Category Archives: Aviation

Saudia received multiple accolades in the TravelPlus Airline Amenity Awards and the Onboard Hospitality Awards, presented on the sidelines of the World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo 2025 held in Hamburg, Germany. Saudia’s new ELIE SAAB premium amenity kit collection has earned Gold Awards from the TravelPlus Airline Amenity Awards for Business Class: The Middle East, First Class: Unisex Kit Middle East, and Business Class: Amenity Kit Program for the Rest of the World. This collaboration with lifestyle brand ELIE SAAB marks their debut in aviation luxury, bringing celebrated elegance exclusively to Saudia’s first and business class guests. The kits captivated judges and guests alike with their sophisticated design and luxurious contents. Moreover, Saudia’s exquisite Saudi Coffee Cup initiative was recognised with a Gold Award for First Class Glassware. This initiative features handcrafted cups representing Saudi Arabia’s diverse regions. It reflects Saudia’s dedication to infusing cultural elements into its service offerings while maintaining world-class standards. Further reinforcing its status as a leader in guest comfort and innovation, Saudia was also awarded the prestigious TravelPlus Passenger Amenities Five Star Rating 2025, an honour shared by only five airlines globally this year. The Onboard Hospitality Awards also acknowledged Saudia’s innovative approach by awarding a highly commended recognition in the Best Service Equipment: Crew category for the airline’s new cabin crew uniforms. This award reflects style as well as functionality designed to enhance service delivery onboard. Rossen Dimitrov, Chief Guest Experience Officer, Saudia, said, “These awards are more than just trophies; they represent our relentless pursuit of excellence across all aspects of our guest experience at Saudia. From our pioneering collaboration with ELIE SAAB to the culturally rich Saudi Coffee Cup initiative …

The national airline of the Maldives, Maldivian (Q2), announced the launch of a new direct flight service between Hanimaadhoo International Airport (HAQ) and Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), India. This new route is set to commence on 15 May, marking an important milestone in the airline’s regional expansion strategy. This new service will provide an essential air bridge between the northern Maldives and India’s Silicon Valley.

IndiGo is further expanding its long-haul capabilities by signing another firm agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways for the damp lease of two additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. These aircraft, the fifth and sixth in this partnership, are expected to start operations by early 2026, serving long-haul routes out of India.

Strengthening its footprint in the Indian market, Vietnam Airlines launched direct flight from Hyderabad to Hanoi. The new nonstop service will operate three times a week, on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Nguyen Trung Hieu, Country Manager – India, Vietnam Airlines, said, “India continues to be a key growth region for us.”

Vietnam Airlines launched direct flights from Hyderabad to Hanoi, starting 7th May 2025. This marks the airline’s fourth gateway in India — following Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. The new nonstop service will operate three times a week, on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. To commemorate the inaugural flight, a celebratory event was held at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, featuring traditional welcome ceremonies and a ribbon-cutting to mark the arrival of the maiden Vietnam Airlines flight. Passengers were greeted with souvenirs and a warm reception. The airline also organised a special networking luncheon at ITC Kohenur, for key travel agents and industry stakeholders from Hyderabad. Nguyen Trung Hieu, Country Manager, India, Vietnam Airlines, said, “India continues to be a key growth region for Vietnam Airlines, and we are excited to commence direct flights from Hyderabad. Hyderabad serves as an important gateway to southern India. Following our growing presence in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, this launch further reinforces our network expansion across the country and strengthens our commitment to enhancing connectivity between Vietnam and India.” With this launch, Vietnam Airlines continues to build lasting bridges between India and Vietnam, boosting bilateral tourism and providing travellers with world-class connectivity and comfort. “As the GSA of Vietnam Airlines in India, we are proud to support their expansion plans across Indian cities, with Hyderabad being one of the newest additions to our growing network. We are confident that this route will create new opportunities for business, tourism, and cultural exchange between India and Vietnam,” said Abhishek Goyal, CEO & Executive Director, Aeroprime Group. Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital serves as an excellent gateway to explore the country’s natural wonders such as Ha Long Bay, Sapa, and Ninh …

Maldivian announced the launch of direct flights from Bangalore to Hanimaadhoo, commencing 15th May 2025. This new connection offers Indian travellers’ direct access to the pristine islands of the northern Maldives—an untouched paradise waiting to be explored. With return fares starting from just USD 337, this direct route makes it easier and more affordable than ever for Indian tourists, honeymooners, and adventure seekers to discover the Maldives beyond the traditional resorts. The northern atolls, known for their serene lagoons, local island charm, and diving hotspots, offer a more authentic and peaceful Maldivian experience. Hanimaadhoo, located in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, is home to some of the most beautiful and unspoiled islands in the country. The region is perfect for those seeking a quiet island escape, community-based tourism, and sustainable travel experiences. This direct service eliminates the need for a domestic transfer from Malé, allowing travellers to reach their destination faster and more conveniently. Whether it is a weekend getaway or a longer tropical retreat, the new route offers a convenient connection from the heart of South India to one of the Maldives’ best-kept secrets. Bookings are now open and available via Maldivian’s official website, mobile app, and travel partners across India.

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.

Amid ongoing airspace restrictions triggered by escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, many flights to and from Pakistan and northern India have been cancelled or delayed at Dubai International Airport. Dubai-based carriers Emirates and flydubai have reported delays and cancellations. According to the airport’s latest flight status, the following flights have been cancelled: Multan (MUX): FZ 340 Lahore (LHE): EK 623, AC 7617, FZ 360 Sialkot (SKT): EK 619, FZ 338 Karachi (KHI): FZ 332 Faisalabad (LYP): FZ 356 Islamabad (ISB): FZ 354 The following flights have been delayed: Lahore (LHE): PA 416, EK 625, AC 7579 Sialkot (SKT): PK 179 Islamabad (ISB): PA 210, EK 613, AC 7571 Multan (MUX): FZ 326 New Delhi (DEL): EK 513 Peshawar (PEW): EK 637 Abu Dhabi cancels flights Several flights from Zayed International Airport have been cancelled as airspace restrictions continue to disrupt operations in the region. According to the airport’s latest flight status, the following flights have been cancelled: Etihad Airways (EY297) – Karachi Pakistan International Airlines (PK264) – Lahore Air Arabia Abu Dhabi (3L335) – Multan Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates and reschedule if necessary. Qatar Airways suspends flights to Pakistan Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended all flights to Pakistan following the closure of Pakistani airspace. The airline said it is closely monitoring the situation and reaffirmed that the safety of passengers and crew remains its top priority. Passengers have been advised to check the latest updates on affected flights by visiting qatarairways.com or by contacting the airline’s customer service centre at +974 4144 5555.

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)