India–New Zealand FTA launches visa quotas, working-holiday scheme for Indians
India-New Zealand FTA Creates 5,000-Slot Temporary Work-Visa Pathway For Indian Professionals
India–New Zealand FTA Takes Effect, Unlocks 5,000-Quota Work Visa Pathway for Indian Professionals
Latest News
Indian Carriers Extend Saudi Arabia Flight Suspensions To 24 October Amid Riyadh Security Alert
Air India Express, IndiGo, Air India and Akasa Air have all pushed their suspension of flights to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam out to at least 24 October 2026 following security incidents near Riyadh airport. The extension forces Indian business travellers to re-route via third-country hubs, increasing costs and complicating duty-of-care obligations. Mobility teams should verify bookings daily, examine travel-insurance clauses and prepare alternate staffing plans for Gulf assignments. ([blog.wego.com](https://blog.wego.com/air-india-express-flight-status-2026/))
Pakistan Prolongs Airspace Ban on Indian Aircraft to 24 November, Raising Costs for Indian Carriers
Islamabad has prolonged its ban on Indian-registered or Indian-operated aircraft until 24 November 2026, forcing Indian carriers to keep flying hour-long detours. The closure, first imposed in April 2025, is inflating fuel costs, reducing aircraft utilisation and lengthening passenger journeys, with Air India alone projecting a US$455 million annual hit. Mobility and travel managers should expect higher fares, longer flight times and possible schedule disruptions on Europe- and US-bound itineraries.
Global Carriers—Including Air India—Extend Saudi Arabia Flight Cancellations After Riyadh Airport Attack
Reuters reports dated 20 October confirm that Air India, Air India Express and multiple global airlines have lengthened their Saudi flight suspensions following the drone attack on Riyadh airport. The move cuts India–Saudi seat capacity by roughly two-thirds, disrupting business travel and expatriate movements and prompting carriers to waive change fees or issue refunds. Corporate mobility teams should budget for rerouting costs and monitor potential war-risk surcharges.
NRIs & OCI cardholders can now pay into India’s NPS from NRO accounts
A 20 October 2026 clarification confirms that RBI’s FEMA 395(4)/2026-RB amendment lets NRIs and OCI cardholders pay National Pension System contributions from their NRO rupee accounts. The step cuts transfer costs, simplifies compliance and strengthens India-centric retirement planning for expatriates and returning professionals.
Mumbai airport tells airlines: shift traffic to Navi Mumbai or face slot cuts during rebuild
Facing a capacity-crunch rebuild, Mumbai’s airport operator has told airlines they may relocate flights to the forthcoming Navi Mumbai airport or accept curtailed slots from 2027 to 2030. Airlines are pushing back, warning of operational chaos—an early alert for corporate travel planners.
Five-Hour Runway Closure at Thiruvananthapuram Airport Completed for Temple Procession
Flights at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport were halted from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on 20 October to let the traditional Padmanabhaswamy Temple ‘Arattu’ procession cross the runway. Sixty-seven flights were rescheduled or cancelled, but operations normalised shortly after 9 p.m. The event underscores how local religious traditions can affect business travel and provides a real-world test of the airport’s new A-CDM coordination system.
Bombay High Court Fast-Tracks Hearing On ‘Leave India’ Notice Issued To OCI-Holder Actor Imran Khan
The Bombay High Court will hear on 26 October 2026 actor Imran Khan’s plea to quash a Foreigners Regional Registration Office order that he leave India by 28 October for alleged political-activity violations. The case tests due-process safeguards for OCI card-holders and signals tougher enforcement of the Immigration & Foreigners Act, 2025. Companies employing expatriates should review policies on political participation and ensure staff understand India’s restrictions. ([indianexpress.com](https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/imran-khan-news-leave-india-notice-bombay-high-court-plea-hearing-october-26-10927709/))
UDAN turns ten; Modified scheme gets ₹28,840 crore to deepen India’s regional air grid
A decade after launch, UDAN has linked 95 smaller aerodromes and 687 routes; the government has approved a ₹28,840 crore Modified UDAN that will run until 2036, using competitive bids to expand India’s regional aviation network further.
Bombay High Court to review FRRO ‘Leave India’ order against actor Imran Khan
The Bombay High Court has listed for 26 October a petition by actor and OCI cardholder Imran Khan challenging an FRRO ‘Leave India’ notice issued on 14 October. The outcome could clarify how much due-process protection OCI holders enjoy and will be closely watched by employers of foreign nationals in India.
Centre weighs PPP privatisation of Chennai & Kolkata airports to boost capacity
Government sources say Chennai and Kolkata airports may be offered to private operators under a PPP concession, echoing earlier Delhi- and Mumbai-style privatisations. The plan aims to attract private investment for terminal upgrades and capacity expansion at two key gateways for international business travel.
Thiruvananthapuram airport closes runway for five hours to let temple procession pass
Thiruvananthapuram airport halted flights for five hours on 20 October to accommodate a temple procession that crosses the runway twice a year. The planned closure caused schedule changes, highlighting the importance of monitoring cultural NOTAMs when routing travellers through regional Indian airports.
Embassy of India – Manila reminds OCI card-holders to update passport details before travelling to India
• 19 Oct advisory from the Indian Embassy in Manila warns that airlines are denying boarding if the OCI portal still shows an old passport number. • Card-holders must upload new-passport details online every time a passport is reissued (until age 20 and once after 50) under the July 2026 e-OCI rules. • Mobility teams should add the passport-update check to pre-trip workflows and allow up to 7-14 days for processing to avoid last-minute travel disruptions.
Bombay High Court to review ‘Leave India’ notice against US citizen Imran Khan, highlighting Foreigners Act powers
• 19 Oct: Bombay High Court will hear US citizen Imran Khan’s challenge to a Mumbai Police ‘Leave India’ notice invoking the Foreigners Act. • Outcome could set precedent on how much due process is required before expelling a foreign national and whether OCI status offers any protection. • Mobility teams should follow the case and brief expatriates on heightened scrutiny of participation in public demonstrations.
Festive-season weather advisory helps Indian holiday-makers avoid rain-soaked routes between 19–24 October
• 19 Oct Economic Times forecast details rain-affected and dry destinations for the 19–24 Oct holiday window. • Clear skies expected in north-west tourist hubs; heavy rain likely in Pondicherry, coastal Karnataka, Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu. • Businesses should build weather buffers, check airline waivers and brief travelling staff on possible road and flight delays.