News

IATA AGM 2025 highlights India’s strategic role in global aviation

The 81st IATA AGM 2025 and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) held from June 1 to 3 in New Delhi marked a defining moment for India’s ascent in global aviation. This was the first time in 42 years that India hosted the prestigious global aviation gathering. Organised under the aegis of IATA and hosted by IndiGo, the event brought together around 1,700 senior representatives from airlines, governments, international organisations, and the media from around the world. The high-level IATA gathering in New Delhi made it unmistakably clear: India is no longer on the sidelines of the global aviation industry. It is actively shaping its future. During the plenary session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Minister of Civil Aviation, signalled India’s clear intent to position itself as a major aviation hub, driven by strong domestic demand, robust infrastructure development, and a focus on sustainability and innovation. With India now ranking as the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, the country aims to double its annual air traffic to 500 million passengers by 2030. A key highlight was the emphasis on India’s Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) ambitions, alongside the growing investment opportunities in the Indian civil aviation value chain.

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Air India and Icelandair enter codeshare partnership

Air India and Icelandair, has signed a new codeshare partnership, significantly boosting connectivity between India and Iceland, while offering seamless travel options across 15 routes in India and Europe. This strategic partnership strengthens travel and trade ties between India and Iceland, offering passengers greater flexibility and choice while ensuring a seamless travel experience with convenient connections times, unified baggage allowances, and enhanced connectivity through major European hub airports. The two airlines signed the codeshare agreement on the sidelines of the 81st IATA AGM in New Delhi. Under this codeshare agreement, Air India customers will gain seamless access to Icelandair-operated flights to Reykjavik (KEF) via Air India’s European gateways. Air India will add its ‘AI’ designator code on Icelandair-operated flights between Reykjavik and London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Milan, and Zurich. Also, Icelandair customers will benefit from convenient connections on Air India-operated flights to key Indian cities. Icelandair will add its ‘FI’ designator code on Air India-operated flights between Delhi and Amsterdam, Paris, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, London Heathrow; and between Mumbai and Frankfurt, London Heathrow. Campbell Wilson, CEO & Managing Director, Air India, said, “We are happy to embark on this codeshare partnership with Icelandair, which unites two airlines committed to connecting the world. By combining our strengths, we are creating a seamless bridge between India’s vibrant destinations and Iceland’s extraordinary landscapes. This partnership underscores Air India’s ambition to expand our global reach while offering Icelandair’s customers seamless access to India’s diverse destinations.” “This strategic partnership with Air India marks a significant milestone, opening up exciting new travel opportunities from across our network in North America and Europe to and from India,” said Bogi Nils Bogason, President and CEO of Icelandair. “It will connect Iceland to Air India’s extensive network, allowing us to introduce what Iceland has to offer to their customers. We have and will continue to expand our network of partner airlines, focusing on working with airlines like Air India that offer great service and connectivity.”

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Radisson Hotel Group’s landmark year of 2025 drives global and local momentum

Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) is setting the pace for global hospitality in 2025 with bold expansion plans. With a diverse brand portfolio, strong mid-market play, and commitment to sustainability, RHG is redefining hospitality by blending local authenticity with global standards. Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, South Asia at Radisson Hotel Group, reveals the driving forces behind this momentum and where it is headed. With nine distinct brands from Radisson Blu to Radisson RED and Park Inn & Suites, RHG offers a tailored hospitality experience across luxury, upscale, and mid-market segments. A strong partnership approach is at the heart of its growth, offering its owners flexible, cost-effective models built for long-term success. For RHG, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year in its global expansion journey. Backed by a sharpened five-year strategy, the group is making bold moves in both established and emerging markets. Europe, the Middle East, and South Africa stand out as key regions of opportunity. In India, it continues to solidify its presence in major metros and tier 2 and 3 cities, ensuring a range of options for both business and leisure travel.

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Vietjet Launches New Routes Connecting Vietnam, Australia, India, China, South Korea, Japan & Singapore, Revolutionizing Global Travel

