The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has revealed that USD 1.3 billion in airline revenues remain blocked by governments as of end-April 2025, despite a 25 per cent reduction from October 2024 levels. Mozambique, the XAF Zone, and Algeria are among the top contributors. IATA has called for urgent action, citing risks to international connectivity and compliance with bilateral treaties.
Air India Express will commence direct flights between Bengaluru and Kathmandu from 1 June 2025, marking its entry into Nepal. Kathmandu becomes the airline’s 55th destination, enhancing connectivity across South Asia. The move also enables one-stop connections to Nepal’s capital from 20 Indian cities and two international hubs, strengthening regional travel and cultural ties.
IndiGo gets a three-month extension from the DGCA for its Turkish Airlines wet lease. This allows continued operation of Boeing 777s on Delhi and Mumbai to Istanbul routes. The decision occurs amid India-Turkiye tensions. IndiGo sought the extension due to capacity issues. The airline plans to build its own wide-body fleet.
Boeing plans to ramp up its 737 MAX production. The target is 42 jets monthly soon and 47 by early 2026. Production defects have decreased. The company anticipates becoming cash positive in the second half of the year. Certification for MAX 7 and MAX 10 is progressing. Chinese airlines are expected to resume Boeing deliveries in June.
Global passenger traffic rose 8 per cent year-on-year in April 2025, according to IATA. International demand led growth with a 10.8 per cent increase and record April load factors. India’s domestic market saw over 10 per cent growth, reinforcing its role as a key aviation hub ahead of IATA’s Annual General Meeting in New Delhi. The US market showed signs of weakening, with premium traffic down.
India is reviewing IndiGo's codeshare and leasing agreements with Turkish Airlines due to security concerns arising from Turkey's support for Pakistan during a recent conflict. The government will consult with security agencies and IndiGo before deciding on further action. This move follows public anger and boycotts of Turkish products in India.
Etihad Airways has reported a record Q1 profit of AED 685 million, marking a 30% year-on-year increase, alongside the airline’s highest-ever customer satisfaction scores. With passenger numbers rising to 5 million and load factors improving, the carrier also expanded its network and fleet, reinforcing its regional growth momentum and service upgrades across airport, inflight, and digital platforms.
IndiGo assures compliance with regulations for its Turkish Airlines leased flights. CEO Pieter Elbers states government decides on lease renewals. This follows security concerns and travel advisories related to Turkiye. The airline operates Istanbul flights with leased Boeing 777s. These flights connect Indian passengers to Europe and the US. IndiGo has backup plans if leases are not renewed.
Boeing aims to stabilize 737 MAX production at 38 planes monthly, while safety concerns reported by employees surged 220% from 2023 to 2024. The company is using machine learning to analyze the supply chain for quality issues. Boeing needs to prove it can maintain production at that level for several months before it asks the FAA to lift the cap.
Dubai airport offers luggage delivery to homes and hotels. Marhaba and DUBZ provide check-in from anywhere. Arriving passengers can skip baggage claim. Baggage storage and same-day delivery across UAE are available. These services are available at designated service points. Dnata plans to implement these services at Dubai's upcoming DWC terminal. The terminal aims to offer a fully automated, queue-free experience.
Finnair will operate its highest-ever number of flights to Finnish Lapland next winter, with expanded services to Rovaniemi, Kittilä, and Ivalo. Focused on weekend demand and peak travel from December to March, the airline aims to support growing tourism interest in the Arctic region. Kuusamo in Eastern Finland will also see additional weekend flights in response to winter travel demand.
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