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By Author
Published on November 12, 2023
Singapore Airlines has confirmed that the proposed merger between Air India and Vistara is still on track, pending approvals from regulators and competition authorities in various jurisdictions. This merger, which has already received approval from the Competition Commission of India, will position Singapore Airlines with a 25.1% stake in the enlarged Air India Group, allowing them to tap into India's growing aviation market.
Currently, Singapore Airlines holds a 49% shareholding in Vistara, while the Tata Group owns the remaining 51% stake. The merger is awaiting foreign direct investment approval, as well as clearance from regulators such as India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Civil Aviation, National Company Law Tribunal, and the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore.
Once the merger is complete, Singapore Airlines will have a significant presence in all key Indian airline market segments and benefit from the rapid growth of India's civil aviation market. Air India, which was acquired by the Tata Group in January 2022, has been implementing an ambitious revival and expansion plan.
During the first half of the 2023-24 fiscal year, Singapore Airlines Group reported an impressive 55.4% increase in net profit to SGD 1,441 million, compared to USD 927 million in the same period the previous year. Total revenue also witnessed growth, rising 8.9% to SGD 9,162 million from SGD 8,417 million.
As of September 30, the airline group had a fleet of 202 aircraft, including both passenger aircraft and freighters. SIA's operating fleet consisted of 140 passenger aircraft and 7 freighters, while Scoot, its non-frill carrier, had 55 passenger aircraft. Additionally, the Group has 96 aircraft on order.
Singapore Airlines reported a continued robust demand for air travel, particularly in the Northern Summer travel season, with passenger traffic rebounding in North Asia after the reopening of China, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, and Taiwan. In the first six months of the current fiscal year, SIA and Scoot carried 17.4 million passengers, marking a remarkable 52.3% year-on-year increase.
Looking ahead, SIA plans to ramp up services across its network for the Northern Summer 2024 operating season, including the restoration of Airbus A380 services to Frankfurt, deploying widebody Airbus A350-900 medium-haul aircraft to Cairns and Male, and reinstating direct services between Singapore and Barcelona. Flight frequencies to several destinations will also be increased, aiming to exceed pre-pandemic levels.
However, the demand for air freight has remained soft due to inventory overhang and challenging geopolitical and macroeconomic conditions. Increased competition and softer demand have contributed to a 46.2% decrease in cargo yields compared to the previous year.
The Air India-Vistara merger is expected to strengthen both airlines' positions in the Indian aviation market, while Singapore Airlines seeks to benefit from the opportunities presented by India's growing air travel demand.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on August 24, 2026
Regional airline FLY91 has added Tirupati as its 13th destination, further expanding its regional network across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. With the new addition, the airline now serves four destinations across the two states.
The airline will connect Tirupati with Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Rajahmundry, supporting travel for pilgrims, tourists, business travellers and students across southern India. Bookings for the new Tirupati services are now open through FLY91’s website and travel agency network.
Tirupati is one of India's major pilgrimage destinations and is home to the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Tirumala, which attracts millions of devotees. Beyond pilgrimage, the city is also an important educational, cultural and commercial centre in Andhra Pradesh.
Manoj Chacko, MD and CEO, FLY91, said, "The addition of Tirupati marks another important milestone in the steady expansion of our regional network and reinforces our commitment to Andhra Pradesh, where we now serve three destinations. By connecting Tirupati to 3 important cities, we are making travel across an important religious, educational and cultural corridor more convenient while improving connectivity between key regional centres. As a regional airline focused on 'Connecting Bharat' through safe and reliable air services, we remain committed to enhancing access between India's growing regional markets."
FLY91 will operate daily flights between Tirupati and Hyderabad. Flights between Tirupati and Vijayawada will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, while services between Tirupati and Rajahmundry will run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
With Tirupati now added to its network, FLY91 serves Goa (Manohar International Airport, Mopa), Sindhudurg, Jalgaon, Solapur, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Agatti, Kochi, Hubballi, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada and Tirupati. The addition strengthens FLY91’s focus on connecting regional markets and improving access between important destinations across India.
