India Extends IVFRT Digital Immigration & Visa Scheme to 2031
India clears ₹1,800-crore upgrade of IVFRT immigration & visa platform
IATA pushes Mumbai airport to defer shifting 265 weekly international flights to Navi Mumbai
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Government Defers Plan to Move 33 % of Mumbai’s International Flights to Navi Mumbai
India’s Civil Aviation Ministry has ordered a temporary halt to the plan that would have forced one-third of Mumbai’s international flights to shift to the new Navi Mumbai airport later this month. The pause removes immediate itinerary risks for business travellers but a phased relocation is still on the table.
Indian Airlines Seek Tax Relief as West Asia Conflict Drives Up Fuel and Rerouting Costs
Indian carriers have asked the government to cut fuel taxes and airport levies after Middle-East airspace closures drove fuel burn and costs sharply higher. Without relief, airlines warn of capacity cuts that could raise fares and disrupt corporate travel.
Air India to Boost Sydney–Delhi Service to 11 Weekly Flights
From 5 December, Air India will lift Sydney–Delhi flights from 7 to 11 per week and deploy larger Boeing 777-300ERs, adding 170,000 annual seats and giving business travellers more same-day connection options to Europe and the UK.
UK Issues Same-Day Update to India Travel Advice, Adds New Permit & Health Rules
The UK FCDO’s 7 October update to its India travel advice adds mandatory ‘access permits’ for select regions, warns of student-visa scams and highlights India’s new digital e-OCI card requirement. Companies must relay the changes swiftly because travel-insurance cover can lapse if employees ignore FCDO guidance.
Air India and Singapore Airlines Unlock Seamless Booking on 126 Weekly Flights
Effective 15 October 2026, Air India and Singapore Airlines will allow travellers to book any of their 126 weekly India–Singapore flights on either carrier’s sales channels and will roll out aligned elite-tier benefits, streamlining corporate contracting and improving passenger experience.
Government Halts Plan to Shift Mumbai International Flights to Navi Mumbai Airport
India’s aviation ministry has pressed pause on Adani Airports’ plan to move a third of Mumbai’s international flights to Navi Mumbai, citing airline concerns over connectivity and cost. All foreign services will continue at the existing airport pending a new transition roadmap.
Indian Missions Push Digital e-OCI Card as Physical Booklets Set to Be Optional
The High Commission of India in Nairobi has joined other missions in urging Overseas Citizens of India to switch to the new e-OCI digital card. From January 2027 the QR-coded document will be the preferred proof of status at airlines and Indian immigration, streamlining travel for millions of diaspora professionals.
West Asia Crisis Re-Routes Indian Flyers Toward Asia-Pacific, Delhi Airport Data Shows
Delhi airport’s latest figures show passenger flows swinging sharply from the Middle East and North America toward the Asia-Pacific region as airlines reroute around the West Asia conflict. The trend could reshape corporate travel budgets and prompt new bilateral-air-service negotiations.
Calcutta HC Backs Immigration Ban on Bangladeshi Spouse Over Fraudulent Indian Papers
Calcutta High Court has ruled that immigration officers lawfully barred a Bangladeshi national—spouse of an Indian citizen—from entering India because she had secured Indian voter and PAN cards fraudulently. The verdict highlights India’s zero-tolerance approach to document fraud and the discretionary power of border officials.
India and Switzerland sign Migration & Mobility Partnership, launch Young Professionals Exchange
New Delhi and Bern have signed a Migration and Mobility Partnership and a Young Professionals Exchange Scheme that introduce five-year multiple-entry visas and 12-month trainee permits for up to 300 Indians and Swiss each year. The deal provides corporates with a clearer legal route for intra-company transfers while underpinning the wider India–EFTA trade pact. HR and mobility teams should monitor forthcoming implementing regulations on quotas and compliance.
IndiGo to raise fuel surcharge from 6 October as jet-fuel prices climb
From 6 October 2026 IndiGo will add up to ₹1,300 on domestic and up to ₹10,000 on certain international tickets to offset a 14 % rise in jet-fuel prices. The move, likely to be mirrored by competitors, could push corporate travel costs up by almost 10 % during the busy Q4 season and has reignited debate on bringing ATF under India’s GST regime.
Delhi High Court rules valid visa does not guarantee entry into India
The Delhi High Court has confirmed that immigration officers may deny entry to India even when a traveller holds a valid visa, ruling that entry is a matter of sovereign discretion under the Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025. The case reinforces the need for companies to conduct thorough pre-travel checks and to align visit patterns with the appropriate visa class.
Delhi’s IGI Airport unveils plan to boost international capacity by 50 % with new Pier E
Delhi International Airport will add a new ₹2,000-crore Pier E to Terminal 3, lifting international capacity by more than 50 % by 2030 and introducing advanced e-gates and air-side transfer buses. The expansion promises shorter queues for business travellers and strengthens Delhi’s role as India’s main long-haul hub, although temporary construction disruption is expected.
Uttar Pradesh passport offices launch ‘Passport First, Opportunities Next’ outreach drive
Lucknow’s Regional Passport Office will hold a one-day special drive on 10 October to clear a backlog of first-time passport applications from students and young professionals. Extra slots across four Uttar Pradesh cities could process 6,000 additional passports, helping prospective overseas students and employers avoid documentation delays.