Category Archives: Aviation

Akasa Air announced the launch of its dedicated SME corporate booking platform, empowering India’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with direct access to exclusive corporate fare benefits on both domestic and international flights.  SMEs can register on Akasa Air’s official platform. This initiative aims to enhance business travel for India’s growing SME ecosystem by offering cost-efficient, flexible, and seamless travel options. India-based SMEs can now register directly on the Akasa Air website and manage their bookings directly across the airline’s entire domestic and international network. They will be offered access to specially curated corporate fares, value add-ons along with Saver and Flexi fares, and benefits including: Discount on corporate fares using promo code CSME04PS Complimentary standard seat with snack and beverage on every flight Up to 50% discount on premium seating, early boarding, and priority check-in No cancellation or change fees up to one hour prior to departure (fare difference and admin fee applicable) International Travel Benefits: Enhanced flexibility, nil cancellation charges (up to 4 hours before departure), and 30 kg baggage allowance on key international routes. Commenting on the initiative, Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air, said, “Over the past two and a half years, we’ve observed robust and consistent growth in our corporate portfolio, reflecting the increasing demand for business travel in India. This initiative marks a strategic advancement in our dedication to fostering inclusive economic growth. By enabling SMEs to optimise their travel expenditures and operate with the same agility as larger enterprises, we not only aim to streamline corporate travel but also bolster regional commerce by strengthening the backbone of India’s economy — its SMEs and emerging enterprises. This platform reinforces Akasa Air’s …

IndiGo has signed a codeshare agreement with Jetstar enabling its customers to connect seamlessly to Australia and New Zealand. The agreement, announced today, will allow IndiGo to place its code on Jetstar operated routes to these countries, providing a convenient option for IndiGo customers connecting via Singapore, Bangkok and Phuket.  This agreement simplifies travel for the customers of IndiGo by allowing the airline to place its code on Jetstar operated routes and enable convenient connections through Jetstar flights departing Asia for onward travel to cities including Sydney, the Gold Coast and Auckland.  These bookings can be made on IndiGo’s website from 21 July 2025 for travel from 01 September 2025, subject to regulatory approvals. Through this cooperation, IndiGo will be able to strengthen its connectivity into two key markets as the marketing carrier on Jetstar operated flights, enabling its customers to create a single booking for journeys from India to Australia and New Zealand across the combined network of both the airlines.This codeshare arrangement will allow IndiGo to provide seamless connections to its customers, besides enabling them to enjoy an integrated travel itinerary and through check-in of baggage among other benefits. Jetstar CEO, Stephanie Tully said, “The partnership between the two airlines will significantly boost inbound tourism from India. Australia and New Zealand’s unique attractions, world-class experiences and growing communities of Indian expats make both countries incredibly popular for travellers from the subcontinent. This new codeshare agreement will provide IndiGo customers with convenient access to our extensive network allowing them to take off more for less down under.” Abhijit Dasgupta, Senior Vice President – Network Planning & Revenue Management, IndiGo said, “We are pleased to expand the horizons and offer our customers convenient …

Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports has postponed its foreign tourist entry fee rollout to mid-2026. Initially planned for 2025, the fee — 300 baht for air arrivals and 150 baht for land or sea — is now expected in Q2 or Q3 of 2026. Approved by the Cabinet in February 2023, the policy aims to support tourism infrastructure.

The next decade promises some significant and exciting developments in airport infrastructure. Plans are underway at various locations around the world to expand passenger facilities, enabling some of the world’s largest airports to handle over 100 million passengers annually.

India has become the world’s 3rd largest air travel market, climbing from 8th in 2014, as per IATA. Driven by affordable airfare policies, domestic air travel surged 129% over the decade, far outpacing global growth at 61%. As a result, domestic travel accounts for 78% of India’s total origin-destination departures, up from 72% to 78%.

