The 2026 US midterm elections have brought a major shift in the country's political landscape, with Democrats winning control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The result ends Republican control of Congress and creates a divided government for the remainder of President Donald Trump's term. Several key races were still being counted on 4 November, but Democrats had secured control of both chambers.

Beyond politics, the outcome could have implications for the US travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Congress plays an important role in decisions related to tourism promotion, visa and border procedures, aviation infrastructure, labour policies, taxation and federal spending. However, any industry impact is likely to develop gradually rather than bring an immediate change in travel demand or hotel performance.

One of the key areas to watch is international inbound travel. The US hospitality sector continues to depend on international visitors, particularly in major gateway destinations such as New York and San Francisco. Smoother visa procedures, clearer entry requirements and stronger destination marketing could help make the country more accessible to overseas travellers.

The US Travel Association has advocated measures to support inbound tourism, including protecting Brand USA funding and addressing proposed visa-related fees and additional screening requirements. The direction of future policy discussions could influence how easily international visitors plan and undertake trips to the country.

Hotel pricing is another area likely to remain under attention. Rather than expecting widespread rate reductions, hotels may increasingly focus on value-led offers, packages, flexible cancellation policies and off-peak promotions to attract price-conscious travellers. Industry forecasts point towards modest average daily rate (ADR) growth and stronger competition for bookings.

Business travel and events could also benefit if corporate confidence and spending improve. PwC's 2026 outlook, cited in the supplied industry data, projects 5% growth in revenue per available room (RevPAR), supported by 3.4% ADR growth and 1.5% occupancy growth. However, the performance of individual markets will continue to depend on business activity, travel budgets and local demand.

Restaurants and attractions face a different challenge. Consumers remain conscious of rising prices, which could influence dining frequency, entertainment spending and overall holiday budgets. Hospitality businesses may need to balance menu pricing and operating costs while offering experiences that provide clear value.

Major events present both opportunities and challenges. The FIFA World Cup 2026, America250 celebrations and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are expected to bring attention and visitors to several US destinations. However, higher hotel rates during peak event periods can also encourage travellers to choose alternative cities, shorten their stays or reconsider their travel plans.

New York, San Francisco and Texas illustrate how these market conditions can differ. New York has experienced event-driven hotel rate increases, particularly in Manhattan, while San Francisco's challenge is more closely linked to rebuilding demand, conventions and international visitor flows. Texas, meanwhile, has seen a political shift at both congressional and state levels, but its hotel market will continue to depend on local supply, convention calendars, airline capacity and event demand.

For hotels, a few practical measures could help manage price pressure and maintain demand. Transparent dynamic pricing, value-added packages, dining credits, attraction discounts and extended-stay offers can give travellers more reasons to book. Promoting shoulder-season travel, midweek stays and neighbourhood properties outside major city centres could also help distribute demand more evenly.

Infrastructure and international access will remain equally important. Airport modernisation, reliable public transport, clearer visa processes and destination marketing can support visitor movement and improve the overall travel experience. Greater promotion of destinations beyond the most popular gateway cities could also help spread tourism activity.

The election result gives Democrats greater influence over congressional decisions, but it does not automatically translate into changes in travel policy. President Trump retains veto power, meaning major legislative changes may require agreement between the administration and Congress.

For the hospitality industry, the next phase will be about how political decisions translate into practical measures. International visitor access, tourism promotion, infrastructure investment and consumer confidence will remain important factors shaping the US travel market. Travellers may see more competitive offers and value-led pricing, but any meaningful relief from high hotel rates will depend on market conditions and the industry's response rather than the election result alone.

Diwali is a festival of lights, family gatherings, childhood excitement and traditions passed down through generations. Yet, every year, its celebrations increasingly find themselves at the centre of a familiar debate: how much of the festive experience should society give up in the name of environmental protection?

