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Tata, Lockheed Martin partner for C-130J MRO facility

Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL) and Lockheed Martin have announced the establishment of a new Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in New Delhi to support the Indian Air Force's (IAF) fleet of C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. This initiative, unveiled during a groundbreaking ceremony attended by senior officials and industry leaders, aims to enhance India's defense capabilities and create opportunities for regional and global C-130 support. The facility, expected to be completed by late 2026, will provide comprehensive services, including heavy maintenance and avionics upgrades, while also fostering skill development for Indian engineers. Lockheed Martin's COO, Frank St. John, emphasized the collaboration's significance in improving IAF readiness, while TASL's CEO, Sukaran Singh, highlighted India's growing confidence in its defense ecosystem. The MRO facility will also support legacy C-130 models and is part of a broader U.S.-India industrial partnership, marking a significant milestone in defense cooperation. sources

Published:
Dec 08 2025, 3 pm

Aviation Minister Naidu: Strict Action Against Indigo Inquiry

In a session of the Rajya Sabha on December 8, 2025, Union Minister for Civil Aviation K Rammohan Naidu addressed the recent crisis involving IndiGo's mass flight cancellations, announcing that the government has launched an inquiry into the matter. Naidu attributed the disruptions to mismanagement of the airline's crew and duty roster, dismissing suggestions that a technical fault in the Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS) was to blame. He emphasized that strict action would be taken against IndiGo to serve as a warning to other airlines. The minister also discussed the implementation of new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) guidelines, which were introduced following a high court order, and noted that consultations with IndiGo had occurred prior to the crisis. Naidu reiterated the government's commitment to safety and compliance, stating that any violations would be met with severe consequences to uphold industry standards. sources

Published:
Dec 08 2025, 3 pm

IndiGo forms crisis team to restore operations and refunds

IndiGo Airlines is grappling with significant operational disruptions, prompting the establishment of a Crisis Management Group (CMG) on December 4 to address the situation. The CMG is focused on restoring full operational integrity, ensuring timely communication, expediting refunds, rescheduling flights, and facilitating the return of passenger baggage. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a Show Cause Notice to IndiGo's CEO, Pieter Elbers, following widespread flight cancellations and delays that have frustrated passengers. The DGCA granted a one-time 24-hour extension for IndiGo's management to respond to the notice, emphasizing that no further extensions will be permitted. The regulator has highlighted "significant lapses in planning, oversight, and resource management" as contributing factors to the disruptions, and it continues to monitor the situation closely to ensure passenger safety and regulatory compliance. sources

Published:
Dec 08 2025, 3 pm

Demolition of illegal settlements at Kandla port, Gujarat

The Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) has successfully executed a demolition operation targeting illegal settlements on 62 acres of land at Kandla port, resulting in the removal of approximately 500 shanties. The operation commenced at 6:30 am and focused on areas near liquid jetty 7, with DPA officials stating that multiple warnings had been issued to the encroachers prior to the demolition, including formal notices on November 25. This latest action follows a previous clearance of encroachments from 200 acres of port land last year, underscoring the DPA's commitment to maintaining the integrity of port operations and land use. The authority aims to ensure compliance with regulations and prevent further illegal occupation of valuable port territory. sources

Published:
Dec 08 2025, 1 pm

Delhi HC to hear plea for IndiGo passenger support Dec 10

Passengers at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai faced significant disruptions as over 250 IndiGo flights were cancelled on Monday, marking the seventh consecutive day of operational chaos for the airline. The Delhi High Court has scheduled a hearing for December 10 regarding a public interest litigation (PIL) that seeks government intervention to support and refund affected passengers. The petitioner's counsel highlighted the dire situation at airports, describing it as "inhumane," and criticized the lack of a proper refund system. Despite the court acknowledging previous government directives on the matter, the bench agreed to expedite the hearing. The cancellations, which included 134 flights from Delhi and 117 from Bengaluru, have been attributed to regulatory changes affecting pilots' duty regulations, prompting backlash from both passengers and authorities. sources

