DGCA Puts SpiceJet Under Operational and Financial Microscope Amid Service Woes
Karnataka High Court Says Visa Extension ‘Not a Right’ in Nigerian Student Case
India Doubles Initial Validity of Environmental Clearances for Port Projects to 20 Years
Latest News
Delhi Airport Breaks into Global Top-30 Megahubs as International Connectivity Widens
Delhi IGI Airport has climbed to 28th on OAG’s 2026 Global Megahubs Index, reflecting a surge in one-stop international connections. New nonstop links to Manila and Taipei plus talks with Russian, Mongolian and African carriers will further broaden India-centric travel options. The ranking strengthens Delhi’s case as a viable alternative to Gulf hubs for business itineraries, cutting total journey times and costs.
India Tightens Airport Transit Security After Delhi Immigration Lapse
After a security lapse that let three Italians bypass Delhi departure-immigration, India has introduced extra document checks, CCTV oversight and a dual-signature clearance protocol at its hub airports. Air India suspended the staffer involved, and the home ministry has warned carriers of penalties for further breaches. Business travellers should expect longer connections until new biometric e-gates are deployed.
India Updates Overstay-Waiver Advisory for Foreigners Affected by West Asia Crisis
India has reissued an advisory confirming gratis visa extensions and overstay-penalty waivers for foreigners stuck in the country owing to West Asia flight disruptions. Companies employing affected nationals should liaise with FRROs and retain proof of cancelled flights to benefit from the waiver.
India Tightens Hub-and-Spoke Security After Immigration Lapse, Issues New SOPs to Airlines
Following a high-profile security lapse on 4 September, the Aviation Ministry has issued stringent new Standard Operating Procedures for hub-and-spoke flights. Airlines must confirm immigration clearance electronically before boarding, while airports will add secondary checks and real-time data sharing. Minimum connection times rise to 90 minutes, but the tighter rules pave the way for expanding the model to more Tier-II cities, ultimately improving regional business connectivity.
Dubai Disruptions Ground Multiple SpiceJet Flights, Stranding India-Bound Passengers
Congestion at Dubai caused significant delays and cancellations on 23 September, particularly hitting SpiceJet’s Dubai–India network. Affected business travellers face rescheduling costs and potential visa-overstay issues. The incident underscores the importance of flexible fare rules, real-time tracking and contingency planning for India-Gulf corporate itineraries.
UK updates India travel advisory, warns against travel within 10 km of Pakistan border
On 23 September the UK FCDO updated its India travel guidance, advising against all travel within 10 km of the Pakistan border and reminding visitors to keep visas in order. The change, prompted by security incidents, affects corporate duty-of-care planning and could lead to itinerary adjustments for northern India trips.
Karnataka High Court Says Visa Extension ‘No Vested Right’ in Landmark Leave-India Ruling
The Karnataka High Court has ruled that foreign nationals have no vested right to a visa extension once their document expires, dismissing a Nigerian student’s challenge to an FRRO ‘Leave India’ order. The case signals stricter enforcement and highlights the importance of timely renewal applications for expatriate staff and students.
US extends controversial US$100 000 H-1B entry fee to 2027, keeping pressure on Indian talent pipelines
A presidential proclamation has prolonged the US$100 000 entry fee on certain new H-1B visa holders until 21 September 2027. Because Indian nationals make up the bulk of new H-1B entrants, the move could raise assignment costs and complicate project timelines for Indian employers and US companies sourcing talent from India.
India to Pilot Digi Yatra for International Departures—Face-Based Boarding Could Eliminate Passport Checks
MoCA will pilot Digi Yatra for outbound international flights at five major airports from October–December 2026. Enrolled travellers will clear terminal entry, security and boarding through facial recognition instead of repeated passport checks, though immigration stamping remains. The move could slash processing times, benefiting business travellers and MNC mobility teams; companies should begin employee awareness and e-passport adoption now.
Delhi Airport Orders Extra Transfer Checks After Immigration Lapse Involving Italian Passengers
After three Italians inadvertently skipped emigration checks on a Amritsar–Delhi–Munich itinerary, Delhi airport has ordered manual verification of boarding-pass codes for all transfer passengers. Airlines may face longer transfer times and stricter limits on issuing onward boarding passes at spoke airports. Mobility teams should allow extra connection buffers and remind travellers to verify ‘I’/’D’ indicators.
Delhi airport tightens transfer checks after immigration lapse on Amritsar–Munich journey
After three passengers skirted departure immigration on a 4 Sept Amritsar–Delhi–Munich itinerary, Delhi airport has ordered manual boarding-pass checks at all domestic-to-international transfer points. The temporary measure aims to prevent repeat breaches while authorities develop barcode and data-sharing solutions.
Real-time data show US visa interview slots in India pushed into mid-2027 for many categories
Crowd-sourced data on 22 Sept show the first available US visa interviews in India stretching to mid-2027 for H-1B and other categories, underscoring persistent capacity constraints despite backlog-reduction drives. Companies should build the delays into project timelines and explore third-country options.