Saudia, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, has reached a brand valuation milestone of $1.1 billion, marking an impressive 34% year-on-year growth, as revealed in the 2025 airline brand rankings by Brand Finance. This remarkable surge underscores the airline's strategic evolution and rising stature in global aviation.

Saudia now ranks 32nd globally in brand value among airlines, a notable leap since its debut in the Top 50 list in 2021 with a valuation of $506 million. In just four years, the brand has more than doubled in value, thanks to focused efforts in fleet enhancement, guest experience, and innovative initiatives.

The airline’s recent order of 105 Airbus aircraft highlighted its commitment to fleet modernisation and capacity expansion. At home, Saudia grabbed attention with BLVD Runway, a creative aviation-meets-entertainment concept aimed at engaging domestic travellers.

Globally, Skytrax honoured Saudia as the 'World’s Most Improved Airline' in 2024, a nod to its operational excellence and growing global presence. The airline has also maintained strong On-Time Performance (OTP) and received accolades for enhancing passenger experiences.

Commenting on this achievement, Khaled Tash, Chief Marketing Officer, Saudia Group, said:

“Achieving a brand value of $1 billion is a testament to our strategic initiatives and operational excellence, as well as the unwavering trust and loyalty of our guests. At Saudia, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation in aviation, ensuring that every journey with us is a step towards excellence.”

With this milestone, Saudia continues to strengthen its global positioning and reaffirm its role as a key player in the Kingdom’s ambitious aviation growth story.

While traveling with loved ones can be an enriching experience, sometimes a solo adventure is just what you need to relax, recharge, and explore on your own terms. Whether it’s that long-awaited European escape or a tranquil retreat to refresh your spirit, solo travel offers the ideal opportunity for self-discovery and adventure.

If you’re considering a solo trip, planning is key for safety, comfort, and making the most of the experience. To simplify the process, we’ve compiled a list of the top travel platforms that will help you plan the ultimate solo getaway.

1. Yatra.com – Your One-Stop Travel Partner

Yatra Online, Inc. is one of India’s leading travel service providers, offering:

• Flight bookings (domestic & international)
• Hotel reservations
• Holiday packages & homestays
• Bus, train & cab bookings
• Cruise and in-city activity bookings

With its user-friendly interface and extensive network, Yatra makes planning your solo adventure smooth and hassle-free.

2. EaseMyTrip – Budget-Friendly & Hassle-Free

If you're looking for a platform with great deals, EaseMyTrip is a fantastic choice! It offers:

• Competitive prices on flights, hotels & vacation packages
• No convenience fee on flight bookings
• Discounts on domestic & international travel
• User-friendly mobile app & website

Solo travelers can take advantage of special offers to make their trips more affordable and convenient.

3. TripXL – Customized Travel Solutions

TripXL is a travel marketplace that offers affordable and comfortable holiday experiences. It stands out for its:

• Personalized travel services & expert guidance
• Verified travel agents for a hassle-free experience
• Informative travel guides & vacation ideas
• Easy-to-use booking interface

Whether you’re dreaming of the beaches of Kerala or the snowy landscapes of Scotland, TripXL offers a range of custom travel plans to suit your needs.

4. Goibibo – The Trusted Travel Partner

Goibibo is one of India’s most trusted online travel booking platforms, offering:

• Flight, train, bus, and car bookings
•  A wide range of hotels, from budget to luxury
• Quick refunds & seamless payment options
• GoStays for standardized, affordable stays

With its easy-to-use interface and GoCash+ rewards program, Goibibo is perfect for solo travelers looking for budget-friendly yet quality travel options.

5. Booking.com – Global Travel at Your Fingertips

A household name in global travel, Booking.com helps solo travelers find:

• Millions of accommodation options worldwide
• Flexible payment and cancellation policies
• Verified guest reviews for informed decisions
• Exclusive deals on hotels, apartments & homestays

Whether you’re looking for a cozy hostel in Bangkok, a luxury resort in Bali, or a charming homestay in Paris, Booking.com has something for every traveler.

Time to Pack Your Bags!

What are you waiting for? Book that solo trip you’ve been dreaming of and choose the perfect platform to customize your itinerary. Whether you crave an adventure-filled backpacking trip or a relaxing retreat, these top travel websites make planning easier than ever.

Cheers to discovering new places—and yourself—on your solo journey!

Kumbh Mela is a gathering like no other—an awe-inspiring confluence of spirituality, culture, and tradition. But as millions of pilgrims and visitors converge, the challenge is clear: how do we ensure that each person’s experience is safe, accessible, and stress-free? Well, that's where India Assist steps in, working in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Government to modernise travel assistance for Mahakumbh 2025. Through Tourist Information Centres (TICs) located at key places like the railway stations, airport, and within the Mahakumbh area, we're making the Kumbh experience smoother for everyone.

Mr. Harish Khatri, Founder and MD at India Assist, shares valuable insights on enhancing travel experiences, as featured in our article on facilitating smooth travel and special needs at Kumbh.

These TICs are not your typical information desks. They’re lifelines for the millions attending the festival. Right from providing live updates on travel routes, assisting with local transportation, or guiding elderly pilgrims and those with disabilities, the TICs are designed to be accessible, responsive, and human-centered. When someone loses a belonging or needs help locating a loved one, TICs offer real-time assistance in locating them, ensuring that no pilgrim is left feeling lost or alone. The multilingual support ensures that visitors from across the globe feel heard and understood, breaking down language barriers and connecting them to the heart of the Kumbh experience.

Perhaps most importantly, TICs are equipped with a team of responsive on-ground staff that allows us to address health-related emergencies quickly. From directing pilgrims to the nearest medical station or coordinating emergency response, these centres act as the first point of contact for medical aid. In a sea of people, it’s critical that help can be found without delay. With a simple tap on our mobile application, followed by a quick phone call, we ensure that pilgrims receive the immediate assistance they need. India Assist’s involvement in large-scale events like MotoGP Bharat has given us valuable experience in managing complex logistics, tech integration, and crowd management. We've learned that the key to success is seamless coordination between technology and human touch & that’s exactly what we’re bringing to Mahakumbh 2025.

We are excited about the impact TICs will have at Kumbh. For millions of pilgrims, these centers are not just places to seek directions but also sources of care, comfort, and support. By combining technology with compassionate, on-the-ground expertise, we’re ensuring that every pilgrim’s journey remains focused on their spiritual experience, not the stress of hovering through a sea of people. As we move forward into this new era of tech-enabled religious tourism, we’re proud to play our part in making Mahakumbh 2025 safe, accessible, and unforgettable for all.