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Air India Completes Merger with Vistara, Becomes Unified Full-Service Carrier

November 12, 2024, 5:18 pm

On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, Air India officially completed its merger with Vistara, marking a significant step in the airline’s post-privatization transformation. The newly unified entity will now operate over 5,600 weekly flights, connecting more than 90 domestic and international destinations. With a fleet of 208 aircraft, the merger significantly expands Air India’s reach and service capabilities.

Unified Operations and New Flight Codes

Following the merger, all flights will operate under the ‘Air India’ brand, with the airline code ‘AI’. Vistara’s aircraft, however, will continue to use a four-digit flight number starting with the digit “2”. For example, Vistara flight UK 955 will now operate as AI 2955.

Existing members of Vistara’s loyalty program, Club Vistara, have been integrated into Air India’s revamped Flying Returns program, now rebranded as the ‘Maharaja Club’. This integration aims to provide seamless benefits to frequent flyers across the merged airline network.

Singapore Airlines, which previously held a 49% stake in Vistara, has now reduced its share to 25.1% in the newly merged Air India Group. As part of the merger, more than 6,000 Vistara employees have been inducted into the new organization structure, ensuring a smooth transition of operations. Additionally, 270,000 customer bookings and 4.5 million Club Vistara accounts have been migrated to Air India’s newly-designed frequent flyer program.

Air India Group Expands and Consolidates Operations

The merger between Air India and Vistara is part of the larger consolidation of Tata Group’s aviation assets. This follows the merger of budget carriers Air India Express and AIX Connect (formerly Air Asia India) on October 1, 2024. The consolidation of these four Tata-owned airlines into a single group includes one full-service carrier (Air India) and one low-cost carrier, Air India Express.

Together, the group now operates more than 8,300 weekly flights on 312 routes, connecting over 100 destinations worldwide. The group’s fleet includes 300 aircraft, and the airline now serves over 120,000 passengers daily. Additionally, the Air India Group offers extended global connectivity to more than 800 destinations through over 75 codeshare and interline partnerships.

In line with its growth strategy, Air India has announced the purchase of over 500 new aircraft. The airline is also investing in upgrading its fleet, with a $400 million interior retrofit program for legacy planes. Moreover, a new 600,000-square-foot training facility capable of training 2,000 employees daily has been opened. The airline is also working on building a new 12-bay maintenance base, set to be operational by early 2026.

Campbell Wilson, Managing Director and CEO of Air India, called the merger a “significant milestone” in the airline’s post-privatization transformation journey. He emphasized the efforts of the teams across the four airlines, stating, “Over the past two years, teams have worked closely together to ensure that the transition of people, assets, operations, and, most importantly, customers, was as seamless as possible.”

The completion of the Air India-Vistara merger is expected to help the airline group become a major player in the global aviation market, strengthening its position and expanding its network.

‘Tearful Goodbyes’: Vistara Ground Crew’s Emotional Send Off To Last Flight | WATCH

November 12, 2024, 10:38 am

On Monday, ground staff and crew members at Odisha’s Biju Patnaik International Airport said an emotional farewell to Vistara, as the airline’s last flight took off. This Delhi-bound flight marked the final journey for the full-service carrier before its merger with Air India, a significant milestone in the Indian aviation industry. The scene was filled with nostalgia as employees bid adieu to the airline that had been a prominent player in India’s aviation landscape.

The First Flight of the Merged Air India-Vistara Entity

The merger officially took flight later that night with the departure of the first integrated Air India-Vistara aircraft. Operating with the code ‘AI2286’, the flight left Doha at 10:07 PM local time and is scheduled to land in Mumbai early Tuesday morning. This flight also holds the distinction of being the first international journey for the merged airline entity, signaling the beginning of a new era for both carriers.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

Airport staff bid farewell to the last Vistara flight ahead of merger with Air India.pic.twitter.com/KIzZxvOfih

— Keh Ke Peheno (@coolfunnytshirt) November 12, 2024

A Sentimental Farewell from Vistara

In a heartfelt Instagram post shared on Sunday, Vistara expressed its optimism for the future as the merger with Air India came to fruition. “As the plane ascends, so do our dreams; let’s glide toward the future, where the sky isn’t the limit, but just the beginning,” the airline wrote, evoking a sense of both closure and anticipation for what lies ahead.

Changes After the Merger

Following the merger, Vistara’s major shareholder, Singapore Airlines, will hold a 25.1% stake in the newly merged Air India entity. To ensure a smooth transition for Vistara’s passengers, Air India has deployed additional resources, including help desk kiosks at key touchpoints across airports.

Over time, Vistara’s airport ticketing offices and check-in counters will be rebranded to reflect Air India’s operations. Furthermore, Vistara aircraft will now be identified by a special four-digit Air India code, starting with the digit ‘2’, marking the completion of the merger.

Looking Forward: The Future of Air India and Vistara

As the merger between Air India and Vistara moves forward, it marks a new chapter in the evolution of Indian aviation. Both airlines are set to expand their services and improve passenger experiences, with a shared focus on becoming a stronger, more competitive force in global aviation.

The departure of the last Vistara flight is a reminder of the airline’s contributions to India’s aviation industry and the exciting future ahead as Air India and Vistara combine forces

Vistara’s Final Flight Takes Off Before Merger With Air India

November 12, 2024, 4:05 am

Vistara’s final flight from Odisha took off for Delhi on Monday night, marking the conclusion of its operations in the state ahead of its merger with Air India. The flight, UK 782, departed from Biju Patnaik International Airport in Odisha at 8:30 pm and landed at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport at 10:55 pm.

This flight was one of the last departures before Vistara’s full merger with Air India. Ahead of the merger, Vistara expressed gratitude to its passengers for their continued support. “Thank you for being part of this unforgettable journey and showering us with your #VistaraLove. We will forever cherish these memories. Please follow @airindia for all the latest updates,” Vistara stated in a post on X.