IndiGo commenced direct flights between Mumbai and Adampur (Jalandhar). This new route is part of IndiGo’s strategy to enhance connectivity between key regional hubs and tier-2 cities. Punjab plays a vital role in India’s economic and cultural landscape, and connecting it with India’s financial capital, Mumbai, unlocks the potential of the state’s growing industrial and agricultural sectors with greater access to commercial ports. It will also benefit tourism by encouraging greater exposure to the rich cultural heritage of Punjab. With Adampur as its 92nd domestic destination, IndiGo continues to expand the network, delivering on its promise of on-time travel experience that is affordable, courteous & hassle-free. Adampur (Jalandhar) is a town located in the Jalandhar district of Punjab. Known for its strategic location on the Jalandhar-Hoshiarpur road, it houses the Adampur Air Force Station, one of the oldest airbases in the country. Adampur also has a rich cultural heritage, with a mix of traditional Punjabi lifestyle and growing urban influence. Adampur offers access to several nearby attractions. Rangla Punjab Haveli showcases traditional Punjabi culture, while Devi Talab Mandir in Jalandhar is a popular spiritual site. Pushpa Gujral Science City provides fun, educational experiences, and Wonderland Theme Park is perfect for family outings. These spots make Adampur a great base to explore Punjab’s culture and entertainment.

Building on the successful rollout of its Premium Economy product in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad, Emirates has now announced the introduction of its Premium Economy class on flights to and from Kolkata, effective 18 July 2025. The move marks the continued expansion of Emirates’ award-winning offering across key Indian cities, with the aim of providing customers more choice when making travel plans. Passengers traveling on the Dubai-Kolkata route can now book Premium Economy seats on flight EK573, which will operate four times weekly (Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays), departing Kolkata at 20:45 hrs and arriving in Dubai at 00:05 hrs. Flights to Kolkata, on EK572, depart Dubai at 13:05 hrs and arrive in Kolkata at 19:15 hrs. All times are local. Tickets can be booked for travel starting from 18 July. Mohammad Sarhan, Emirates’ VP – India and Nepal said: “We are delighted to introduce our highly-acclaimed Premium Economy experience to Kolkata, marking another significant milestone in our commitment to the Indian market. The response to our Premium Economy product in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are confident that travellers in Kolkata will appreciate the blend of comfort, value, and thoughtful touches that make Emirates’ Premium Economy stand out. We remain dedicated to elevating the travel experience for our customers and offering them more choice and flexibility.” The Premium Economy cabin is thoughtfully-designed to offer an enhanced experience, combining comfort and aesthetically-pleasing features, including wider cream leather seats, increased legroom, adjustable headrests, deeper seat recline and raised cushioned leg rests.  For those seeking additional comfort and privacy during their journeys, the understated luxury cabins offer a refined upgrade from Economy Class.

IndiGo is preparing for a major change in its global operations. The airline will soon stop using two large aircraft it had leased from Turkish Airlines to run flights to Istanbul. But IndiGo has made it clear, it is not backing out of the Istanbul route. Despite the leasing issues, it is not ending its codeshare partnership with Turkish Airlines.

IndiGo announced the appointment of Amitabh Kant as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of Directors of InterGlobe Aviation Limited, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals. Speaking on this, Kant said, “I am delighted to join the Board of IndiGo. In under two decades, the brand has transformed air travel in India, emerging as a global benchmark for operational excellence and customer experience. I look forward to contributing to IndiGo’s and India’s next chapter of trade, tourism, and economic growth.”

In India, more than 4 out of 5 (83%) of travellers believe airports are adopting AI and technology at the right pace 88% of Indian travellers spend more due to automation, significantly higher than the global (60%) and Asia Pacific (68%) average 61% of travellers in India say new airport technology has reduced stress, and 46% say tech has made their journey more seamless While airport technology evolves, genuine service, trust and human connection remain key Airports are rapidly evolving into technology-driven hubs, reshaping the travel experience and unlocking significant commercial potential. Priority Pass, the world’s leading airport lounge and experiences programme and part of The Collinson Group, has released new global research surveying over 12,000 travellers – including from key markets across Asia Pacific (APAC) such as India, Hong Kong SAR, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand – to highlight how digital innovation is transforming traveller behaviour, spending and engagement at airports worldwide. The global airport automation market size is projected to surge from USD 55.05bn in 2025 to USD 85.12bn by 2031, fuelled by rising passenger expectations and investment in digital infrastructure. From biometric ID and real-time passenger updates to fully automated check-in and bag drop, the report finds smart technologies are directly influencing traveller choices and spend. Amongst Indian travellers, 82% identified fast-track security and 85% cited digital boarding passes as the most impactful technologies, while automated baggage drops and advanced scanners are both highly valued by 80% of respondents. Additionally, 88% expressed comfort in sharing biometric data to help expedite their journey. 88% of Indian travellers – particularly Gen Z (91%) and Millennials (93%) – report increased spending at airports due to automation, significantly higher …