Indian flag carrier Air India has launched non-stop flights from Delhi to Kathmandu that will be operated thrice a week, every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. The flight will depart from Delhi at 12:55 pm and arrive in Kathmandu at 2:35 pm. Air travellers entering Nepal are required to submit a COVID-19 negative report of swab taken within 72 hours of boarding and unless exempted, a proof of hotel booking for 10 days of hotel quarantine or confirmation of home quarantine.

G Kishan Reddy, Cabinet Minister for Tourism & Culture, held a review meeting with ministers and senior officials of the northeastern states on development of tourism and promotion of the culture of the region. At the meeting held in the Assamese city of Guwahati, representatives shared their commitment to the holistic and inclusive development of the tourism sector in the Northeast.

The World Health Organization, under its Temporary Recommendations to State Parties, has said that it is critical for all countries to recognise all COVID-19 vaccines that have received WHO Emergency Use Listing in the context of international travel. In addition, State Parties should consider a risk-based approach to the facilitation of international travel by lifting measures, when appropriate, in accordance with the WHO guidance.

Indian LCC SpiceJet has introduced new exclusive non-stop flights from Patna to Surat and Bagdogra. The thrice-weekly flight to Surat and back will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while the Patna-Bagdogra-Patna route will be operated on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The airline has also launched new flights between Patna and Kolkata that will operate thrice weekly.

Cabinet Minister for Tourism & Culture, G Kishan Reddy, recently met with Alok Ranjan, Minister of Art Culture & Youth Department, Government of Bihar, to discuss the several initiatives undertaken by the state for the promotion of its culture and heritage. As part of the continued efforts, Bihar Museum is also all set to open its largest gallery for visitors from September.

Jyotiraditya Scindia, Cabinet Minister for Civil Aviation, chaired the first discussion of the advisory group on airport operators as well as airlines to deliberate on issues and the way forward for the sector. Early last week, the Minister had announced three advisory groups to work out such matters and help solve challenges that the civil aviation sector of India faces.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has launched a new report which reveals how destinations can grow responsibly, using the Destination Stewardship model. It lays out how destinations can balance the needs of visitors and residents, with the involvement of both the public and private sector based on the responsible use of shared or ‘common pool’ resources.

UNESCO has inscribed Ramappa Temple in Warangal, Telangana, as a World Heritage Site. This was announced at the World Heritage Committee’s 44th session taking place online from July 16 to 31. A consensus with 17 countries backing the move ensured the inscription of the site. Ramappa Temple stands on a six-foot-high star-shaped platform, and is named after sculptor Ramappa who built it.

The aviation sector of India continues to fly higher as Airports Authority of India (AAI) witnesses 50 per cent of its pre-COVID era flight movement and passenger footfalls. AAI reveals that amidst this growth, Belagavi Airport has emerged as the third busiest airport in Karnataka, with 2.6 lakh passengers flying with 6.4K flights in the last 10 months.

Budget airline GoFirst, formerly known as GoAir, operated its first ever night flight from Jammu to Delhi. Operated on an Airbus A320neo, the flight took off from Jammu at 20:00 hrs. Going forward, GoFirst will operate four flights on the route, on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The budget airline will also operate three flights from Jammu to Srinagar on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.