Thank you for #FlyingTheNewFeeling
Here’s #ToLimitlessPossibilities pic.twitter.com/OaELl6d4T5

— Vistara (@airvistara) November 11, 2024

Vistara, a joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, will fully merge with Air India, which is also owned by Tata Group. To ensure a smooth transition for customers, the airlines have made comprehensive arrangements. After the merger, Vistara flights will be operated by Air India, with a special four-digit Air India code starting with the digit “2.” For example, flight UK 955 will become AI 2955, helping passengers easily identify Vistara flights on Air India’s website starting November 12.

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Vistara’s routes and schedules will remain unchanged, and the in-flight experience, including products and services, will continue to be provided by the same crew. To support the transition, Air India has allocated additional resources at key locations across India and is working with partner airports. The measures include help desk kiosks at curbside areas before terminal entry at hub and metro airports. Customer service staff wearing “How may I assist you?” Air India x Vistara-branded T-shirts will guide passengers with old Vistara tickets to help desks or Air India support staff.

Vistara’s airport ticketing offices and check-in terminals will gradually transition to Air India. Advisory notices will be displayed on self-service kiosks, directing passengers to select Air India for check-in for Vistara flights under the AI2 code starting November 12. At international airports, customer support staff in branded T-shirts will assist passengers, and signage will be posted near check-in desks.

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In addition, customers who contact Vistara’s call center will be redirected to Air India representatives to ensure a seamless experience. Over the past few months, 270,000 customers who had booked Vistara flights were migrated to Air India and informed about the change. Moreover, over 4.5 million Vistara loyalty program members are being integrated into Air India’s loyalty program.

The unified Air India offers passengers enhanced connectivity, with access to over 90 domestic and international destinations, as well as 800 more through codeshare and interline partners. Air India’s narrow-body fleet is also undergoing upgrades, with new aircraft being delivered, legacy aircraft being refitted with new interiors, and Vistara’s catering services now extended to Air India.

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‘Sky Isn’t the Limit, It’s Just the Beginning’: Vistara Bids Farewell Ahead of Air India Merger

November 11, 2024, 3:25 pm

In an emotional farewell message on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Vistara Airlines announced its final goodbye as it ceases operations ahead of its merger with Air India. The airline shared a heartfelt message, marking the end of its journey under the Vistara brand but hinting at new beginnings as part of Air India.

Thank you for #FlyingTheNewFeeling
Here’s #ToLimitlessPossibilities pic.twitter.com/OaELl6d4T5

— Vistara (@airvistara) November 11, 2024

Social Media Farewell: ‘To Limited Possibilities’

Vistara’s post on X read: “As the plane ascends, so do our dreams; let’s glide toward the future, where the sky isn’t the limit, but just the beginning.” The airline also included a tag, “to limited possibilities,” signifying its transition into the newly formed entity under Air India.

The airline announced that from September 2024, customers would no longer be able to book flights with Vistara for travel dates starting from November 12, 2024. This gradual phasing out of operations will continue as part of the integration process with Air India.

Merger with Air India: Deal Finalized

The merger between Vistara and Air India was initially announced in November 2022. Under the agreement, Singapore Airlines will hold a 25.1% stake in the merged airline, forming a more robust entity with expanded capabilities and a broader network.

Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan highlighted that the merger aims to offer passengers enhanced options and improved travel experiences. The integration will leverage the combined fleet and resources of both airlines to provide better connectivity and service.

Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson commented on the efforts made for a smooth transition: “Cross-functional teams from Air India and Vistara have been working together for many months to make the transition of aircraft, flying crew, ground-based colleagues, and, most importantly, our valued customers, into the new Air India as seamless as possible.”

Passengers shared emotional farewells and fond memories of flying with Vistara. One passenger reported that the crew of one of Vistara’s final flights played the iconic Bollywood song “Kal Ho Na Ho” after landing, as a sentimental tribute marking the end of an era for the airline.

Farewell Vistara: Emotional Tributes Pour In as Airline Takes Its Final Flight

November 11, 2024, 12:15 pm

In a major shift for Indian aviation, Vistara will operate its last flight under its own brand on Monday, November 11. Starting November 12, Vistara’s operations will integrate with Air India, effectively retiring the Vistara brand and leading to a more consolidated market with fewer full-service carriers.

This merger, which has stirred emotional responses from loyal customers on social media, will reduce the number of full-service airlines in India from five to one over the span of 17 years. Through this merger, Singapore Airlines will acquire a 25.1% stake in Air India, further strengthening the international partnership in India’s aviation landscape.

Grateful to have experienced @airvistara on its final day of operations—a brand that truly delivered on its promise of ‘a new feeling’ in travel.
Vistara is one of the few brands which overlapped brand promise with brand delivery so seamlessly. 1/4 pic.twitter.com/YFO5JAm19t

— Anubhav Goyal (@anubhavgo) November 10, 2024

Farewell to Vistara ❤️‍?

India’s finest domestic airline, as it takes its final flight today

Since 2015, Vistara has set new standards for service and comfort in Indian?? skies

Thank you, Vistara, for making every journey memorable! ?

Let us fly high to new horizons with Air… pic.twitter.com/MsenFCAK0y

— Parth Suba (@parthsuba77) November 10, 2024

My last Vistara flight before the AI-Vistara merger comes into effect on 12th November.

UK-848, 6th November 2024.

You’ll be missed @airvistara pic.twitter.com/ifhD4S55Gr

— Chetan Bhutani (@BhutaniChetan) November 6, 2024

One of my all time favorite #Vistara pics –

I took it couple of years ago, when the gate-assignment Gods at Delhi T3 must have been in a great mood!

One final #VistaraLove – Thank you for the memories. ?#AvGeek pic.twitter.com/ZF5N0WkdNJ

— AJ (@OntheRoadAJ) November 10, 2024

For over 17 years, India’s skies hosted a variety of full-service airlines, beginning with the merger of Indian Airlines and Air India in 2007. However, several of these carriers gradually exited the market. Kingfisher Airlines, for example, ceased operations in 2012, while Air Sahara, acquired by Jet Airways and rebranded as JetLite, ended with Jet Airways’ closure in 2019.

