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

Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry is moving into a new growth cycle as airlines expand their fleets and strengthen regional and international connectivity, supported largely by new narrowbody aircraft orders.

This rapid expansion is expected to significantly increase the need for trained pilots across the region. Industry projections from the Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook estimate that the Middle East will require more than 58,000 new pilots over the next 20 years as carriers scale up operations and route networks.

Saudi Arabia is expected to account for a large portion of that demand, reflecting its ongoing investment in aviation development and airline capacity growth.

The pressure is not limited to the region. Global forecasts show similar trends across key markets. CAE’s Aviation Talent Forecast suggests North America could need over 130,000 pilots by 2032, while the Asia-Pacific region may face a shortfall of more than 250,000 pilots.

Aviation experts say this simultaneous expansion is placing significant strain on global training systems and simulator capacity.

Martynas Mazeika, Chief Growth Officer at BAA Training, part of Avia Solutions Group, said the pace of airline expansion is reshaping training requirements. He noted that as new aircraft enter service each year, demand for qualified pilots is rising in parallel, requiring airlines to rely on scalable training partnerships and international resources.

He added that access to simulator capacity and flexible training programs is becoming increasingly important for airlines managing long-term fleet growth.

Based on Boeing’s estimates and standard requirements of around 200 flight hours per pilot, training more than 58,000 pilots in the Middle East would require roughly 11.6 million flight training hours.

By comparison, a typical flight academy operating around ten training aircraft generates only about 12,000 to 15,000 hours annually, underscoring the scale of capacity expansion needed to meet demand.

Simulator training presents a similar challenge. Preparing pilots would require approximately 1.1 million hours on full flight simulators. With each simulator typically delivering 5,000 to 6,000 training hours per year, industry capacity will need to expand significantly.

Mazeika said fleet expansion is not limited to the Middle East, pointing out that airlines in North America, India, and Southeast Asia are also increasing aircraft orders. He stressed that access to global training infrastructure is becoming a key factor in supporting airline growth strategies.

As Saudi carriers continue to grow their narrowbody fleets, demand is expected to rise for type rating and recurrent training, which prepare pilots for new aircraft and maintain operational standards as networks expand.

BAA Training currently provides type rating, recurrent training, and simulator-based programs through its global network of training centres and partners.

With aviation expansion accelerating across Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East, industry stakeholders say that scalable training systems and international cooperation will be essential to keep pilot supply aligned with fleet growth.

Source: ZAWYA

Kuwait Airways has confirmed the resumption of scheduled services to Colombo, Sri Lanka, beginning April 15, as the national carrier continues to rebuild its international network. The route will operate via King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, with passengers completing part of the journey overland through the Nuwaiseeb border crossing.

The Colombo service forms part of a broader expansion strategy that has seen the airline reintroduce multiple destinations through Dammam. These include London, Cairo, Istanbul, Lahore, Amman, Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Kochi and Manila, bringing the total number of destinations served under this arrangement to 11.

Acting Chief Executive Officer Captain Abdulwahab Ibrahim Al-Shatti said the airline is progressively restoring routes in response to strong passenger demand. He noted that operational plans are being executed to ensure smooth travel experiences, with resources and systems in place to accommodate increasing bookings.

Al-Shatti said the relaunch of Colombo reflects its importance within the airline’s network and aligns with ongoing efforts to expand daily operations. He added that the carrier is working to introduce additional key destinations despite current operational challenges, underlining its commitment to meeting customer needs.

The airline is also facilitating Saudi visa applications for passengers who have confirmed bookings, aiming to streamline travel arrangements. In addition, Kuwait Airways has partnered with Al Khairan Mall to offer travellers access to exclusive retail discounts prior to departure.

Al-Shatti emphasised that the airline continues to coordinate with relevant authorities both within Kuwait and internationally to optimise operations. He reiterated that ensuring the safety and security of passengers and crew remains the airline’s highest priority.

Source: ZAWYA

Etihad Airways has announced a major expansion of its mainland China network, introducing five new destinations starting in October 2026. The airline will add services to Shanghai Pudong, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, strengthening its presence in one of Asia’s most important aviation markets.

These additions will operate alongside Etihad’s existing daily service to Beijing, bringing the carrier’s total to 35 weekly flights across six Chinese cities.

The expanded schedule is designed to improve access between the Middle East and China’s leading commercial, technological, and cultural centres. All new routes will be served using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, offering long-haul direct connectivity between the two regions.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has reiterated that international pilgrims must obtain a Hajj visa specifically issued for the pilgrimage. Officials stressed that entry for Hajj will not be allowed under any other visa category, including visit, transit, Umrah, or tourist visas.

For citizens and residents inside the Kingdom, Hajj arrangements are processed through the Nusuk, following completion of the official reservation procedures.

The ministry further stated that all bookings must be made strictly through approved and authorized platforms. It cautioned pilgrims against engaging with unofficial agents or unverified channels when arranging Hajj participation.

Source: Saudi Gazette