Air India Strengthens Their Southeast Asian Presence with New Route to Ho Chi Minh

Air India Strengthens Their Southeast Asian Presence with New Route to Ho Chi Minh

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on April 16, 2024

Air India, India's esteemed flag carrier, is all set to embark on a new journey with the launch of its non-stop service between Delhi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, commencing from June 1, 2024. This significant development aims to enhance travel options and connectivity between the two vibrant nations, catering to the evolving needs of modern travelers.

Embracing innovation and convenience, Air India will deploy its state-of-the-art Airbus A320neo aircraft on the Delhi-Ho Chi Minh City route. With a two-class configuration designed for optimal comfort, passengers can expect a sophisticated travel experience. The airline will operate flights five days a week, providing flexibility and choice to travelers.

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Air India's expansion into Ho Chi Minh City underscores its commitment to bolstering connectivity within Southeast Asia. This new route not only facilitates seamless travel between India and Vietnam but also offers enhanced accessibility to Air India's global route network. Travelers from the U.S., Canada, UK, and Europe can now enjoy convenient one-stop connections via Delhi, enriching their travel experiences.

Flight AI388 will depart from Delhi at 13:15 hrs, arriving in Ho Chi Minh City at 19:55 hrs. Operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, it offers travelers flexibility in planning their trips. The return flight, AI389, will depart from Ho Chi Minh City at 20:55 hrs, reaching Delhi at 00:30 hrs the following day. This seamless schedule ensures convenient travel options throughout the week.

The inauguration of the Delhi-Ho Chi Minh City route underscores Air India's commitment to expanding its footprint in Southeast Asia. Building upon its existing network that encompasses key destinations such as Singapore, Bangkok, Phuket (Thailand), and Yangon (Myanmar), Air India continues to solidify its position as a premier carrier in the region.

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Air India's foray into Ho Chi Minh City offers travelers not only a new destination to explore but also a host of benefits, including enhanced connectivity, comfort, and luxury aboard modern aircraft, and convenient flight schedules. This new service promises to redefine travel experiences and open doors to exciting adventures in Vietnam and beyond.

As Air India continues its journey of transformation under the Vihaan.AI initiative, the launch of the Delhi-Ho Chi Minh City route marks a significant milestone, reflecting the airline's commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. Join Air India on this exciting new route and embark on unforgettable travel experiences.


The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Unveils 'Luminara' – A Masterpiece of Luxury at Sea

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Unveils 'Luminara' – A Masterpiece of Luxury at Sea

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 2, 2025

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has revealed exciting new details about its third ultra-luxury superyacht, Luminara, ahead of its July 2025 debut. Promising a transformative experience at sea, Luminara will offer immersive itineraries, world-class dining, museum-worthy art, and meticulously designed interiors—all starting with its maiden voyage from Monte Carlo to Rome.

Following successful sea trials, Luminara is now prepped for an ambitious sailing calendar. The yacht will introduce Ritz-Carlton’s first-ever journeys to Asia and Alaska, offering guests a broader spectrum of destinations and deeper experiences of exploration.

“With Luminara, we’ve raised the bar once again,” said Ernesto Fara, President of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “This superyacht opens the door to new destinations and deeper guest experiences, reinforcing our commitment to thoughtful exploration and continuous innovation across the fleet.”

Stretching 794 feet and accommodating 452 guests across 226 ocean-facing suites, Luminara lives up to its name—meaning "light" in Latin—through soft tones, sculptural lighting, and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions. Designs by Chapi Design and AD Associates blend walnut wood, Arabescato Corchia marble, and rich textiles, while each suite comes with a private terrace and bespoke furnishings by design houses like Minotti and Poltrona Frau.

Guests will be treated to 731 art pieces onboard, 65% of which are specially commissioned. The collection celebrates the spirit of yachting and Malta’s heritage, with works by iconic artists such as Paul Klee, Matisse, and Andy Warhol. A seven-story light sculpture in the atrium adds dramatic flair to the experience.

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On the culinary front, Michelin-starred chefs Fabio Trabocchi and Michael Mina will lead signature dining venues. Seta su Luminara will offer an 8-course Venetian-inspired menu, while Beach House will feature bold Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors. Additional options like Azur, Haesu Bit, and Mistral will round out the gourmet journey.