Vistara’s consolidation with Air India symbolizes the end of an era, reducing the diversity of full-service carriers and altering the competitive landscape in Indian aviation.

New Bomb Threats Target 95 Flights From IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, SpiceJet, And Others

October 24, 2024, 8:46 pm

Amid a series of bomb hoaxes affecting multiple flights over the past few days, at least 95 flights from IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, SpiceJet, Alliance Air, and Akasa Air received similar threats on Thursday. This incident has now impacted over 250 flights in the last ten days.

Officials reported that 25 Akasa Air flights, 20 from Air India, 20 from IndiGo, 20 from Vistara, and five each from SpiceJet and Alliance Air were targeted by these threats.

Before this latest occurrence, more than 170 flights had already received bomb threats, predominantly originating from social media, which ultimately proved to be hoaxes, causing significant inconvenience for passengers and posing a challenge for security forces and aviation authorities.

In response to these threats, the government plans to place individuals involved in making hoax calls on a no-fly list. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced that making hoax bomb threats to airlines would become a cognizable offense.

The flights affected include services from Akasa Air, Air India, IndiGo, and Vistara, operating from Delhi and other locations to various domestic and international destinations.

The Delhi Police have filed eight cases related to the bomb threats, and according to a senior police official, the threat messages were received via anonymous posts on X, which were subsequently suspended by authorities.

On October 19, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) held a meeting with airline CEOs and representatives in Delhi to address the issue.

Earlier on Wednesday, the central government reprimanded social media platform X for its role in the situation, stating it amounted to “abetting crime.”

In an exclusive interview with India Today TV’s Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai, Ram Mohan Naidu stated that the government was adhering to all necessary protocols and was managing the situation effectively.

When asked if the threats were part of a larger conspiracy, the minister advised caution, saying, “I wouldn’t make any hasty decision on this. Let us wait for the thorough investigation to happen. Once we get hold of who is behind this, only then can we tell if there is a conspiracy or if there is some intention regarding the festive season or trying to affect the airlines.”

The Civil Aviation Minister underscored the role of social media and cyber channels in these threats, mentioning that while many IP addresses might indicate foreign locations, they could be rerouted through VPNs, complicating the investigation.

“It is not exactly my purview to tell where exactly it is coming from; the intelligence agency, the necessary departments, they’re all looking through it,” he said. However, he reassured the public that “we are putting in all the efforts that are required, so that our skies are safe.”

Mid-Air Tribute: Air India, AI Express, Vistara Honor Ratan Tata With In-Flight Announcements

October 10, 2024, 5:56 pm

Air India, Air India Express, and Vistara are making special in-flight announcements to honor the late Ratan Tata, the Tata Group patriarch, who passed away recently. Other airlines, such as IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air, have also paid tribute to the visionary leader. The Tata Group is currently consolidating its airline operations, with Vistara set to merge into Air India next month.

Watch:

In-flight announcements being made across Tata Group airlines in honour of Mr Ratan Tata. Here is one such aboard Air India Express. pic.twitter.com/CQkOc0bG9h

— Jagriti Chandra (@jagritichandra) October 10, 2024

On Thursday, officials confirmed that the three Tata-owned airlines would be commemorating Ratan Tata during their flights throughout the day. Tata, who was 86 and also held the title of Tata Sons Chairman Emeritus, passed away on Wednesday night at a Mumbai hospital.

This announcement coincides with the group’s ongoing efforts to unify its airline businesses. The integration of Air India Express and AIX Connect was completed on October 1, while Vistara’s merger with Air India is scheduled for November 12.

Vistara is a collaborative venture between the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines.

Air India’s CEO and MD, Campbell Wilson, expressed gratitude to employees, saying, “Air Indians especially acknowledge and are grateful for Tata’s immense contribution to Indian aviation and to the Tata airlines.”

Vistara Flight Forced to Make Emergency Landing in Turkey Following Bomb Threat

September 7, 2024, 3:13 am

A Vistara Airlines flight from Mumbai to Frankfurt, carrying 234 passengers and 13 crew members, made an emergency landing in Erzurum, Turkey, on Friday. The incident occurred after a crew member discovered a note in the plane’s toilet claiming there was a bomb on board.

In response to the threat, authorities were immediately notified, and the airline is fully cooperating with security agencies to conduct thorough checks. A Vistara spokesperson emphasized that passenger, crew, and aircraft safety is their top priority.

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which had departed Mumbai at 1:02 p.m., landed safely in Erzurum at 7:05 p.m. Passengers were evacuated and provided refreshments while bomb disposal experts examined the aircraft. The airspace over Erzurum was temporarily closed during the investigation.

This incident follows two previous bomb threats involving Vistara flights. On June 28, a flight from Thiruvananthapuram to Mumbai received a similar threat, which was later confirmed to be a hoax. Another Vistara flight from Paris to Mumbai faced a bomb threat on June 2, which was also determined to be false.

Vistara’s Mumbai-Frankfurt Flight Diverted To Turkey Over Security Concerns

September 6, 2024, 9:49 pm

A Vistara flight traveling from Mumbai to Frankfurt was diverted to Turkey due to security concerns, the airline confirmed. The aircraft safely landed at Erzurum Airport in eastern Turkey.

“Flight UK27 from Mumbai to Frankfurt (BOM-FRA) has been diverted to Turkey (Erzurum airport) due to security reasons and has landed safely at 1905 hours. Please stay tuned for further updates,” the airline announced on X.

https://twitter.com/airvistara/status/1832054036322984138

An airline spokesperson mentioned that the flight crew had detected the security issue, and authorities were promptly notified. “Vistara flight UK 27, operating from Mumbai to Frankfurt on September 06, 2024, was diverted to Turkey due to a security concern noted by our crew onboard,” the spokesperson said. “The aircraft safely landed at Erzurum Airport. As per protocol, relevant authorities were immediately informed, and we are fully cooperating with security agencies to carry out the necessary security checks.”

