News

Port Blair Airport gets top AAI incentives to boost international connectivity

To promote international flight connectivity, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has approved a mega incentive scheme at 13 airports, which includes Veer Savarkar International Airport at Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, an official said here. This scheme will be applicable for the first three years of the operations to bridge the viability gap for the initial phase, which is a very crucial phase for the sustainability of operations. Speaking to PTI, Port Blair Airport Director Devender Yadav said, “As per this scheme for the first year, 100 per cent UDF (User Development Fees,) which is Rs 709 per departing passenger, will be waived off to the airline. For the second year, the incentive will be 85 per cent of UDF, and for the third year, the incentive will be 65 per cent of UDF.” Considering the flight load of 180 passengers, the incentive scheme could save Rs 128 lakh per flight for airlines, which is a significant amount to bridge the viability gap, he said. Veer Savarkar International Airport was designated as an international airport on April 1, 2007, and the first scheduled international flight started on November 16, 202,4 by AirAsia from Kuala Lumpur to Port Blair. But due to less passenger load, the international operations were not viable for airlines, and international flight operations were stopped from April 10, 2025.

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AirAsia Launches New Bangkok–Hong Kong–Okinawa Route, Boosting Affordable Travel Between Southeast Asia and Japan

AirAsia has taken a big step forward in the Asian travel sector with the introduction of its pioneering new Fifth Freedom service between Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Okinawa. With this pioneering route, passengers receive unprecedented affordability, smooth connectivity, and superior service across Japan and Southeast Asia. The expansion of AirAsia’s flights to high-demand areas is the start of a new age in affordable global travel with unprecedented convenience and value for business and leisure travelers alike. With this new addition to the exciting mix of travel options, AirAsia becomes even more of an industry leader, supplying unprecedented travel options to the increasingly strong demand for versatile and inexpensive travel throughout the entire region of Asia. AirAsia has launched its latest Fifth Freedom route, connecting Bangkok (Don Mueang) to Hong Kong and Okinawa, Japan, with the inaugural flight taking off today. This new route marks the airline’s first connection between Hong Kong and Japan, expanding its footprint in the Asia-Pacific region. In celebration of this milestone, AirAsia, together with the Okinawa Prefectural Government and Hong Kong International Airport, hosted a special event at the boarding gate. The occasion was attended by distinguished guests, including Mr. Ricky Chong, the Assistant General Manager for Network Development at Hong Kong International Airport, and Yasutoshi Nohara, the Director of the Okinawa Prefectural Government’s Hong Kong Representative Office. They were joined by a special guest, Okinawa’s mascot “Mahae-chan,” along with Terence So, Marketing Head of AirAsia Hong Kong and Macao, who distributed commemorative gifts to passengers on the inaugural flight, creating an exciting atmosphere for travelers. In Okinawa, passengers were further welcomed by the Okinawa Convention and Visitors Bureau. The new route has been met with positive market response from both Thailand and Hong Kong, evidenced by a robust passenger load factor of 90%. This high demand highlights the growing appeal of Okinawa as a travel destination and strengthens AirAsia’s position in the region. The route provides more options for travelers looking to explore Okinawa’s unique blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and relaxing beaches.

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Beach Trips Boost Mental Health, Say Experts

As temperatures rise and travel season kicks into full gear, beaches across the country are welcoming crowds in search of sunshine and serenity. But beyond the joy of sand between your toes and the sound of crashing waves, there’s something deeper at play—something that scientists and public health experts increasingly recognize as a natural remedy for stress, anxiety, and emotional fatigue. Known in wellness circles as “sea therapy” or “thalassotherapy,” time spent near oceans and large bodies of water is gaining attention for its therapeutic impact on mental well-being. Backed by growing public health research, the evidence shows that visiting the beach is far more than just a recreational activity—it can be a restorative experience that benefits emotional balance, stress levels, and even cognitive functioning. Blue Spaces: Nature’s Calming Influence Government agencies and mental health researchers have long promoted the benefits of “green spaces”—forests, parks, and gardens—as vital to human health. More recently, attention has expanded to “blue spaces,” which include oceans, rivers, lakes, and coastal environments. Among these, beaches stand out for their ability to calm the nervous system and engage the senses in a gentle, healing way.

