Govt alerts flyers to fake Air Suvidha 2.0 portals

The Civil Aviation Ministry has urged international travellers to use only the official Air Suvidha portal, cautioning that fraudulent websites are attempting to collect payments and sensitive personal information through fake online submission platforms.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued an advisory cautioning international travellers against fraudulent websites posing as the official Air Suvidha 2.0 portal and attempting to collect payments for services that are offered free of charge.

The ministry said it has identified several fake portals that imitate the official platform and redirect users to payment gateways while claiming to facilitate submission of the mandatory self-declaration form. It clarified that no fee is charged for using Air Suvidha 2.0 and advised passengers to remain vigilant while accessing the service.

The Air Suvidha 2.0 portal is currently mandatory for all international passengers arriving in India, who must submit a self-declaration form detailing their health status as part of precautionary measures introduced following the Ebola outbreak. The requirement, implemented by the Centre in June, is necessary for immigration clearance upon arrival.

Travellers advised to use only official portal

In its advisory, the ministry urged passengers to verify the website address carefully before entering personal, travel or health-related information. It emphasised that the only authorised Air Suvidha 2.0 platform is the official government portal and warned travellers against making payments on any website claiming to offer the service.

Officials also advised passengers to rely exclusively on government-issued communications and verified online platforms for travel-related information to avoid falling victim to online fraud and identity theft.

Indian airlines continue fleet expansion

Separately, the Ministry of Civil Aviation highlighted the rapid expansion of India's aviation sector, stating that domestic airlines have collectively placed orders for 2,056 aircraft. According to the ministry, deliveries for 1,640 of these aircraft are still pending, reflecting the industry's long-term growth plans.

Among Indian carriers, IndiGo accounts for the largest share of aircraft orders with 1,260 planes, representing around 61% of the total. The Air India Group has placed orders for 570 aircraft, accounting for approximately 28%, while Akasa Air has ordered 226 aircraft, making up the remaining 11%.

The ministry said the substantial aircraft pipeline underscores continued confidence in India's aviation market as airlines prepare to meet rising passenger demand and expand both domestic and international operations in the coming years.