“At Vistara, the safety and security of our customers, crew, and aircraft remain our highest priority,” the airline added.

According to sources, a note reading “bomb on aeroplane” was found on a tissue paper in the restroom.

In a related incident last week, an Indigo flight from Jabalpur to Hyderabad was diverted to Nagpur on September 1 due to a bomb threat. Passengers were safely disembarked, and security checks were conducted. The airline apologized for the inconvenience.

On August 22, a bomb threat led to a full emergency being declared at Thiruvananthapuram Airport when an Air India flight from Mumbai landed safely with 135 passengers onboard.

Air India-Vistara Merger: Key FAQs On Bookings, Check-Ins, Flight Status And More

August 30, 2024, 3:08 pm

As Vistara and Air India merge their operations, passengers can expect expanded travel options. Here are key updates:

For travelers with Vistara bookings set for on or before November 11, 2024, there will be no changes; these flights will proceed under Vistara as scheduled.

Starting September 3, 2024, bookings for flights beyond November 11, 2024, will no longer be available through Vistara. From November 12, 2024, and onward, you will need to make reservations through the Air India website (www.airindia.com) or the Air India mobile app.

If you have a Vistara booking for travel after November 11, 2024, be aware that your flight will now be operated by Air India. The transition aims to be smooth, though it may alter some aspects of your travel plans. For detailed information, passengers should refer to the latest updates from Air India.

With Vistara and Air India merging, here’s what you need to know for your flights:

Existing Bookings:

Travel Until November 11, 2024: No changes; continue using the Vistara website or app for bookings and check-ins.
Travel From November 12, 2024 Onwards: Bookings will be handled via the Air India website (www.airindia.com) or app. Vistara flights will be operated by Air India.

Booking and Check-ins:

Booking: For travel until November 11, 2024, use Vistara’s platforms. For travel from November 12, 2024, use Air India’s website or app. Award flights and upgrades can be managed via Club Vistara FAQs.
Check-ins: Continue using Vistara’s system until November 11, 2024. For travel from November 12, 2024, check in via Air India’s website or app using the same PNR.

Ticket Validity and Changes:

E-Tickets: For flights until November 11, 2024, your Vistara ticket remains valid. For flights after November 11, 2024, you’ll receive a new Air India ticket but retain the same PNR.
Travel Agents: Contact your travel agent directly for booking changes.

Baggage and Extras:

Baggage Allowance: The allowance remains the same regardless of the airline change.
Excess Baggage: Purchase excess baggage for travel until November 11, 2024, via Vistara. For later travel, use the Air India website or call their center. Purchased excess baggage will carry over to Air India flights.

Cancellations and Rescheduling:

Vistara Travel: For flights until November 11, 2024, use Vistara’s Call Centre. For flights after this date, contact Air India’s Call Centre for changes. Charges will be as per the operating airline.

Flight Status:

Status Check: For flights until November 11, 2024, use Vistara’s platforms. For later flights, check status on Air India’s website or app. Any changes to flight timings will be communicated by the Customer Service Team via email and SMS.

Why Vistara Labels Vegetarian Meals As ‘Hindu’ And Non-Vegetarian As ‘Muslim’

August 28, 2024, 12:25 pm

Journalist Aarti Tikoo Singh recently criticized Vistara for labeling its in-flight meals as “Hindu” for vegetarian options and “Muslim” for chicken, accusing the airline of communalizing food.

“Who told you that all Hindus are vegetarian and all Muslims are non-vegetarian?” Tikoo challenged the airline. She also questioned whether Vistara was attempting to associate food choices with religious identity, asking, “Are you now going to communalise vegetables, chicken and passengers on a flight too?”

Tikoo expressed her shock at Vistara’s approach by booking both meal options for her flight from Srinagar to Jammu, sharing a screenshot of her ticket which indicated one “Hindu meal” and one “Moslem meal.”

However, several social media users informed Tikoo that meal codes are standardized industry-wide, not set by Vistara. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) provides these codes to streamline meal management and communication across airlines and catering services.

“FYI in general aviation parlance, a Hindu Meal (HNML) is NOT necessarily a Veg meal—it could be a Non-Veg meal that is not Halal,” explained Sanjay Lazar, CEO of Avialaz Consultants. “Similarly, a Moslem meal (MOML) is a Non-Vegetarian meal that is HALAL,” he added.

Aviation expert Sanjiv Kapoor, former CEO-designate of Jet Airways, also clarified that these meal codes are used globally across GDS-based airlines, though he acknowledged they may be outdated. “These are standard international meal codes used globally across GDS-based airlines, not just by Vistara. However, I do think IATA or whoever needs to update / modernize these outdated and at times somewhat puzzling meal codes,” Kapoor wrote.

Vistara’s website does not refer to meals as Hindu or Muslim. Instead, it offers a range of vegetarian options, including the “Vegetarian Vegan Meal (VGML)” with no animal products, “Vegetarian Jain Meal (VJML)” excluding root and bulbous vegetables, and “Vegetarian Lacto-ovo Meal (VLML)” which may contain eggs and dairy.

Vistara To Launch 20-Minute Free Wi-Fi On International Flights— First For Indian Airlines

July 27, 2024, 3:56 pm

Vistara is introducing 20 minutes of free Wi-Fi on its international flights operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and Airbus A321neo aircraft, making it the first Indian airline to offer this service. The announcement was made on Saturday by the TATA-Singapore Airlines joint venture.

Passengers in all cabins will have access to 20 minutes of complimentary Wi-Fi, which is perfect for those who wish to use Indian credit or debit cards to buy extended Wi-Fi plans. This service also allows users to receive one-time passwords via email, facilitating the purchase of additional in-flight Wi-Fi during the active session.

Deepak Rajawat, Vistara’s Chief Commercial Officer, expressed the airline’s excitement, stating, “We are delighted to lead the way and become the first Indian airline to offer complimentary Wi-Fi on international flights across all cabins.” He added, “We are confident that customers will appreciate this value addition that aims to make their Vistara journey more convenient, productive, and seamless.”

