Brussels Airport is in discussions with Air India and IndiGo to restore direct air connectivity between India and Belgium. Representatives from the airport are meeting airline executives in Delhi as part of a Belgian economic mission led by Princess Astrid. The delegation includes federal ministers and business leaders aiming to boost trade and tourism ties between the two countries. India remains the largest unserved Asian market for Belgium, despite strong air links with China, Japan, Singapore, and Thailand. In 2024, around 150,000 passengers travelled between India and Belgium, highlighting the demand for direct flights. The reintroduction of a direct…
Author: Nishtha Ganesh
Tata Group-owned Air India is set to conduct a test flight to Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI) in April 2025. This test flight aims to assess the airport’s readiness for widebody international aircraft operations. The new airport, India’s first multi-nodal aviation hub, is scheduled to officially open on April 17, 2025. IndiGo Airlines was the first to complete a validation flight at NMI in December 2024, using a single-aisle Airbus A320. India’s low-cost carriers, including IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air, are expected to lead the transition to the new airport. The shift is part of a broader strategy to…
Turkish Airlines is set to launch direct flights from Istanbul to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on December 10, 2025. This new addition marks Cambodia as the airline’s seventh destination in Southeast Asia and Phnom Penh as the eleventh city served in the region. The move is expected to enhance connectivity between Türkiye and Cambodia, further strengthening trade and tourism relations between the two nations. With the new Phnom Penh route, Turkish Airlines continues to expand its presence in the Far East, now covering 20 cities and 21 airports. The airline remains the only European carrier operating flights to Phnom Penh,…
The Bombay High Court has quashed the land acquisition for Navi Mumbai International Airport due to procedural lapses, emphasising the mandatory requirements of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894. A bench comprising Justice MS Sonak and Justice Jitendra Jain ruled in favor of 16 landowners, reaffirming property rights as a constitutional and human right. The petitioners challenged the acquisition of their agricultural land in Raigad, arguing that the state and CIDCO failed to comply with Section 5A, which grants landowners the right to be heard before acquisition. The court found that no urgency notification under Section 17 was issued, making…
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is set to make a significant impact at ITB Berlin 2025 from 4 to 6 March, leading a delegation of 40 key stakeholders at the Experience Abu Dhabi stand. The showcase will highlight the emirate’s thriving tourism sector, cultural attractions, and hospitality innovations. A major highlight will be the launch of the Welcome Pass, a seamless digital travel solution enhancing visitor experiences, and the unveiling of Al Dhafra Resort, Vignette Collection, a luxury IHG property blending Arabian heritage with modern comforts. Additionally, Experience Abu Dhabi’s Easter 2025…
Bollywood’s beloved Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara trio—Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, and Abhay Deol—have reunited for Yas Island’s latest campaign, Zindagi Ko Yas Bol. After weeks of speculation following a viral video, the mystery was unveiled with a five-episode series showcasing thrilling experiences on Yas Island. This campaign revives the spirit of adventure and friendship, giving fans a nostalgic yet fresh journey reminiscent of the film’s essence. The series follows Hrithik, Farhan, and Abhay as they challenge each other to embrace adrenaline-pumping activities across Yas Island. From high-speed roller coasters to luxurious waterfront experiences, each episode captures the essence of…
Etihad Airways and Air Europa are set to strengthen their strategic partnership, enhancing connectivity and services for travellers. With Etihad increasing its flights to Madrid to twice daily from summer 2025, the collaboration will boost seamless travel between Abu Dhabi, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia. This move aims to provide customers with greater flexibility, superior services, and an expanded network. The partnership discussions include deepening their codeshare and frequent flyer programs, enabling both airlines to enter new markets. Etihad is also exploring a potential wet lease operation with an Air Europa aircraft between Madrid and Abu…
Tourists travelling along NH 717A can now capture breathtaking views from designated viewpoints near the Loop Bridge at Bagrakote. The Kalimpong district administration has identified two official stopping points for photography, ensuring visitor safety while preserving smooth traffic flow. Previously, halting on the bridge was restricted due to ongoing construction and rising accident risks. Known for its unique snake-like design, the Loop Bridge stands 41 meters high in the Kalimpong hills and is locally called the ‘sell roti’ bridge. Due to its growing popularity, officials have also identified eight additional convenience points along NH 717A for tourists to relax…
Sonamarg has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging from a seasonal retreat to a thriving year-round tourist hub. Traditionally overshadowed by the Srinagar-Gulmarg-Pahalgam circuit, the region has seen an extraordinary rise in visitors. Between 2019 and 2024, tourist numbers surged from 58,309 to 890,874, marking a 1,427% increase. This exponential growth highlights Sonamarg’s newfound appeal, outpacing Kashmir’s established destinations. A key driver of this growth has been the completion of the Z-Morh Tunnel, which provides all-weather connectivity. Previously, Sonamarg remained inaccessible for nearly five months due to heavy snowfall, but the tunnel now enables uninterrupted travel. The improved accessibility has…
The Great Himalayan Exploration is a pioneering initiative dedicated to documenting and safeguarding the rich intangible cultural heritage of the Himalayas. Launched in 2022 in the Eastern Himalayas and expanded to the Western Himalayas in 2024, this ambitious project is a collaboration between the Royal Enfield Social Mission and UNESCO. Through a network of passionate rider-researchers, the initiative seeks to identify and record 200 unique cultural practices, offering a deep insight into the diverse traditions that shape the Himalayan way of life. So far, over 60 traditions have been documented across eight Eastern Himalayan states and 12 in Ladakh…