This year, the Supreme Court's decision to permit certified green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for two days, November 7 and 8, has brought that conversation back into focus. The court has allowed their use between 6 am and 7 am and 8 pm and 10 pm on both days, subject to strict conditions. The complete ban is scheduled to return from November 9. Fireworks are also prohibited within 300 metres of hospitals, nursing homes, old-age homes, educational institutions and notified silence zones. Only approved green crackers certified by CSIR-NEERI and PESO are permitted.

The decision attempts to find a middle ground between public health concerns and the social and emotional significance of Diwali. But perhaps the bigger question is not simply whether crackers should be permitted or prohibited. It is whether we have begun to mistake restrictions for environmental responsibility.

Let Children Celebrate. Let Adults Be Responsible.

For many children, Diwali is not just another holiday. It is the excitement of choosing crackers, celebrating with friends, watching the night sky light up and participating in traditions they may remember for years. Completely removing these experiences from the conversation risks turning environmental awareness into something children associate with denial rather than understanding.

This does not mean celebrations should be unrestricted. Safety, moderation, supervision and consideration for people with health concerns must remain non-negotiable. Certified products should be used where permitted, and local regulations must be respected.

But the responsibility of creating a more sustainable festival should not rest entirely on restricting what children can enjoy. Adults have a much larger opportunity to demonstrate what responsible celebration actually looks like.

Sustainability Cannot Be a Two-Day Conversation

Air pollution is not a problem that begins with Diwali and disappears when the celebrations end. It is influenced by several sources, including transport emissions, industrial activity, construction dust, waste burning and other everyday activities.

Yet, much of the public conversation around sustainability becomes particularly intense during festivals. We debate firecrackers, impose restrictions and expect a seasonal intervention to address an environmental problem that requires attention throughout the year.

Consider our everyday choices. How often do we choose public transport instead of taking our personal vehicles? Can families travelling to celebrations share a ride? Can offices encourage employees to use buses, metro services or other shared transport? Can we reduce unnecessary electricity consumption, avoid excessive packaging and manage festive waste responsibly?

These may appear to be small decisions, but they represent something more substantial: a willingness to take responsibility beyond the occasions when environmental concerns dominate the headlines.

Choosing public transport will not cancel out the pollution caused by firecrackers, and it should not be presented as a justification for excessive bursting. However, reducing unnecessary private vehicle usage can help address transport-related emissions throughout the year. Both issues deserve attention in their own right.

From Controlling Celebrations to Building Awareness

Regulations have a role in protecting public health. Restrictions around hospitals, educational institutions and vulnerable communities are important. Enforcement against illegal and unauthorised products is equally necessary.

However, regulation alone cannot create an environmentally conscious society. If people follow sustainable practices only because they fear penalties, the change may remain temporary. Awareness, participation and individual accountability are what make responsible behaviour sustainable.

Instead of making children feel that celebrating Diwali is inherently irresponsible, families can use the occasion to teach them about moderation, safety, pollution and consideration for others. Adults can lead by example by choosing shared transport, avoiding unnecessary consumption, cleaning up after celebrations and making more conscious everyday decisions.

The Supreme Court has also called for a broader change in public perception, alongside regulatory measures. That is an important reminder that environmental protection cannot be achieved through enforcement alone.

The Festival We Want to Pass On

A sustainable Diwali should not be measured solely by how many restrictions are imposed or how many crackers are avoided. It should also be measured by the habits we develop, the choices we make and the values we pass on to the next generation.

Children should be allowed to experience the joy of festivals within reasonable safety and environmental boundaries. Adults, meanwhile, must recognise that their responsibility does not end with asking others to change their behaviour.

We cannot celebrate sustainability for two days and forget about it for the remaining 363.

Perhaps the real spirit of a greener Diwali lies in finding that balance: preserving the joy of celebration while becoming more conscious citizens. Because the change we expect from society must first find a place in our own lives.

The global aviation industry is entering a period of tighter cost control as rising jet fuel prices, geopolitical tensions and increasing operational expenses put pressure on airline margins. From reducing flight capacity to reviewing routes and increasing ticket prices, carriers are adjusting their operations to manage expenses. While these decisions may help airlines protect their financial position, passengers could face higher fares and fewer flight options in the months ahead.