Vistara’s Wi-Fi plan includes:

Complimentary Chat: Available to all Club Vistara members of any tier, in any cabin, throughout the flight.

Paid Chat: Rs. 372.74 plus GST for chatting on messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger with unlimited data.

Paid Surf: Rs. 1,577.54 plus GST for internet browsing with unlimited data, including embedded audio and video streaming.

Paid Stream: Rs. 2,707.04 plus GST for unlimited data allowing all streaming protocols.

The Wi-Fi service on Vistara’s international flights, powered by Panasonic Avionics, offers seamless internet access at 35,000 feet, allowing passengers to stay connected, check emails, and use social media with ease.

While many airlines have been providing Wi-Fi for over a decade, Vistara’s initiative stands out. In contrast, budget carrier JetBlue has offered free, unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi since 2013. Other international carriers like Philippines Airlines, Norwegian Airlines, and Air New Zealand offer free Wi-Fi but often with data limits, while airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines provide free Wi-Fi to frequent flyer members, with certain conditions for economy class passengers. Vistara’s parent, Singapore Airlines, also offers complimentary Wi-Fi to its KrisFlyer loyalty program members.

Global IT Outage Leads to Flight Cancellations And Delays In India

July 20, 2024, 3:19 pm

Paris/Delhi: A major global IT outage on Friday disrupted various sectors, including aviation and healthcare. In India, airports were hit hardest, leading to many flight cancellations and delays. As of Saturday, operations are slowly returning to normal, but there are still delays and backlogs affecting passengers.

What Happened

On Friday, a faulty software update from the cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike caused a massive IT outage affecting Microsoft Windows systems worldwide. This problem impacted businesses, banks, airlines, and hospitals. CrowdStrike’s CEO, George Kurtz, confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that the issue was not a cyberattack but a defect in a software update. He assured that a fix has been applied and that recovery might take some time.

#Update on #MicrosoftGlobalOutage pic.twitter.com/ujZCnosPdB

— Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) July 20, 2024

Services That Have Resumed

Airlines:

IndiGo, Akasa Air, Vistara, Air India, and SpiceJet were severely affected, with IndiGo canceling about 200 flights and others facing delays.
By Saturday, the Civil Aviation Ministry stated that airline systems are mostly back to normal, though there is still a backlog. Passengers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
IndiGo and other airlines are working to resolve issues, and services are improving, but some delays may continue over the weekend.

Airports:

Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru airports saw long lines and delays due to the outage. Manual ticketing and check-ins caused frustration for passengers, with wait times of up to 30-40 minutes.
SpiceJet announced that it resolved its technical problems and resumed normal operations.
Akasa Air confirmed that its booking, check-in, and boarding systems are now functioning.

Banks and Financial Services:

About 10 banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) faced minor disruptions. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), these issues have largely been resolved.

Ongoing Issues

Flight Backlog:

Despite improvements, there are still delays and backlogs at airports. IndiGo counters at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) continued to see long lines, and the Digi Yatra system for international travelers is still down, requiring manual boarding passes.
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport has large crowds, and two flights were canceled. Many international flights were rescheduled.
Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport is seeing long queues due to the previous day’s delays, though normal operations are resuming.

Services That Remained Unaffected

The Income Tax Department portal did not experience major disruptions. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) reported no significant issues.
Several Indian asset management companies like SBI MF, ICICI Prudential MF, Aditya Birla Sun Life MF, Axis MF, and Zerodha MF were not affected by the outage.
Indian stock exchanges also remained unaffected, unlike the London Stock Exchange, which faced issues from the same outage but has since resolved them.
Global IT Outage: Caused by a faulty software update, affecting businesses, airlines, and healthcare.
In India: Airports experienced major disruptions, but services are gradually improving.
Ongoing Issues: Backlog at airports and delays in flight operations.
Unaffected Services: Income tax portal, asset management companies, and Indian stock exchanges.

In Third Such Instance In a Week, Vistara Flight Faces Bomb-Scare

June 2, 2024, 3:36 pm

In the third such instance in a week, a Vistara flight from Paris carrying 306 people faced a bomb scare, thus making an emergency landing at Mumbai airport on Sunday.

According to sources, a handwritten note on an airsickness bag, threatening bomb blast was found by the airline.

As a result, a full-scale emergency declared at 7:08 am, thus landing it safely at 10:19 am.

Later, the flight was transferred to an isolated bay for security checks.

Issuing the statement, Vistara spokesperson said, “We confirm that a security concern has been noted by our staff while onboard Vistara flight UK 024 operating from Paris to Mumbai on 2 June 2024. Following the protocol, we immediately informed the relevant authorities.” The official added that “the flight has landed at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai and we are fully cooperating with the security agencies for all the mandatory checks.”

This marks the third instance of airlines reporting bomb scare incidents. But these previous incidents occurred only on domestic flights.

On Saturday, an indigo flight bound for Mumbai from Chennai, also received a bomb threat, thus resulting in an emergency landing.

Earlier, it happened on May 28 from Delhi to Varanasi flight.

What Happened In previous incidents

On the Mumbai-bound indigo flight, a bomb threat was reported while it was en route to its destination. A source revealed that an unclaimed remote was discovered on the aircraft. Subsequently, the pilot contacted Mumbai air traffic control to request an emergency landing.

During a flight bound for Varanasi, an indigo aircraft carrying 176 passengers received a bomb threat. Following the alert, passengers were evacuated through the emergency exits at Delhi airport.

According to viral videos, passengers and flight crew were evacuated via slides, carrying their cabin baggage with them.

Meanwhile, according to safety norms, the evacuation should be completed within 90 minutes and the cabin baggage should be left behind in the flight.

In addition, the passengers shouldn’t carry any items and even footwear like stilettos should be removed, as inflatable slides can be easily damaged.

In the aftermath of the Delhi’s incident, Indigo removed two pilots and cabin crew members for not adhering to SOPs on evacuation.

