News

Etihad to Launch Abu Dhabi–Charlotte Nonstop Flights in May 2026

Etihad Airways (IATA: EY), the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has announced the launch of a new nonstop route connecting Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) with Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in North Carolina, USA. The service is scheduled to commence on May 4, 2026, marking the first-ever direct flight between the Gulf region and Charlotte, one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States. This new route represents a significant milestone in Etihad’s expanding global network and further strengthens its footprint in the competitive U.S. aviation market. Charlotte Douglas International Airport becomes Etihad’s sixth destination in the U.S., joining New York, Chicago, Washington D.C., Boston, and the soon-to-be-launched Atlanta route starting July 2, 2025. Flight Details and Passenger Experience The Abu Dhabi–Charlotte flights will operate four times a week using Etihad’s flagship Boeing 787 Dreamliner, an aircraft known for its fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and advanced technology. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner features spacious cabins with enhanced air quality, mood lighting, and a quieter cabin environment designed to reduce jet lag and improve the overall travel experience. Passengers on this new route will benefit from convenient onward connections via Etihad’s extensive Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Asia networks, offering seamless global travel options. A key advantage for travelers flying to Charlotte is the availability of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance at Abu Dhabi International Airport. This service allows passengers to complete U.S. customs and immigration inspections before boarding their flight. As a result, travelers arrive in Charlotte as domestic passengers, enabling faster processing, avoiding long queues, and easing onward travel within the United States.

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StarCruises Launches Vietnam’s Star Voyager Summer Sailings to Singapore

StarCruises today hosted a special press conference in Ho Chi Minh City to announce its much-anticipated launch in Vietnam, featuring three exclusive school holiday sailings aboard the Star Voyager. Departing from Phu My Port on 13, 17, and 21 June 2025, these 4 four-night cruises to Singapore offer Vietnamese travellers an exciting new holiday option just in time for the summer school break. StarCruises Launches Star Voyager Sailings from Ho Chi Minh City (2) StarCruises Star Voyager Star Voyager Each voyage invites guests to relax in their choice of accommodation, from cozy Inside Cabins to Oceanview and Balcony Cabins, as well as luxurious Palace Suites, which include exclusive access to private facilities, 24-hour butler service, and personalized experiences. Guests will also enjoy complimentary access to selected dining venues, world-class live entertainment and a wide array of family-friendly activities onboard. To ensure an elevated guest experience, the Star Voyager has recently undergone a US$50 million refurbishment with enhanced venues and improved onboard facilities. The ship promises an unforgettable journey filled with relaxation, discovery and fun. “With StarCruises officially launching sailings from Ho Chi Minh City via Phu My Port, we are thrilled to introduce the Star Voyager’s 4 Night Cruise to Singapore for the local school holidays, This homeport deployment and series of exclusive sailings are poised to elevate Vietnam’s standing as an emerging cruise hub in Southeast Asia, while boosting both inbound and outbound travel,” said Michael Goh, President of StarDream Cruises.

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The Leela Shapes a New Edge in Indian Luxury Hospitality

In an exclusive interview with TTJ, Anuraag Bhatnagar, CEO, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, outlines the brand’s vision of redefining luxury through deep cultural engagement, thoughtful hospitality, and personalised experiences powered by technology. From nurturing talent and empowering women to sustainable innovation and strategic expansion, The Leela continues its journey of delivering transformative experiences while staying rooted in its ethos, Atithi Devo Bhava. The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has been on a journey to delight guests by providing unparalleled luxury in captivating environs, ensconced in the lap of nature and wrapped in the graciousness of Indian hospitality. The Leela celebrates each hotel through its unique location, art, culture, and cuisine with thoughtful services, celebratory rituals, and immersive experiences.

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UP to Host Dudhwa Festival in November, Showcasing Tharu Culture & Wildlife

Uttar Pradesh is set to host its first-ever residential cultural and wildlife festival, the Dudhwa Festival, from November 14, 2025, at the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, aiming to promote eco-tourism, biodiversity, and indigenous traditions. The three-day celebration will offer visitors a vibrant immersion into the state’s rich cultural landscape and natural beauty. The event will feature performances by celebrated Indian artists such as Shubha Mudgal, Kailash Kher, and Ram Sampath, alongside other popular names like Kaushiki Chakraborty, Don Bhatt, Rishabh Sharma, Brodha V, Ginni Sujan, and Paresh Pahuja. The musical programming spans classical, folk, and contemporary genres, promising a diverse cultural experience. Announcing the festival, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized its role in drawing both domestic and international tourists. The initiative aligns with the state’s broader strategy to elevate Uttar Pradesh as a leading tourism destination.

