The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called for governments to apply the lessons learned from the dismantling of global connectivity in response to COVID-19 to ensure that future global health threats can be effectively managed without closing borders. The World Health Organization (WHO) long advised that border closures are not an effective means of managing a global pandemic. Evidence observed during the pandemic proved the point. Most governments ignored this advice, acted in isolation from the industry and other governments, and put in place measures to restrict travel. This collapsed global air connectivity with massive negative economic and human consequences.…
Author: Disha Ghosh
Thailand’s Centre of COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has approved the removal of the Thailand Pass registration scheme and an USD 10,000 health insurance requirement for foreign visitors, effective July 1, 2022. Both requirements were initially removed for Thai nationals from June 1, 2022. From July 1, 2022, foreign nationals are only required to show proof of either a certificate of vaccination or a negative RT-PCR or professional ATK test result within 72 hours of travel. These can be in a print or digital format. Random checks will be made on arrivals at Thailand’s international airports or land border checkpoints (in…
Jyoti Mayal, President, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) had an interaction with Sanjay Verma, Secretary – West, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. The meeting request was made to the MEA to discuss and deliberate on the delay in the issuance of Visas to the United States, Schengen and other countries. In a communication addressed to the Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs TAAI sought interference of MEA through a government-to-government dialogue to resolve/address the issues. While sharing the concerns of the industry with Verma, Mayal said that we at TAAI are seeking MEA’s assistance by way of addressing…
Vietnam Airlines has officially launched non-stop flights connecting Vietnam and India effective June 15, 2022. The first flight VN5025 from Hanoi to New Delhi landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport at 14:25 on June 15 (local time). The return flight VN5024, from New Delhi to Hanoi, departed in the afternoon of the same day. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam Bui Thanh Son attended and performed the opening ceremony of this flight. In India, World Connect Private Limited is the General Sales Agent (G.S.A.) for Vietnam Airlines. World Connect has their presence in all major Indian cities which include offices…
Sri Lanka will resume flights from the northern Jaffna peninsula to India next month, Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva has said, asserting that the move would support the country’s tourism industry and help in easing the economic crisis. The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority plans to attract 800,000 tourists during the rest of the year. “The northern Jaffna peninsula’s Palaly airport is to resume flights to India from next month,” Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said on Saturday. However, he did not specify a date. “Resuming the flights would improve tourism and help the country in the current…
Amid complaints of tourists facing hardships in getting accommodation in high-altitude areas due to a heavy rush, authorities in Ladakh have advised holidaymakers not to plan a stay in the Pangong Lake area without a prior booking. The Tourism Department Ladakh also advised the tourists not to travel to high-altitude areas like Khardongla, Changla, Pangong Lake, Tsomoriri and Penzela before 48 hours have elapsed since their arrival in Leh. “Pangong lake area is a wild-life notified sanctuary and hence accommodation availability is limited. Considering the limited accommodation available, tourists/visitors should avoid plans of stay at Pangong without prior booking of…
China has announced plans to provide visas to Indian professionals and their families stranded in India for over two years following the strict visa restrictions imposed by Beijing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reports PTI. Separately, China is also processing requests of thousands of Indian students studying in Chinese universities who have conveyed their interest to re-join their colleges and universities. On Monday, the Chinese Embassy in India updated its COVID-19 visa policy after over two years to accept visa applications of foreign nationals and their accompanying family members wanting to go to China for resumption of work in all…
Resorts World Cruises yesterday celebrated a double milestone with its maiden voyage as a new cruise line; and the Genting Dream’s inaugural cruise from her homeport in Singapore, welcoming guests on board for the very first time. This marks the start of Resorts World Cruises’ global premiere as a new Asian luxury and dynamic lifestyle cruise brand, introducing its flagship – the first ship of a planned fleet that are ‘Resorts Cruising At Sea’. “Today is a noteworthy historical milestone for Resorts World Cruises and the city of Singapore, as we celebrate our first sailing, officially launching the brand to…
Ghodawat Enterprises Pvt Ltd, operating flights under the brand name Star Air has launched its new regional destination Bidar from Bengaluru. The non-stop flight began operations on June 15, 2022, and is its 18th destination. Famous for its Bidri handicrafts, rich history, and religious significance to the Sikh community, Bidar has transformed itself into a confluence of urban development and cultural heritage. With this launch, Star Air will operate its Embraer 145 jets to the cool and picturesque hills of Bidar, making it the perfect destination for a getaway holiday. As air connectivity is both an economic enabler as well…
The price of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) was hiked by 16.3 per cent, to INR 1.41 per kl ( INR 123.03 per litre) in the national capital, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. Jet fuel, which makes up for almost 40% of the running cost of an airline, has this year surged to new highs. ATF prices have increased every fortnight since the start of 2022. On 3 June, the price of ATF was reduced by 1.3 percent which was the first reduction after being hiked for 10 rounds of hike in ATF prices. Meanwhile, in a…