Published:
Dec 08 2025, 12 pm

US Attorney Highlights Delays in Air India AI171 Compensation

The wreckage of the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, remains a focal point of ongoing investigations. Lead US attorney Mike Andrews, representing over 130 victim families, has raised concerns about delayed compensation and the psychological trauma faced by those affected. He highlighted the struggles of families adjusting to life without their primary breadwinners, with some children forced to leave school due to financial strain. Investigators are examining technical evidence, including reported electrical issues before the crash, which killed 260 people. Andrews cautioned families against signing liability waivers from Boeing and others until the investigation concludes, emphasizing that no compensation can replace lost lives. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau's preliminary report indicated both engines failed during the initial climb, marking this incident as one of India's deadliest aviation disasters. sources

Published:
Dec 08 2025, 12 pm

IndiGo cancels 450 flights amid ongoing service disruptions

IndiGo faced significant operational challenges on Monday, cancelling approximately 450 flights at major airports as it works to restore normalcy following a recovery phase that began on Friday. The airline successfully returned stranded pilots and crew to their bases, leading to the clearance of all ten aircraft parking bays at Pune Airport, which confirmed that airside capacity is fully available for smooth operations. According to the airport director, all airlines are functioning according to their approved schedules, with no disruptions to arrivals, departures, or ground handling. On Sunday, IndiGo operated around 1,650 flights, achieving an on-time performance of 78.2%, although this is notably lower than its usual capacity of over 2,200 flights. Continued cancellations were particularly evident for flights departing from Delhi and Bengaluru, indicating ongoing operational difficulties for the airline. sources

Published:
Dec 08 2025, 12 pm

IndiGo crisis reveals risks in Indian aviation industry

IndiGo, India’s largest airline, has faced a significant crisis following the cancellation of over 2,000 flights due to a pilot shortage, leading to widespread chaos at airports, particularly at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. This disruption has left tens of thousands of passengers stranded and resulted in a massive backlog of luggage, raising concerns about the risks associated with the airline's dominant market position, which accounts for 65% of domestic flights. The situation has drawn criticism from politicians and aviation experts, who warn of the systemic risks posed by the airline's size and the duopoly-like market structure with Air India. The government has intervened by relaxing pilot fatigue regulations to mitigate the impact. While IndiGo aims to restore normal operations soon, the crisis has already begun to affect its reputation and financial standing, with customer refunds reaching $68 million. sources

Published:
Dec 08 2025, 11 am

India's cotton imports expected to reach 50 lakh bales by 2026

India's cotton imports are projected to reach a record 50 lakh bales (170 kg each) in the 2025-26 season, according to the Cotton Association of India (CAI). This marks an increase from 41 lakh bales in the previous season. Currently, cotton imports are duty-free until the end of December, with 18 lakh bales imported by the end of November, up from 8.8 lakh bales last year. CAI has revised its domestic output estimate for the upcoming season to 309.50 lakh bales, reflecting increased production in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, despite a decline in Telangana. Total cotton supply for 2025-26 is estimated at 420.09 lakh bales, with consumption expected to drop to 295 lakh bales due to lower demand from mills. Exports are projected to remain stable at 18 lakh bales. The Agriculture Ministry's advance estimates suggest a slight decrease in production to 292.15 lakh bales. sources

Published:
Dec 08 2025, 11 am

SC denies urgent hearing on IndiGo flight cancellations plea

Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi is experiencing significant luggage pile-ups as mass flight cancellations by IndiGo have caused widespread logistical chaos, leaving countless passengers stranded. The Supreme Court declined an urgent hearing regarding the cancellations, acknowledging the government's awareness and response to the situation. Chief Justice Surya Kant highlighted the seriousness of the matter, noting the health and personal issues faced by many affected travelers. Over the past week, IndiGo has cancelled hundreds of flights, with more than 250 cancellations reported on Monday alone, including 134 at Delhi and 117 at Bengaluru airports. The airline attributed the disruptions to regulatory changes affecting pilots' duty regulations. As the situation continues, passengers are expressing frustration over a lack of timely communication regarding flight status, with approximately 2,500 flights delayed across 95 airports nationwide. sources

Published:
Dec 08 2025, 11 am

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