Top air travel news this week

Here's a quick roundup of major airline/air-travel related news this May so far...

1. New Flights to Pasighat in North East

Rajiv Verma of North East Explorers has shared this news of new flights to Pasighat. ZoomAir will operate flights from Kolkata to Pasighat (from May 24th) and Tezu (once airport is ready) in Arunachal Pradesh. Read detailed news here.

This is a great news to those looking to explore Arunachal Pradesh. Being able to fly directly means savings on huge taxi expense and precious time. Thanks Rajiv Verma for the news tip off.

2. New terminals for Chennai, Guwahati and Lucknow Airports
Three airports managed by AAI are to get additional terminal- I could see demolition and construction work in Chennai airport already during my last trip. Once ready this will enable more flights and provide more spacious, comfortable experience to passengers. Again, news tip off by Rajiv Verma. Detailed news here

3. Emirates cutting down its flights-The points guy
This post by the Points guy suggests Emirates Airline is moving many of its aircraft to DWC for parking- either due to pilot n cabin crew shortage or drop in demand. Read detailed post here and here

4. JetAirways 25 years- 25% off on duty free items

Jet airways is giving 25% on select duty free items to celebrate its 25 years. I was hoping for a more practical offers- like tickets sale at 25% less etc. Anyway, happy silver jubilee to Jet Airways

5. Easyjet named best airline in UK

National carrier British Airways is at the bottom of the link. UK’s Easyjet bags best airline award for UK. Easyjet operates budget flights to various airports in Europe. Best wishes to them. Read detailed news.

6. 160 inquiries for Air India sale

Govt of India has relaxed terms associated with Air India sale, after most prospects- including Tata Group, Jet Airways AFKLM & Indigo backed off citing various unfavorable terms- such as not having full management control. The news is that around 160 enquires have been received remains to be seen who all come forward to buy Air India. Air India has airport slots all over the world which is a precious asset. Deadline has now been extended to May 31^st from May 14. Let us see. [Details]

7 Qatar Airways is planning India operations
The news is that Doha based Qatar Airways is looking to invest in India and launch a domestic airline. This will make the skies even more competitive and more options to Indian flyers. Check details here.

8. Air Asia begins Bengaluru-Surat flight
AirAsia is commencing a new route- Bengaluru-Surat, providing better connectivity to Gujarath.

9. Singapore-Kuala-Lumpur- world's busiest route
As per the report, Singapore-Kuala Lumpur is judged as world's busiest flight route.. No Indian cities list in top 10. Check the details in this report.

10. Indigo passengers blocking taxi way
Protesting against delay, Indigo passengers in Delhi were in news for blocking the taxi way... Details here if you're interested.

11 Indigo profits dip, CEO resigns

Indigo’s revenues and profit have taken a hit in recent quarters-partly fueled by grounding of close to 10 planes and partly because of other reasons such as higher fuel prices. To add to the misery, Indigo’s CEO resigned in April and the airline’s stock is losing value ever since. Indigo also had a series of bad PR off late. Detailed news on Economic times

12. The new World's longest flight- Singapore to NY
CNN reports that a new flight- between Singapore and New York is soon coming and will be world's longest flight, beating previous records. This will be powered by a A350-900 Ultra long range aircraft.

13. Spicejet New routes

Spicejet is commencing Hubli flights from 14th May, from Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad. Spicejet is reporting profits consistently and has recently begun Delhi-Adampur-Delhi flights.

14. Air France CEO resigns

News from Europe is that Air France CEO has resigned unable to resolve a pay dispute between union. More details in this CNBC report.

15. US-UAE ink deal to resolve flight dispute

News just in- USA and UAE have entered into an agreement to end competition among US and Middle East based airlines. Will this result in expensive tickets- need to be seen. Details here

Have you spotted any interested aviation news recently? Do share in comments.