regional air transportation

Israel launched airstrikes on Yemen’s Hodeidah port Monday, injuring 21, in retaliation for a Houthi missile that landed near Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport—the first to bypass Israeli defenses. The Houthis vowed further attacks and warned airlines to avoid Israel. The escalation highlights rising regional tensions as Yemen’s Houthis intensify actions in response to Israel’s Gaza offensive.

A barrage of Ukrainian drones forced Russian airports, including in Moscow, to restrict flights on Tuesday -- three days before the Kremlin will hold its grand military parade on Red Square to mark the defeat of the Nazis. Flight restrictions were introduced at more than a dozen airports, including four in Moscow, Russian news agencies reported, citing the Federal Air Transport Agency -- though traffic at the city's main Sheremetyevo airport remained largely unaffected.

The Indian Air Force conducted a major exercise on the Ganga Expressway, testing its use as an emergency runway amid rising tensions with Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack. India's military forces have heightened alert levels across land, sea, and air.

Russia and North Korea have commenced construction of their first road bridge. The bridge over the Tumen River symbolizes stronger ties. North Korea has reportedly sent troops to aid Russia in Ukraine while Putin has praised North Korean soldiers. The new road aims to boost trade and tourism. Both nations face international sanctions.

When Pakistan closes its airspace to India, air routes L639 and L301, along with Ahmedabad and Mumbai air traffic control, become crucial. Since April 24th, over 130 daily westbound international flights from northern and eastern Indian airports are rerouted south. Mumbai air traffic control handles these rerouted flights, especially during peak hours, leading to denser traffic.

Mumbai Airport refutes IATA's claim that halting cargo flights and cutting passenger slots aims to push airlines to Navi Mumbai Airport. MIAL asserts the changes follow a transparent, regulator-driven process for infrastructure upgrades. They deny pressuring airlines and highlight extensive consultations with stakeholders, emphasizing compliance with regulations and commitment to fair coordination.

Devotees can soon rejoice as a new helicopter taxi service is set to launch from Gurugram to Khatu Shyam Ji and Salasar Balaji, significantly reducing travel time from 10-12 hours to under an hour. This joint initiative by the Haryana and Rajasthan governments aims to boost spiritual tourism, benefiting local economies and creating employment opportunities.

A tragic van crash in eastern Idaho, claiming the lives of at least six foreign tourists from Italy and China, highlights the dangers of scenic routes near Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. The accident, involving a collision with a pickup truck, follows a similar incident in 2019 where Chinese tourists were killed near Bryce Canyon.