Category Archives: Aviation

IATA issued a statement that, “Governments are reacting in an emergency mode to the risks posed by the new coronavirus variant, causing panic among travellers. We must move as quickly as possible to a coordinated data-driven approach to find safe alternatives to border closures and quarantine, based on the lessons learned over the last two years. Travel bans aren’t a long-term solution for COVID variant control.”

DGCA in its latest order has shared that in view of the emergence of new COVID variants, they will be reviewing the resumption of scheduled commercial international passenger airline services to or from India. They will currently watch the situation and would notify its decision on the same in due time. Hence, international flight services, which were earlier touted to restart from 15th December, might face a delay now.

Accor has renewed its ongoing partnership with IndiGo to offer accelerated 6E Rewards, enhanced benefits and discounts on spends on stays and dining experiences across properties in India, Sri Lanka and selected hotels in Maldives. Through this partnership, IndiGo’s 6E Rewards members can now avail an exhilarating 15% discount, when they book directly with Accor and  earn up to 6% 6E Rewards as feature partner on any spends across Accor properties in India, Sri Lanka & participating hotels in Maldives with brands such as Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, Pullman, Mövenpick, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure ibis and ibis Styles. These offers are also valid at the newly launched Accor properties – Raffles Udaipur, Novotel Chandigarh Tribune Chowk and most recently launched ibis Mumbai Vikhroli. Special Welcome benefit vouchers for 6E Rewards members at Accor hotels in India & Srilanka hotels only: Flat 30% discount on room nights when booked through Accor and IndiGo booking page INR 1000 discount voucher for spends on Food & Beverages across Accor Hotels, Restaurants & Bar Through this partnership, Accor and 6E Rewards will be putting forward exclusive offers to members in addition to the other benefits across hotel stays, dining and events. 6E Rewards members can also earn additional Reward points on hotel stays and dining by signing up on to Accor’s ALL – Accor Live Limitless – loyalty program. Jad Doumet, VP Partnerships, India, Middle East & Africa and Turkey adds, “We are thrilled to renew Accor’s partnership with IndiGo as it relays our intentions of providing the best hospitality service to guests across the nation. Accor operates an extensive portfolio of properties across the country- ranging from the economy to midscale, further to the …

As more destinations ease restrictions and vaccination rates continue to improve, WTTC’s latest predictions show strong growth in foreign spending for 2022 and beyond, with overseas spending projected to surpass domestic spending. The report focuses on consumer booking trends, considerations, and profiles. It also includes examples of markets whose endurance has served as a platform for the Travel & Tourism sector’s revival.

The airline has stated that it is committed to increasing flights to destinations that have been temporarily halted owing to the pandemic, as well as facilitating for Indians to visit those destinations. Sri Lanka was one of the first countries to open its borders and welcome fully vaccinated Indian visitors, including those who had received the covaxin vaccine.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on governments to adopt simple, predictable and practical measures to safely and efficiently facilitate the ramping-up of international travel as borders re-open. Specifically, IATA urged governments to focus on three key areas, simplified health protocol, digital solutions to process health credentials, and COVID-19 measures proportionate to risk levels with a continuous review process.

Qantas to launch a brand-new international route from Melbourne to Delhi from 22 December 2021, connecting Victoria to the Indian capital on a Qantas-operated flight for the first time in the airline’s history. From next month, Australia will open for certain categories of fully vaccinated international travellers like students, working holidaymakers and provisional family visa holders. Qantas will connect Delhi with Sydney and Melbourne from December. Australia has approved both Covishield and Covaxin as approved vaccines.

Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Civil Aviation Minister, revealed that the Central government intends to double the number of airports in the country to more than 200 by 2023-24. He told a conference of state and UT civil aviation ministers that the Centre wants to build at least one heliport in each district in collaboration with the states and UTs. For seaplanes, capital support is expected from the states.

Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Civil Aviation Minister said, “The government is assessing the process of regularising international flight operations. Keep in mind what’s going around the world, particularly in Russia and parts of Europe, experiencing a fourth wave despite vaccines,” he remarked at a CII event. The government will assess the COVID-19 situation, before deciding on scheduled international flights that were suspended in March 2020.

een Travelers from the United Arab Emirates will now be able to fly directly to Delhi four times a week. Air Arabia, Abu Dhabi’s first low-cost carrier, has announced the launch of a new route to Delhi, India’s capital city, beginning November 24. Since the commencement of Air Arabia Abu Dhabi’s service from Abu Dhabi International Airport in July 2020, the new route is the carrier’s 16th. This will enhance the connectivity between India and the United Arab Emirates for travellers from both countries.