Korean Air, South Korea’s flagship carrier, has dramatically cut its international flights from regional airports by 45% betweeinternational n 2019 and 2024, igniting controversy and concern across the country’s regional hubs. The airline operated 6,199 international flights from regional airports in 2024, down sharply from 11,408 in 2019, excluding Seoul’s Gimpo and Incheon airports.

At Busan’s Gimhae Airport, a critical economic and tourism center, international flights plunged 42%, from 9,675 in 2019 to 5,567 in 2024. The decline continued into early 2025, with a 36% year-on-year drop in the first quarter. Korean Air attributes these reductions primarily to delays in aircraft deliveries from manufacturers, which have constrained its capacity and forced temporary route suspensions.

Critics, however, argue that Korean Air is disproportionately favoring Seoul’s Incheon Airport, where flight reductions were minimal at just 5.7%. This Seoul-centric approach has sparked backlash from civic groups and local politicians, who warn that the cuts could undermine regional economies by reducing connectivity, tourism, and trade opportunities.

Aviation experts explain that Korean Air is strategically reallocating resources toward long-haul, more profitable international routes amid uneven demand recovery, especially as regional routes like Busan to China have yet to fully rebound post-pandemic. By consolidating operations at major hubs like Incheon, the airline aims to optimize fleet utilization and reduce costs amid global supply chain disruptions and shifting travel patterns.

The regional flight cuts have raised alarms about South Korea’s aviation future. While Korean Air’s long-haul focus positions it to compete globally, regional airports such as Gimhae face challenges without diversified services. The recovery of regional routes depends on resolving aircraft delivery delays and stabilizing demand, but for now, Korean Air’s cautious strategy reflects the uncertain landscape of the aviation sector.

Local stakeholders urge government intervention to ensure more equitable flight service distribution, emphasizing the importance of balanced regional development in South Korea’s evolving air travel market.

This significant restructuring highlights the broader challenges facing the aviation industry as it adapts to post-pandemic realities and supply chain hurdles, with Korean Air at the forefront of navigating these turbulent skies.

On Sunday, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport experienced significant operational disruptions with at least 97 flights cancelled and over 150 delayed, as the fallout from the closure of 32 airports in northern and western India continued. These closures, implemented due to heightened security concerns amid tensions with Pakistan, remain in effect from May 9 to May 14, 2025, despite a ceasefire agreement reached on Saturday to halt all military action.

Of the cancelled flights, 96 were domestic-comprising 44 arrivals and 52 departures-while the sole international cancellation was Air India flight AI-139 to Tel Aviv. Flight delays averaged 15 minutes, affecting more than 150 flights on Sunday, following a day when 60 flights were cancelled and over 200 delayed.

The 32 airports closed are primarily located near the India-Pakistan border in the north, northwest, and western regions, severely restricting air traffic and reducing operations at Delhi Airport to about 60 percent of normal levels. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) cited operational reasons for the closures, which are part of ongoing security measures following the launch of Operation Sindoor earlier in the week.

Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has issued travel advisories urging passengers to anticipate schedule changes and longer security wait times due to enhanced screening protocols mandated by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security. Passengers have been advised to arrive at least three hours before departure and to stay updated via airline and airport websites for real-time flight information.

Despite the ceasefire, the security situation has kept airports on high alert, with continued disruptions expected until the closures lift on May 14. Airlines including Air India, IndiGo, and others have offered flexible rescheduling and refunds to affected passengers. The ongoing situation underscores the complex challenges in maintaining civil aviation operations amid geopolitical tensions and security imperatives.

The White House is in active talks with Qatar’s royal family about acquiring a luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet, potentially to serve as Air Force One during President Donald Trump’s second term. While Qatar denies the plane is a gift, it confirms discussions are underway for the “temporary use” of the aircraft by the U.S. government.

The plane, described by some as a "flying palace," would be retrofitted by the U.S. Department of Defense to meet presidential security and communication requirements before entering service. Sources indicate it will not be ready immediately and will require thorough security clearance.

