India must complement its aviation growth by rapidly building infrastructure, certification systems and skilled manpower to double the sector by 2035 and emerge as a global leader, writes Kim Collaco. India has quietly risen to become the world’s third-largest air transport market, moving about 174 million passengers in 2024, a figure that seemed improbable a...
Category: Aviation & Airports
Post
Post
Delhi Airport Strengthens Global Hub Role with 34% Surge in East-West Transit Traffic
In the 12 months from September 2024 to August 2025, Delhi Airport handled over 670,000 East-West-East international transit passengers, a 34 per cent YoY increase from 498,000 during the corresponding period. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport has reinforced its position as a global transit hub, handling over 670,000 East-West-East international transit passengers between September 2024...
Post
Apollo Hospitals to Operate 24×7 Medical Centre at Navi Mumbai Airport
The partnership strengthens NMIA’s emergency preparedness and medical response capabilities ahead of the commencement of commercial operations at India’s newest mega-airport. Navi Mumbai International Airport Pvt. Ltd (NMIAL), the operator of Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Apollo Hospitals, Mumbai, to deliver comprehensive, round-the-clock healthcare services for airport...
Post
SDHI is creating India’s next-gen shipbuilding capacity
Following the extensive overhaul of its Pipavav shipyard since the January 2024 acquisition and renaming, Rear Admiral (Retd) Vipin Kumar Saxena, CEO, Swan Defence and Heavy Industries (SDHI), told INFRASTRUCTURE TODAY’s Manish Pant that the facility is now ready to receive shipbuilding orders, including MRO projects. A Navy veteran, Saxena previously headed Garden Reach Shipbuilders...
Post
Air India Completes First Phase of Narrowbody Retrofit Programme Across A320 Fleet
Launched in September 2024 as part of a broader $400 million fleet modernisation initiative, the retrofit programme was completed within a record one-year timeframe. Air India has completed the first phase of its legacy fleet retrofit programme, with all 27 A320neo aircraft returning to service featuring brand-new cabin interiors and the airline’s updated livery. Combined...
Post
China Eastern Expands Shanghai-Delhi Flights as India-China Air Connectivity Resumes
The state-owned Chinese carrier also plans to expand its India network with upcoming routes, including Kunming-Kolkata and Shanghai Pudong-Mumbai, providing Indian travellers with more options to reach China’s key commercial centres. China Eastern Airlines will increase the frequency of its direct flights between Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, from...
Post
IndiGo Adds Bengaluru-Riyadh Direct Flights to Expand Middle East Connectivity
The new Bengaluru-Riyadh service marks IndiGo’s fourth non-stop connection to Saudi Arabia’s capital, following Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. IndiGo, India’s largest airline by passenger volumes and fleet, has announced the launch of direct flights between Bengaluru and Riyadh, further strengthening its footprint across the Middle East. Starting November 16, the airline will operate Airbus A320...
Post
IndiGo Reconnects with China, Crosses Long-Haul Milestone with Non-Stop London Service
IndiGo has reinstated direct air connectivity with Mainland China and marked a long-haul milestone with its non-stop Mumbai-London service. October 26 marked a twin milestone for IndiGo, India’s largest airline by passenger volumes and fleet size, as it reinstated direct air connectivity with Mainland China and launched its non-stop long-haul service between Mumbai and London....
Post
India to Host Asia-Pacific Aircraft Accident Investigation Meet for the First Time
India’s hosting of the meet signals its growing aviation leadership and push for stronger regional safety standards. In a significant milestone for aviation safety and international collaboration, India will host the Asia Pacific Accident Investigation Group (APAC-AIG) meeting and workshop for the first time. The four-day event, organised by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)...
Post
Delhi Airport Reopens Future-Ready Terminal 2 to Boost Passenger Flow and Airline Efficiency
The upgraded Terminal 2 at India’s busiest airport combines advanced systems with smart infrastructure to streamline passenger movement and rebalance airline operations. Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), led by the GMR Group, has announced the reopening of the upgraded Terminal 2 (T2) at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), effective from the intervening night of October...