14 May 2026

#2 May 2026: India Aviation Newsletter

Air India Welcomes Release of Government’s Hub-and-Spoke SOP

Air India has welcomed the Government of India’s move to operationalise the hub-and-spoke aviation model and is preparing to launch international connectivity from Varanasi. The development supports improved airport utilisation and strengthens access to global destinations for passengers from Varanasi and surrounding regions.

Akasa Air Announces Establishment of Entity at GIFT City

Akasa Air has established Akasa Air Leasing IFSC Private Limited at GIFT City, Gandhinagar. The entity will support the airline’s fleet expansion and aircraft financing strategy, enabling greater flexibility, cost efficiency and access to global capital markets.

IndiGo Resumes Connectivity to and from Doha

IndiGo has resumed all flights connecting India to Doha from 1 May 2026 following temporary suspensions linked to regional airspace closures. The airline is reinstating over 60 weekly flights to Doha from Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kannur, Kochi and Mumbai.

Acumen’s Take

On Air India’s Hub-and-Spoke Push

Air India’s Varanasi plans reflect India’s broader ambition to develop stronger aviation hubs beyond traditional metros. A well-executed hub-and-spoke model can improve regional access while supporting international traffic growth.

On Akasa’s GIFT City Entity

Akasa’s move into GIFT City underlines the growing relevance of India-based aircraft financing structures. Access to global capital through IFSC platforms can support fleet growth while strengthening India’s aviation finance ecosystem.

On IndiGo’s Doha Resumption

IndiGo’s rapid restoration of Doha services highlights the importance of the Middle East market for Indian carriers. Reinstating capacity helps protect passenger flows, labour traffic and onward connectivity across the region.

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