President Trump is expected to announce the arrangement during his upcoming Middle East trip, which includes a visit to Qatar. After his presidency, the jet is reportedly planned to be donated to Trump’s yet-to-be-built presidential library, a move that could sidestep constitutional restrictions on foreign gifts to government officials.

Qatar’s media attaché to the U.S., Ali Al-Ansari, emphasized that no final decision has been made and that the proposal remains under legal review by both countries’ defense departments. He also refuted reports that the jet would be gifted during Trump’s visit as inaccurate.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt assured that any gift from a foreign government would comply fully with U.S. laws and that the administration is committed to transparency. Trump himself defended the deal on his Truth Social platform, calling the plane a “GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE” and criticizing opponents who question the arrangement.

Currently, the presidential fleet includes two Boeing 747-200B aircraft, in service since the early 1990s. The proposed 747-8 model from Qatar is a newer, more luxurious plane, which Trump had previously sought from Boeing but found delayed until 2027 or 2028.

This unprecedented potential gift raises significant legal and ethical questions, as the U.S. Constitution’s Emoluments Clause restricts officials from accepting gifts from foreign states. However, the plan to transfer ownership to Trump’s presidential library after his term may provide a legal workaround.

The negotiations underscore the continuing close diplomatic ties between Trump and Qatar, which in 2019 committed to large purchases of American aircraft. Qatar has a history of gifting luxury jets to other countries, including Turkey in 2018.

As Trump prepares for his first major foreign trip of his second term, the world watches closely how this high-profile aircraft deal unfolds, blending diplomacy, politics, and presidential legacy in the skies.

Thailand is charting a bold new course in aviation, unveiling ambitious plans to transform Suvarnabhumi Airport into a leading regional hub for aircraft maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO). With global giants like Airbus, Boeing, and ST Engineering showing strong interest, the country is poised to become a magnet for both international investment and top-tier aviation services.

Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and chairman of the Aviation Hub Committee for MRO development, announced that a state-of-the-art MRO facility is at the heart of Thailand’s aviation hub initiative. Despite nearly two decades of operation, Suvarnabhumi still lacks a fully integrated maintenance centre-an essential step for the airport to compete with the world’s best.

A dedicated section of land at Suvarnabhumi has already been earmarked for the MRO centre under the airport’s master development plan. However, a specific blueprint tailored to the needs of MRO operations is still in the works. Once complete, airlines flying into Suvarnabhumi will have direct access to high-quality maintenance services, boosting efficiency and appeal for global carriers.

The MRO project will be structured as a public-private partnership (PPP), with Thai enterprises expected to take the lead. Several local aviation maintenance firms have already signaled their readiness to participate. The initiative has also caught the eye of international heavyweights: Airbus and Boeing have expressed investment interest, while Singapore-based ST Engineering is considering relocating its MRO operations from Changi Airport to Suvarnabhumi, citing rising costs and shifting priorities in Singapore.

“This is a long-term project. If we take the lead and announce our readiness, it will help attract more investment,” Manat emphasized, highlighting the importance of Thai leadership in the venture.

Importantly, the new Suvarnabhumi MRO centre will complement, not compete with, the existing U-Tapao facility. Suvarnabhumi will focus on line maintenance and light to medium checks-services that require quick turnaround-while U-Tapao will handle heavy maintenance and overhauls, which are less feasible at Suvarnabhumi due to its high traffic volume.

A cornerstone of the plan is the development of a comprehensive aviation training centre at Suvarnabhumi. This all-in-one facility, also under a PPP model, will train pilots, cabin crew, and aircraft technicians, streamlining the currently fragmented and costly training landscape. Airlines have already expressed strong interest in this centralized approach, which promises to enhance efficiency and reduce costs across the sector.

Thailand’s aviation ambitions extend beyond MRO and training. The CAAT is also working to reform regulations to encourage Thai investment in air cargo businesses, including easing foreign ownership limits. This phased reform could see Thai ownership in air cargo airlines rise from 20% to 100% over several years, empowering local entrepreneurs and positioning Suvarnabhumi as a key node in global logistics networks.

