India’s aviation sector experienced significant disruption in March, with airlines cancelling 3,025 international flights out of nearly 16,000 scheduled services, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. The figure represents a thirteenfold increase compared to cancellations recorded in February.

Among carriers, Air India Express was the most affected, cancelling 1,215 international flights—approximately half of its planned operations for the month. SpiceJet also faced substantial disruption, grounding more than 55 percent of its international services.

India’s largest airline, IndiGo, cancelled around 10 percent of its 7,432 scheduled international flights in March. Meanwhile, Air India reported cancellations affecting 13 percent of its operations, a sharp rise from just 2 percent in the previous month.

The report further indicated that IndiGo and the Air India group collectively reduced over 310,000 seats on routes connecting India and the Gulf region compared to February. This decline reflects broader operational challenges linked to regional instability.

Asangba Chuba Ao, Joint Secretary at India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation, noted that daily flights between India and the Middle East dropped significantly—from 300–350 services to just 80–90. Since the onset of the Gulf conflict on February 28, Indian carriers have cancelled more than 10,000 flights, he added.

Long-haul routes to Europe and North America have also been affected, with airlines forced to take extended flight paths due to airspace restrictions. These detours have increased travel times and operating costs, contributing to what officials described as “unprecedented disruption” in global aviation networks.

In response, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced temporary flexibility in flight duty time limitations for pilots operating long-haul routes. The measure allows extended flying hours and duty periods to help airlines manage operational strain and crew shortages. The relaxation will remain in effect until April 30, after which authorities will reassess the situation.

Officials emphasized that the situation remains fluid and subject to further review depending on developments in the coming weeks.

Addressing cost pressures, Ao highlighted that while global aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices have risen sharply, the Indian government has moderated the impact domestically. With ATF accounting for roughly 40 percent of airline operating expenses, partial price adjustments have helped maintain stable domestic airfares.

Additionally, authorities have permitted international airlines to deploy passenger aircraft for cargo operations. This move aims to safeguard supply chains and ensure uninterrupted transport of essential goods despite ongoing disruptions.

Source: Khaleej Times

India’s aviation sector experienced significant disruption in March, with airlines cancelling 3,025 international flights out of nearly 16,000 scheduled services, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. The figure represents a thirteenfold increase compared to cancellations recorded in February.

Among carriers, Air India Express was the most affected, cancelling 1,215 international flights—approximately half of its planned operations for the month. SpiceJet also faced substantial disruption, grounding more than 55 percent of its international services.

India’s largest airline, IndiGo, cancelled around 10 percent of its 7,432 scheduled international flights in March. Meanwhile, Air India reported cancellations affecting 13 percent of its operations, a sharp rise from just 2 percent in the previous month.

The report further indicated that IndiGo and the Air India group collectively reduced over 310,000 seats on routes connecting India and the Gulf region compared to February. This decline reflects broader operational challenges linked to regional instability.

Asangba Chuba Ao, Joint Secretary at India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation, noted that daily flights between India and the Middle East dropped significantly—from 300–350 services to just 80–90. Since the onset of the Gulf conflict on February 28, Indian carriers have cancelled more than 10,000 flights, he added.

Long-haul routes to Europe and North America have also been affected, with airlines forced to take extended flight paths due to airspace restrictions. These detours have increased travel times and operating costs, contributing to what officials described as “unprecedented disruption” in global aviation networks.

In response, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced temporary flexibility in flight duty time limitations for pilots operating long-haul routes. The measure allows extended flying hours and duty periods to help airlines manage operational strain and crew shortages. The relaxation will remain in effect until April 30, after which authorities will reassess the situation.

Officials emphasized that the situation remains fluid and subject to further review depending on developments in the coming weeks.

Addressing cost pressures, Ao highlighted that while global aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices have risen sharply, the Indian government has moderated the impact domestically. With ATF accounting for roughly 40 percent of airline operating expenses, partial price adjustments have helped maintain stable domestic airfares.

Additionally, authorities have permitted international airlines to deploy passenger aircraft for cargo operations. This move aims to safeguard supply chains and ensure uninterrupted transport of essential goods despite ongoing disruptions.

Source: Khaleej Times

Oman Air saw a notable increase in passenger traffic during the first quarter of 2026, carrying 1.456 million travelers across its network. Point-to-point travel surged 19%, with January alone welcoming 608,000 passengers compared to 544,000 in the same month of 2025.

Flights to Salalah experienced a significant boost, rising 23% to 127,000 passengers in Q1 2026 from 103,000 the previous year. The airline expanded its route network with four new services, including Singapore, Salalah to Dubai, Tashkent, and Sochi, while also introducing two additional connections from Salalah to Moscow and Taif.

Oman Air continues to grow its fleet, recently adding a Boeing 737 Max 8 to support its expanding operations. The airline attributed its strong performance to strategic network development and a continued focus on service excellence.

Türkiye-based flight simulator manufacturer Havelsan has successfully completed the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for a Boeing 737 MAX full flight simulator (FFS) commissioned by Turkish Airlines. This marks the third simulator of its kind produced by Havelsan for the national carrier, which already operates six EASA Level D-certified devices.

The partnership between Havelsan and Turkish Airlines extends beyond equipment delivery. Since 2023, the two organizations have jointly operated a Boeing-focused flight training centre in Ankara, providing advanced pilot instruction for the airline’s growing fleet.

“This milestone reflects the strength and continuity of our partnership with Turkish Airlines. Delivering our third Boeing 737 MAX full flight simulator demonstrates our shared commitment to building advanced, reliable pilot training infrastructure that supports the airline’s ongoing growth,” said Mehmet Akif Nacar, Ph.D., CEO of Havelsan.

