Airbus to open helicopter assembly line in India 

The logo of Airbus is seen at the Milipol Paris, the worldwide exhibition dedicated to homeland security and safety, in Villepinte near Paris, France, on November 15, 2023. (REUTERS/File)
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Updated 26 January 2024
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Airbus to open helicopter assembly line in India 

  • The deal was announced during two-day visit to India by French President Emmanuel Macron 
  • Airbus said the facility would be the first such operation to be run by a private group in India 

PARIS: Airbus will build a helicopter assembly line in India with Indian conglomerate Tata, the European aircraft manufacturer said Friday. 

The deal was announced during a two-day visit to India by French President Emmanuel Macron. 

Airbus said the facility — which will take two years to set up — would be the first such operation to be run by a private group in India. 

It will assemble and test the major components of the H125 Ecureuil helicopter, and deliver the helicopter to customers in India and neighboring countries. 

Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury said making the helicopter in India would “unlock the true potential of the helicopter market in the country.” 

The H125 is a light civilian helicopter which can transport up to six people. 

In 2021, Airbus decided to set up an assembly line for C295 military transport aircraft in the western Indian state of Gujurat, also together with Tata. 

Macron has pushed for greater French involvement in the Asia-Pacific at a time when Washington and its Western allies are courting India as a military and economic counterweight to China. 


Major airlines suspend, reroute flights amid US-Israel strikes on Iran

Updated 35 min 4 sec ago
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Major airlines suspend, reroute flights amid US-Israel strikes on Iran

  • Saudia says decision taken in line with aviation safety and security standards
  • Emirates said it temporarily suspended it's operations out of Dubai

RIYADH: Major international airlines across the Middle East and South Asia have suspended, canceled or rerouted flights following ongoing US-Israel attacks on Iran and the resulting airspace closures, according to official statements issued via X.

Saudia said in an official statement that it had canceled a number of flights due to developments in the region and the closure of airspace.

The airline said the decision was taken in line with aviation safety and security standards, noting that its Emergency Coordination Center is closely monitoring developments with relevant authorities.

Saudia urged passengers to verify the status of their flights before heading to the airport and said guests would be notified of updates through the contact details associated with their bookings.

The carrier added that further information would be announced in a subsequent statement if available.

Air Arabia said its flights were experiencing cancellations, delays or rerouting as a result of the evolving situation and airspace closures.

The airline advised passengers to check the status of their flights before traveling to the airport by visiting its website or contacting its call center.

Customers booked on affected flights will be notified directly, the airline said, adding that further updates would be provided as the situation develops.

Air India announced a broader suspension, stating that “in view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended.”

The airline said it remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety for passengers and crew and will continue to assess the safety and security environment for flight operations, adjusting services proactively as required.

Air India said its teams would extend necessary support to passengers and advised customers to check flight status online or contact its 24/7 call center for assistance.  

All flight operations at Dubai International and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International are suspended until further notice, according to a post by Dubai Media Office on X.

Dubai-based Emirates reported that regional airspace closures had caused disruption to several of its flights and that the airline had temporarily suspended its operations from its hub Dubai.

The airline said it is actively monitoring the situation, engaging with relevant authorities and adjusting operations in line with the latest developments. 

The carrier apologized to affected customers and said it is assisting them with rebooking, refunds or alternative travel arrangements, reiterating that the safety and security of passengers and crew remain its highest priority.  

Qatar Airways confirmed a temporary suspension of flights to and from Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace.

The airline said it is working closely with government stakeholders and relevant authorities to support impacted passengers and will resume operations once the airspace reopens.

It warned that delays are anticipated when usual operations resume and said additional ground staff have been deployed at Hamad International Airport and other key airports to assist passengers.  

Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported that British Airways had canceled flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain, adding to the list of carriers adjusting operations.

Across their statements, airlines consistently cited airspace closures and safety considerations as the primary reasons for suspensions and disruptions, while urging passengers to monitor official channels for updates as the situation continues to evolve.