In 2026, the global balance of air power continues to reflect both historic military dominance and rapid modernisation efforts, particularly across Asia.
Indian aviation
Dassault Aviation is aiming to finalize a major contract with India for 114 Rafale fighter jets before the end of the year.
Etihad Airways (EY) has proposed an unconventional approach to India’s traffic rights policy, arguing that foreign carriers can help build demand before Indian airlines scale up.
The airport will be built entirely on reclaimed land off the coast of the Palghar district, emerging as India’s first offshore aviation hub.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a new advisory banning the use of power banks to charge devices during flights across India.
India witnessed a major development in its aviation and defense landscape as Safran expanded its industrial footprint through new maintenance and manufacturing initiatives.
Indian airlines suspended flights and adjusted routes after a volcanic ash plume from Ethiopia entered Indian airspace, prompting inspections and regulatory safety measures.
India is facing a pressing shortage of pilots, with the Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu warning that approximately 30,000 new pilots will be required to man the 1,700 aircraft currently on order by domestic airlines.
Akasa Air (QP) is positioning itself for a significant expansion by tapping into the forthcoming green-field airports at Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI) and Noida International Airport (DXN).
Goyal discussed India’s expanding aviation sector and pointed to planned direct flights between Air India (AI) and Air New Zealand by 2028.