Aviation

A battle is brewing in India’s aviation sector as Air India challenges rival IndiGo’s deepening partnership with Turkish Airlines, citing both commercial disadvantages and geopolitical sensitivities. The dispute centers on IndiGo’s wet lease and codeshare agreements, which Air India claims benefit Turkey disproportionately while undermining India's domestic carriers. The controversy intensifies against the backdrop of deteriorating India-Turkey relations, prompted by Ankara’s vocal support for Pakistan.

Singapore Airlines Group posted a record net profit of SGD 2.78 billion for the fiscal year ended March 2025, largely driven by a one-time non-cash accounting gain of SGD 1.1 billion from the Air India-Vistara merger completed in November 2024. Holding a 25.1% stake in Tata Group’s Air India, Singapore Airlines now gains direct access to India’s rapidly expanding aviation sector.

Adani Airport Holdings has formally ended its ground handling agreements with Turkish aviation firm Celebi at the Mumbai and Ahmedabad airports following the revocation of the latter’s security clearance by the Indian government. The termination, announced on Thursday, is aimed at ensuring compliance with national regulations while maintaining uninterrupted airport operations. All ground handling services will now be managed by alternative agencies selected by Adani, with existing Celebi employees absorbed under current employment terms.

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, managed by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd, recorded a robust 10% year-on-year growth in passenger traffic for FY2024–25, welcoming nearly 4.89 million travelers. The impressive uptick, supported by infrastructure upgrades and technological enhancements, reinforces the airport’s status as a fast-developing aviation hub in southern India. A new record in daily passenger and aircraft traffic was set in December 2024, demonstrating the facility's operational readiness for surging demand.

Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), operator of Kempegowda International Airport, has embarked on a strategic collaboration with KPMG in India to implement Generative AI (GenAI) technologies aimed at revolutionizing airport operations. This initiative seeks to deploy an adaptive, data-driven AI platform capable of real-time analytics, predictive insights, and enhanced decision-making. The partnership promises to elevate operational efficiency, customer experience, and sustainability, positioning BIAL at the forefront of aviation innovation.

SpiceJet is set to resume its Haj flight operations from Srinagar starting May 14, 2025, following the recent reopening of airports in Jammu and Kashmir. The airline will operate two services to Medina, utilizing wide-body Airbus A340 aircraft. With plans to facilitate the travel of approximately 15,500 Haj pilgrims, SpiceJet’s move is part of its broader strategy to enhance its footprint in regional and international travel. The airline has also resumed scheduled operations to Srinagar, further stabilizing its network after the disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions.

In response to heightened geopolitical tensions and the resulting closure of Pakistan’s airspace, Air India has recalibrated its long-haul operations to North America. The Tata Group-owned carrier has begun routing select flights through Mongolian airspace while implementing technical stops in Kolkata. These strategic adjustments aim to mitigate escalating operational costs, address crew time limitations, and maintain schedule integrity.

India’s civil aviation sector is navigating fresh headwinds following regional military tensions that prompted temporary shutdowns at over 30 airports and widespread disruption to commercial flight operations. In response, Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu is slated to meet with airline executives to address operational challenges, financial implications, and evolving security protocols. While airspace is gradually reopening, logistical setbacks persist due to altered international flight paths and heightened security screening.

Capital expenditure (capex) at small private airports in India is expected to increase by 50-60% annually over the next three years, driven by growing demand for air travel and the need for capacity expansion. In contrast, capex at larger airports will decline, as much of the required expansion has already been completed. This shift in spending priorities comes amidst a recovery in passenger traffic and a greater focus on enhancing airport infrastructure rather than expanding capacity at large airports.

In the face of rising geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has maintained full operational status, even as 32 other airports across northern and western India face temporary shutdowns. The airport’s managing authority, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), has issued an advisory to travelers, urging early arrivals, compliance with security protocols, and reliance on official updates to mitigate delays.