News

Emirates Enhances Travel with Retrofitted A380s and Premium Economy to Manchester and Milan

Emirates is enhancing its service to Australia, Singapore, Japan, and India by introducing its newly retrofitted Airbus A380s, now featuring Premium Economy cabins, on flights to Manchester and Milan. Starting in June and July 2025, travelers from these key destinations will experience the upgraded service, which offers more comfort and luxury, providing a seamless journey to top global cities. The addition of the latest cabin features on these routes reflects Emirates’ commitment to expanding its premium offerings while meeting the growing demand for exceptional travel experiences. Emirates is set to roll out its newly retrofitted Airbus A380s with the addition of Premium Economy cabins to both Manchester and Milan. Starting June 6, the upgraded A380s will operate on the EK017/018 flights to Manchester, followed by EK091/092 to Milan starting July 1. This marks a significant expansion of Emirates’ Premium Economy service, with nearly 5,000 weekly seats offered between the UK and Dubai. The new Manchester service enhances Emirates’ already impressive A380 network, which includes four daily flights retrofitted with Premium Economy between Dubai and London Heathrow. Additionally, an Emirates A350 will serve Edinburgh, while a refurbished Boeing 777 is slated to begin operations to London Stansted in May.

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Kashmir’s Sarthal Valley Gains Mobile Network, Boosting India’s Tourism Potential

Kashmir’s picturesque Sarthal Valley, located in the Bani region of Kathua district, has reached a significant milestone with the successful introduction of mobile network connectivity. This development is expected to unlock new opportunities for the valley, positioning it as a prime destination for both domestic and international tourists. Known for its lush meadows, serene pine forests, and tranquil atmosphere, Sarthal had long remained isolated due to the lack of basic infrastructure. However, with the arrival of mobile services, the region is now set to experience a surge in tourism, fostering hopes for modern development and better amenities to cater to the growing influx of visitors. In a major milestone, the beautiful Sarthal Valley, nestled in the Bani region of Kathua district, has been successfully linked to the mobile network, opening new possibilities for the region’s growth as a sought-after tourist destination. With a surge in foreign visitors and an uptick in domestic tourism, the local community is filled with optimism about the region’s future, hoping for its development with modern infrastructure. Previously cut off due to the absence of essential connectivity, Sarthal, renowned for its lush green meadows, pine forests, and peaceful environment, has remained largely untouched. The introduction of mobile services has already made a tangible difference, according to locals. However, despite these advancements, the area still faces significant gaps in essential infrastructure.

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Ladakh to host Apricot Blossom Festival 2025 from April 11 to May 4

In a bid to promote tourism and extend the travel season in the Union Territory, the Department of Tourism, Ladakh, is all set to celebrate the Apricot Blossom Festival 2025 across various apricot-growing belts in both the Leh and Kargil regions. The festival, now in its third year, has been scheduled as part of the department’s annual tourism calendar and promises an immersive cultural and ecological experience for visitors. Inspired by the success of the Cherry Blossom Festival in Meghalaya, Ladakh’s Apricot Blossom Festival was first introduced two years ago to spotlight the region’s vibrant spring season and its thriving apricot cultivation. The picturesque bloom of pink and white apricot flowers offers a stunning backdrop for tourists seeking a unique seasonal experience. This year, the festival expands its reach, adding more villages to the celebration roster, culminating on May 4 at Tar village. Notably, Tar was recognised as the Best Tourism Village of 2024 under the Responsible Tourism category by the Union Ministry of Tourism, further elevating the significance of the location for this year’s closing ceremony. Apricot trees in Ladakh begin blooming in early April, and the season lasts for over a month, marking a visually captivating time when the stark landscapes of Ladakh transform with vibrant hues. As one of India’s largest apricot-producing regions, Ladakh leverages the season to showcase its ecological richness and cultural heritage.

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IndiGo announces direct flights from Mumbai and Kannur to Fujairah effective May 15

IndiGo has announced the launch of direct flights to Fujairah, further strengthening its international footprint and reinforcing its strategic growth plan. With this addition, Fujairah becomes IndiGo’s 41st international destination and the fifth destination in the UAE, after Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah. On the inaugural day, May 15, 2025, IndiGo will operate a special flight from Mumbai to Fujairah, departing at 8:10 AM and arriving at 9:30 AM. The return flight will depart Fujairah at 10:30 AM and land in Mumbai at 2:55 PM. From May 16 onwards, IndiGo will begin daily services on two routes: Mumbai to Fujairah, with the flight departing at 1:10 AM and arriving at 2:40 AM, while the return leg will leave Fujairah at 12:25 AM and land in Mumbai at 4:50 AM; and Kannur to Fujairah, with the flight departing at 8:55 PM and arriving at 11:25 PM, and the return flight departing Fujairah at 3:40 AM to reach Kannur at 9:00 AM. The new daily flights from Mumbai and Kannur to Fujairah, with dedicated bus services to and from Dubai and Sharjah, complementing existing routes to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah, will unlock new travel options for tourism and trade, catering to both leisure and business travellers.

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India, Japan Boost Tourism Ties with Focus on Buddhism, Air Links

India’s travel industry is expected to see a dynamic shift in its bilateral outlook as a result of the recent 4th Joint Working Group (JWG) Meeting on Tourism Cooperation between India and Japan, which was held on April 8, 2025, in New Delhi. The session was hailed by travel industry experts and policy observers as a timely initiative to redefine how the two nations collaborate on cultural tourism, educational exchange, and regional connectivity. While the meeting took place under the broader theme of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, marking India’s post-independence milestones, it also spotlighted how tourism can serve as a diplomatic bridge in strengthening people-to-people ties. A high-level collaboration with tourism visionaries The meeting was jointly chaired by Ms. Mugdha Sinha, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and Mr. HARAIKAWA Naoya, Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA). The event witnessed a substantial presence of public and private sector stakeholders from both countries, signalling a collaborative mindset that goes beyond bureaucratic dialogues.

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Qatar Airways Unveils Powerful Expansion To Manchester, Revolutionizing Travel Between The UK And Australia

Qatar Airways is set to significantly enhance its Manchester service with the addition of three new flights starting June 4, 2025, using its state-of-the-art Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 787-9 aircraft. This expansion is designed to meet increasing passenger demand and strengthen the airline’s connectivity between the UK and Australia, two crucial markets. With the new flights, Manchester will now be served by Qatar Airways 24 times a week, offering travelers more options and comfort when connecting through the award-winning Hamad International Airport in Doha. Qatar Airways is expanding its Manchester route with three additional weekly flights starting June 4, 2025, to cater to rising passenger demand. Since launching operations to Manchester in 2003, Qatar Airways has made the city a cornerstone of its global network. Following this expansion, the airline will offer 24 weekly flights to Manchester, all connecting through Hamad International Airport in Doha, which was recently named the World’s Best Airport by Skytrax. This service enhancement will provide travelers with greater flexibility and comfort, particularly when transiting through Hamad International, the 2024 World’s Best Airport. The increased frequency will also improve travel connections between the UK and Australia, two key regions for international travel.

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