News

Air India Express's inaugural Surat-Bangkok flight sees record-breaking liquor sales

Air India Express' inaugural four-hour flight from Surat in Gujarat to Thailand capital Bangkok saw good sales of liquor onboard, with some passengers claiming the stock ran out. The flight, operated with a Boeing 737-8 aircraft on Friday, had 175 passengers and six crew members onboard. The passenger capacity of the plane is 176. Officials of the budget airline on Sunday said there were brisk sales of alcohol on the flight from Surat to Bangkok and the stock was not exhausted, as claimed by some on social media. Some passengers had taken to social media, saying the airline ran out of liquor. There was sufficient stock of liquor as well as food onboard, the officials added. There was no official statement from the Tata Group-owned Air India Express.

Read more

Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City’s first metro line opens

Thousands of selfie-taking Ho Chi Minh City residents crammed into train carriages on Sunday as the traffic-clogged business hub celebrated the opening of its first-ever metro line after years of delays. Huge queues spilled out of every station along the $1.7bn line that runs almost 20km (12 miles) from the city centre – with women in traditional “ao dai” dress, soldiers in uniform and couples clutching young children waiting excitedly to board. “I know it (the project) is late, but I still feel so very honoured and proud to be among the first on this metro,” said office worker Nguyen Nhu Huyen after snatching a selfie in her jam-packed train car. “Our city is now on par with the other big cities of the world,” she added. It took 17 years for Vietnam’s commercial capital to reach this point. The project, funded largely by Japanese government loans, was first approved in 2007 and slated to cost just $668m. When construction began in 2012, authorities promised the line would be up and running in five years.

Read more

IndiGo launches daily direct flights between Chennai and Penang in Malaysia

IndiGo has launched daily direct flights between Chennai and Penang in Malaysia on Saturday, becoming the 37th international destination for the private airliner. The new route caters to the growing demand for travel between the two cities, offering both business and leisure travellers a convenient and affordable option, IndiGo said in a statement on Saturday. "We are extremely pleased to further expand our network into Malaysia with the launch of direct flights from Chennai to Penang, our third destination in Malaysia, alongside Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi. With the inclusion of these flights to Penang, IndiGo will now operate 28 weekly flights to Malaysia from 2 cities in India" IndiGo Head of Global Sales Vinay Malhotra said in a statement. At the inaugural ceremony, Chennai Airport director C V Deepak handed over the boarding pass to the first passenger on Saturday. "Your gateway to Malaysia's crown jewel! The inaugural flight (6E1045) of IndiGo from Chennai to Penang was marked by a traditional lamp-lighting and cake-cutting ceremony led by Chennai Airport Director C V Deepak along with senior Airports Authority of India officials and airline representatives. Fly non-stop daily from Chennai to Penang with IndiGo, starting today," the Chennai Airport said in a social media post.

Read more

Ahmedabad Airport introduces free eco-friendly electric shuttle service

In a recent update, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad has introduced a free electric shuttle bus service, aimed at improving convenience for passengers while promoting eco-friendly travel. This service is designed to offer both comfort and safety, with spacious 2x2 seating that ensures ample legroom for passengers. The buses are equipped with automatic ramps to accommodate all passengers, including those with special needs, and feature pneumatic dual doors with a finger protection system for safe and easy boarding. Passenger comfort is prioritized with air-conditioned shuttles, which also feature an advanced air sanitising and bacterial filtration system to maintain a clean environment. Digital clocks inside the buses display the current time, adding convenience for travelers, while 24-inch screens and a premium sound system provide entertainment and information during the journey. Free Wi-Fi connectivity ensures passengers can stay connected throughout their ride. The electric shuttles operate every 30 minutes throughout the week, connecting Terminals 1 and 2. However, the service pauses between 11 pm and 3 am. This new initiative is a part of the airport's commitment to enhancing sustainability and passenger experience. The shuttles are equipped with safety features such as CCTV cameras, GPS trackers, an emergency panic button, and a medical kit, ensuring a secure and safe travel experience for all passengers.

Read more

Malaysia extends visa exemption for Indian travellers to 2026

For Indian travellers planning a trip to Malaysia, there’s good news. The country has extended its visa-free entry for Indian nationals until December 31, 2026. With this, the nation is offering a significant boost to tourism and economic growth for both countries. In addition to this, travellers are required to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). These initiatives are aimed at attracting more visitors, driving economic progress, and preparing for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Datuk Awang Alik also said that this extension reflects Malaysia's ambition to become a key travel hub in the region, offering a warm welcome to international visitors while benefiting local businesses tied to the tourism industry. The announcement, made on December 20, 2024, by Datuk Awang Alik Jeman, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Home Affairs, also aligns with Malaysia’s preparations for its 2025 ASEAN chairmanship. The extension mirrors a similar policy for Chinese nationals, allowing both Indian and Chinese citizens to stay in Malaysia visa-free for up to 30 days as part of the country’s visa liberalization plan launched on December 1, 2023. Eligibility: Indian and Chinese nationals can enter Malaysia visa-free for up to 30 days. Purpose: This move is designed to attract more tourists, foster economic growth, and strengthen Malaysia’s global tourism appeal. Duration: The visa exemption is valid until December 31, 2026. Security Measures: The policy ensures national security while boosting tourism.

Read more

Newly opened Delhi-Mumbai Expressway section to boost connectivity

In a recent update, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has significantly added to the transportation with the inauguration of a new stretch on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. The section connecting Kota and Bundi in Rajasthan was opened recently and the development is expected to ease travel and improve regional connectivity. It will also offer a major boost to the area's infrastructure and transportation network. This newly opened section is designed to reduce travel time and traffic congestion significantly. What once took hours can now be completed in just 50 minutes. This improvement benefits not only local travelers but also serves as an important part of the larger expressway that connects cities, towns, and villages across India. The enhanced connectivity will contribute to economic growth by facilitating smoother transportation of goods and services. Moreover, it is expected to boost tourism, improve access to essential services, and promote regional development across the states it serves. Let’s know more about this: Newly opened 80-km stretch: On December 16, 2024, an 80-kilometer section between Kota and Bundi in Rajasthan was opened to the public. This new stretch is designed to drastically reduce travel time in the region.

Read more