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Walsh must repair IndiGo's reputation before driving global expansion
Willie Walsh's appointment as IndiGo CEO is expected to boost the Indian carrier's global expansion, but first the former British Airways chief must repair the airline’s damaged reputation. Walsh's Tuesday appointment as India's largest airline, which controls about 65% domestic flights, stunned the industry. This was after months of negative media and regulatory pressure following the cancellation of thousands of flights by the airline in December because of inadequate planning of pilot rest and duty regulations. IndiGo has entrusted the head of the International Air Transport Association to lead the airline after the worst crisis it has experienced in two decades. Walsh, who will take over in August, must address the operational mismanagement that led to regulatory warnings. Rajan Mehra said that repairing IndiGo's image won't be done overnight. "Given how they failed in December," he added. "But he's an experienced hand. He should be able?to do it." Walsh, 64 years old, described the airline industry as "a fight for survival". In his first role as CEO at Ireland's Aer Lingus, Walsh was known for clashing with unions while cutting costs. Joshua Ng of Alton Aviation Consultancy, a director, stated that he had overseen the transition from a short- and medium haul airline to a long-haul carrier. This experience will be very valuable for IndiGo. Analysts have said that IndiGo's decision to appoint Walsh shows its commitment to global expansion and strategic alliances. IndiGo's shares rose 6% on the day following the announcement. It had gained 11% in the previous year, but lost 22% so far this year. Walsh, who is also the CEO of BA's parent company International Airlines Group, will end his IATA tenure on July 31, and IndiGo anticipates that he will assume his new position by August 3. Email requests for comment were not answered by either IndiGo or Walsh. PAKISTAN AEROSCAPE BAN Walsh's job will include navigating the fallout from the animosity between India and Pakistan, as well as Israel's and the U.S. war against Iran. Pakistan barred Indian airlines from its airspace last year after India fired missiles at what ?it called terrorists in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Indian airlines have been forced to divert flights to western destinations due to the ban, which has increased flight times and costs. The war in the Middle East has caused fuel prices to soar, complicating international expansion. In a client note, Jefferies analysts said that Walsh's "leadership of a multibrand airline group" could improve IndiGo's position in terms of partnerships, negotiations and policy engagement, as IndiGo builds a larger international footprint. IndiGo, under the previous CEO Pieter Elbers cemented its domestic leadership and expanded into other regions in Europe, placing orders for 60 Airbus Widebody aircraft as well as many long-range single aisle?jets. Kapil Kaul is the CEO of aviation consultancy CAPA India. He said that as IndiGo expands its international reach, it will need a new product and operational model. It may also require more senior executives to work under Walsh. IndiGo now flies to over 40 international destinations (up from 25 in 2022), and has about 440 aircraft. The airline expects to have its first Airbus A350 by 2028, one year later than originally planned.
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Parents desperate to keep their children away from social media ahead of Greek ban
Georgia Efstathiou, a Greek mother, has done everything she can to break the grip social media has over her son. She has had heart-to-heart conversations with him; he has been given internet-free days; and his phone has been confiscated. As she struggles to resist the lure of her son's screen, with its videos and messages, arguments flare up. Efstathiou could finally get the help she so desperately needs. The Greek government will likely announce in the next few days a ban on social media for children younger than 15. They'll join the ranks of other nations that are trying to protect young children against addiction and online abuse. We've reached our limits... We parents need help," said Efstathiou,?43, holding her son's mobile phone in her living room in Athens. We've reached the limit... We need help as parents," said Efstathiou (?43), holding her son's phone in her Athens living room. Efstathiou's not alone. A February poll conducted by ALCO showed that?80% of respondents approved of the ban. The government of Prime Minister KyriakosMitsotakis has already banned mobile phones from schools and established parental control platforms in order to limit teenagers' screen-time. The government declined to comment on whether or not the ban will be implemented, as well as when. Sources said that a formal announcement was pending. Mitsotakis said to a Greek Australian newspaper last month that Greece would move "in the same direction as Australia", where social networking companies were told to ban users under 16 in December or face fines. Worries