Category Archives: Aviation

IndiGo has announced groundbreaking expansion into Europe with its first-ever non-stop flight from Mumbai to Amsterdam, set to launch on 02 July 2025. Upgrading its in-flight dining experience, IndiGo also announced that complimentary hot meals and beverages will be served to all customers on this route. The thrice weekly service, operated with IndiGo’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, marks the airline’s strategic foray into long-haul operations to meet the growing demand for air travel between India and Europe, facilitated by Indian operators. The flights are open for bookings across channels. The airline has made consecutive announcements of its debut long-haul routes from Mumbai, with Amsterdam and Manchester being added to its growing international network. Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo, said, “I am thrilled to announce IndiGo’s long-haul debut to Amsterdam. We are stretching our wings further to enhance accessibility and convenience to customers traveling to Europe for leisure, business, and education, as well as unlocking IndiGo’s unparalleled domestic network, showcasing ‘India by IndiGo’ to foreign travellers. Celebrating India and its unique cuisine, we’re very proud to announce specially curated complimentary hot meals and beverages, by iconic home-grown Indian brands, will be served to all our customers on this route. This will a major milestone in our international growth journey as we move towards our vision to become a global aviation leader, propelling India’s ambition of transforming into a global aviation hub. The Netherlands and India share a strong and thriving bilateral relationship, and this new non-stop, thrice-weekly service between Mumbai and Amsterdam will only deepen the growing ties between the two nations. We are closely working with Schiphol Airport to provide customers with our quintessential seamless and hassle-free travel experience. …

Travelport will offer Latam’s New Distribution Capability (NDC) content under the terms of an extended agreement. The technology company connected agencies will be able to offer both EDIFACT and NDC content via Travelport Plus. The agreement will enable agencies access to enriched content that will help deliver a better value to Latam travel customers.

Ethiopian Airlines, the largest airline in Africa and one of the fastest-growing airline brands in the world, is pleased to announce the launch of a new thrice-weekly passenger service to Hyderabad, India, starting from June 16, 2025. This new route exemplifies Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to expanding its global network and enhancing connectivity between Africa and Asia, providing passengers with convenient travel options. The new flight will commence operations with three mid-day departures from Addis Ababa to Hyderabad and morning arrivals on the return leg as per the details below: ET 682 Addis Ababa (ADD) to Hyderabad (HYD) – Mon, Wed, Sat ET 683 Hyderabad (HYD) to Addis Ababa (ADD) – Tue, Thu, Sat Regarding the launch of the new service Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, remarked, “We are delighted to commence a new passenger service to Hyderabad. Since our first flight to Mumbai, India, in 1971, we have expanded our footprint throughout the country, offering convenient passenger and cargo transportation services. This new service will not only enhance travel options for our esteemed passengers but also strengthen trade and tourism ties between the two countries and beyond. Additionally, it is also a testament to Ethiopian’s commitment to enhancing its position as the continent’s top carrier with wide connectivity and world-class service”.

Highlighting policy measures by the Civil Aviation Ministry supporting future success, Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, adds, “While we can truly celebrate these achievements, we must not take for granted the continued success of India’s aviation future. There is more work to be done. In particular, I would highlight three areas: costs, airspace and sustainability.”

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 …

FLY91 introduced UPI payments for inflight purchases, including hot meals and beverages, which can be pre-booked right until the time of boarding, becoming the first regional airline in India and very few in the world to offer this convenience. In most airlines, meals must be booked while purchasing the ticket or paid for in cash. In contrast, FLY91 allows passengers to pre-book their meal right up until they board the flight. Passengers can pre-book or purchase their meals at multiple touchpoints on the day of travel. They can scan a QR code placed at check-in counters, boarding gates or in the seat-back pocket once inside the aircraft. Payments can be made seamlessly via UPI before door closure at departure. This move offers flexibility in payment options. The introduction of UPI payments is just one example of how FLY91 is leveraging innovation and technology for better efficiency and smoother customer experience. Manoj Chacko, MD and CEO, FLY91, said, “As a regional carrier, our focus has always been on enhancing the overall travel experience through practical innovation using an easy-to-use digital framework. Introducing UPI based digital payments on board is a step towards offering our passengers greater convenience, flexibility and warm meals too. FLY91’s digital-first initiative reflects our commitment to a seamless and cashless journey, while continuing to deliver quality service—even on short-haul regional routes.”  

IndiGo has launched new direct flight services linking Abu Dhabi with two of India’s vibrant cultural cities—Visakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar. This exciting addition aims to improve international connectivity, offering Indian travellers more options for affordable and convenient global travel. Starting from 12 June, flights between Bhubaneswar and Abu Dhabi will operate three times a week, while the Visakhapatnam-Abu Dhabi route will run four times a week, beginning 13 June.

Hahnair launches a new brand to encompass its new suite of retailing solutions based on NDC (New Distribution Capability). Under the umbrella Distriply by Hahnair, the company will introduce a range of products that will enable airlines and travel agencies to tap into new distribution channels, perfectly complementing the existing Hahnair GDS-based solutions.

The government has decided to lift the Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) for several airports across north and north-western India that had been temporarily closed for civilian flights till May 15. Airport Authority of India revoked the suspension, which had led to numerous flight cancellations. The decision was taken post India-Pakistan ceasefire.

Following government directives, the recently closed airports are now available for airlines operations. IndiGo has reopened its flight bookings and resumed operations starting 12 May, 2025 progressively on select routes, beginning with Delhi – Chandigarh, Delhi – Jammu – Delhi and Delhi – Amritsar – Delhi.  Over a course of the next few days more flights will resume gradually across the network. Indigo team is working diligently to ensure smooth, secure and seamless travel experience, supported by enhanced protocols and timely communication.