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Vietnam and Indonesia Redefine Southeast Asia Travel with Innovative Direct Flights Unlocking Limitless Opportunities for Tourism and Economic Prosperity

Vietnam and Indonesia Redefine Southeast Asia Travel with Innovative Direct Flights Unlocking Limitless Opportunities for Tourism and Economic Prosperity Monday, June 2, 2025 Vietnam Indonesia Vietnam and Indonesia are redefining travel and economic cooperation in Southeast Asia by launching a new direct flight route that significantly enhances connectivity between the two nations. This innovative air link not only makes travel faster and more convenient for millions of tourists and business travelers but also unlocks vast opportunities for expanding trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. By strengthening regional ties through improved accessibility, both countries are positioning themselves as key drivers of economic prosperity and sustainable growth in the ASEAN region. Vietnam Airlines has inaugurated a new nonstop flight service linking Ho Chi Minh City with Denpasar, Bali, significantly enhancing travel connections between Vietnam and Indonesia. Bali, often regarded as the jewel of Southeast Asia, has gained international recognition as one of the most beautiful islands in Asia. This new air service not only enhances travel convenience but also strengthens the growing economic and cultural ties between the two vibrant neighboring countries. This new route marks Vietnam Airlines’ second direct link to Indonesia, adding to its current service between Ho Chi Minh City and Jakarta. This addition responds to the increasing travel demand driven by expanding tourism, business exchanges, and people-to-people interactions between Vietnam and Indonesia. Both countries are key players in Southeast Asia’s dynamic economic landscape, with thriving tourism sectors that are rapidly recovering and growing following the pandemic disruptions. Flight VN641 took off from Ho Chi Minh City for its maiden journey, transporting 161 passengers. The journey lasted approximately 4 hours and 35 minutes before safely landing at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport at 3 p.m. Local airport authorities and airline representatives welcomed the passengers warmly, presenting them with souvenirs as a token of hospitality. This gesture was symbolic of the friendlyrelationship between the two nations and set a positive tone for the new route’s operations. At the launch ceremony, the Vietnamese Ambassador to Indonesia emphasized that the establishment of this flight route represents more than just a transportation link. It symbolizes the increasing connection, trust, and partnership between Vietnam and Indonesia, two neighboring countries that share common goals for economic cooperation and regional stability. The ambassador expressed optimism that the route would facilitate closer exchanges in tourism, trade, investment, and cultural understanding, benefitting both peoples.

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Taj enters South Africa with three luxury wildlife lodges in Kruger National Park

The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has signed three luxury wildlife lodges under its iconic Taj brand in the Balule Game Reserve, Kruger National Park in South Africa. This signing marks IHCL’s entry into luxury wildlife hospitality in South Africa. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said, “As the demand for purpose-led travel continues to grow, Taj, with its differentiated offerings, brings exceptional safari experiences where expert-led jungle drives, community engagement, and conservation-led design come together to create unforgettable journeys. Our foray into Kruger National Park builds on this legacy, offering travellers an authentic connection with nature through a responsible tourism approach. We are delighted to partner with OM USA LLC to bring this vision to life.” The three luxury lodges, the 30-key Taj Lion Kings Hilltop Tented Camp, the 6-key Taj Lion Kings Bush Lodge, and the 6-key Taj Lion Kings River Lodge, will be set amidst the wilderness and offer elevated safari experiences. Each lodge will feature an all-day dining restaurant, spa, swimming pool, and recreation areas, blending comfort with the authenticity of the African wilderness.

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Hong Kong, Australia, China, And India Reap Major Benefits As Cathay Pacific Resumes Direct Flights To Cairns, Fueling Unprecedented Tourism Growth And Global Connectivity

Hong Kong, Australia, China, and India are to be among the beneficiaries of the strong comeback by Cathay Pacific direct flights to Cairns, greatly improving international connectivity and sparking record tourism growth. Beginning in December, the seasonal service opens doors to seamless travel between these major international markets and Tropical North Queensland, ensuring an influx of holidaymakers over the peak season. The comeback by this high-demand route highlights the heightening economic and tourism affinities, as Cathay Pacific direct flights lead to boosted international travel, trade, and cultural exchange. Cathay Pacific is set to operate three direct flights per week between Hong Kong and Cairns from December 9 to February 28, aligning with the peak Christmas holidays and Lunar New Year period. This seasonal service, which returns for the second consecutive year, builds on the success of its inaugural offering and is expected to bring thousands of international tourists to Tropical North Queensland. Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker expressed enthusiasm about the return of the Hong Kong-based carrier, calling it a “major coup” for the region. The revived partnership reflects the growing strength of Cairns’ relationship with Cathay Pacific and the airline’s ongoing commitment to the area. The direct flights will offer convenient connections for travelers, enhancing Cairns’ accessibility to key global markets. The service will operate on Cathay Pacific’s A330 aircraft, providing over 20,000 seats throughout the season. The airline’s global network enables seamless connections to major destinations, including mainland China, the United Kingdom, Europe, and India. These routes are expected to significantly boost tourism numbers, especially as many international visitors are drawn to the region to celebrate the Lunar New Year and Christmas holidays. Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Mark Olsen welcomed the return of Cathay Pacific, noting the importance of the carrier’s role in boosting tourism during such a critical period. With the return service, Tropical North Queensland anticipates a surge in arrivals, including visitors from the key Chinese mainland market, which has long been a strong source of tourism for the region.

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