of addiction and bullying are everywhere. As in other countries, Greece is facing a reckoning over social media platforms such as Meta's Instagram or TikTok, and online gaming platforms. George Kormas, the manager of the Greek Safer Internet Centre, in Athens said that between 2024-2025, the number of calls to the helpline, which provides support to children who have been victims to cyberbullying, more than doubled. Blackmailing minors, misinformation and hate speech are also complaints. According to data from the Helpline, 75% children in Greece who use social media are primary school age. He said, "This is undoubtedly worrying to us because they can't handle social media and protect themselves." Athanasios theocharis is the head of the National Organization for the Prevention and Treatment of Addictions. He said that 48% of teens have felt the negative effects of social media. He said that the ban could provide "a significant level of protection". KIDS CAN NOT IMAGINE LIFE WITHOUT SOCIAL MEDIA Parents who spoke expressed their fear that they have lost control over what their children are doing online, or were worried that the kids would find a way to circumvent the ban. Some people prefer that the government does not intervene at all. Dimitris said, "I would prefer to limit mobile phone usage within the family." "Where that is not possible, a complete ban may be the only option." Catherine, his 14-year old daughter, says that most teenagers of her age haven't known a life without social media. She told her father, "It's the way we have learned ever since we were children," before playing basketball near the Acropolis. "I'm able to control it, but I tend to get carried away." (Reporting and editing by Edward McAllister, Lincoln Feast and Louisa Gouliamaki from Athens. Additional reporting by Deborah Kyvrikosaios in Athens.
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Ukraine grain exports to ports rose 9% in March according to a state-owned company
The weather was a factor in the increase of grain deliveries from Ukraine to Black Sea ports for export. Ukraine is one of the world's largest grain producers and exporters. More than 90% of Ukraine's grain exports are shipped by rail to Black Sea port. Ukraine's export revenues are largely derived from agricultural exports. Ukrzaliznytsia reported in a report?that?2.74 metric tons?of grain was delivered to ports during March. It added that grain deliveries to ports increased by 5.7% in the first quarter 2026, to 7.7 millions tons compared to the same period of 2025. Last month, the company reported that Ukraine's grain shipments to ports increased by 5.5% year-on-year in February to 2.3 metric tons. As of April 1, data from Ukraine's economy ministry revealed that the country had exported 26.1 millions tons?of different grains? so far in the 2025/26 season July to June. As of April 1, data from Ukraine's?economy ministry showed that the country exported 26.1 million tons?of various grains?so far in?the 2025/26 July to June season.
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Air France-KLM offers to buy a minority stake in Portugal’s TAP airline
The franco-dutch airline group, 'Air France-KLM' announced a non-binding bid to purchase a minority stake of TAP Air Portugal as the Portuguese Government moves forward with its plans to privatise their 'flag carrier. Air France-KLM was the first of three European airline groups that bid on a stake in TAP as Lisbon looks to sell as much as 49.9%. British Airways' owner IAG, and Germany's Lufthansa also expressed interest in participating in the privatisation of the airline. "Our aim is to'strengthen operations in Lisbon and 'develop connectivity in other cities throughout the country, including Porto. Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM, said that he was looking forward to the next steps in the privatization process. (Reporting and editing by Louise Heavens, Milla Nissi Prussak, and Gianluca Nostro)
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Kazmunaygaz says new mooring unit for CPC delivered, IFX reports
Interfax reported that Kazakhstan's state-owned energy company, Kazmunaygaz, has delivered a "new single point mooring" (SPM) for the consortium terminal of the Caspian Pipeline in the Black Sea. For offshore tanker loading, three SPMs are used. These floating buoys are located approximately 5 km (3 miles) from the Yuzhnaya Ozereevka CPC Terminal near the Russian port of Novorossiysk. Two are usually active with one acting as a backup. SPM-2 is still offline after sustaining?significant damage in an attack that occurred late November. CPC will replace mooring. CPC is responsible for about 80% Kazakhstan's oil imports. Its 'operations' have been interrupted at different points during the 'war in Ukraine, by Ukrainian attacks on?pumping station in Russia and drone strikes near its loading terminal near Novorossiysk along Russian Black Sea coast. The terminal is responsible for 80% of Kazakhstan's crude oil exports and 1.5% of the global oil supply. (Reporting and writing by Ksenia orlova, Maxim Rodionov, Editing by Emelia sithole-Matarise).
