AAI Offers Incentives to Boost Overseas Flights

04 Jun 2025 CW Team

To strengthen international air connectivity, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has introduced a major incentive scheme across 13 airports, including Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The scheme aims to bridge the viability gap for airlines during their initial three years of operation—often the most financially challenging phase.

According to Port Blair Airport Director Devender Yadav, the scheme includes a 100 per cent waiver on User Development Fees (UDF)—currently Rs 709 per departing passenger—for the first year. This will reduce to 85 per cent in the second year and 65 per cent in the third. Based on a standard aircraft load of 180 passengers, the savings could reach Rs 12.8 million per flight, offering significant support to carriers.

Designated an international airport in April 2007, Port Blair saw its first scheduled international flight by AirAsia from Kuala Lumpur on 16 November 2024. However, services were discontinued on 10 April 2025 due to low passenger turnout, making operations unviable.

“The incentive scheme is a timely intervention and will significantly boost tourism in the Andaman archipelago,” said Yadav. He confirmed that Veer Savarkar Airport received the highest incentive package among the 13 airports listed.

“We have learnt valuable lessons from the earlier AirAsia operations. With this support and improved preparedness, we are now ready for sustainable international services and even planning for cargo operations,” he added. He also thanked the Union Territory administration for supporting the initiative and helping achieve this breakthrough.

Infrastructure Urban

09 Jan 2026

Mount Invests Rs 250 Cr, Adds PUF & PEB Plants, 400+ Jobs

TUMKUR, Karnataka, January 8, 2025 - Mount Roofing & Structures Private Limited, one of India's fastest-growing manufacturers in PUF and a leading solutions provider across Pre-Engineered Building (PEB) and Polycarbonate sheets, simultaneously inaugurated its second fully automated continuous Sandwich Panel manufacturing line and a new PEB manufacturing plant at its integrated campus in Tumkur." The milestone expansion, part of a total investment of INR 250 crores, marks a significant advancement in the company's commitment to engineered performance, manu..

Titan Intech Strengthens UltraLED Push With Global LED Veteran

Titan Intech has announced the induction of global LED industry veteran Su Piow Ko to its Board of Directors, marking a strategic step in strengthening its UltraLED Displays roadmap and building globally competitive LED display solutions from India.The appointment aligns with Titan Intech’s ambition to position India as a hub for advanced, high-quality LED display manufacturing. With an increased focus on UltraLED Displays, the company aims to enhance technical governance, raise manufacturing standards and expand its presence across global markets.Su Piow Ko brings over three decades of inte..

Dun & Bradstreet Flags New Growth Engines in India 2026 Outlook

Dun & Bradstreet has released its India 2026: D&B’s Perspective report, projecting a stable macroeconomic environment underpinned by fresh opportunities for productivity-led and inclusive growth. The report outlines how India’s next growth phase will be driven by digitised logistics, trusted data ecosystems, clean energy and rising city vitality.According to the outlook, India’s GDP growth is expected to reach around 6.6 per cent by FY2027, supported by resilient consumer demand and sustained public investment. Manufacturing is seen entering a new phase, moving beyond scale towar..