News

Air India-Air New Zealand Ink Codeshare Deal, Eye Direct Flights by 2028

Air India has signed an agreement with Air New Zealand to introduce a codeshare partnership on 16 routes spanning India, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. Indian travelers from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai will soon be able to connect via Sydney, Melbourne, or Singapore on Air New Zealand flights to Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, and Queenstown. Air India has recently expanded its codeshare partnerships with Lufthansa Group, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Australia and All Nippon Airways. The agreement with Air New Zealand was formalized at an event in Mumbai on Wednesday night during the visit of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to India. One of the most significant aspects of the deal is a commitment to explore the feasibility of a direct flight service between India and New Zealand by 2028. “This partnership will not only strengthen our presence and simplify customer journeys, but also help us develop traffic so that, in time to come, we may viably operate a non-stop service between India and New Zealand, which we and Air New Zealand have committed to explore together with the respective authorities,” Campbell Wilson, managing director and CEO of Air India, said.

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Edinburgh’s Historic Debut As Host Of The 2027 Tour De France

In 2027, the prestigious Tour de France will kick off in Edinburgh for the very first time, with the opening three stages set to unfold across Scotland, England, and Wales. The 2027 edition of the Tour de France will kick off in Edinburgh, marking the first time the race begins in the Scottish capital. The opening three stages will cover Scotland, England, and Wales, as announced by the organisers, ASO, during a ceremony in Edinburgh on March 19. Additionally, the women’s Tour de France will also begin in Britain in 2027, though the exact location has yet to be disclosed. This will be the third time the men’s Tour starts in the United Kingdom. Previous Grand Depart events took place in England—London hosted the start of the 2007 edition, and Yorkshire was the starting point in 2014. The 2027 event will introduce stages in Scotland and Wales for the first time ever. Tour de France 2027 to begin in Edinburgh: Key details to know. In 2022, the ASO organizers made use of an exemption to hold the Tour de France start in Copenhagen on a day other than Saturday. They will apply this same exemption in 2027, setting the race’s start date for Friday, July 2, 2027, to accommodate three full stages in the United Kingdom.

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Kerala’s ‘Look East’ Campaign Set To Drive Foreign Tourism Growth In India

Kerala Tourism is launching a unique marketing initiative called ‘Look East,’ targeting eight countries in the eastern region, such as China and Australia, to boost tourism to the state. Kerala is turning to the eastern region to revive its declining foreign tourist numbers, which currently stand at only 62% of the pre-pandemic levels. Kerala Tourism is launching a targeted marketing campaign called ‘Look East’ across eight countries, from China to Australia, with the aim of drawing more tourists to the state. Despite China holding a significant share of the Asian tourism market, Kerala has seen minimal visitors from there. Kerala has introduced a dedicated ‘Kerala itinerary’ for international travelers, with Arab nations, particularly Dubai and Doha, serving as key transit hubs to the state. The region has also become a popular wellness tourism destination for foreigners. Senior officials from the Tourism Department suggest that collaborating with airlines in select regions will help attract more visitors to Kerala. The U.K. and U.S. remain the top two markets, making up nearly 28% of the state’s total tourist arrivals. According to 2024 statistics, Australia and Malaysia have made it to the top 10 list of countries from the eastern region.

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Bali to observe Nyepi Day on March 29: no travel, airport closure, and island-wide silence

Tourists and travellers who will be in Bali on March 29, 2025, are reminded that all travel will be forbidden for 24 hours as the island falls silent to observe Nyepi Day. Also known as the Balinese Day of Silence, Nyepi is the most sacred festival for Balinese Hindus and all those on the island, regardless of their faith, are expected to respect the tradition. The Head of the Bali Transportation Agency, IGW Samsi Gunarta, spoke to reporters on Thursday 13th March, ahead of the festivities at the end of the month. He and his teams are calling for tourists and travelers to plan and to compensative their travel plans in the knowledge that traffic congestion will be much higher in the days leading up to Nyepi.

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IndiGo Announces Bold Expansion for FY2026: 14 New Destinations, New Aircraft, and Global Growth Plans

IndiGo, India’s largest and most influential airline, is gearing up for an aggressive expansion plan in the upcoming financial year (FY2026). In its latest investor presentation IndiGo, India’s largest and most influential airline, is gearing up for an aggressive expansion plan in the upcoming financial year (FY2026). In its latest investor presentation, the airline unveiled plans to introduce 14 new destinations, marking a significant step in its bid to expand its reach. The airline also anticipates a strong growth outlook, with expectations for low double-digit increases in both passenger traffic and capacity. In addition, the airline will continue to expand its fleet, with deliveries of more than one new aircraft per week in FY26, and it plans to boost its workforce by adding 3,000 employees over the same period.

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How Etihad Airways’ The Residence Is Revolutionizing Luxury Air Travel

Etihad Airways has taken opulent air travel to an entirely new level with The Residence, its ultra-private, three-room suite aboard the Airbus A380. Designed for elite travelers seeking an unparalleled experience, this lavish in-flight retreat comes at an astonishing £49,000 per journey, offering unmatched luxury, privacy, and bespoke service. The suite is a sanctuary of comfort, featuring a spacious living room with an elegant leather sofa and high-definition entertainment system, a separate bedroom outfitted with a full-sized double bed draped in the finest linens, and a private en-suite bathroom equipped with a high-end shower. The seamless integration of these spaces creates a refined in-flight experience that goes far beyond traditional first-class cabins.

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