Air India Flying Returns Members Can Now Earn Reward Points on Cruises Worldwide

Air India Flying Returns Members Can Now Earn Reward Points on Cruises Worldwide

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 19, 2024

Air India, India's leading global airline, has joined hands with Arrivia, the world’s largest stand-alone travel loyalty provider, to enhance its Flying Returns loyalty program. Through this exciting partnership, Flying Returns members can now earn Reward Points on cruises with over 40 major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean International, P&O Cruises, Norwegian Cruises, MSC Cruises, Disney Cruises, and many more, covering over 30,000 itineraries across the globe.

Flying Returns members will now earn 5 Reward Points for every ₹100 spent on cruise fares when booked through the dedicated portal flyingreturnsicruise.com. This expansion means that members can accumulate points not just on Air India flights but also on a diverse range of luxurious and exotic cruise experiences. Whether it's an opulent Caribbean escape, a thrilling Alaskan excursion, or a tranquil river cruise, the opportunities to earn and redeem points are now broader than ever.

Sunil Suresh, Head of Marketing, Loyalty & E-Commerce at Air India, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "We are committed to making Flying Returns a truly world-class loyalty program, and this exciting new partnership with Arrivia is one of the many ways in which we are reimagining Flying Returns. It’s about enriching travel experiences, whether our valued members enjoy those on Air India or anywhere else around the world."

John Williams, Managing Director of Arrivia International, added, "Cruising is more than just a transaction. Flying Returns members have thousands of sailings to choose from, serviced by our expert team of knowledgeable and experienced cruise specialists via our global call centers. Our cruise specialists provide a seamless booking process with personalized assistance and expert advice to ensure that every aspect of the journey exceeds expectations."

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Arrivia's iCruise program, which powers this new offering, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Known for its strong industry relationships, unbeatable rates, and commitment to value, iCruise is now set to help Flying Returns members set sail on their dream vacations. With over 30,000 worldwide itineraries spanning oceans, rivers, and expeditions, this partnership ensures members receive top-notch cruise experiences while earning valuable rewards.

The global cruise industry has shown remarkable resilience and growth, with the CLIA State of the Industry Report indicating a passenger volume of 31.7 million in 2023—a nearly 7% increase from 2019. With projections for 2024 suggesting even greater growth, Air India's Flying Returns program is poised to thrive in this robust market.

The cruise industry’s rapid growth in India further solidifies the importance of this partnership, making every voyage unforgettable and rewarding for Flying Returns members.

About Air India Flying Returns:

Launched in 1994, Air India's Flying Returns program is India’s oldest frequent flyer program. In April 2024, the program underwent a monumental transformation, moving away from the legacy miles-based model to a more equitable, spend-based approach. The revamped Flying Returns offers simplified structures, more customer-friendly features, renamed tiers, and an updated identity. Notable features include Evergreen Points, which never expire, no blackout dates on redemption, and a premium member service center for Platinum, Gold, and Silver members.

About Arrivia:

For more than 25 years, Arrivia has powered travel loyalty and rewards programs for some of the world’s most respected cruise, hotel, resort, and financial brands, including American Express®, USAA®, and Marriott Vacation Club®. Arrivia offers customers exclusive pricing and personalized travel options that inspire loyalty and drive growth. To learn more, visit arrivia.com.

Flying Returns powered by iCruise: flyingreturnsicruise.com
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IndiGo Launches Direct Flights Between Delhi and Manchester

IndiGo Launches Direct Flights Between Delhi and Manchester

By Hariharan U

Published on November 19, 2025

IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, has launched direct flights between Delhi and Manchester, starting 15th November 2025. This follows the airline’s successful first long-haul route connecting Mumbai to Manchester earlier this year.

The new 5x weekly service is operated on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, leased from Norse Atlantic Airways. The plane offers a two-class cabin with 56 IndiGoStretch seats and 282 Economy Class seats, ensuring comfort for long-haul travellers.

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), one of India’s top global gateways, now hosts IndiGo’s long-haul operations from the capital. On the UK side, Manchester Airport serves as a key hub, providing easy connections to Northern English cities including Leeds, Liverpool, and Newcastle.

By linking Delhi and Manchester, IndiGo aims to boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between India and the UK, making international travel faster and more convenient.

Flight Schedule (Effective 15 November 2025)

Delhi to Manchester

  • Flight No.: 6E 0033

  • Days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday

  • Departure: 04:05 (local time)

  • Arrival: 09:30 (local time)

Manchester to Delhi

  • Flight No.: 6E 0034

  • Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

  • Departure: 11:15 (local time)

  • Arrival: 02:10 (+1, next day)

Note: All timings are in local time zones; +1 indicates arrival the next day.

