Tag: Travel Advisory

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 Announces Refunds and Flexible Changes for Cancelled Flights Amid Service Disruption

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

IndiGo has announced that it is processing refunds for passengers whose flights were cancelled between 3rd December 2025 and 15th December 2025.

The airline is also providing additional support for travellers whose plans were disrupted during this period by offering a full waiver on change and cancellation requests for bookings valid until 15th December 2025. Passengers are advised to follow the steps provided on the airline’s portal to make changes or cancellations seamlessly.

Refunds will be credited to the original mode of payment and may appear as one or two transactions depending on the processing method. IndiGo expressed sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused and assured passengers that its teams, both on the ground and behind the scenes, are working diligently to restore normal operations and provide timely support to all affected customers.

The airline’s proactive approach reflects its commitment to passenger welfare during unforeseen operational disruptions.

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 👒

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.