indian cities and Southeast Asian destinations, reflecting the airline’s commitment to offering greater convenience and choice for travelers.

Among the international enhancements, flights from Delhi to Kuala Lumpur and Denpasar (Bali) will each increase from seven to ten weekly services, effective mid-November and early December respectively. Domestically, the expansion focuses on high-demand destinations in Rajasthan, with new routes such as Delhi–Jaipur and Delhi–Jaisalmer, along with increased frequencies on existing routes including Delhi–Udaipur, Mumbai–Jaipur, and Mumbai–Jodhpur. Additional flights are being introduced across Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and other cities including Varanasi, Port Blair, Guwahati, Raipur, and Amritsar.

This growth follows the near completion of Air India’s comprehensive retrofit program for its legacy Airbus A320neo aircraft, launched in September 2024. Of the 27 aircraft, 26 have been completely refurbished with brand-new interiors featuring Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class. With this upgrade, Air India now operates more than 100 A320 Family aircraft with enhanced interiors, serving over 80 domestic and short-haul international destinations.

The expansion is part of the airline’s ongoing transformation plan under Vihaan.AI, which aims to rebuild Air India into a world-class global carrier with an Indian heart. The airline, which returned to the Tata Group in 2022 after seven decades of government ownership, continues to evolve under an ambitious five-year roadmap. With more than 300 aircraft in its fleet and an order for 570 new planes underway, Air India is reshaping the future of Indian aviation through network growth, modern infrastructure, and superior customer experience.

As part of the larger Air India Group, which includes the full-service Air India and low-cost Air India Express, the company is leading the next chapter of Indian aviation by expanding reach, enhancing quality, and strengthening India’s position as a global travel hub.

Travel

Air India Cautions Flyers After Cyberattack Hits Check-In Systems

Tanisha Cardozo

A significant cyberattack on a third-party service provider has caused widespread disruption to check-in and boarding systems at major European airports, including London Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin. The attack, which occurred late Friday night, forced automated systems offline, prompting airlines and airports to revert to manual processes, resulting in delays and potential cancellations.

In response, Air India issued a travel advisory on Saturday, urging passengers flying from London to complete their web check-in before arriving at the airport. The airline stated that its ground teams in London are working diligently to minimise passenger inconvenience.

The affected service provider, identified by London Heathrow Airport as Collins Aerospace, is a global company that manages passenger processing systems for multiple airlines across Europe. Heathrow acknowledged the disruption and assured passengers that extra staff had been deployed in check-in areas to assist travelers.

Brussels Airport also confirmed the cyberattack and warned that only manual check-in was currently possible. It advised passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport and to arrive at least two hours in advance for Schengen flights and three hours for international departures.

Berlin Airport echoed similar issues, reporting long wait times and delays due to a Europe-wide disruption in check-in systems. Authorities and the service provider are working on restoring systems, but no estimated time for resolution has been provided.

As airlines and airport authorities continue to assess the damage and work on restoring services, passengers are strongly advised to monitor flight updates and follow any guidance issued by their respective carriers.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Air India Launches ‘Namaste World’ Sale with Domestic Fares from ₹1,499 and International Fares from ₹12,310

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Air India has unveiled its much-anticipated ‘Namaste World’ promotional sale, delivering attractive all-inclusive fares across its domestic and international network.

For a limited time, one-way domestic fares start from just ₹1,499, while round-trip international fares begin at ₹12,310. The offer is valid until 11:59 pm on 15 August 2025 and applies to travel until 31 March 2026. Tickets can be booked through Air India’s direct channels and, after the first day, via travel agents and airport offices.

Web-Exclusive Day 1
On 10 August 2025, bookings were exclusively available on Air India’s website and mobile app. From the following day, customers can also book through all sales channels, including travel agents and airport ticket counters.

Book Direct Benefits
Passengers booking via Air India’s website or app enjoy zero convenience fees and additional savings:

  • Promo Code FLYAI – Save up to ₹1,000 per passenger.
  • Visa Card Promo Code VISAFLY – Discounts up to ₹2,500 per passenger, depending on the trip type and route.

VISA Card Offers:

  • Domestic One-Way: ₹250 off
  • Domestic Round Trip: ₹500 off
  • International One-Way: Up to ₹1,500 off
  • International Round Trip: Up to ₹2,500 off

Extra Travel Comfort
Air India is also offering up to 60% off on prepaid baggage and 15% off on seat selection, including extra-legroom seats, booked via both direct and indirect channels.

Sample All-Inclusive Round-Trip International Fares (Ex-India):

  • India–Sri Lanka: ₹12,310
  • India–Singapore: ₹14,020
  • India–UAE: ₹18,060
  • India–USA: ₹49,635
  • India–United Kingdom: ₹44,500

Seats are limited and available on select domestic and international routes on a first-come, first-served basis. Fares may vary slightly depending on exchange rates and local taxes.

This offer comes as Air India, under Tata Group ownership, continues its Vihaan.AI transformation program, investing in new aircraft, upgraded interiors, expanded services, and enhanced passenger experiences.

#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.

Business

Nikhil Ravishankar to Become CEO of Air New Zealand: A Tech Expert Leads the Way

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Wellington / July 30–31, 2025 — In a historic leadership move, Nikhil Ravishankar, of Indian origin, has been named the next Chief Executive Officer of Air New Zealand, stepping into the role on October 20, 2025

Ravishankar, who has served as the airline’s Chief Digital Officer for nearly five years, will succeed Greg Foran, who led the carrier through the challenges of the COVID‑19 crisis and announced his voluntary departure earlier this year

During his tenure, Ravishankar spearheaded key digital initiatives, including overhauling the airline’s digital infrastructure, loyalty programs, and customer experience platforms. Prior to joining Air New Zealand, he held executive roles at Vector and Accenture across the Australasian region

Air New Zealand continues to grapple with deepening supply chain disruptions, persistent engine maintenance issues, and fierce competition from Qantas and Virgin Australia. The airline’s limited domestic market adds further pressures to its recovery and growth strategy

Chair Dame Therese Walsh said Ravishankar brings a “fresh perspective grounded in New Zealand values” and recognized his “digital literacy, global outlook, and deep care” for the airline and the country. The board conducted a rigorous international search before selecting him as the standout candidate

Nikhil Ravishankar shared:
“I’m both thrilled and humbled to take on this role. This airline is an institution with a deep legacy and a fantastic future. It’s a privilege to lead for our people, customers, and country.”