Author: Mahesh Darkunde

Qatar Airways has revised its Northern winter 2026/27 schedule, reducing planned departures by 5.7% compared with the March filing. The updated plan includes frequency increases on selected routes, reductions on several US services, aircraft substitutions, seasonal changes, and continued cancellations at multiple destinations.

The Trump administration is reviewing a proposal to extend US immigration premium processing timelines, potentially leaving H-1B workers, Indian students and employment-based green card applicants waiting longer despite paying fees of up to $2,965.

Air India flight AI2030 from Frankfurt to Delhi was diverted to Jaipur on October 14 following a suspected hijack alert. The DGCA is investigating whether Mumbai ATC’s radar system, a transponder signal or another technical issue triggered the warning. The aircraft and crew were cleared after security checks, but the cause remained unconfirmed as of October 15, 2026.

Lufthansa Cargo will launch its 2026/2027 winter schedule on October 25, offering 88 freighter routes to 40 destinations worldwide.

Air India and Thakural Travels must pay approximately Rs 1.34 lakh, including a refund, compensation and litigation costs, after three passengers were stranded in Delhi following the last-minute cancellation of their Toronto-bound connecting flight.

Riyadh Air has repositioned several Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners following missile attacks and the closure of King Khalid International Airport. The disruption affects aircraft positioning, flight schedules and the Saudi carrier’s ambitious international expansion plans.

An Emirates Boeing 777-200 freighter operating flight EK-9648 from Nairobi to Amsterdam initiated a go-around after the crew reported a left main landing gear disagreement on final approach. The aircraft landed safely on runway 36C about 25 minutes later, stopped clear of the runway, and was towed to the apron.

IndiGo expects to operate nine or ten Airbus A321XLR aircraft by March 2027, targeting medium-haul routes as demand for premium travel and direct air connectivity grows. The plan reflects the airline’s wider network strategy and India’s long-term aviation growth potential.

Emirates temporarily replaced Airbus A380 aircraft with Boeing 777-300ERs on its Dubai to Prague and Glasgow routes during summer 2026. Prague regained A380 service on October 1, while Glasgow’s published schedule indicated a return from October 30. The changes maintained route connectivity while adjusting aircraft capacity and cabin availability across the airline’s European network.

Emirates plans to introduce its 312-seat Airbus A350-900 on daily Dubai to Addis Ababa flights from 1 November 2026. Check the updated EK723 and EK724 schedules and discover the city’s main attractions, airport transfers and travel tips.