With these sweeping changes, Suvarnabhumi Airport is on track to become a central player in Asia’s aviation future-offering world-class maintenance, streamlined training, and expanded cargo capabilities, all underpinned by a dynamic public-private partnership model.

Air India, the sole Indian carrier operating direct flights between Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport and Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, has extended the suspension of its Tel Aviv route until May 25, 2025. This decision follows a Houthi missile attack near Ben Gurion Airport on May 4, which forced an Air India flight from Delhi to Tel Aviv to divert to Abu Dhabi mid-journey for safety reasons.

 Initially, the suspension was set to last only until May 6 and then extended to May 8. However, escalating regional tensions and ongoing security concerns have prompted the airline to prolong the halt to ensure passenger and crew safety. Air India announced on social media that affected passengers with valid tickets for travel up to May 25 will be offered a one-time waiver on rescheduling fees or full refunds, reflecting a customer-centric approach amid uncertainty.

 The suspension impacts approximately 1,500 weekly seats, disrupting vital connectivity between India and Israel, a corridor significant for trade and diaspora links. Passengers are advised to explore alternative routes via Middle Eastern hubs like Dubai or Istanbul, operated by carriers such as Emirates and Turkish Airlines, though these options add several hours to travel time.

 This move aligns with safety advisories from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation and follows similar temporary suspensions by other international airlines, including Lufthansa and British Airways, due to the volatile security situation around Tel Aviv. The Houthi missile attack, part of a broader campaign in support of Palestinians, has heightened aviation risks in the region, with Ben Gurion Airport facing intermittent threats.

 Operationally, Air India is reallocating its Airbus A320neo aircraft from the Tel Aviv route to other high-demand domestic and international sectors, helping to mitigate financial losses amid regional instability. The airline’s cautious extension of the suspension underscores its commitment to safety while preparing for a gradual market recovery once conditions stabilize.

 Passengers seeking assistance can contact Air India’s customer service or visit the airline’s website for updates and rebooking options. The situation remains fluid, and travelers are encouraged to monitor official channels closely.

 This comprehensive update reflects the latest developments on Air India’s Tel Aviv flight suspension due to security concerns following the missile strike near Ben Gurion Airport.

Vietnam Airlines has triumphantly resumed its direct flight service between Hanoi and Moscow on May 8, 2025, ending a three-year hiatus. The inaugural flight VN63 departed Noi Bai International Airport at 9:45 a.m. and landed at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport at 3:40 p.m. local time, carrying 254 passengers at full capacity. To celebrate this milestone, all passengers received commemorative gifts from the national flag carrier.

Initially, Vietnam Airlines will operate two weekly flights on Tuesdays and Thursdays using the modern Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, renowned for its Skytrax 4-star comfort on the nearly nine-hour journey. Starting July 2026, the airline plans to increase frequency to three flights per week to accommodate growing travel demand between Vietnam and Russia.

 
Russia remains a vital tourism market for Vietnam. In 2024, over 232,000 Russian visitors traveled to Vietnam-an 85% increase from the previous year. Early 2025 figures show a 204% surge in Russian tourists compared to 2024, underscoring the importance of this restored air link. The direct flights provide convenient access not only between Hanoi and Moscow but also onward connections across Southeast Asia and Europe. Favorable visa policies, such as Vietnam’s 45-day visa exemption for Russian citizens and Russia’s expedited electronic visa for Vietnamese nationals, are expected to further boost bilateral tourism and business exchanges in 2025.

 
Vietnam Airlines’ CEO Le Hong Ha highlighted that the relaunch of this route symbolizes a strengthened partnership and enhanced connectivity between the two nations. The airline, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025, is also restoring 15 international routes to key destinations including Italy, India, and the UAE, reflecting its commitment to expanding global reach.

 
This resumption marks a new chapter in Vietnam-Russia ties, making travel smoother and fostering deeper cultural and economic connections.