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Air India Debuts Premium Economy on Delhi–London A350 with Luxe Comfort

Air India’s revamped experience delivers unmatched comfort and elegance high above the clouds. Because flying is about more than just reaching your destination. Travel today transcends simply reaching a destination. As global connectivity tightens, the journey itself—marked by airline choice, cabin comfort, and in-flight experiences—has become the centerpiece of modern travel. Luxury, convenience, and thoughtful service are no longer optional but essential for discerning passengers. Airlines that embrace these evolving traveler expectations are leading a transformation in how people experience air travel. Air India’s new A350-900 aircraft exemplifies this shift with a comprehensive focus on passenger comfort, style, and indulgence. The Business Class cabins on the A350-900 elevate the flying experience to unprecedented levels. Featuring twenty-eight private suites, the cabins prioritize spaciousness and privacy, allowing passengers to fully unwind. Each suite offers a fully flat bed capable of reclining to a complete 180 degrees, ensuring restful sleep even on long-haul overnight flights. The generous design comfortably accommodates individuals up to six feet tall with enough space to stretch, a welcome departure from cramped seats that plague many other carriers. The focus on personal space creates an environment conducive to relaxation and rejuvenation, setting a new benchmark for comfort on routes such as New Delhi to London. Entertainment is another hallmark of the Business Class suite experience. Each private suite features a twenty-one-inch high-definition screen stocked with an extensive selection of movies and shows. Passengers can enjoy the latest Hollywood blockbusters, timeless Bollywood classics, and interactive games, keeping both adults and children thoroughly engaged throughout the flight. The entertainment system, paired with noise-cancelling headphones, transforms the cabin into a personal sanctuary where travelers can escape and unwind at 30,000 feet.

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IATA Launches 10-Year Global Plan to Modernize Baggage Handling

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched a 10-year Global Baggage Roadmap to modernise baggage operations. Developed with airlines, airports, and industry partners, the roadmap sets a clear path to improve both operational efficiency and traveller satisfaction. “Baggage is important for travellers. When they check a bag, they expect it to arrive on time. And if it doesn’t, they want to know where it is. That is confirmed by recent IATA polling showing 81 per cent of travellers want better tracking, 74 per cent expect real-time updates on their mobile phones and 67 per cent are willing to switch to electronic bag tags. The Global Baggage Roadmap will move us closer to the automated digital baggage services that travellers want,” said Monika Mejstrikova, IATA’s Director of Ground Operations. The Roadmap is built around three pillars: Baggage Information Exchange and Data Standardization to align how baggage information is shared among airlines, airports, and partners. For passengers, replacing legacy systems like teletype with modern messaging standards will mean faster baggage reconciliation, fewer delays due to data errors, and more reliable service recovery when issues arise. Driving transformation towards this new API-driven baggage messaging standard will significantly reduce the airline industry’s annual spending of USD 1 billion on teletype messaging. Baggage Tracking and Automation to provide visibility throughout the journey. This includes the use of electronic baggage tags, GPS tracking, and robotics that will enable passengers to track their bags in real time and experience smoother transfers and arrivals. Streamlining the baggage claim process, combating fraud, and enhancing the customer experience so airlines can resolve passenger’s claims faster and have better protections from baggage-related fraud. “This Roadmap will consolidate the progress of previous initiatives to modernize baggage processes and take a holistic view of where we need to be in 10 years. With the buy-in of all stakeholders we are better placed than ever to improve traveller satisfaction by delivering the digital, automated, and customer-focused service that they get in many other sectors,” said Mejstrikova. The Global Baggage Roadmap aligns with IATA’s broader efforts to modernize ground operations, enhance safety, and improve the passenger experience. IATA will work closely with stakeholders to develop implementation guidance, provide training, and monitor progress.

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