Flight Buzz
Air India suspends flights between New Delhi and Washington D.C.
British national used emergency exit before Air India plane crashed
Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national, appears to be the only survivor of Air India flight 171, which crashed with 242 people aboard.
Air India is suspending services between New Delhi and Washington, D.C., starting on Sept. 1 due to aircraft shortages stemming from upgrades to its Boeing fleet and the ongoing ban on Indian carriers in Pakistan’s airspace.
The company announced on Aug. 11 that the suspension is “due to a combination of operational factors, to ensure the reliability and integrity of Air India’s overall route network.”
“The suspension is primarily driven by the planned shortfall in Air India’s fleet, as the airline commenced retrofitting 26 of its Boeing 787-8 aircraft last month,” the company said in a news release, adding this “extensive retrofit program, aimed at significantly enhancing customer experience,” will result in unavailability of multiple aircrafts until at least end of 2026.
Ban on Indian carriers in Pakistan’s airspace
In addition to its fleet upgrade, the closure of airspace over Pakistan “impacts the airline’s long-haul operations, leading to longer flight routings and increased operational complexity,” the news release said. The airspace ban is estimated to cost Air India about $600 million over 12 months, Reuters reported.India and Pakistan closed their airspaces to each other days after relations nosedived following a fatal attack on civilians in Indian Kashmir in April. New Delhi has blamed Islamabad for the attack, which Islamabad denies.
Options for Air India customers
While there will no direct flights between the two capitals, Air India customers will have the option to choose flights to Washington, D.C., with layovers in New York, Newark, Chicago and San Francisco with the airline’s partners Alaska Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, “allowing customers to travel on a single itinerary with their baggage checked through to the final destination,” the news release said.
The airline will also continue to “operate non-stop flights between India and six destinations in North America, including Toronto and Vancouver in Canada.”
Customers booked on flights to or from Washington, D.C. beyond September 1 will be contacted by the airline and offered alternative travel arrangements, including rebooking on other flights or full refunds, as per their individual preferences, the airline said.
Air India woes
The suspension also comes as Air India faces heightened regulatory scrutiny after a June crash of one of its Boeing planes in Ahmedabad killed 260 people.
Meanwhile, passengers on a recent Air India flight from San Francisco to Mumbai via Kolkata encountered some unwelcome visitors early this month.
“On flight AI180 from San Francisco to Mumbai via Kolkata, two passengers were unfortunately bothered by the presence of a few small cockroaches on board,” a spokesperson for the airline previously told USA TODAY in a statement Aug. 5. They notified a crew member who relocated them to different seats, where they were “comfortable thereafter,” the airline continued.
During the scheduled fuel stop at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, the aircraft was deep cleaned by the ground crew to address the issue, and continued its journey to Mumbai as scheduled.
“Despite our regular fumigation efforts, insects can sometimes enter an aircraft during ground operations,” the airline added. “Air India will be undertaking a comprehensive investigation to determine the source and the cause of this incident and implement measures to prevent recurrence. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused to the passengers.”
Contributing: Reuters / Joey Garrison, Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
Flight Buzz
Mumbai To Phuket Daily Direct Flights Launching From September 20 2025 – urbanacres.in
Flight Buzz
Flight attendants could serve notice tomorrow

MONTREAL — The union representing around 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants could signal its intent to strike if a deal isn’t reached by the end of today.
The earliest that flight attendants could potentially walk off the job is Saturday at 12:01 a.m. ET.
Since the union must provide 72-hours notice if it plans to strike, that means it could declare its plans for a work stoppage by Wednesday at 12:01 a.m. ET.
Air Canada said yesterday it “remains at the bargaining table and is focused on achieving a negotiated settlement” without any disruption to travel.
Flights are continuing to operate as scheduled, but the airline says that if there are disruptions, it will notify customers via email and text message in advance of their travel.
For passengers whose itineraries change mid-journey, Air Canada says it will explore all options to keep them travelling, including rebooking with other airlines.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 12, 2025.
Flight Buzz
India and Thailand Strengthen Travel Ties with Akasa Air’s New Daily Non-Stop Flights from Mumbai to Phuket Starting This September

Published on
August 12, 2025 |
Akasa Air will be enhancing the travel bonds between India and Thailand with the introduction of its third daily non-stop flights from Mumbai to Phuket, starting 20 September. The new service provides a direct and non-stop travel option for Indian travellers from India to the idyllic island of Phuket, which is rich in natural beauty with magnificent beaches and abundant natural resources. These flights are a step towards further strengthening the network between India and Southeast Asia ensuring greater convenience when traveling for both business and leisure passengers travelling between these two countries- one of the most in demand aviation markets.
Akasa Air, one of the newest low-cost carriers in India, is expanding its international network starting December with daily direct flights to Phuket from Mumbai. Non-stop direct flights between the two popular destinations will be available to customers of the airline from September 20th, 2025. For Akasa, this route is an important development as the airline ventures to Southeast Asia, its sixth international destination.
Bookings for the new service are now live through airline’s website, mobile apps and from all major Online Travel Agencies. Initially, the service will cater for leisure and business travelers; it should provide greater flexibility and convenience in Thailand since Phuket is ideal place to visit or connect through for a holiday while passengers can return home faster and more convenient if come to Thailand on a business trip.
Why Phuket?
Phuket, the biggest island in Thailand, is a renowned international destination, celebrated for its stunning coastlines, lively entertainment scene, and deep-rooted cultural heritage. The island has long been a favorite among travelers from India, and its popularity continues to grow as more Indian tourists seek affordable and convenient ways to explore Southeast Asia.
