Not In Town | @notintownlive | 30 Aug 2019, 03:03 pm
New Delhi: The Indian government is planning to divest loss-laden carrier Air India completely after a plan to sell 76 per cent stake failed last year, media reports said.
"I believe the government should not be in the business of running airlines… and believe the government should completely exit Air India," said Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri as quoted by Economic Times.
Puri added as quoted by the media, "There are many who are very interested in the airline and the one who gets the airline will be very fortunate."
After the government took over Rs. 29,000 crore off its book, Air India has a debt of Rs. 31,000 crore.
Puri also said a panel headed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah will take a final call soon.
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Air India has announced two new international routes as part of its ongoing expansion in Asia, adding direct connections to Hanoi and increasing services to Tokyo.
Lufthansa is set to introduce a new nonstop service between Frankfurt and Kuala Lumpur starting October 25, 2026, expanding its presence in Southeast Asia. The route will operate five times a week throughout the year, with flights scheduled daily except Tuesdays and Thursdays. Bookings for the service are already open.
Air India and Air India Express will present their upgraded cabin products and refreshed on board experiences at SATTE 2026, taking place from 25 February to 27 February 2026 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, offering trade partners and visitors a first-hand look at the airlines’ transformation journey.