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Uganda's budget forecasts for 2026/27 will increase by 16% annually
The finance ministry announced that Uganda will spend $84.3 trillion (22.65 billion dollars) during the fiscal year 2026/27, which runs from July to June. This is an increase of 16% compared to the?72.4 trillion ($22.65) shillings spent in the previous fiscal year. The new estimate is 7.8% higher than the previous estimate for 2026/27 and will prioritize projects in the transportation sector, the Finance Ministry said?on X on late Wednesday night after Henry Musasizi presented the proposed budget for parliamentary?scrutiny? and approval. The Ministry did not provide a reason as to why the funding was increased, but said that the top projects in this period were the expansion of the Standard Gauge Railways (SGR), the planned 95-kilometre Expressway linking the capital with Jinja City in the East and the extension of power into industrial parks. The expressway, estimated at $1 billion, is part of the Northern Corridor, an East African transport corridor connecting Kenya's coastline to a vast hinterland, including Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. Uganda is developing a 272 km (169 mile) rail line, worth 2.7 billion euros ($3.1 billion), that will connect with Kenya's SGR. This will help lower the cost of shipping a country's products via the Indian Ocean port of Mombasa.
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Malaysia Airlines reports higher earnings by 2025, but Middle East conflict clouds the outlook
Malaysia Aviation Group (the 'operator of Malaysia Airlines) reported higher profits in 2025, but warned on Thursday that the market volatility caused by the conflict in Middle East could affect its performance this year. The Iran War, which has lasted for a month, has caused a global aviation shake-up. A sharp rise in jet fuel prices prompted airlines to raise fares and reduce?capacity. MAG, which is owned by Malaysian sovereign fund Khazanah Nasional reported a 'net profit after tax and interest of 137 million ringgit (US$34.08million) for 2025 compared to a '54 million ringgit ayear earlier. The revenue of the company?in 2025 will increase by?6%, to 14.5 billion Ringgit. MAG President and Group Chief Executive Officer Nasaruddin Bakar said that geopolitical uncertainty continues to affect supply chains and cost structures. However, travel demand remains strong, especially from India and China, as well as on routes to Australia and New Zealand. He said, "Fuel is so volatile. But we're prepared and will make sure our products and assets are ready to fly." Nasaruddin stated that MAG's low-cost airline Firefly was actively reviewing and adjusting fares. He added?that it is estimated that the company will see a financial effect of 50 million ringgit for every dollar increase in oil _prices. Malaysia Airlines suspends all flights from Doha to April 15
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Automobile industry group urges for the scrapping of US gas tax and adoption of vehicle fee
The head of a group that represents nearly all major automakers called on Wednesday for the scrapping of the 18.4 cent per gallon U.S. tax?on gas and replacing it with a vehicle charge?to pay for road repairs. John Bozzella is the head of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents General Motors (GM), Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, and other major auto companies. He said that a government proposal should be used to address the growing financial shortfall within the highway trust fund. This would involve imposing a fee on each vehicle based on its weight. Congress hasn't raised the federal gas tax since 1993. As more Americans are driving EVs or more fuel-efficient cars, revenue from gas tax hasn't kept pace with highway repairs. The tax was not index to inflation and has lost over?60% in real terms. Bozzella stated that the fee would be collected in the same way as a registration fee. Bozzella stated that this policy would ensure every vehicle contributing to the maintenance of America's transportation system. Bozzella said that those who drive older vehicles, or travel long distances, are the ones who bear the financial burden. It's unfair." Since 2008, over $275 billion has been transferred from the general fund to pay for road repair. This includes $118 billion that came from the 2021 Infrastructure Law. Many Republicans are in favor of imposing a tax on electric cars to pay for road maintenance. House 'Republicans' proposed a new annual fee of $250 for EVs, and $100 hybrid EVs last year. However, it was not included in a massive spending and tax bill. The current surface transportation law, which is valid for five years, expires September 30. Some states charge EVs a fee to cover the cost of road repairs. In February 2025, some Republican senators proposed a tax of $1,000 on EVs to cover road repair costs. The majority of federally-funded road repairs are funded by diesel and gasoline taxes. EVs don't pay these taxes. The Electrification Coalition (an EV advocacy group) argued last year that a $250 charge for EVs is unfair, since the average gasoline-powered vehicle only pays $88 in federal gas taxes per year.
