Tag Archives: India

To enhance tourism between India and Nepal, a Memorandum of Association (MoU) was signed between the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) and Nepal Association of Tour & Travel Agents (NATTA) in Kathmandu.

IndiGo announces the commencement of daily direct flight connecting Mumbai to its 41st international destination, Fujairah. The only emirate situated along the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates, Fujairah is renowned for its pristine beaches, majestic mountain landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. This expansion is part of IndiGo’s strategic global growth plan and further strengthens its presence in the Middle East. This marks IndiGo’s fifth destination with direct connectivity in the UAE after Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah. The newly launched direct flight from Fujairah to Mumbai and followed by Kannur, not only caters to the growing demand for travel from both business and leisure travellers but also comes at a favourable time, as Fujairah strengthens its position on the global adventure tourism map. In a recent development, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah are planning to launch UAE’s first cross-emirate adventure trial. This opens up new experiences for Indian travellers seeking immersive outdoor getaways. Meanwhile, the strategically planned flight timings carefully coordinated with bus arrival and departure timings are designed to ensure a seamless, hassle-free travel experience for those exploring the UAE, from the cultural charm of Sharjah to the iconic skyline of Dubai and the natural beauty of Fujairah. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, IndiGo, said: “We are pleased to commence daily direct operations between Mumbai as well as Kannur to Fujairah, UAE’s hidden gem known for its natural beauty and growing economic significance. IndiGo already flies to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and now also to Fujairah in the UAE. As our 41st international destination and fifth in the UAE, Fujairah offers immense potential for trade, tourism, & business. With these …

Serene Woon, Area Director-Designate, India, Middle East, and South Asia (Mumbai), Singapore Tourism Board, said, “India’s culture, diversity, and growing global influence make it a key focus and growth market for us at STB. Together with my team and our partners, I look forward to building on the strong foundation we have established and bringing Singapore closer to Indian travellers.”

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.

Several Northern India Airports are closed for civil flight operations with immediate effect, hours after India struck terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) under ‘Operation Sindoor’. NOTAM action is underway. On 30 April, India issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), prohibiting all Pakistan-registered and military planes from flying into Indian airspace. The ban, from 30 April to 23 May, 2025, came on the heels of increased border tensions and ceasefire breaches following the recent terror attack at Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. List of airports to remain closed: 1. Leh (IXL) 2. Thois (THW) 3. Srinagar (SXR) 4. Jammu (IXJ) 5. Amritsar (ATQ) 6. Pathankot (IXP) 7. Chandigarh (IXC) 8. JodhPur (JDH) 9. Jaisalmer (JSA) 10. Jamnagar (JGA) 11. Bhatinda (BUP) 12. Bhuj (BHJ) 13. Dharamshala (DHM) 14. Shimla (SLV) 15. Rajkot (RAJ) 16. Porbandar (PBD)

Amid the spike in tension between India and Pakistan, several global carriers—including Air France and Lufthansa—have been rerouting flights to avoid Pakistani airspace, as air traffic between the two nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours becomes increasingly restricted. Thai Airways has also suspended use of the airstrip following Pakistan’s directive to close its airspace. Additionally, Korean Air has been avoiding Pakistani airspace for its flights operating between South Korea’s Incheon and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Meanwhile, Taiwan’s EVA Air announced it will adjust its flights to and from Europe to avoid airspace affected by the India-Pakistan tension for safety reasons. One flight from Vienna will be diverted back to that city, while a flight from Taipei to Milan will be diverted to Vienna for refuelling before continuing on its destination.  

In the wake of the prevailing situation between India and Pakistan, IndiGo issued a travel advisory stating that flights to/from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Bikaner, and Jodhpur are cancelled for the day. The airline is anticipating changes in flight schedules across its network and advises all its customers to stay updated on their flight status before heading to the airport.

Posting a latest update on X, Air India Express said that due to notification from the airport authorities, flights to and from Amritsar, Gwalior, Jammu, Srinagar and Hindon are cancelled till 05:30 hrs on 10 May. Thus, the airline is offering a full refund or free rescheduling for its customers of these flights.

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Tourism Minister, GoI, said, “As India’s MICE industry is rapidly emerging as a global powerhouse, it is set to be a major economic driver, generating high-quality jobs. States across the country are unlocking tourism opportunities in their own unique ways — and now, it is time for India to position itself firmly on the global MICE map.”