Phuket’s status as a popular tourist and trade center, combined with its established connections to other major Southeast Asian and global destinations, makes it an ideal addition to Akasa Air’s expanding network. As part of its strategy to offer affordable connectivity, the airline is leveraging this strong demand by providing direct, non-stop flights, which are expected to cater to the growing market of Indian travelers seeking affordable holiday options in Thailand.
Flight Details and Schedule
Akasa Air will offer daily non-stop flights from Mumbai (BOM) to Phuket (HKT), featuring two convenient departure times for added flexibility. The airline’s flights will offer both morning and evening options for travelers, ensuring a flexible schedule for both outbound and inbound journeys.
The detailed flight schedule is as follows:
Flight Number | From | Departure Time | To | Arrival Time | Operating Days | Type | Start Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
QP 0618 | Mumbai | 07:45 hrs | Phuket | 14:35 hrs | Daily | Non-stop | 20 September 2025 |
QP 0619 | Phuket | 15:35 hrs | Mumbai | 19:15 hrs | Daily | Non-stop | 20 September 2025 |
As shown in the table above, Flight QP 0618 departs Mumbai at 07:45 AM and arrives in Phuket at 14:35 PM (local time). The return flight, Flight QP 0619, departs from Phuket at 15:35 PM and lands in Mumbai at 19:15 PM. The daily, non-stop service offers travelers the flexibility to plan their trips according to their schedules.
Akasa Air’s Continued Expansion
Akasa Air, which began its international operations in 2024, has quickly expanded its reach beyond India’s borders. The airline’s first international routes were launched to destinations including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait. With the introduction of the Phuket route, Akasa is now reaching further into Southeast Asia, signaling its growing commitment to providing affordable, high-quality connectivity for Indian travelers.
This new route is especially significant as it marks Akasa’s first international service to Southeast Asia, highlighting the airline’s ambitions to expand its global network and cater to an increasing demand for affordable international flights. The airline has demonstrated consistent growth by adding international routes while maintaining a focus on offering budget-friendly travel options.
What This Means for Travelers
For Indian travelers, Akasa Air’s new Mumbai to Phuket flights offer a direct, affordable route to one of Southeast Asia’s most sought-after vacation spots. Whether travelers are looking to relax on the island’s stunning beaches, explore its vibrant nightlife, or immerse themselves in its cultural offerings, the new Akasa Air service will make the journey easier and more accessible than ever.
Moreover, Akasa Air’s commitment to maintaining competitive pricing ensures that these flights remain affordable for a broad spectrum of travelers. By connecting India to a growing array of international destinations, the airline is helping to meet the increasing demand for international travel options while promoting tourism in both India and Southeast Asia.
With both morning and evening flight options, travelers can select a time that best suits their schedules, offering greater flexibility for business trips, vacations, or connecting flights to other destinations in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Akasa’s Growing International Network
Phuket marks the sixth international destination for Akasa Air, further solidifying the airline’s position in the international aviation market. Currently, Akasa Air operates flights to Doha (Qatar), Jeddah and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Abu Dhabi (UAE), Kuwait City (Kuwait), and now Phuket (Thailand).
The airline’s rapid expansion into these diverse regions demonstrates its commitment to connecting Indian travelers with key international destinations. This growth is in line with Akasa Air’s strategic vision of offering affordable international connectivity for the Indian market, thereby contributing to the increase in international tourism and trade links for India.
The airline’s ability to offer such connectivity comes in part from its innovative approach to budget air travel, which includes modern aircraft, efficient operations, and a focus on customer satisfaction. As a result, Akasa Air has been able to successfully capture the attention of price-conscious travelers without compromising on quality or service.
The Future of Akasa Air’s International Growth
As Akasa Air broadens its global network, it is strategically positioned to meet the increasing demand for travel between India and Southeast Asia. The addition of Phuket to its network is only the beginning, as Akasa Air has already hinted at further international destinations in the near future.
For now, the airline is focusing on strengthening its presence in key regions while continuing to offer affordable, non-stop services to its growing list of destinations. With its commitment to maintaining budget-friendly fares and expanding its network, Akasa Air is poised to play a pivotal role in the future of affordable air travel for Indian and international travelers alike.
Key Takeaways
- Akasa Air will begin operating daily non-stop flights from Mumbai to Phuket, starting on September 20 of this year.
- The new service marks Akasa’s entry into Southeast Asia, expanding its international network to six destinations.
- Phuket, a popular destination for Indian travelers, is now easily accessible via Akasa Air’s non-stop flights.
- The airline is committed to providing affordable connectivity for both leisure and business travelers, maintaining its competitive pricing and service standards.
- Bookings for the new route are available through Akasa’s official website, mobile apps, and major online travel agencies.
As Akasa Air continues to expand, it is clear that the airline’s focus on connecting Indian travelers to key international hubs, coupled with its commitment to affordability, will make it a significant player in the aviation market. Whether you’re planning a relaxing beach holiday or a business trip to Phuket, Akasa Air’s new service offers a convenient and cost-effective option for travelers.
Akasa Air is announcing the launch of daily non-stop connections from Mumbai to Phuket on September 20 th, thereby strengthening the travel and economic ties between India and Thailand. Akasa Air is introducing this service to meet the expanding direct, low-cost flight requirements between India and Southeast Asia, which will significantly improve the convenience of travel to Phuket for both business and leisure.
The commencement of Mumbai to Phuket flights serves as a major development in Akasa Air’s international expansion. Intended to gradually increase over time, this will result in up to 17 direct flights per week before the introduction of daily flights from September 20th of 2025 providing travelers insight on how they can now visit Thailand´s top island destination cheaply and quickly. With the airline expanding its global reach, travelers can look forward to even more cheap and cheerful fun exploring worldwide destinations.
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