After a prolonged hiatus, cruise liners have resumed operations in the Maldives, with the arrival of Aida Bella, a German-operated vessel, near Malé harbour. This marks the start of the season, bringing over 2,000 tourists to the capital. The Maldives Association of Yacht Agents (MAYA) has announced that two more cruise liners are expected later this month, with an anticipated influx of up to 12,000 tourists by January. The return of cruise liners follows recent amendments to regulations governing the operation and mooring of tourist vessels. These changes restrict foreign agencies from acting as agents for yachts and cruise liners,…
Author: Disha Ghosh
Assam Tourism Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass on Tuesday highlighted the state government’s focus on promoting tourism to the Kamakhya Temple, a site that draws thousands of devotees from across the country. Following the recent Cabinet expansion in the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government, Dass was entrusted with the tourism portfolio. On Tuesday, the Minister went to the Kamakhya temple and took blessings there. He said, “The development of tourism centred around the Kamakhya temple is our top priority. This place attracts many devotees across the country and even from many parts of the world throughout the year.” “I have been given…
IndiGo has unveiled its new flight schedule for enhancing regional connectivity to East and North-East India. The announcement marks a significant step in the airline’s ongoing winter schedule, which includes the launch of multiple new routes and the resumption of operations to key destinations in the region. Starting yesterday, IndiGo’s Flight 6E 6441 will operate daily between Ahmedabad and Guwahati. The flight departs Ahmedabad at 8:30 AM and arrives in Guwahati at 11:15 AM. The return flight, 6E 6442, will depart Guwahati at 4:55 PM and land in Ahmedabad at 8:35 PM. In addition, IndiGo will also introduce a daily…
The FAITH Elections for the Post of Office Bearers were held yesterday in New Delhi. The following Board Members of FAITH have been elected unopposed for Office Bearers’ positions for next two years’ term of 2024 to 2026. CHAIRMAN – Puneet Chhatwal, Hotel Association of India (HAI) VICE CHAIRMAN – (Two Posts) i) Ajeet Bajaj, Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) ii) Ajay Prakash, Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) GENERAL SECRETARY – Rajiv Mehra, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) TREASURER – Kanwarjit Singh Sawhney, Indian Tourist Transporters Association (ITTA) The Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism and Hospitality…
Noida International Airport (NIA) reached a major milestone on December 9, 2024, with the successful completion of its validation flight, a key step in the aerodrome licensing process. The flight was conducted in the distinguished presence of Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, the Minister of Civil Aviation. Operated by IndiGo, the airport’s launch carrier, the flight assessed the accuracy and functionality of NIA’s approach procedures, navigational aids, and air traffic control systems. This achievement highlights the airport’s compliance with the rigorous safety and operational standards necessary for commercial operations. Following this successful flight, NIA will finalize its aerodrome certification documentation and submit…
Air India has placed an order to purchase 100 more Airbus aircraft, comprising 10 widebody A350 and 90 narrowbody A320 Family aircraft, including A321neo. These 100 new aircraft are in addition to the firm orders of 470 aircraft that Air India had placed with Airbus and Boeing last year. The latest order takes the total number of aircraft that Air India ordered with Airbus in 2023 from 250 aircraft, comprising 40 A350 and 210 A320 Family aircraft, to 350. Air India also announced it has selected Airbus’ Flight Hour Services-Component (FHS-C) to support the maintenance requirements of its growing A350…
Vietjet welcomed its 111th aircraft, an advanced Airbus A321neo ACF, to its modern fleet at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. With its innovative technology, the A321neo ACF reduces fuel consumption and emissions by up to 20% while reducing noise levels by 50%. As part of its expansion strategy, Vietjet will receive three additional new aircraft in December and plans to wet-lease 6–10 aircraft to meet peak travel demand during the Lunar New Year holiday. These additions will enable Vietjet to enhance its services for both domestic and international travellers. In 2024, Vietjet has achieved remarkable growth, expanding its vibrant, modern…
Sabre Corporation, a software and technology provider that powers the global travel industry, has expanded its longstanding relationship with Thai Airways. The national carrier of Thailand has selected Sabre’s advanced Fares Manager and Fares Optimizer solutions to enhance its pricing capabilities and drive incremental revenue opportunities. This agreement further strengthens the alliance between Sabre and Thai Airways, which already includes a long-term distribution agreement. By adopting Sabre Fares Manager together with Fares Optimizer, Thai Airways is poised to streamline its fares management processes, respond more effectively to market dynamics, enhance analyst productivity, and optimise pricing strategies to maintain a competitive…
Prayagraj Airport is set to welcome a surge in pilgrims and visitors for the Mahakumbh-2025 with new developments, including night landing facilities and an increased number of flights. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu announced on Saturday that the airport will commence night flight operations ahead of the mega religious event, held once every 12 years. To facilitate night landings, a CAT-II Instrument Landing System (ILS) has been installed, enabling operations even in low visibility conditions. This upgrade aims to accommodate the vast number of pilgrims traveling to Prayagraj from across India and the world. Enhanced Facilities for…
Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport has rolled out self-baggage drop kiosks, enhancing convenience and streamlining the travel experience for passengers. This state-of-the-art service aims to reduce wait times at check-in counters and improve operational efficiency. Passengers flying from Kolkata can now bypass traditional counters and manage their own baggage check-in. After completing the check-in process—either online or at the airport kiosks—they can use the self-baggage drop system to tag and deposit their luggage independently. How It Works: Check-In: Travellers must complete their check-in online or via airport kiosks. Tag Luggage: Baggage tags can be printed at kiosks and…
