Air India-Vistara merger receives approval from Indian competition commission

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.

Ring in 2026 with Grand Celebrations at ZANA Luxury Resorts & Country Inn Hotels

By Hariharan U

Published on December 19, 2025

As the countdown to 2026 begins, ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels & Resorts invite travellers to celebrate the New Year in style with thoughtfully curated packages across some of India’s most picturesque destinations. From lakeside luxury and hill retreats to wildlife escapes, these celebrations promise a perfect blend of fun, relaxation, and indulgence.

ZANA Luxury Resorts – Jim Corbett: Guests at ZANA Luxury Suites & Cottages and ZANA In The Wild can enjoy an energetic New Year under the stars with DJ entertainment, fireworks, lucky draws, and a live performance by acclaimed percussionist Nishant Gugnani. A dedicated kids’ zone and special buffet ensure fun for all ages.

ZANA Lake Resort, Udaipur: Celebrate amid the shimmering lakes of Udaipur with a serene yet festive lakeside gala dinner. Guests can enjoy gourmet breakfasts, leisurely hi-teas, and even bring their own alcohol for a personalised experience.

ZANA By The Ganges, Rishikesh: This newest luxury address offers a soulful start to 2026 with a lively gala dinner, live singing, and tranquil views of the Ganges and Himalayas—perfect for those seeking festive celebrations with a touch of serenity.

ZANA Forest Resort, Ranthambore: Spread across 11 acres, the resort blends luxury cottages, green spaces, and a festive gala dinner, making it ideal for families and nature enthusiasts looking for a peaceful yet memorable New Year.

Country Inn Nature Resort, Bhimtal: Surrounded by hills and crisp mountain air, guests can enjoy a DJ, fireworks, Kumaoni folk dance, live singing, bonfire, and a lavish gala dinner, providing a joyous and family-friendly way to welcome 2026.

Country Inn Premier, Mussoorie: Step into the New Year with panoramic hill station views, warm hospitality, a lively DJ, and gala dinner, creating a relaxed yet festive celebration in Mussoorie.

Country Inn Riverside Resort, Jim Corbett: Adjacent to ZANA In The Wild, this property offers a nature-centric celebration with fireworks, bonfire, DJ entertainment, lucky draws, and live percussion performances, ensuring a memorable New Year getaway.

Across all locations, guests can enjoy live music, curated gastronomic experiences, and immersive entertainment designed to create unforgettable memories. With these New Year packages, ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels offer the perfect blend of celebration, comfort, and scenic beauty.

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PRISM Offers Full Refunds for Guests Affected by Flight Disruptions

By Hariharan U

Published on December 10, 2025

PRISM, the parent company of OYO, has announced a full refund policy for guests who could not check into their hotels between December 5 and 15, 2025 due to the widespread flight disruptions across India. With more than 1,400 flights cancelled over the weekend and multiple delays crossing four hours, thousands of travel plans were affected at the peak of the wedding and holiday season.

Under this policy, guests who booked through the OYO or CheckIn apps will receive automatic refunds once they submit valid proof of cancellation or delay. PRISM is also coordinating closely with its hotel partners to ensure the process is smooth and does not burden small and mid-sized properties that depend heavily on seasonal business.

Sharing more details, Varun Jain, Chief Operating Officer, PRISM Asia, said, “Our early estimates indicate that significant bookings across our hotel network may be affected by the ongoing flight disruptions. Coinciding with the peak wedding and holiday season, both leisure and business travel plans are being impacted. Our decision to offer full refunds is guided by empathy and a sense of responsibility to ensure our guests are not financially burdened by circumstances entirely beyond their control.”

PRISM today operates 13,000+ hotels under brands such as Townhouse, Sunday and Palette across India. To support the increased volume of queries, the group has also expanded its customer service team to help guests with refund requests and clarity on documentation. The company will continue to monitor the situation and extend the refund window if required.

Guests can access detailed policy information or raise requests through the CheckIn policy page or contact the dedicated support helpline.