Recent developments at Ryanair and Fiji Airways highlight the growing pressure. Ryanair is planning cost-cutting measures and fare increases in response to soaring jet fuel costs. The airline reported a six per cent fall in second-quarter profit, prompting it to review expenses. Its Chief Executive, Michael O'Leary, has also indicated that fares are likely to increase next year across European airlines. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is adding to the pressure, with the airline expecting a significant rise in its fuel bill.

Fiji Airways has also introduced a series of cost-cutting measures amid rising global aviation costs. The airline reported approximately US$150 million in additional fuel expenses over the past three months compared with the same period last year. These developments reflect a wider challenge for airlines, where fuel costs are rising faster than carriers can comfortably pass them on to passengers.

The pressure is not limited to these airlines. Across the United States and Europe, carriers are reviewing less profitable routes, reducing capacity and taking a closer look at labour and operating expenses. Some airlines are choosing to protect ticket prices rather than offer heavy discounts, while others are reconsidering fleet expansion and aircraft retirement plans. Aircraft delivery delays have also forced some carriers to operate older planes for longer, adding to fuel and maintenance expenses.

In India, the impact is visible through higher fares, fuel surcharges and changes to flight schedules. IndiGo has indicated that it may increase fares after reporting a significant rise in its fuel bill. Indian airlines have also reduced scheduled domestic capacity for November 2026 compared with the same festival period last year. Air India and IndiGo have both cut weekly domestic flights, while weaker passenger numbers have added to the pressure on airline revenues.

These changes could affect passengers differently. Leisure travellers may find fewer low-fare options, while last-minute bookings could become more expensive as available seats decline. Passengers travelling to smaller cities may also face reduced frequencies or fewer direct connections as airlines prioritise routes with stronger demand. Business travellers, meanwhile, could have fewer convenient flight timings and higher travel budgets.

However, cost control does not necessarily mean that airlines should pass every increase directly to passengers. A balanced approach can help reduce fare pressure without forcing airlines to absorb losses they cannot sustain. In India, measures have already been introduced to address some of these challenges.

Reducing aviation turbine fuel (ATF) taxes and airport charges can lower operating expenses at the source. Tamil Nadu, for instance, reduced ATF VAT at Chennai to 16 per cent and to one per cent at other state airports. Maharashtra and Delhi have also reduced VAT. During the recent fuel-price shock, India capped domestic ATF price increases at 25 per cent above the March 2026 base for April and May, alongside support of up to ₹10,000 crore for oil marketing companies to help stabilise fuel prices.

Airport charges have also been part of the relief measures, with a 25 per cent reduction in landing and parking charges at major airports for three months. The move reportedly helped airlines save around ₹400 crore. Such temporary measures can ease immediate pressure, although they cannot completely offset the impact of elevated global fuel prices.

The government's role also extends beyond reducing costs. Protecting regional connectivity, improving airport capacity, encouraging competition and ensuring transparent fare disclosures can help passengers make informed decisions. India is not moving towards routine airfare caps. From January 1, 2027, the Bharatiya Vayuyan Niyam will largely allow market forces to determine fares, while retaining the Centre's power to intervene in extraordinary circumstances in the public interest. Airlines will also be required to submit tariff details to the DGCA and publish fares, including applicable charges, on their websites.

For airlines, the immediate priority is to protect margins while keeping essential routes operational. For governments, the challenge is to maintain a competitive market without allowing sudden fare increases to place an unreasonable burden on passengers. Wider ATF tax relief, temporary airport-charge support, stronger fare monitoring and investment in regional connectivity can all contribute to this balance.

The aviation industry is not simply facing a cost-cutting phase; it is reassessing how it operates in an increasingly expensive and uncertain environment. While airlines need to control costs to remain financially sustainable, passengers should not be left with fewer choices and increasingly expensive journeys. The way forward lies in a balanced approach that supports airline viability, protects connectivity and keeps air travel accessible.