long transit flights

Germany has abolished the airport transit visa for Indian passport holders, effective June 3, 2026. This significant change allows Indians to transit through German airports without a visa when travelling to a third country. The move, confirmed by the German Embassy, simplifies travel, saving time and money for many Indian travellers and students.

Singapore Airlines now operates the world's longest flight, a 19-hour non-stop journey from New York to Singapore. This ultra-long-haul route utilizes a specialized Airbus A350-900ULR, prioritizing passenger comfort with enhanced cabin features and amenities. The flight offers a glimpse into the future of aviation, connecting distant hubs directly and efficiently.

A revolutionary experimental aircraft is set to transform supersonic travel by drastically reducing sonic boom noise. NASA's X-59, featuring an unconventional design and an advanced external vision system for pilots, aims to prove that high-speed flights over land can be quiet. Community feedback will be crucial in lifting decades-old travel bans.

Google Maps now offers a 'wheelchair accessible' route option, a feature launched in 2018 that benefits more than just wheelchair users. This tool helps find public transport routes with elevators and ramps, proving invaluable for seniors, parents with strollers, and travelers with heavy luggage, simplifying journeys by avoiding difficult staircases and making city navigation smoother for everyone.

An Indian-origin Disney executive, Jugal Daterao, has received a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence in Russia for drug possession and smuggling. Authorities found THC-infused gummy candies in his luggage at a Moscow airport. Daterao claimed the gummies were legally prescribed in the US for post-brain surgery effects, but the court rejected his defense.

Indian-origin Disney executive Jugal Daterao has been sentenced to two and a half years in a Russian penal colony for drug possession. He was detained in January 2026 at Moscow's airport with THC-infused gummies. Daterao claimed the gummies were legally prescribed in the US for medical reasons, but the court did not accept this defense.

US aviation disruptions, initially linked to Memorial Day thunderstorms, are now causing widespread international travel chaos. Major US airports face a confluence of issues including weather, congestion, and staff shortages, leading to cascading delays across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean.

The US Navy's formidable MH-53E Sea Dragon, a vital airborne mine countermeasures helicopter for nearly four decades, is nearing retirement. Its unique ability to clear naval mines from strategic waterways like the Strait of Hormuz is being replaced by newer, autonomous technologies. Despite its immense capability, the aging giant is making way for the future of naval warfare.

In 2013, the FCNR (B) scheme mobilised a critical $26 billion. The rupee’s fall was arrested, and the currency clawed its way back. Should India walk on the same path again?

Ukraine is revolutionizing drone warfare, producing millions of advanced aerial, naval, and ground systems. Innovations include AI-guided interceptors, jet-powered strike drones for deep penetration, and naval kamikaze vessels. The widespread adoption of parachute recovery systems signifies a strategic shift towards reusable, cost-effective drone operations on the modern battlefield.

Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh is reportedly in advanced talks over a potential investment in Derby County, with regulatory approval now the key obstacle before any agreement can progress. The proposed deal could bring one of Saudi Arabia’s most influential sports figures into English football, as Derby continue rebuilding financially and competitively following their near-collapse and administration crisis earlier this decade.

Every week, TOI+ subscribers ask questions about their health and India’s top doctors reply with clear, evidence-based guidance. From heart disease to diabetes, cancer to mental health, Hello, Doctor connects you directly with experts you can trust

SpaceX is preparing for a historic IPO, aiming for a $1.75-$2 trillion valuation and seeking to raise $75 billion by June 2026. Despite significant revenue growth from Starlink, the company reported substantial losses in 2025 and Q1 2026, largely due to heavy investments in its new AI unit following the xAI acquisition.