Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), operated by the GMR Aero-led Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), has reported an impressive 34% year-on-year increase in international transit traffic, reinforcing its standing as India’s foremost global aviation hub bridging the East and West.

Between September 2024 and August 2025, the airport handled more than 670,000 East–West–East transit passengers, compared to 498,000 during the same period the previous year, according to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

This significant growth has been largely driven by the expanding international networks of Air India and IndiGo. Air India accounted for 67% of total East–West transfer traffic, while IndiGo contributed 25%, together representing over 90% of total international passenger traffic at Delhi Airport.

“Delhi Airport continues to strengthen India’s position on the global aviation map,” said Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of DIAL. “The sharp rise in East–West passenger flows underscores our growing relevance as a transfer hub connecting Asia and Europe. We remain focused on expanding connectivity, enhancing convenience, and offering greater choice for international travellers.”

Delhi Airport’s role as a major international gateway has been further bolstered by new and expanded routes across Asia and beyond. Air India has increased frequencies to Kuala Lumpur and Denpasar (Bali), while IndiGo has launched new daily flights to Hanoi and Guangzhou, and will commence Delhi–Krabi services in October 2025.

From January 2026, Japan Airlines will begin a daily Delhi–Tokyo Narita service, making Delhi the only Indian airport with connections to both Tokyo Haneda and Narita.

On the western front, Delhi Airport maintains the widest connectivity to the UK, commanding a 38% share of India–UK flights, with direct routes to London Heathrow, Birmingham, and Manchester. Further expanding its long-haul footprint, IndiGo will operate its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the Delhi–Manchester route, launching on 15 November 2025.

With its strategic location, robust route network, and state-of-the-art facilities, Delhi Airport continues to evolve as South Asia’s premier international transit hub, offering seamless connections and enhanced experiences for travellers journeying between the East and West.

China has announced an extension of its visa-free entry policy for 45 countries until December 31, 2026, while adding Sweden to the list starting November 10, 2025. The initiative aims to attract more international visitors, revive tourism, and enhance foreign engagement in the post-pandemic era.

The extension applies to 32 European countries, along with Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and several South American and Gulf nations, according to a statement released by the Foreign Ministry’s Consular Affairs Department. Under this policy, visitors from eligible countries can enter China for business, tourism, family visits, or transit for up to 30 days without a visa.

Originally set to expire at the end of 2025 for many countries, the programme’s renewal and expansion underscore China’s ongoing efforts to revive its tourism sector, which was severely affected by years of COVID-19 restrictions. The visa-free entry scheme has been a key part of Beijing’s broader strategy to strengthen international ties and encourage people-to-people exchanges.

The United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom remain excluded from the policy.

China is also taking steps to ease tensions and improve cooperation with the European Union (EU), one of its most significant trading partners. Following a meeting between President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump in South Korea last week, Beijing confirmed a one-year suspension of expanded rare earth export controls, which will also extend to the EU.

In a joint statement after discussions in Brussels, both sides agreed to maintain communication and promote the stability of industrial and supply chains, signalling a shared intent to foster smoother economic relations despite ongoing trade challenges.

This renewed visa-free policy, coupled with China’s diplomatic outreach, represents a strategic push to enhance cross-border mobility, economic collaboration, and tourism, further positioning the country as a welcoming destination for global travellers.

Sofitel Mumbai BKC is delighted to announce the appointment of Ms. Neha Chhabra as its new General Manager. With over two decades of distinguished experience in luxury and business hospitality, Neha brings a deep understanding of operations, guest experience, and brand leadership, perfectly reflecting Sofitel’s signature blend of French zest and Indian warmth.

A seasoned hotelier and dynamic leader, Neha has led several prestigious properties under globally acclaimed hospitality brands. Most recently, she served as General Manager at JW Marriott Goa, where she positioned the property among North Goa’s most celebrated luxury destinations. Under her leadership, the hotel garnered over 27 industry accolades, including honours from Travel + Leisure India, Condé Nast Traveler, and the HICSA Hotel of the Year 2024.

Prior to this, Neha was General Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, where her agile leadership through the pandemic drove both operational excellence and strong financial performance. Her earlier roles at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, The Trident Bandra Kurla, and The Oberoi New Delhi further enriched her expertise in delivering exceptional service and guest satisfaction across diverse luxury environments.

Renowned for her people-first approach and commitment to excellence, Neha has received numerous prestigious accolades, including:

• Goa’s Best General Manager 2024 (CMO Asia)
  

• Leadership Excellence 2022 (APEC GM Awards)
  

• Diamond General Manager of the Year 2021–22 (Global, Courtyard Brand)
  

She has also been honoured among the Most Fabulous Women Leaders in Hospitality and recognized as Hotel Manager of the Year 2019 by BW Hotelier and Stelliers South Asia.

Reflecting on her appointment, Neha Chhabra shared,

“Joining Sofitel Mumbai BKC is an exciting opportunity to build on the brand’s legacy of French sophistication and Indian hospitality. I look forward to leading the exceptional team here to further strengthen Sofitel’s position as Mumbai’s most distinguished luxury destination and to create meaningful, memorable experiences for our guests.”

In her new role, Neha will oversee the hotel’s overall operations and strategic direction, focusing on enhancing guest experiences, driving sustainable growth, and fostering a culture of creativity and excellence among her teams.

With her vast experience and visionary leadership, Neha Chhabra’s appointment marks an inspiring new chapter for Sofitel Mumbai BKC, as the hotel continues to redefine luxury hospitality in the heart of India’s financial capital.