About IndiGo
IndiGo is India’s preferred carrier and one of the fastest-growing airlines globally. Focused on affordability, punctuality, and hassle-free travel, the airline operates 2,300+ daily flights across 90+ domestic and 40+ international destinations. With a fleet of over 400 aircraft, IndiGo inducted 58 aircraft in 2024 and served 118 million passengers in FY25. It was also named ‘Best Airline in India and South Asia’ by Skytrax at the 2025 World Airline Awards.

For more details, visit www.goindigo.in or download the IndiGo mobile app.


Cox & Kings Unveils ‘Winter Tales of Europe’ as Indians Choose Offbeat Winter Destinations

Cox & Kings Unveils ‘Winter Tales of Europe’ as Indians Choose Offbeat Winter Destinations

By Hariharan U

Published on November 19, 2025

As Europe settles into its most scenic season, Indian travellers are increasingly looking beyond the usual winter hotspots. This year, Central and Eastern Europe have become strong favourites, leading Cox & Kings to introduce its new ‘Winter Tales of Europe’ collection. The series focuses on handpicked journeys through quieter, cultural, and lesser-explored regions, offering an intimate view of Europe away from the typical tourist trails.

Booking patterns show a clear trend: places like Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, and Bulgaria are seeing higher demand among Indian travellers. These destinations offer a mix of heritage, calm winter beauty, and good value. From snow-covered old towns to peaceful mountains and festive markets without long queues, the region appeals to travellers seeking a more soulful winter holiday.

The new itineraries, ‘Eastern Wonders: A Winter Tale’, ‘Essence of Europe: Winter Journey’, and ‘Passionate Europe: A Winter Tale’, have been curated to highlight the slower and more immersive side of Europe. While winter does bring affordability with airfares and stays dropping up to 40% across Europe between November and March, Cox & Kings says the real focus is on meaningful experiences rather than seasonal discounts.

"There's a kind of quiet grandeur to Europe in winter especially in the regions that aren't yet overrun by tourism," says Karan Agarwal, Director, Cox & Kings. "Our Winter Tales itineraries bring that to life for travellers who want to go beyond the obvious and experience Europe as it truly feels to locals."

The Winter Tales series is open to a wide range of travellers: families looking for festive breaks, honeymooners, solo travellers joining group departures, senior explorers, and all-women groups under Cox & Kings’ Group Inclusive Tours (GIT) format. There is also flexibility for travellers who prefer independent travel, as the itineraries can be customised. Bookings for these journeys remain open until mid-March 2026.

About Cox & Kings
Cox & Kings is the world’s first and one of the most iconic travel houses, with a legacy of over 260 years. Established in 1758, it has been a pioneer in global travel across leisure, business, and specialised segments. Known for its deep expertise and curated experiences, the brand continues to guide generations of travellers with a blend of tradition, innovation, and customer-first hospitality.


Andaman Tourism to Host ‘Island Trekking Festival’ at Mount Manipur on November 15

Andaman Tourism to Host ‘Island Trekking Festival’ at Mount Manipur on November 15

By MAnu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 16, 2025

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands government is set to host an ‘Island Trekking Festival’ at Mount Manipur on November 15, aiming to promote eco-adventure tourism and encourage local youth participation. Organised by the Tourism Department with support from the Environment and Forests Department and MY Bharat, the event highlights the islands’ natural beauty and historical legacy.

A tourism department official stated that the festival seeks to inspire youth to take up eco-guiding and adventure guiding as viable paths for self-employment, aligning with the administration’s vision of sustainable tourism development. Participation will be limited to 50 individuals, including local youth, trekking enthusiasts, tour operators, and tourists. The first 50 registered participants will be selected for the trek, and all will receive participation certificates from the Tourism Department.

Mount Manipur, formerly known as Mount Harriet, is the third-highest peak in the Andaman archipelago and one of its most scenic and historically significant trekking routes. The site carries deep historical importance, following the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, Maharaja Kulachandra Singh and 22 freedom fighters were exiled to the Andaman Islands.

To honour their bravery, Union Home Minister Amit Shah renamed Mount Harriet as Mount Manipur during his 2021 visit to the islands. In recognition of this history, the Tourism Department chose the location as the venue for the Island Trekking Festival, merging adventure with remembrance.

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