By Hariharan U
Published on August 19, 2026
Air India Express has commenced operations from the newly inaugurated Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Andhra Pradesh, connecting Visakhapatnam with Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Vijayawada.
The airline began operations from the new airport on August 17, 2026, with 10 daily flights serving the three key domestic destinations. The inaugural flight departed for Bengaluru at 8:00 AM, with guests receiving ceremonial boarding passes to mark the launch.
The new services strengthen air connectivity for Visakhapatnam and the surrounding region, while providing travellers with additional options to connect with major business, tourism and commercial centres across southern India.
Air India Express currently operates two daily flights between Visakhapatnam and Hyderabad and two daily services between Visakhapatnam and Bengaluru, along with a daily service connecting Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada.
The Bengaluru–Visakhapatnam schedule also includes additional services on Thursdays and Saturdays, providing greater flexibility for travellers.
All timings are local and are effective from August 17, 2026.
The airline is also expanding its network from Andhra Pradesh with the addition of Tirupati, with daily flights connecting Tirupati and Hyderabad scheduled to commence from September 1, 2026.
From the same date, Air India Express will also resume its daily service on the Hyderabad–Chennai route, further strengthening connectivity between key cities in southern India.
With the latest additions, Air India Express currently serves 48 domestic and 16 international destinations, operating more than 3,000 weekly flights across India, Southeast Asia and West Asia.
The commencement of operations at Bhogapuram marks another step in the airline's network expansion strategy while strengthening connectivity to and from Visakhapatnam, one of Andhra Pradesh's important commercial, industrial and tourism centres.
Published on August 15, 2026
With Independence Day falling on a Saturday this year, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel have curated 12 short getaway options for travellers looking to make the most of the weekend.
The list brings together destinations that are easy to reach from Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, covering everything from monsoon-filled hills and wildlife escapes to heritage cities and coastal retreats. Whether it is adventure, nature, culture or simply some time away from the city, there is an option for different kinds of travellers.
1. Rishikesh: For an Adventure-Filled Break
Just a few hours from Delhi, Rishikesh offers a mix of adventure, spirituality and relaxation along the Ganga.
2. Jaipur: For a Dose of Culture & Heritage
Jaipur is an easy heritage escape from Delhi, with royal history, grand architecture, local food and colourful markets.
3. Jim Corbett: For a Wildlife Escape
For travellers looking to spend the weekend closer to nature, Jim Corbett offers forests, wildlife and peaceful resort stays away from the city.
4. Mussoorie: For a Refreshing Hill Retreat
Mussoorie continues to be a popular short getaway from Delhi, with mountain views, colonial charm and a pleasant hill-station atmosphere.
5. Lonavala: For a Quick Monsoon Escape
Lonavala becomes especially scenic during the monsoon, with green hills, misty landscapes and waterfalls. Its easy access from Mumbai makes it a convenient weekend option.
6. Alibaug: For a Coastal Reset
Alibaug brings together coastal landscapes, heritage, local food and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a good choice for travellers looking to slow down.
7. Mahabaleshwar: For Misty Mountain Views
Surrounded by the Western Ghats, Mahabaleshwar offers lush and misty landscapes during the monsoon, making it ideal for a peaceful break.
8. Nashik: For Food, Culture & Countryside
Nashik offers a mix of heritage, spirituality, countryside landscapes and Maharashtra's growing wine culture, giving travellers an alternative to the usual hill or beach escape.
9. Coorg: For a Monsoon Nature Break
Coorg's coffee plantations, green landscapes and relaxed pace make it a refreshing getaway from Bengaluru. The destination also offers opportunities to experience local culture and plantation life.
10. Chikmagalur: For Coffee & the Hills
Chikmagalur combines misty mountains, coffee plantations and scenic countryside, offering travellers a relaxed break from Bengaluru.
11. Mysuru: For a Heritage-Filled Weekend
Mysuru offers an easy cultural getaway with grand architecture, historic landmarks, lively markets and its own distinctive food culture.
12. Kabini: For Wildlife & the Wild
Kabini is suited to travellers looking for a deeper nature escape, with forests, wildlife and peaceful riverside experiences.
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