As Middle East trade routes are blocked by conflict, air freight rates have risen.
Data shows that air freight rates on some routes have risen up to 70% since the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran began. The conflict has caused flights to be restricted, ocean shipments blocked, and a rise in 'jet - fuel costs.
Experts in the industry said that the Middle Eastern airspace restrictions and security concerns have had the greatest impact on the rates for routes between South Asia, and Europe. This is after more than 100 containers ships were stranded around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil export corridor.
Swiss logistics group Kuehne+Nagel announced on Friday that global carriers prioritize shipments of perishables such as food and healthcare into the Middle East.
Prashant Yadav, a pharmaceutical supply chain expert, explained that some generic drugs and pharmaceutical ingredients are transported on container ships from India to Europe, Africa, and certain Arab countries.
"The biggest shift I have heard is that companies are moving generic drugs from ocean freight to airline cargo," said Yadav. He's a senior fellow with the Council on Foreign Relations.
Air cargo accounts for about a third of all global trade in terms of value. Rate spikes could have a negative impact on goods such as fresh food, pharmaceuticals and electronic products.
Steve Blough is the chief supply chain strategy at logistics software company Infios. He said that customers are moving?freight to air. However, it's extremely expensive. It can be 5x-10x more expensive. And these costs are increasing as capacity tightens. Shippers often move a limited quantity of freight by air in order to fill a gap.
JET FUEL PRICES DOUBLE The price of jet fuel has doubled in the last two years. Danish container shipping company?Maersk announced this week that its air cargo service is now applying fuel surcharges, as well as war risk levies. Maersk increased surcharges for some ocean cargo coming from the region on Friday. Analysts said that they expected oil prices to stay high in the short term, before stabilizing in later years.
Airspace closures also resulted in a reduction of cargo capacity on passenger and freighter planes, as airlines took longer routes to avoid conflict zones. This further pushed up rates.
The Middle Eastern conflict has severely restricted operations at Dubai and Doha, which are usually among the busiest air freight hubs in the world.
Niall van de Wouw is the chief air freight officer of transportation pricing platform Xeneta. He attributed higher air cargo 'rates' to a?dramatic reduction? in capacity at major Middle East transshipment centers, more than fuel prices.
Ronald Lam, CEO of Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Airways, said that many of the airline's freighter flights to Europe usually stop in Dubai for refueling and to pick up additional cargo. He said that on Wednesday, he would be announcing the decision to skip Dubai and fly direct from Hong Kong, with some restrictions on payload, due to the fact that fuel could not be transported between the two cities. According to Freightos' air freight index, spot off-contract rates from South Asia have increased 70% from $2.57 to $4.37 per kilogram just before the war started. South Asia to North America rates are now up 58% at $6.41 per kilogram, while Europe to the Middle East rates are up by 55% to 2.79 per kilogram. A significant portion of South Asia's air cargo exports travels via Gulf hubs, and some had to reroute via East Asia.
He said that the price increases on these lanes have slowed, leveled off, or even declined slightly over the past couple of days.
These trends could be due to Asian and European carriers increasing capacity on these long-haul routes to compensate for Gulf carriers' absence, or they could also be due to Gulf carriers, most notably Emirates, having resumed operations and increased the number of flights leaving and arriving at important Gulf hubs.
(source: Reuters)