News

DGCA Directs Airlines to Offer 60% Seats at No Extra Charge from April 20

The regulator said airlines must ensure “at least 60% of the seats in any flight shall be offered free of charge”, as mentioned in the DGCA circular. Airlines will begin offering at least 60 per cent of seats on every flight without any extra fee from April 20, according to the aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). They have also been directed to follow a clear and open seat allocation policy. This comes after an announcement by the civil aviation ministry on March 18 that airlines had been instructed to ensure that at least 60 per cent of seats on each flight are offered free of charge, to ensure fair access for passengers. The aviation regulator issued a revised Air Transport Circular on March 20. A DGCA official told news agency PTI that the circular will come into force from April 20. 60% seats in flights to be offered free of charge: What the circular says The regulator said airlines must ensure “at least 60% of the seats in any flight shall be offered free of charge”, as mentioned in the DGCA circular. "Airlines should maintain transparent seat allocation policies and clearly communicate the availability of free seats and applicable conditions on their booking interfaces," it read. The regulator also said that passengers booked under the same PNR (Passenger Name Record) should, as far as possible, be seated together. This usually means seats next to each other in the same row. An official told the news agency that airlines are preparing to implement the new rule. At present, only 20 per cent of seats can be chosen without a fee, while the rest require payment.

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Air France Expands Long-Haul Routes with Focus on Asia for Summer 2026

Increased capacity on long-haul routes, continued expansion of service to Asia, and a refocusing of domestic operations at the Paris-Charles de Gaulle hub. Long-Haul Network - Capacity Growth: +2% compared to summer 2025, driven mainly by North & South America. - New Route: Paris–Charles de Gaulle → Las Vegas (3x weekly, Airbus A350-900, from April 15, 2026). - New York Expansion: Doubling of Newark flights from June 2026 → up to 11 daily flights to JFK + Newark (with Delta partnership). Asia & Middle East Adjustments - Suspensions (due to Middle East crisis): Tel Aviv, Beirut, Dubai, Riyadh remain suspended through spring 2026. - Asia Growth: Extra flights and larger aircraft to Bangkok, Singapore, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Tokyo, Osaka. - Other Additions: Increased service to Manila and Nairobi. Premium Experience - La Première Suite: Already on JFK, Los Angeles, Miami, Singapore, Tokyo-Haneda routes; expanding to Abidjan and San Francisco. - Wi-Fi Rollout: Free ultra-high-speed Wi-Fi on 40% of aircraft by March 2026, nearly full fleet by year-end.

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Agoda Spotlights Top Asian Destinations for Work-from-Hotel Travel

Digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled its curated list of top destinations across Asia to blend work with play. According to Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report, more than one in three (76%) of surveyed business travelers plan to combine business trips with personal leisure. Philippines (Manila): Combines a dynamic business hub with leisure options like Intramuros, Greenbelt shopping, Manila Bay sunsets, and nightlife in Bonifacio Global City. Thailand (Bangkok): A favorite for its modern infrastructure, vibrant markets, cuisine, and cultural landmarks like the Grand Palace and Chao Phraya River cruises. Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City): Offers a mix of French colonial charm and modern skyscrapers, with attractions like the War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, and a thriving street food scene. Japan (Tokyo): Seamlessly blends tradition and innovation, with efficient transport, Senso-ji Temple, Shibuya shopping, and Tsukiji Outer Market dining.

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StarDream Cruises Expands Across Asia with 50+ Destinations

StarDream Cruises is strengthening its presence across Asia with an expanded portfolio of itineraries and onboard experiences under its StarCruises and Dream Cruises brands. With over three decades of regional expertise, the cruise line offers 2 to 5-night sailings to more than 50 destinations across Southeast Asia and East Asia, including key ports in Japan and South Korea. The cruise line operates multiple vessels across the region, including its flagship Genting Dream under Dream Cruises, alongside Star Navigator and Star Voyager under StarCruises, enabling guests to embark from various Asian cities with a wide range of itineraries. Entertainment remains a central element of the onboard experience, with a diverse lineup of international productions and culturally inspired performances. As part of Dream Cruises’ 10th anniversary celebrations in 2026, guests can expect special themed experiences, alongside performances by artists such as K-pop group KIIRAS, Amotti from Physical: 100, and Chef Tommie Lee from Culinary Class Wars Season 2. Additionally, Forever Broadway, a production developed in collaboration with Broadway Asia International, is scheduled to debut on Genting Dream in June 2026.

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Air India Resumes Non-Stop Delhi–Rome Flights After Six Years

Air India has inaugurated its new four-times-weekly non-stop service between Delhi and Rome Fiumicino, marking its return to the Italian capital after nearly six years and further strengthening its presence in Mainland Europe. Flight AI123 departed Delhi on March 25, 2026, and arrived in Rome to a ceremonial welcome attended by dignitaries from the Indian Embassy in Italy, airport officials, and airline representatives. The occasion was marked by traditional celebrations, including a lamp-lighting ceremony and the felicitation of the first passenger. Rome becomes Air India’s eighth gateway in Mainland Europe and its second destination in Italy after Milan. The airline will operate the route four times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, using a Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India, said, “Demand for travel between India and Europe continues to grow across both leisure and business segments, with the two nations sharing so much in common culturally, and their increasing exchange that continues to deepen business, trade, and people-to-people ties. We are delighted to reconnect the two historic capital cities while also enabling seamless onward travels via our Delhi hub to and from destinations across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.”

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Bali’s Mount Agung Closure Enhances Cultural Experience for Travellers

Bali’s most sacred volcano will be closed to the public for the next month. Mount Agung, which is Bali’s tallest and most spiritually significant peak, will be closed for cleaning ceremonies; this means that all tourist visits and hikes will be prohibited. The upcoming closure of Mount Agung is no exception. Mount Agung is closed to the public on an annual basis according to the timing of ceremonies and rituals that must be performed on the land. As Bali’s most sacred landscape, there are often periods where the land must be let be to allow for cleansing and clearing of energies, in accordance with Balinese Hinduism, which is culturally the law of the land. All activities on Mount Agung, including hiking, walking, trail running, and sightseeing visits, will be prohibited for 28 days, starting on the March 28 through to April 24, 2026. This is to respect a series of major Karya Ida Bhatara Turun Kabeh (IBTK) ceremonies that will be held at the Agung Besakih Temple. Speaking to reporters, the Besakih Traditional Village Head, Jro Mangku Widiartha, stated that the decision was made through a paruman, or meeting with all the caretakers of Pura Agung Besakih. Information about the closure has also been communicated to hiking guides and travel agents, meaning that tourists and travelers should not even be able to book experiences on Mount Agung during the closure period. Jro Mangku Widiartha told reporters, “We hope that all tourists and climbers will understand and not force themselves to climb Mount Agung during the closure.”

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