The national airline of the Maldives, Maldivian (Q2), announced the launch of a new direct flight service between Hanimaadhoo International Airport (HAQ) and Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), India. This new route is set to commence on 15 May, marking an important milestone in the airline’s regional expansion strategy. This new service will provide an essential air bridge between the northern Maldives and India’s Silicon Valley.

IndiGo is further expanding its long-haul capabilities by signing another firm agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways for the damp lease of two additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. These aircraft, the fifth and sixth in this partnership, are expected to start operations by early 2026, serving long-haul routes out of India.

HVS Anarock, in its latest report, revealed that occupancy growth trends in March 2025 showed a mixed pattern across key Indian markets, with Bengaluru, Chennai, and Gurugram emerging as the top gainers in year-on-year growth.  

Amruda Nair, Founder and Director, Araiya Hotels & Resorts, said, “India’s hotel industry is currently experiencing robust growth with increased disposable income and infrastructure development. The industry is expanding into tier II and III cities, with big players revisiting their strategy to capture the market. The sector is poised to grow at a faster rate than the economy.”

Expedia Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP) launches its May Sale for travel partners to take advantage of exclusive offerings of at least 25% off at thousands of hotels in top global destinations. They can book until 26 May, for travel through 30 September 2025. This sale offers an opportunity to increase bookings, maximise sales and enhance client satisfaction by providing unbeatable savings on hotel stays worldwide.

Amid the India-Pakistan tensions, to restore confidence and trust in tourism once again, MP Bezbaurah, Secretary General, HAI, suggested that for tourism to flourish in future as an instrument creating employment for the people and wealth for the country, trust and confidence needed to be restored in the law enforcing agencies to provide safety and security.

Cruise Professionals, celebrating 60 years of sailing, invites travel partners to an exclusive webinar on 14 May at 3 pm, where they can learn to sell Princess Cruises effectively, get insights about new ships and latest offerings and stand a chance to win exciting prizes during the Q&A! For more information, contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or call ‪+91 96501 96532.

Due to government notification on airspace restrictions, IndiGo in a press statement said, “Over 165 IndiGo flights from multiple airports (Amritsar, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Gwalior, Jammu, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, Leh, Rajkot, and Srinagar) are cancelled until 0529 hrs. IST of 10 May, 2025. The airline advised its customers to check their flight status on the airline’s website or mobile app before heading to the airport. Customers whose flights are affected can reschedule the booking on the next available flight or opt to cancel their bookings at no additional cost, and a full refund will be processed, it added.

Amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan following the Indian Army’s precision strikes on Pakistani terror camps, Spicejet Airlines issued a flight advisory for airports in the northern parts of the country. “Airports including Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar and Amritsar would be closed until further notice. Departures, arrivals and consequential flights would also be impacted. Passengers are advised to plan their journey accordingly and check their flight status before flying,” the advisory stated.

Amid ongoing airspace restrictions triggered by escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, many flights to and from Pakistan and northern India have been cancelled or delayed at Dubai International Airport. Dubai-based carriers Emirates and flydubai have reported delays and cancellations. According to the airport’s latest flight status, the following flights have been cancelled: Multan (MUX): FZ 340 Lahore (LHE): EK 623, AC 7617, FZ 360 Sialkot (SKT): EK 619, FZ 338 Karachi (KHI): FZ 332 Faisalabad (LYP): FZ 356 Islamabad (ISB): FZ 354 The following flights have been delayed: Lahore (LHE): PA 416, EK 625, AC 7579 Sialkot (SKT): PK 179 Islamabad (ISB): PA 210, EK 613, AC 7571 Multan (MUX): FZ 326 New Delhi (DEL): EK 513 Peshawar (PEW): EK 637 Abu Dhabi cancels flights Several flights from Zayed International Airport have been cancelled as airspace restrictions continue to disrupt operations in the region. According to the airport’s latest flight status, the following flights have been cancelled: Etihad Airways (EY297) – Karachi Pakistan International Airlines (PK264) – Lahore Air Arabia Abu Dhabi (3L335) – Multan Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates and reschedule if necessary. Qatar Airways suspends flights to Pakistan Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended all flights to Pakistan following the closure of Pakistani airspace. The airline said it is closely monitoring the situation and reaffirmed that the safety of passengers and crew remains its top priority. Passengers have been advised to check the latest updates on affected flights by visiting qatarairways.com or by contacting the airline’s customer service centre at +974 4144 5555.