News

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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United Airlines Introduces New Direct Flights To Vietnam, Expanding Routes To Ho Chi Minh City And Hanoi From US

United Airlines is expanding its international network with new nonstop flights to Vietnam, set to begin on October 26. The airline will offer direct service from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, marking a significant addition to its growing presence in the Asia-Pacific region. As part of this expansion, United Airlines is also introducing new routes to other destinations, including Bangkok, Thailand, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This move highlights the airline’s commitment to offering more diverse travel options and strengthening its international reach. United Airlines is set to expand its reach with new international routes, according to a report from an American business news channel. Starting on October 26, the airline will launch flights from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Hong Kong, with continued service to two exciting new destinations: Bangkok, Thailand, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

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Uttarakhand’s Nakshatra Sabha puts dark sky tourism on India’s celestial map

In a landmark initiative by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board in partnership with Starscapes, Nakshatra Sabha brought India’s pristine night skies to the center of tourism. Over the past year, this celestial campaign drew astrophiles across the length and breadth of India, including some from as far as Norway, France, the USA, the Middle East, tourists, schoolchildren, scientists, influencers, and even locals who had never seen Saturn’s rings or the craters on the Moon before. The result? A groundswell of interest in stargazing, citizen science, and rural discovery, all rolled into a dynamic, inclusive tourism experience. Nakshatra Sabha 1 Spanning seven picturesque locations: Mussoorie, Jageshwar, Takula (Nainital), Kartikswamy (Rudraprayag), Benital (Chamoli), Corbett, and Pithoragarh, Nakshatra Sabha offered immersive experiences through telescope viewings, mythological sky tours, astrophotography workshops, and solar observations. Participants ranged from curious villagers to international astrophiles, influencers, students, and scientists. Strazgazing Nakshatra “I saw Jupiter’s moons with my own eyes. I never thought something like this would happen in our little village,” said Rohit Arya, a participant at the Mussoorie Nakshatra Sabha.

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Luang Prabang and Oudomxay See Tourist Surge via China-Laos Railway Ahead of Lao New Year

Luang Prabang and Oudomxay, two of northern Laos’ most culturally rich and scenic destinations, are experiencing a surge in travelers ahead of the Lao New Year 2025, thanks to the rising popularity of the China-Laos Railway. With Pi Mai Lao—the country’s most important traditional festival—falling between April 14 and 16, the Laos-China Railway Co., Ltd. (LCRC) has announced additional train services from April 11 to 20 to accommodate the rush of both domestic and international travelers heading to key destinations like Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city, and Oudomxay, a growing hub for eco and ethnic tourism. As reported by the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, the China-Laos Railway has become the go-to choice for fast, affordable, and comfortable travel between Vientiane and northern provinces. The railway, operational since December 2021, connects Kunming in China’s Yunnan Province to Vientiane, with major stops at Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, and other regional centres. Khammy, a student originally from Vangvieng, said he relies on the train to travel between home and college in Vientiane. “It’s far more convenient and faster than road travel. I’m grateful the railway started before I moved to the capital,” he told Xinhua. In Luang Prabang, residents like Nilavanh are preparing to welcome friends and family for the festivities. “We’re excited to enjoy the full cultural experience this year. With the train, it’s so easy to travel without the stress of long road journeys,” she said.

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