Bomb threat halts flight operations at Srinagar airport for an hour

June 1, 2024, 5:05 am

Flight operations at Srinagar International Airport were temporarily halted for an hour on Friday due to a bomb threat, officials reported.

The Air Traffic Control (ATC) at Srinagar Airport received a bomb threat concerning an Air Vistara flight arriving from New Delhi, prompting immediate preventive measures.

Authorities, including the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), responsible for airport security, swiftly responded to the situation.

The threat call was received around noon, specifically targeting Air Vistara flight UK 611, which was carrying 178 passengers. Upon landing, the flight was directed to an isolation bay, and both passengers and crew were safely evacuated.

Authorities conducted a comprehensive search of the aircraft, deploying bomb disposal squads and sniffer dogs to detect any suspicious items. Following an exhaustive search, no explosives were found.

Flight operations, which were suspended for approximately an hour, resumed once the situation was deemed safe.

An investigation into the origin of the threat call is currently underway, officials stated. A spokesperson for Air Vistara confirmed the security concern on flight UK 611. “Following protocol, we immediately informed the relevant authorities. After safely landing at Srinagar International Airport, the aircraft was taken to the isolation bay where all passengers were disembarked,” the spokesperson said.

No further details on the source of the threat were disclosed, but the authorities assured that all necessary steps were being taken to ensure the safety and security of the passengers and crew.

Air India Express Crew Agree to Restore Flight Operations, Termination of 25 Members Revoked

May 9, 2024, 9:46 pm

During a meeting lasting approximately four and a half hours to address the human resource crisis at Air India Express, an agreement was reached with the crew members, addressing all their concerns. Both the crew and management have agreed to restore normal airline operations, resulting in the reversal of the termination of 25 crew members.

According to the crew members who spoke to ANI, all dissatisfied crew members are prepared to return to work immediately, and the management is willing to rescind all termination letters.

The meeting took place at the office of the Chief Labour Commissioner (CLC), with four officers and the Chief Human Resource Officer of Air India Express in attendance. Around 20 senior crew members also participated. Another meeting is scheduled for May 28 if the crew members’ demands are not met.

Approximately 85 flights were cancelled due to sudden sick leave calls from crew members. Air India Express issued an apology for the inconvenience caused after many of its flights, predominantly international ones, were either cancelled or delayed because of senior crew members calling in sick. Flights were grounded due to the sudden shortage of crew members, affecting both domestic and international routes. Some senior crew members reportedly turned off their mobile phones just before flight operations, citing health issues.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation demanded a detailed report from Air India Express on the matter and urged the airline to resolve the issues promptly. This incident at Air India Express follows similar issues encountered by Vistara in April, where hundreds of flights were affected due to pilots calling in sick.

Dubai Flights Cancelled, Schools And Offices Shut Due To Heavy Rains

May 3, 2024, 9:27 am

Days following flooding in April, the United Arab Emirates has experienced heavy rains again, resulting in numerous flight cancellations and delays in and out of Dubai, while residents and students were advised to work and study from home, as per Khaleej Times.

An orange alert was issued due to heavy rains and thunderstorms across the UAE. The country has been bracing for this spell of unstable weather, expected to peak from May 2 to May 3.

Precautionary measures have been advised across various sectors. Schools have shifted to distance learning, and companies have been urged to facilitate remote work. Parks and beaches have been closed.

In response to the weather conditions, the Dubai government announced work-from-home arrangements for government employees on May 2 and May 3.

The UAE’s disaster management authority reaffirmed the nation’s readiness to handle the upcoming weather conditions, stating that all relevant agencies are prepared to implement necessary measures.

Although the impending weather is not expected to be as severe as the rainfall experienced on April 16, officials have discussed precautionary measures to be taken.

Government schools in the UAE will conduct online classes on May 2 and 3. Additionally, all private schools in Dubai, including nurseries and universities, will switch to online learning during these days, according to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

Dubai Airport reported five inbound flights diverted and cancellations of nine arrivals and four outbound flights on May 2. Passengers are advised to allocate extra travel time due to potential road congestion.

Emirates and Flydubai have cancelled several flights due to adverse weather conditions, leading to reduced flight operations at Dubai International Airport. Passengers are advised to expect delays and plan accordingly.

Sharjah-based Air Arabia and Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways have also issued advisories for passengers to plan for additional travel time to the airport.

Indian airlines IndiGo, Vistara, and SpiceJet have reported flight disruptions due to bad weather across various UAE airports. IndiGo advised passengers to allow extra time for airport travel and check for updates on their flights.

Vistara, Air India to Avoid Iranian Airspace Amid Middle East Crisis

April 13, 2024, 11:32 pm

Following India’s advisory urging its citizens to avoid travel to Iran and Israel due to heightened tensions between the two nations, Air India flights heading westwards towards Europe and beyond are now altering their routes to bypass Iranian airspace, alongside several other international carriers, as confirmed by sources on Saturday. Reports from online media also mentioned a flight-tracking website showing an Air India flight to London on Saturday morning avoiding Iranian airspace.

In addition to Air India, Vistara flights also adjusted their routes to avoid Iranian airspace for west-bound flights on Saturday. Industry sources suggest that Air India flights bound for Europe may experience up to 45 minutes of additional travel time. Flights to the Middle East operated by Air India, however, will remain unaffected as they traverse south of Iranian airspace. This change comes after the Ministry of External Affairs advised Indian nationals to refrain from traveling to Iran and Israel.

Despite the advisory, Air India operated its flight to Tel Aviv on Saturday without any cancellations. Notably, no Indian carrier operates flights to Iran. Flights from Mumbai to Europe typically fly over Iran, while those from Delhi can opt for routes via Iran or through Afghanistan and Tajikistan. On Saturday, Vistara’s Mumbai-Europe flights took the northern route via Afghanistan and Tajikistan.

