19 Mar 2026
#3 March 2026: India Aviation Newsletter
Air India Group Begins Operations at Guwahati Airport’s New Terminal 2
Air India and Air India Express commenced operations from the newly inaugurated Terminal 2 at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati from 16 March 2026. The first Air India arrival at the new terminal was flight AI879 from Delhi, while AI880 to Delhi marked the airline’s first departure from Terminal 2. For Air India Express, flight IX1517 from Kolkata was the first arrival, with the same aircraft continuing onward to Imphal as the terminal’s first departing flight for the carrier. Air India currently operates two daily return flights between Delhi and Guwahati, while Air India Express connects the city with 17 daily flights to destinations including Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Dibrugarh, Dimapur, Hyderabad, Imphal, Jaipur and Kolkata.
Akasa Air Partners with Noida International Airport to Develop MRO Facility
Akasa Air announced a strategic partnership with Noida International Airport to establish the airline’s first Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility. The collaboration aligns with government plans to position Noida International Airport as a key aviation maintenance hub. The initiative is expected to strengthen domestic MRO capabilities and support India’s broader push toward self-reliance in aviation services.
IndiGo Launches Direct Kolkata–Shanghai Flights
IndiGo announced the launch of daily non-stop flights between Kolkata and Shanghai starting 29 March 2026. The service will be operated using Airbus A320 aircraft. The new route adds to IndiGo’s existing connectivity with China and is expected to support growing trade, tourism and cultural exchange between the two countries.
Acumen’s Take
On Guwahati Airport’s Infrastructure Expansion
The launch of operations at Guwahati’s Terminal 2 reflects the rapid growth of aviation infrastructure in India’s northeast. Expanded terminal capacity will play a critical role in accommodating rising passenger demand and improving regional connectivity.
On Akasa’s Early MRO Investment
Akasa Air’s decision to invest in domestic MRO infrastructure signals a long-term operational strategy. Strengthening local maintenance capabilities can significantly reduce costs and turnaround times for Indian carriers.
On IndiGo’s China Connectivity
The Kolkata–Shanghai route highlights growing aviation links between India and China’s major commercial centres. Direct connectivity is likely to support trade flows while strengthening tourism and business travel between the two markets.
Acumen Aviation © 20 March 2026 All Rights Reserved
