Air India announces non-stop flights between Delhi and Manila starting October 2025

Air India has announced the launch of non-stop flights between Delhi and Manila, the capital of the Philippines, beginning October 1, 2025. This new route makes Air India the only airline to offer direct flights between India and the Philippines, enhancing tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges between the two countries. The new service will operate five times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, using the Airbus A321neo aircraft. Travellers will have the choice of Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class cabins. The launch follows the Philippines’ recent introduction of visa-free entry for Indian tourists for up to 14 days, making destinations like Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu more accessible to Indian travellers. Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Air India, said, “The introduction of our Delhi-Manila route is a yet another step in our mission to connect India with more of the world, non-stop. As outbound travel from India grows at an unprecedented pace, with Indian tourists ranking among the highest spenders globally, the new entry rules for Indian tourists are a shot in the arm to boost tourism to the Philippines. We are happy to facilitate new opportunities for cultural exchange and economic collaboration between the two nations, while bringing the new Air India to more travellers around the world.” Air India’s flight schedule also ensures seamless, one-stop connectivity from Europe via Delhi to Manila.

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Virgin Atlantic launches Sky High Club, a rewards programme for Indian travel agents

Virgin Atlantic has launched Sky High Club, an exclusive new rewards programme for travel agents across India. This initiative marks a first for Virgin Atlantic in the country and reflects the airline’s ongoing commitment to strengthening ties with India’s travel trade community. A first-of-its-kind for Virgin Atlantic in India, Sky High Club is more than a loyalty programme, it’s a celebration of the passion, hustle and heart that define the Indian travel industry. With every booking, agents will now have the chance to earn points and unlock a world of extraordinary rewards and unforgettable experiences. Shivani Singh Deo, Virgin Atlantic’s India Country manager commented, “At Virgin Atlantic, we’ve always believed in the power of partnerships and Sky High Club is our way of recognising the travel agents who make incredible journeys possible every single day, and we’re here to champion, celebrate and reward them like never before.” As agents progress through the programme, they will get access to even more valuable benefits, reflecting Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to those who consistently go the extra mile.

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NBA and Budweiser launch BUDX NBA House in India, with Brand USA and Visit California as partner

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Budweiser have announced that the first-ever BUDX NBA House in India will be held on June 7 and 8 at the DOME, SVP Stadium in Mumbai. This interactive fan event promises to celebrate the fusion of basketball, music, and culture during the excitement of the 2025 NBA Finals. The two-day event will feature basketball-themed activities, live musical performances, and opportunities to meet five-time NBA champion Derek Fisher and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Gary Payton. Fans will also enjoy photo opportunities with the iconic Larry O’Brien Trophy and performances by Sacramento Kings mascot Slamson, the Kings Dancers, and the Kings’ dunk team. BUDX NBA House in India follows previous editions of NBA House held in Brazil, Canada, France, Mexico, the U.S., and the UK. Rajah Chaudhry, NBA Asia Head of Strategy and NBA India Country Head, said, “The first BUDX NBA House will be a must-visit destination for India’s passionate NBA fans to come together and share their love of the game. We’re excited to bring this unique blend of basketball, music, and culture to India at a time of incredible momentum for the sport in the country.” Vineet Sharma, Vice President of Marketing and Trade Marketing at AB InBev India, added, “Budweiser has always been at the forefront of cultural and entertainment experiences, and we are proud to associate with the NBA to bring the first-ever BUDX NBA House to India. This collaboration reflects our commitment to creating unforgettable moments for fans who celebrate the game of basketball and push boundaries in offering immersive experiences in music, sports, and culture. We have been pioneers in shaping music culture in India, and this experience will further our mission of bringing alive never-before-seen trendsetting experiences for Indian youth.”

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AVIAREPS appoints Tom Fecke as Global Head of Cruise to lead global expansion

AVIAREPS, the world’s leading international representation, marketing and communications company for aviation, tourism, hospitality, and food & beverage brands, today announced the appointment of Tom Fecke as Global Head of Cruise to grow its cruise division. Tom will oversee the cruise line department of AVIAREPS and will be responsible for expanding the company’s service portfolio for cruise lines worldwide. With over 25 years of experience in the travel and cruise industry, Tom Fecke brings deep expertise in sales, marketing, and strategic development. He previously held sales and leadership roles at Travelport, Avis Rent a Car, Sabre and RCL Cruises and was Secretary General of the Cruise Lines International Association CLIA in Brussels to lobby the interests of the European cruise industry. Tom joins AVIAREPS with a strong network and a proven track record of helping cruise lines grow their passenger numbers and boost sales. Under the management of Tom Fecke, AVIAREPS will grow its cruise representation department, offering market research, travel trade development and PR, sales and marketing activities. From organizing trade shows and agent training to managing media relations and call centre support, AVIAREPS helps cruise operators strengthen their presence, grow their passenger numbers and expand to new markets. AVIAREPS global coordination and strategy, paired with the extensive experience and local expertise of AVIAREPS regional cruise line experts, ensures the successful growth of cruise brands worldwide.

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Air India scales up Kathmandu, Colombo, and Bangkok routes to meet surging demand

Air India has added more flights to Bangkok, Colombo, and Kathmandu to meet the growing passenger demand. Effective July 7, 2025, Air India will increase its Delhi-Kathmandu services from 35 to 42 weekly flights with the addition of a sixth daily flight. The Delhi-Colombo route will see a doubling of frequency, from 7 to 14 weekly flights, while Mumbai-Bangkok will expand from 13 to 18 weekly flights with the introduction of a third daily service. This expansion will add over 7,000 seats to and from Bangkok, Colombo, and Kathmandu. The additional flights to Kathmandu and Bangkok will be operated by Air India’s best narrowbody aircraft featuring a three-class cabin configuration, including a Premium Economy Class that offers a premium full-service experience. Air India’s flights to Colombo, Kathmandu, and Bangkok also provide seamless one-stop connectivity to and from key destinations in North America, Europe, and the Far East. With these increases, Air India will operate 42 weekly flights to Kathmandu, 28 to Colombo, and 46 to Bangkok.

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Kashmir To Kanyakumari Now A Reality For Rail Network Too: PM Modi

Katra: The Chenab bridge has become a new milestone in pan-India connectivity, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarking that the phrase 'Kashmir to Kanyakumari' has now become a reality even in the Indian railway network. "While walking on the Chenab and Anji bridges today, I lived the lofty aspirations of India and the skill and courage of our engineers and workers," the Prime Minister proudly said at a rally in Katra after inaugurating the two bridges. He also inaugurated the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line and flagged off Vande Bharat services between Katra and Srinagar, which is expected to be a game-changer for tourism. "We have always invoked Maa Bharati with deep reverence, saying 'from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.' Today, this has become a reality even in our railway network," said PM Modi, referring to Jammu and Kashmir as the "crown jewel of India". The Chenab bridge, the world's highest railway bridge, is an engineering marvel built in the face of extreme weather and a challenging topography. At 359 metres, it is taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris by 35 metres. "People visit France to see the Eiffel Tower, and this bridge is taller than that. This bridge will not just help you visit Kashmir, it will become a tourist destination itself," he said. PM Modi said the Chenab and Anji bridges will serve as gateways to prosperity for Jammu and Kashmir. "The Chenab and Anji bridges are a living symbol of India's power on the inaccessible hills of Pir Panjal. This is the roar of India's bright future...Kashmir's apples will be able to reach the big markets of the country at a low cost and on time," he said. The Prime Minister also called the 272-km USBRL project a symbol of an empowered Jammu and Kashmir and a resounding proclamation of India's growing strength.

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