Vietjet is leading the charge to break new boundaries of global aviation through its ambitious expansion, bridging Vietnam, Australia, India, China, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore with pioneering new routes of unprecedented connectivity. This strategic expansion not only solidifies critical regional links but also makes Vietjet the industry leader, revolutionizing international travel through game-changing flights with unparalleled convenience and connectivity for international passengers around the world. Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company, a key player in the Asia-Pacific aviation industry, has revealed its bold expansion strategy for the next decade, aiming to enhance its international network and strengthen its position as a dominant airline in the region. The announcement comes on the back of impressive growth, reflecting the airline’s ongoing success and global momentum. Record Performance and Global Growth in 2024 At its Annual General Meeting (AGM), Vietjet highlighted its exceptional performance in 2024, marking another year of impressive growth and global expansion. The airline conducted 137,500 flights, transporting over 25.9 million passengers, excluding those with Vietjet Thailand. This figure includes more than 9 million international travelers, marking an 18% growth compared to the previous year. Additionally, the airline’s expansion is reflected in the introduction of 20 new routes in 2024, increasing its network to 145 routes, comprising 101 international and 44 domestic destinations. Vietjet has firmly established itself as a key player in the Asia-Pacific region, notably becoming the first airline to offer direct flights from Vietnam to four of Australia’s largest cities—Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. The airline has also remained at the forefront of connecting Vietnam with crucial Asian markets such as India, China, South Korea, and Japan, reinforcing its position as a leading regional carrier. One of Vietjet’s notable achievements is its ability to cater to the growing demand for affordable, direct routes, especially for Australian travelers who are looking for convenient, cost-effective flights to Vietnam. This trend has helped Vietjet quickly gain popularity among budget-conscious long-haul passengers, particularly those seeking access to Vietnam’s cultural and coastal destinations.

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Greece’s Gavdos Island Takes Sports Tourism To New Heights, Combining Scenic Beauty And Competitive Spirit In The 4th Road Races

Greece’s Gavdos Island is set to make a significant mark on the sports tourism map with the upcoming 4th Annual Road Races, a premier event that combines the thrill of competition with the island’s unparalleled natural beauty. As the southernmost point of Europe, Gavdos offers a unique blend of rugged landscapes, serene beaches, and untouched wilderness, making it the perfect backdrop for sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. This event is not only a celebration of athleticism but also a chance to explore the island’s cultural and environmental richness, attracting tourists from around the world who seek adventure, health, and a connection to nature. The 4th Road Races will undoubtedly solidify Gavdos as a must-visit destination in Greece for those passionate about sports tourism. As summer begins to unfold, with its slow, tranquil pace and the untouched beauty of nature, the island of Gavdos is once again preparing to host a special event that combines sports, nature, and culture. The island, known for its striking landscapes and serene atmosphere, will welcome participants and visitors for the 4th consecutive year at its highly anticipated annual sports festival. This year, the Municipality of Gavdos is excited to announce the 4th Road Races, scheduled to take place on Sunday, June 8, 2025. The event will occur on the beautiful island of Calypso, which is not only the southernmost tip of Europe but also a haven for those who appreciate adventure, nature, and the thrill of competition. The 4th Sports Festival of Gavdos aspires to be more than just a sporting event. It aims to transform Gavdos into an open gathering space for people from all walks of life—both locals and tourists—who have a shared passion for physical activity, the outdoors, and communal experiences. As one of the most picturesque and remote locations in Greece, Gavdos offers the perfect backdrop for this celebration of sports and nature. With its stunning landscapes and vibrant atmosphere, the island serves as the ideal setting for an event that embodies the values of unity, health, and well-being. The event will feature the 4th Road Races, which promise to be an exciting and invigorating experience for all participants. Whether seasoned runners or those taking part for the first time, the races will offer a unique challenge. With courses that wind through the island’s rugged terrain, participants will have the opportunity to connect with nature while pushing their limits. The event not only promotes sports and physical activity but also encourages participants to embrace the natural beauty that surrounds them. Running through the island’s tranquil paths and witnessing its untouched landscapes will allow everyone to experience Gavdos’ stunning environmental features in a way that is both immersive and personal.

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Fiji Tourism Exchange 2025 Highlights Strong Appeal for Indian Market

At the Fiji Tourism Exchange (FTE) 2025, TTJ spoke to key stakeholders shaping the country’s tourism narrative for global and Indian travellers. From luxury hotel offerings to immersive cultural adventures and community-led experiences, Fiji is making a strong case as a destination that blends natural beauty, cultural depth, and warm hospitality, with a particular eye on the Indian market. The 2025 edition of the Fiji Tourism Exchange (FTE), the region’s flagship tourism trade event, was held from May 10–13 at the Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort. Celebrated as one of the most influential B2B platforms in the South Pacific, the two-day marketplace brought together global travel professionals to strengthen business ties and explore Fiji’s diverse tourism offerings. This year, the event drew over 550 participants from 19 countries, including 138 international buyers, 84 sellers, and 10 leading global media outlets. A record-setting 4,300 pre-scheduled business meetings were lined up, fostering opportunities for collaboration, new partnerships, and promoting innovative travel products.

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