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By Author
Published on July 23, 2025
A potentially tragic mishap was narrowly averted on Monday when Air India flight AI315, arriving from Hong Kong, experienced a fire in its auxiliary power unit (APU) moments after landing at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
The aircraft, an Airbus A321, had just taxied to the gate and was preparing for passenger disembarkation when flames were detected near the tail section. Airport emergency services responded immediately, activating the aircraft's onboard safety systems and dousing the fire within minutes. Thanks to the quick response, no injuries were reported among the 170 passengers and crew on board.
This marks the second safety-related incident involving Air India within 24 hours, following a runway excursion at Mumbai Airport on Sunday where another aircraft suffered burst tyres during landing due to waterlogging. These back-to-back occurrences have raised fresh concerns around operational checks and maintenance protocols within the airline, especially in the wake of the Ahmedabad Dreamliner tragedy earlier this year.
In a statement, Air India confirmed that the fire originated in the auxiliary power unit—a system located in the tail of the aircraft that supplies energy when the main engines are off. The cause is currently under investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The aircraft has been grounded pending a full technical evaluation.
While passengers remained largely unaware during the initial moments of the fire due to the crew’s calm handling, video footage and images circulating across news outlets—including Tamil media like Dinamalar—have drawn public attention and concern.
Experts believe this incident highlights the need for intensified preventive maintenance, especially amid India’s surging post-pandemic air travel demand. “Every touchpoint in airline safety—from ground handling to technical maintenance—needs to be foolproof. Incidents like these shake passenger confidence,” said an aviation safety analyst.
With Air India undergoing a massive transformation under the Tata Group’s ownership, including major fleet upgrades and service rehauls, such safety lapses pose serious reputational risks.
For the hospitality and tourism ecosystem, airline reliability is directly tied to destination trust. A chain reaction from aviation mishaps can ripple through hotel bookings, tour operator confidence, and even business travel trends.
As investigations continue, the aviation community and travelers alike will be watching closely to see how swiftly and transparently Air India addresses these issues.
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By Hariharan U
Published on August 27, 2025
SpiceJet has taken a pioneering step towards digital innovation and eco-friendly travel by becoming the first airline in India to roll out paperless boarding at Shillong Airport. Passengers checking in at the airport counter will now receive their boarding passes directly on WhatsApp, eliminating the need for printed copies.
This new feature aims to make the check-in process faster, greener, and more seamless. By reducing reliance on paper, the initiative also aligns with SpiceJet’s commitment to sustainability.
Despite the availability of web check-in and Digi Yatra, Indian airports still printed more than 9 million boarding passes in June 2025, resulting in nearly 6 tonnes of carbon emissions. SpiceJet’s move directly addresses this avoidable footprint, setting a new standard for environmentally conscious aviation practices.
The paperless boarding feature is powered by SpiceJet’s indigenously developed Web Departure Control System (WEBDCS)- a browser-based platform that enables airport staff to issue:
Digital boarding passes via WhatsApp or email
Baggage tags via SMS
This system works on tablets as well as standard airport computers, ensuring smooth operations while enhancing efficiency.
Speaking on the milestone, GP Gupta, Chief Strategy Officer, SpiceJet, said, “At SpiceJet, we are constantly working to enhance the travel experience for our passengers while embracing sustainability. The introduction of paperless boarding at Shillong Airport is a significant step in that direction. We look forward to expanding this convenience-driven initiative across more airports in the near future”.
SpiceJet has confirmed plans to extend the WhatsApp-based paperless boarding experience to other domestic airports in the coming months, furthering its position as a leader in sustainable and passenger-centric air travel.
About SpiceJet:
SpiceJet is India’s favourite airline, making flying affordable for millions of Indians. An IATA-IOSA certified carrier, it operates a fleet of Boeing 737s and Q-400s and is among the country’s largest regional players, operating multiple daily flights under UDAN – the Regional Connectivity Scheme. A majority of its fleet features SpiceMax, India’s most spacious economy-class seating.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on August 25, 2025
Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing airline, has added Kozhikode (Calicut) to its network as its 30th destination and 24th domestic city in just under three years of operations. Starting 1 October 2025, the airline will operate daily direct flights between Mumbai and Kozhikode, strengthening connectivity between India’s financial capital and Kerala’s Malabar coast.
The new addition builds on Akasa Air’s existing services to Kochi and further expands its footprint in Kerala. Kozhikode, known for its cultural heritage, coastal charm, and active trade, is a hub for both leisure and business travellers. The daily service is expected to boost tourism and trade opportunities between Kerala and metropolitan centres.
Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air, said: “We are delighted to add Kozhikode as the 30th destination on our network, marking a milestone in Akasa Air’s growth story, and expanding our connectivity in Kerala. The city’s unique cultural character and thriving economy, combined with Kerala’s renewed emphasis on tourism and infrastructure, make it an instrumental addition to our network. Our daily Mumbai–Kozhikode service will not only enhance connectivity between India’s commercial capital and the Malabar coast but also act as a catalyst for trade, tourism, and economic opportunities.”
Within just 37 months of commencing operations, Akasa Air has grown to 30 destinations, making it the fastest-growing airline in Indian civil aviation history. Its strategy is centred on affordable and reliable connectivity while steadily expanding its reach.
The airline continues to enhance customer experience with modern aircraft offering extra legroom, USB charging ports, and Café Akasa’s festive and healthy menus. Akasa has also introduced industry-first innovations such as QuietFlights, SkyScore by Akasa, SkyLights, and a pet travel policy, along with products like Akasa GetEarly and Akasa Holidays, reflecting its focus on passenger comfort and convenience.
Published on August 17, 2025
Jammu & Kashmir’s tourism sector is experiencing a strong comeback, with more than 4 lakh devotees visiting the holy Amarnath shrine this season, a clear sign of the region’s renewed appeal after challenging years.
Speaking at the FAITH Conclave 2025, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah highlighted that J&K offers two distinct travel experiences: pilgrimage tourism in Jammu and leisure tourism in Kashmir. He stressed that both require sustained investment and innovation to ensure visitors not only arrive once but return for more.
“My success will not be measured by how many tourists come for the first time, but by how many choose to come back. For that, the quality of their experience is key,” Abdullah said.
To address crowding at popular spots and open fresh opportunities, the J&K Government, in partnership with the Government of India, has launched SPREAD, a ₹5,600-crore transformative project supported by multilateral funding, with hopeful participation from the World Bank. The initiative will develop nine purpose-built, sustainable tourism destinations across Jammu and Kashmir, backed by improved infrastructure, better connectivity, and modern amenities.
Adventure tourism is also on the agenda, with Gulmarg set for upgraded winter sports facilities in collaboration with private partners, aiming to meet global skiing and adventure standards. Trekking routes will reopen following comprehensive security reviews to ensure visitor safety.
The plan extends beyond leisure and adventure to untapped segments like pilgrimage and border tourism in Jammu—going beyond the famous Mata Vaishnodevi shrine to include vibrant experiences such as the Suchetgarh border tourism circuit.
Praising the region’s timeless charm, Abdullah remarked,“Kashmir was heaven on earth long before Kerala was God’s own country. The road ahead is now filled with light, and with the support of industry partners and associations like FAITH, we will continue to grow stronger.”
From the world’s tallest arched railway bridge to snow-covered ski slopes, rich spiritual heritage, and pristine landscapes, Jammu & Kashmir is positioning itself as a year-round destination. The government’s approach blends infrastructure development with sustainable practices, keeping hope, optimism, and faith at the heart of its tourism vision.
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