Similarly, Air India flights from Ahmedabad and Kochi to London also avoided Iranian airspace on Saturday. Vistara issued a statement acknowledging the situation, stating that they are adjusting flight paths and utilizing contingency routes to ensure operational continuity amidst the current circumstances, which may result in longer flight times and associated delays on certain routes. The financial implications for both airlines and passengers remain uncertain if tensions in West Asia escalate further, potentially leading to a major conflict in the region.

India’s advisory came in the wake of escalating tensions, with Iran blaming Israel for an attack on an Iranian diplomatic mission in Syria and vowing retaliation against the Jewish State. As a precautionary measure, New Delhi advised Indians against traveling to Iran or Israel until further notice, urging those already in these countries to register with Indian embassies and exercise utmost caution regarding their safety and movements.

After Vistara, Air India faces brewing trouble as technicians plan strike

April 10, 2024, 11:57 am

Air India Ltd. faces increasing challenges as aircraft technicians plan a strike later this month, following pilots expressing concerns about their workload and compensation last week.

The technicians at AI Engineering Services Ltd., a state-run maintenance, repair, and overhaul firm, will strike on April 23 due to various issues affecting their “well-being” and “professional growth,” as conveyed in a letter dated April 8 to the chief executive officer by the All India Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Union.

A spokesperson for Air India stated that the situation is under close observation.

The unrest among aviation workers poses a threat to India’s aviation industry growth. Pilots and aircraft engineers play crucial roles in supporting the country’s rapid fleet expansion, especially with large orders placed by airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa.

The upcoming strike adds to the recent turbulence in India’s aviation industry, marked by numerous flight cancellations last week due to pilots at Vistara calling in sick en masse over fatigue and pay issues. To mitigate further disruptions, Vistara is reducing its daily flight operations.

AI Engineering, primarily serving Air India, faces discontent among its workforce. Staff members are dissatisfied with the lack of career advancement opportunities, having not been promoted in the past seven years. The promised revised pay structure for technicians with at least two years of service has not materialized. Contractual employees, constituting 75% of the workforce, feel discriminated against due to longer notice periods and fewer benefits compared to permanent staff.

A representative for AI Engineering mentioned ongoing discussions with the union to address these concerns. While salaries for all staff, except technicians, have been revised, pending court cases delay the technicians’ pay adjustments. The company aims to revise technicians’ pay post the withdrawal of a court case demanding equal pay for contractual and permanent employees.

Echoing Vistara’s issues, Air India pilots highlighted systemic challenges of being underpaid and overworked across Tata’s aviation ventures.

The aircraft technicians emphasize the importance of resolving these issues to prevent potential disruptions from the impending strike.

Vistara cancels several flights after pilots protest over new pay structure

April 2, 2024, 9:49 am

The Tata Group airline Vistara is facing a crisis and has temporarily cut down its daily flight schedule in addition to using larger aircraft on specific domestic routes to combine flights. The steps were taken after many of its flights were cancelled and delayed on Monday due to a protest by its pilots.

Industry insiders claim that several Vistara pilots skipped work on Monday, presumably in protest of the new wage scale that mirrors that of Air India, the flagship airline of the Tata group. Vistara and Air India are set to merge and form a single entity.

The details of flight tracking revealed that till 10 pm on Monday, almost 60 of the airline’s over 300 daily flights were cancelled, and another 180 were delayed. There were a few delays and cancellations by Vistara over the weekend too.

Several travelers criticized the airline and voiced complaints about inadequate communication and lengthy waits at the airport.

In a statement released on Monday, Vistara claimed that “many reasons, including crew unavailability,” have resulted in a “significant number” of flight cancellations and delays over the last several days.

“We acknowledge and are deeply concerned about the inconvenience this has caused to our customers. Having said that, our teams are working towards minimizing the discomfort to the customers. We have also deployed larger aircraft like our B787-9 Dreamliner and A321neo on select domestic routes to combine flights or accommodate more number of customers, wherever possible. Furthermore, we are offering alternate flight options or refunds to affected customers, as applicable. Once again, we understand that these disruptions have caused immense discomfort to our customers, and sincerely apologise to them for the same. We are working towards stabilizing the situation and will resume operating our regular capacity very soon,” a statement by Vistara said.

It has been reported that Vistara pilots are refusing to work as they oppose the new pay scale which is the same as that of Air India. The pilots have received the updated pay schedule by mail and are required to sign it immediately. The pilots have been informed that they will not be included in the merger if they choose not to sign.

Travelers have flocked to social media to voice their complaints over having their flights canceled or delayed by many hours. The airline has repeatedly stated that it is addressing the operational problems that are causing the delays.

According to a senior source who spoke to news agency ANI, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has requested a thorough report from Vistara regarding flight cancellations and significant delays.

Domestic air traffic experiences 4.8 percent rise in February, reaching total of 126.48 lakh

March 16, 2024, 12:04 pm

Domestic air traffic increased by 4.8 percent year-on-year to 126.48 lakh in February, while over 1.55 lakh passengers experienced flight delays during the same period.

In February, Air India’s market share rose to 12.8 percent from 12.2 percent, while IndiGo’s share slightly declined to 60.1 percent from 60.2 percent in January.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reported that domestic air traffic reached 126.48 lakh in February, compared to 120.69 lakh in the corresponding period last year. However, this figure was lower than the 1.31 crore reported in January.

The DGCA stated, “Passengers carried by domestic airlines during January – February 2024 were 257.78 lakh, as against 246.11 lakh during the corresponding period of the previous year thereby registering an annual growth of 4.74 percent and monthly growth of 4.80 percent.”

Flight delays affected 1,55,387 passengers in February, with scheduled carriers spending Rs 222.11 lakh for facilitation. Additionally, 29,143 passengers were impacted by cancellations, resulting in airlines spending Rs 99.96 lakh for compensation and facilities. Last month, 917 passengers were affected by denied boarding, with airlines spending Rs 78.19 lakh for compensation and facilities.

A total of 791 passenger-related complaints were received by scheduled domestic airlines in February, with flight problems comprising 37.8 percent of the complaints, followed by baggage (19 percent), refund (16.3 percent), and customer service (11.1 percent).

