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Corporate

Air India–Lufthansa deal to make Europe trips smoother

In good news for travellers, flying between India and Europe is set to become easier and more seamless. Air India and the Lufthansa Group have joined hands to deepen their partnership, a move that will eventually allow passengers to access more destinations, better-timed flights and hassle-free connections under one coordinated network.

The plan is simple in intent but significant in impact: give passengers more choice, shorter travel times and smoother transfers. Once the agreement receives regulatory approvals, the two airline groups will be able to align flight schedules, coordinate routes and sell seats together — allowing travellers to book their entire journey on a single ticket even when flying across multiple airlines.

The collaboration brings several European carriers into closer cooperation with Air India, including Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and ITA Airways.

For travellers, this could mean better-timed connections, fewer separate bookings and more flexibility in choosing routes. Someone flying from a smaller Indian city to a European destination, for instance, may soon be able to move between flights within the same network without the usual hassle of multiple check-ins and baggage reclaims.

The two groups already share flights on a large network linking several Indian and European cities, and this is expected to grow further as demand rises for tourism, education, business and family travel.

For Air India, the agreement supports its ongoing transformation and global expansion. With new aircraft on order and more long-haul routes planned, the airline is rebuilding its international presence. For Lufthansa Group, India remains one of its most important and fastest-growing long-haul markets.

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Beyond

DGCA fines Air India ₹1 crore over safety

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a ₹1 crore fine on Air India after finding that one of the airline’s Airbus A320 aircraft operated eight passenger flights in November 2025 without a valid airworthiness permit. This permit is a mandatory certification that confirms an aircraft is safe and fit to fly. Operating flights without it is a serious breach of aviation safety rules.

The DGCA noted that such lapses erode public confidence in air travel safety, and emphasized that accountability rests with airline management. The regulator specifically held Air India CEO Campbell Wilson and other senior officials responsible for the oversight. The fine is required to be paid within 30 days, and the airline has been instructed to ensure strict compliance with all regulatory norms moving forward.

Air India has said that the issue was self-reported voluntarily and that corrective steps have already been implemented to prevent recurrence. The airline also stated that no safety incidents occurred during the eight flights in question.

This fine comes amid heightened scrutiny of Air India’s operations following a tragic Boeing crash last year that resulted in multiple fatalities. Aviation experts say the DGCA’s action underscores the importance of maintaining strict safety standards, especially as airlines expand their fleets and increase flight operations.

The DGCA’s investigation revealed that the lapse was primarily due to administrative oversight. While the aircraft itself remained mechanically sound, the absence of the formal airworthiness certificate constitutes a regulatory violation. Aviation authorities highlight that even minor paperwork lapses can undermine public trust and have legal consequences, which is why regulators are taking a firm stance.

The incident has sparked discussion in the industry about the need for stronger internal checks and robust monitoring systems within airlines. Experts suggest that airlines must reinforce both technical compliance and operational oversight to ensure that safety procedures are not compromised.

Air India’s management has assured passengers that safety remains its top priority and that measures have been strengthened to comply fully with DGCA guidelines. The fine, though significant, is seen by regulators as a corrective step rather than a punitive measure, aimed at reinforcing accountability and protecting passenger trust.

Also Read: Indian GCCs cut 6,000 jobs in 2025 amid global pressures

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1 Minute-Read

Air India hints at ordering more Boeing Dreamliners

Air India is considering ordering additional Boeing 787 Dreamliners to expand its long‑haul fleet, CEO Campbell Wilson said.

The first custom 787‑9 is set to begin commercial operations on February 1, flying the Mumbai–Frankfurt route. By 2027–28, the airline expects a major upgrade, with at least 20 Dreamliners joining its fleet.

One 787‑9 has already been inducted, while older 787‑8s are being retrofitted with new interiors. Since privatisation, Air India has placed orders for 570 aircraft, reflecting its ambitions for global growth and modernisation.

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Leaders

Air India seeks new CEO as leadership changes loom

Tata Sons has begun a global search for a new CEO to lead Air India, signaling a potential leadership change at the airline. Campbell Wilson, who joined as CEO in July 2022, still has a contract until June 2027, but the group is considering a transition sooner.

Chairman N. Chandrasekaran has reportedly spoken with executives from leading carriers in the UK and US as possible successors. The move is part of Tata Sons’ effort to strengthen Air India’s operations and improve overall performance.

Wilson has overseen major organisational changes, including the merger with Vistara and integration of other subsidiaries. However, sources indicate challenges remain, such as aircraft delivery delays, refurbishment slowdowns, and inconsistent service, particularly on long-haul routes.

Air India Express, the group’s low-cost carrier, is also under review, with leadership assessments ongoing across the airline group. Wilson’s exit from the Air India Express board in April 2025 hinted at early restructuring, although Tata Sons says no formal succession plan has yet been finalised.

The leadership search reflects Tata Sons’ focus on ensuring Air India not only grows but competes effectively on the global stage, building on investments made since privatisation while tackling lingering operational challenges.

Also Read: Trump flags tariff risk over India’s Russian oil imports

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1 Minute-Read

Air India follows Government directive, caps ticket prices

Air India has introduced fare caps on domestic flights following a government directive after IndiGo canceled hundreds of flights, leaving travelers stranded.

Economy-class fares are now limited to ₹7,500 for flights under 500 km, ₹12,000 for 500–1,000 km, ₹15,000 for 1,000–1,500 km, and ₹18,000 for flights over 1,500 km, excluding taxes.

Air India and Air India Express started applying caps from December 4, and passengers who booked above the limits will receive refunds.

The move aims to protect travelers and ensure price stability amid the ongoing aviation disruption.