Bars include the stylish new Art Bar, where craft cocktails meet Cycladic art, and sea views elevate every toast. The yacht also features a floating marina with a central pool, water sports, and direct sea access. Wellness takes center stage at The Ritz-Carlton Spa®, offering Asian-inspired treatments and products from ESPA, 111SKIN, and Pisterzi.

In retail, Luminara partners with luxury icons like Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, and Piaget—making their first appearance at sea—along with curated selections of apparel, accessories, and vintage finds.

After sailing the Mediterranean, Luminara will explore Africa and the Indian Ocean before beginning Asia-Pacific itineraries in late 2025. Highlights include stops in Vietnam’s Hạ Long Bay, Japan’s Osaka, and Thailand’s Bangkok. By summer 2026, the yacht will head to Alaska and Canada, offering intimate access to the region’s wild beauty.

With bookings now open, Luminara is set to become a new benchmark in oceanic luxury, blending The Ritz-Carlton’s legendary service with adventurous itineraries and transformative experiences at sea.


Air India Express to Launch Direct Flights from Bengaluru to Kathmandu from June 2025

Air India Express to Launch Direct Flights from Bengaluru to Kathmandu from June 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 1, 2025

Air India Express has announced the launch of direct flights between Bengaluru and Kathmandu, starting 1 June 2025, marking the airline’s official entry into Nepal. With this route, Kathmandu becomes the 55th destination in the carrier’s expanding network, furthering its reach in South Asia.

The launch establishes a direct air corridor between South India and Nepal’s capital, enhancing cultural and economic connections between the two nations. With this move, travellers from 20 Indian cities and two international hubs, Abu Dhabi and Dammam can now access Kathmandu via convenient one-stop connections through Bengaluru.

Introductory fares for the new route start at INR 8,000 for Xpress Lite and INR 8,500 for Xpress Value, available through the airline’s official website and booking platforms.

Kathmandu, known for its spiritual landmarks, scenic landscapes, and nearby destinations like Lumbini and Pokhara, appeals to both religious and adventure travellers. The new connection offers smoother travel for leisure tourists from India, supporting the rise of short-haul international tourism.

Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, stated, “We are delighted to expand our footprint to Nepal, our neighbouring country in the subcontinent, further strengthening the deep-rooted cultural and economic ties we share. This new route brings people, tales, and traditions closer, while reinforcing our vision of making travel more accessible and meaningful.”

Air India Express currently operates over 450 weekly flights from Bengaluru, connecting to 31 Indian cities and three international destinations. With the recent addition of Bangkok and Phuket, the airline continues to focus on short-haul international leisure destinations, expanding its presence across Asia.


Ras Al Khaimah Launches Tourism Excellence Awards to Honour Hospitality Trailblazers

Ras Al Khaimah Launches Tourism Excellence Awards to Honour Hospitality Trailblazers

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 31, 2025

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) made a landmark move in the Emirate’s hospitality journey with the debut of the Tourism Excellence Awards, a prestigious platform honouring those transforming Ras Al Khaimah into one of the world’s fastest-growing travel destinations.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Public Services Department in Ras Al Khaimah, the inaugural ceremony took place on 21 May 2025 at the stunning Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island.

The awards celebrated outstanding performers across six dynamic categories:

  • Corporate Hospitality Excellence

  • Individual Innovation

  • Culinary Artistry

  • Hospitality Leadership

  • Community Involvement

  • Environmental Responsibility

This comprehensive recognition structure reflects RAKTDA’s intent to spotlight excellence at every level—be it individuals, teams, or companies.

Speaking at the event, Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA, said,

“The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Excellence Awards mark an important milestone in our journey to become a leading global destination. By recognising those who go above and beyond to deliver unforgettable experiences, we are not only celebrating their achievements, but fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and community engagement.”

More than just accolades, the awards align with RAKTDA’s wider mission of building a sustainable, inclusive, and culturally rich tourism ecosystem. They aim to enhance traveller confidence, elevate service standards, foster innovation, and drive collaboration between businesses, local communities, and government bodies.

Phillips added,

“These awards mark a new era of recognition and inspiration in Ras Al Khaimah’s exceptional tourism story—one driven by shared ambition, pride in local achievement, and a commitment to excellence at every touchpoint.”

For more information and interview requests, reach out to:
Nidhie Raj Singh | +91 9999 266134 | nidhies@branditindia.com
Priyanshi Jain | +91 8527217660 | priyanshij@branditindia.com

To explore Ras Al Khaimah’s journey and initiatives, visit www.visitrasalkhaimah.com
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Hashtag: #VisitRasAlKhaimah

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