Havelsan has invested heavily in Boeing-specific simulators, particularly for the fuel-efficient 737 MAX platform, responding to airlines’ increasing focus on modernizing fleets.

The latest achievement coincides with the company’s expansion of its production capabilities. In March 2026, Havelsan began construction on a 17,000-square-meter Simulator Production and Integration Facility in Ankara. Expected to open in 2027, the facility will allow production of over 30 simulators annually while simultaneously supporting development of up to 16 devices.

As Turkish Airlines continues to expand its fleet, Havelsan’s contribution underlines the strategic importance of domestic simulator production in supporting Türkiye’s aviation sector.

Source: ZAWYA

SalamAir is preparing to broaden its route network while maintaining competitive fares, aligning with Oman Vision 2040 and the country’s push to attract more inbound tourism, according to Chief Executive Officer Adrian Hamilton-Manns.

The announcement follows the government’s confirmation of the completion of SalamAir’s acquisition, a strategic move designed to strengthen air connectivity and reinforce the sustainability of Oman’s aviation sector.

Hamilton-Manns described the acquisition as a positive milestone that benefits both national carriers, including Oman Air, allowing each airline to focus on its core markets. He emphasized that SalamAir will continue operating as a low-cost carrier, prioritizing efficiency and affordability.

To support tourism objectives under Vision 2040, the airline plans to increase flight frequencies and launch services to new destinations, providing wider connectivity at accessible fares.

Network Expansion and Key Markets

SalamAir operates both point-to-point and connecting flights, serving routes across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Africa is highlighted as a major growth region, with services to Mogadishu, Port Sudan, and Nairobi, alongside plans to extend further along the East African coast, including Mombasa. Resumption of flights to Khartoum is also under consideration.

Regionally, the airline is exploring additional destinations in Saudi Arabia, Central Asia, and the Levant, as well as secondary cities in Türkiye. In Europe, Vienna currently receives three weekly flights, with plans to increase to daily services. Opportunities in Eastern Europe, including Hungary and Poland, are also under review.

As part of its “blue ocean” strategy, SalamAir will launch flights to Medan, Indonesia, in July, entering a new market.

Fleet Growth and Operational Challenges

Currently operating 15 Airbus A320 family aircraft, SalamAir plans to add three more this year, with deliveries in April, May, and September. The airline continues to face challenges common to the industry, including engine maintenance and supply chain delays, with each repair potentially costing up to $8 million. Hamilton-Manns expressed confidence that technical solutions will mitigate these issues by year-end.

Strong Demand and Market Opportunities

The Indian market represents a major growth opportunity, with potential new services to cities like Trivandrum, Kochi, and Bhopal. The CEO noted strong economic and travel demand in India, describing it as largely untapped.

SalamAir reported a 93 percent on-time performance rate in 2025, although seasonal weather in South Asia remains a challenge.

Customer Service and Digital Transformation

Hamilton-Manns acknowledged ongoing issues with refunds and service delays, emphasizing efforts to automate and streamline processes. The airline is expanding digital customer service solutions, including chatbots and WhatsApp support, to complement traditional call centres.

“Customer care is a critical priority for us. We are investing in improving systems and enhancing passenger experience both digitally and at airports,” he said.

SalamAir transported roughly four million passengers in 2025, with only a small fraction requesting refunds, reflecting the scale of operational demand.

The airline reaffirmed its focus on growth, efficiency, and affordability, positioning itself as a key contributor to Oman’s tourism sector and broader economic diversification goals.

Source: ZAWYA

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has reached a key milestone in its long-haul fleet renewal program with the assembly of its first Airbus A350-900 (MSN 809) at Airbus’ Toulouse facility in France. The aircraft, adorned with KLM’s signature livery, is scheduled for delivery before the end of summer 2026.

The A350-900 represents a major step toward a cleaner and more efficient fleet. Compared with older models, it consumes 25% less fuel and produces 40% less noise, aligning with KLM’s broader €7 billion investment in modernizing its aircraft over the coming years.

MSN 809, equipped with two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 engines, has reached station 40B on the Final Assembly Line, where wings and landing gear are attached to the carbon-fiber fuselage. The tail, bearing KLM’s iconic logo, is already installed, with winglets and engines to be fitted in a subsequent assembly stage.

A select group of Dutch media visited the Toulouse facility to observe the aircraft’s assembly. Following completion of the exterior paint and testing, MSN 809 will undergo customer acceptance flights before entering commercial service. KLM has also been training pilots in collaboration with Air France and Finnair, and introduced the Netherlands’ first A350-900 flight simulator in October 2025 to ensure crews are prepared.

The aircraft will feature 331 seats across four cabins: 34 Business Class, 26 Premium Comfort, 33 Economy Comfort, and 238 Economy. All seats include USB-C charging, Panasonic Astrova in-flight entertainment, and Viasat connectivity. Electronically dimmable windows, a lower cabin altitude, and advanced aerodynamics are designed to enhance passenger comfort. The cockpit is fully digital, offering pilots new operational tools.

The A350-900 will replace KLM’s aging Airbus A330-200, A330-300, and Boeing 777-200ER aircraft on intercontinental routes. The first plane is expected to serve Toronto and Dar es Salaam, with additional deliveries scheduled through 2027. Its extended range and operational flexibility allow it to cover both the A330 and 777 networks while avoiding Russian airspace.

KLM’s €7 billion fleet renewal also includes the introduction of Boeing 787-10s, Airbus A321neos, and Embraer E195-E2 regional jets. With the A350, next-generation aircraft are projected to account for around 70% of the fleet by the end of the decade. On the cargo side, the Airbus A350F freighter will join Air France-KLM operations in 2027, replacing Boeing 747-400Fs. The modern design reduces fuel consumption per seat and noise output, supporting Amsterdam Schiphol Airport’s environmental standards.

Source: AVIATION A2Z