In February, SpiceJet’s domestic market share decreased to 5.2 percent from 5.6 percent, while Vistara and Akasa Air maintained their shares at 9.9 percent and 4.5 percent, respectively. AIX Connect held a market share of 6.1 percent, unchanged from the previous month, while Alliance Air’s share remained at 1 percent.

Air India’s On-Time Performance (OTP) was 56.4 percent, while SpiceJet’s OTP stood at 59.1 percent in February. Vistara’s OTP was 67.4 percent, IndiGo’s was 72.7 percent, and Akasa Air’s was 72.9 percent. AIX Connect achieved an OTP of 73.5 percent in February.

DGCA stated, “The overall cancellation rate of scheduled domestic airlines for the month of February 2024 has been 0.90 percent.” Zoom had the highest cancellation rate at 7.69 percent, while Akasa Air had the lowest at 0.30 percent. Other airlines’ cancellation rates ranged from 0.58 percent to 7.41 percent.

Indigo, Vistara have received DGCA approval for two international routes

June 20, 2023, 12:09 pm

Indigo and Vistara have been granted permission to operate two new international routes.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has approved Indigo’s Delhi-Tbilisi (Georgia) and Vistara’s Delhi-Bali routes. These routes will begin operations on August 7 and August 1, 2023, respectively. The additional routes are part of the airline companies’ aspirations for growth. Air travel, both domestic and international, has increased since the pandemic, owing in part to pent-up demand. Passengers carried by Indian domestic airlines during January-May 2023 were 636.07 lakhs, as against 467.37 lakhs during the corresponding period of 2022, Directorate General of Civil Aviation data showed.
In the month of May, 132.14 lakh passengers were carried by Indian domestic airlines. They registered an annual growth of 36.10 per cent and monthly growth of 15.24 per cent.

‘Bomb’ threat delays Delhi-Mumbai Vistara flight by 2 hours

June 9, 2023, 11:16 am

On Thursday evening, a man on his way to Dubai was arrested at Delhi airport after he was overheard mentioning a “bomb” in his bag.

The man was apprehended by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on board a Delhi-Mumbai Vistara flight after a female co-passenger overheard him say ‘bomb’ during a phone call. The incident occurred at 4:55 p.m., causing the flight to be delayed by two hours.

According to a senior police official, the passenger was on his way to Dubai and had been speaking with his mother. According to the official, the passenger told his mother that airport security had stopped him from carrying a coconut in his bag because it could contain explosives.

When she heard the word “bomb,” her female co-passenger panicked and raised an alarm. Both passengers were then deboarded, and the plane was thoroughly searched, but nothing was discovered. The male passenger was then turned over to local police.

Tata Group all set to merge Air India and Vistara by March 2024

November 29, 2022, 6:18 pm

The merger of Vistara and Air India, two of the Tata Group’s airlines, was announced on Tuesday. With this merger, Air India will have a combined fleet of 218 aircraft, making it India’s largest international carrier and second-largest domestic carrier. Air India will be the country’s leading domestic and international carrier.

Vistara and Air India will merge after all necessary approvals have been received. In connection with the merger, SIA would also contribute Rs 2,059 crore to Air India. Following the consolidation, SIA will own 25.1% of the shares of Air India. By March 2024, the transaction is anticipated to be finished. India’s national airline is Air India, which is wholly owned by Tata Sons.

On January 27, 2022, Tata Sons, through its wholly owned subsidiary Talace Private Limited, acquired a 100% stake in Air India.

India’s top full-service airline, Vistara, was founded in 2013 and is a 51:49 joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines Limited (SIA). It has international operations in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.

On this occasion, N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons, said: “The merger of Vistara and Air India is an important milestone in our journey to make Air India a truly world-class airline. We are transforming Air India, with the aim of providing a great customer experience, every time, for every customer. As part of the transformation, Air India is focusing on growing both its network and fleet, revamping its customer proposition, and enhancing safety, reliability, and on-time performance.”
The chairman added, “We are excited about the opportunity of creating a strong Air India, which would offer both full-service and low-cost service across domestic and international routes. We would like to thank Singapore Airlines for their continued partnership.”

Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Airlines, said: “Tata Sons is one of the most established and respected names in India. Our collaboration to set up Vistara in 2013 resulted in a market-leading full-service carrier, which has won many global accolades in a short time.”
“With this merger, we have an opportunity to deepen our relationship with Tata and participate directly in an exciting new growth phase in India’s aviation market. We will work together to support Air India’s transformation programme, unlock its significant potential, and restore it to its position as a leading airline on the global stage,” the CEO said.

Delhi-Mumbai Vistara flight reverts back within 40mins of take off

September 5, 2022, 5:17 pm

Delhi-Mumbai Vistara flight reverts back within 40mins of take off

Officials said on Monday that a Vistara flight from Delhi to Mumbai had to revert back just shortly after take-off because of engine problems.

The aircraft B737-8, which took off at around 2:40 p.m., was brought back to Delhi due to some kind of loud engine sounds.

The flight was overflying Uttar Pradesh when it turned back and landed in Delhi within 40 minutes of take-off, according to flightradar24, an app that tracks live aircraft movements.

According to the aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft VT-TGB was involved in an air turn back while operating flight UK 951 (Delhi-Mumbai) after a whistling sound was observed from the right side of the engine in the cockpit.

“The aircraft landed safely. During preliminary ground inspection, no structural deficiency has been observed. We are investigating the matter further”, a DGCA official said.

However, Vistara confirmed the snag in a statement, saying an alternate aircraft was immediately arranged.

“A minor technical snag was detected shortly after take-off on Vistara flight UK 951 operating Delhi to Mumbai on 5 September 2022. As a precautionary step, pilots decided to turn-back and the aircraft landed safely at the IGI Airport, Delhi. An alternate aircraft was immediately arranged, which will depart shortly. Inconvenience caused to customers is deeply regretted. As always, safety of our customers and crew is most important to Vistara,” said Vistara spokesperson.