The city of Pune in Maharashtra is set to get direct daily flights to Dubai, and three-times-a-week service to Bangkok from October 27, Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation, announced yesterday. Mohol made the announcement on his X handle on Thursday evening. Mohol stated that the demand from Pune residents over the past several months is now being addressed. He added that Pune’s direct connection to an important financial centre like Dubai will undoubtedly benefit both Pune and western Maharashtra. “It is believed that the daily connectivity between Pune and Dubai will reduce the gap between…
Author: Disha Ghosh
The World Travel and Tourism (WTTC) has announced its full stellar line-up for its 24th Global Summit in Perth, Western Australia (October 8-10) with 68th U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and conservationist and TV personality Robert Irwin set to take to the stage. During a fireside chat with Julia Simpson, President & CEO, WTTC, Secretary Kerry will share insights in navigating the international political landscape, forging strong alliances, and facilitating international cooperation for a more resilient and sustainable future. Son of the legendary Steve Irwin, Kerry will share unforgettable stories from his adventures in the wild, and how Travel…
Sikkim has launched India’s longest ropeway, the Dhapper-Bale-Dhunga Ropeway in Yangang, marking a significant milestone for the state’s tourism. Officially inaugurated on September 16, the ropeway spans a considerable distance, offering panoramic views of the region and is expected to boost tourism in Yangang and surrounding areas. The inaugural ride was attended by notable figures, including Sikkim Assembly Vice-Chairperson Rajkumari Thapa and former Press Secretary to the Chief Minister, Vikas Basnet. Thapa praised Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang for his critical role in completing the project, which had been in a state of neglect under the previous administration. She emphasised…
Air India has begun its over USD 400 million refit programme for a phased revamp of 67 legacy aircraft in its fleet. This refit will lead to a refresh of the product to the new Air India experience — with modern three-cabin configuration, new seats, new carpets, curtains and upholstery. The refit programme will start with the 27 narrowbody Airbus A320neo aircraft, followed by the 40 widebody Boeing aircraft. The first narrowbody aircraft to commence the refit programme is VT-EXN, a single-aisle A320neo that went into the hangar on Monday. After prototyping and necessary regulatory approvals, VT-EXN is expected to…
India is the main market that offers a lot of potential and ATR is open for opportunities in terms of sourcing components from the country, according to a senior official of the European aircraft maker. ATR, a joint venture between European aeronautics players Airbus and Leonardo, manufactures turboprops with up to 78 seats as well as freighters. IndiGo and two regional carriers — Alliance Air and FLY91 — operate ATR planes that are used for regional flight operations. ATR’s Chief Commercial Officer Alexis Vidal told PTI in a recent interview that the company is looking at India as the main…
Malaysia Airlines, part of the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), views India as a crucial market for growth. The airline currently operates flights to nine Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Amritsar, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kochi. It also services Ahmedabad and Trivandrum with four weekly flights each. The airline is keen to expand its footprint in India, looking to increase frequencies to Trivandrum and Ahmedabad. Additionally, Malaysia Airlines is exploring new destinations within the country. Group Managing Director Datuk Captain Izham Ismail emphasised the importance of the Indian market, attributing the airline’s enthusiasm to India’s robust economic movement. Currently, Malaysia Airlines…
Twid, a rewards-based payment network, has collaborated with ConfirmTkt, a online train-utility and ticketing-focused platform, to enhance customer experience and boost transaction efficiency. The collaboration between Twid and ConfirmTkt highlights the power of integrating rewards-based payment solutions to elevate the travel booking experience. This seamless integration has led to increased double-digit savings for travellers and higher transaction success rates. Building on the successful partnership between Twid and ConfirmTkt, the collaboration has now been extended to ixigo Trains, ixigo Flights, and ixigo Hotels. This expansion allows travellers across these platforms to leverage Twid’s rewards-based payment solutions, enhancing their booking experience by…
With Resorts World Cruises making its debut in the Gulf region, Indian travellers will have an added layer to their overall experience in the region. Brimming with excitement, Naresh Rawal, Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Resorts World Cruises (South Asia and Middle East), Resorts World Cruises, spoke to Disha Shah Ghosh about this new opportunity to bring the expansive Asian hospitality to one of the global melting point of Dubai. Q. At the cusp of launching the Gulf sailings, what are your sentiments for foraying into new waters? The feedback and demand on the ground from both the…
Asian river cruise specialist Pandaw is set to debut its latest vessel, the Kochi Pandaw, on the Kerala Backwaters beginning October 2025. The 10-cabin ship will offer a unique and intimate way to explore the picturesque network of waterways in southwest India. The Kochi Pandaw will feature Pandaw’s classic design elements, including wraparound promenade decks. The ship will offer four cabins on the upper deck and six on the main deck, complemented by a saloon, a guest relations deck, and a library. The new vessel will operate a seven-night roundtrip itinerary from Kochi, taking guests through both prominent towns and…
Drukair is set to commence twice-weekly flights between Dubai and Paro starting October 28, 2024. This new route will enhance connectivity for travellers, offering convenient access between the UAE’s major global hub and Bhutan’s picturesque capital. The introduction of this service aims to bolster travel options for both business and leisure travellers, facilitating easier connections for those interested in exploring Bhutan’s unique cultural and natural offerings. The new flights are expected to open up a range of travel possibilities from Dubai, catering to both regional and international passengers. “Launching services to Dubai is a proud moment for Drukair. It reflects…
