Bengaluru Airport Partners with Sarla Aviation to Launch Electric Flying Taxis

Bengaluru Airport Partners with Sarla Aviation to Launch Electric Flying Taxis

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 20, 2024

Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport is gearing up to become a hub for electric flying taxis, thanks to a groundbreaking partnership between Sarla Aviation and Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL). This collaboration aims to bring seven-seater electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to the city's bustling transportation network, promising a faster, eco-friendly, and more efficient alternative to ground-based travel.

The two entities signed a statement of collaboration last month to explore sustainable urban air mobility solutions. The initiative is designed to address Bengaluru’s notorious traffic congestion by offering quicker travel options at affordable rates. Sarla Aviation's electric taxis are expected to operate on key routes, with the journey from Bengaluru Airport to Electronics City projected to take just 19 minutes—a significant improvement from the 152 minutes required by road.

Co-founded by Adrian Schmidt, Rakesh Gaonkar, and Shivam Chauhan, Sarla Aviation is at the forefront of advanced air mobility in India. The Bengaluru-based startup is planning to roll out its services in four major Indian cities—Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune—where urban congestion is at its peak. The aim is to provide affordable electric flying taxis that offer cleaner, quieter, and more cost-effective alternatives to traditional air and ground transportation.

Schmidt, Sarla Aviation's CEO, highlighted the company’s vision: "We aim to redefine urban air transport with operational efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and scalable infrastructure. Our electric flying taxis will set new benchmarks in reliability and performance, aligning with global standards for sustainable aviation."

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Sustainable Air Travel in Focus

The introduction of eVTOL aircraft marks a crucial step toward advancing sustainable air travel in India. By using electric-powered aircraft, Sarla Aviation seeks to reduce carbon emissions and offer a cleaner mode of transport compared to traditional helicopters. While commercial operations are still two to three years away, the company is optimistic that its taxis will play a vital role in the future of urban air mobility.

The proposed routes will not only alleviate road congestion but also provide cost-effective air travel. For instance, the Bengaluru to Electronics City route is expected to be priced at INR 1,700, making it accessible to a wide range of commuters.

FAA and Global Regulations

As India embarks on this futuristic journey, global regulatory bodies are also shifting their focus. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently announced changes in its regulatory approach to certify pilots for powered-lift aircraft, the category under which eVTOLs fall. These new regulations are designed to address the unique needs of electric flying taxis, which operate differently from traditional airplanes and helicopters.

Pioneering Urban Mobility

Sarla Aviation’s partnership with Kempegowda International Airport is a testament to the company’s ambition to revolutionize urban transportation. The co-founders—Chauhan, Gaonkar, and Schmidt—have extensive experience working with leading Western air traffic startups such as Joby and Lilium, making them well-equipped to bring this innovative solution to Indian skies.

This collaboration is part of a broader movement to advance urban mobility in India, with sustainable aviation technology playing a key role. Sarla Aviation is rapidly emerging as a leader in the advanced air mobility sector, setting the stage for cleaner, faster, and more efficient urban air transport.

With regulatory hurdles still to overcome, the project is in its early stages, but the vision of electric flying taxis in Indian cities is closer than ever. This initiative not only signals a significant step forward in addressing urban congestion but also positions Bengaluru as a pioneer in the global shift toward sustainable urban aviation.


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

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.


PRISM Offers Full Refunds for Guests Affected by Flight Disruptions

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.


Thomas Cook India and SOTC Reveal 7 Christmas Getaways Across India

Thomas Cook India and SOTC Reveal 7 Christmas Getaways Across India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 8, 2025

Christmas in India brings together beaches, hills, colonial heritage, and cultural celebrations, creating a festive atmosphere that feels unique to every region. Showcasing this diversity, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel have highlighted seven destinations that capture the country’s holiday spirit and inspire travellers to plan memorable year-end trips.

Goa remains one of India’s most popular festive escapes, glowing with lights, carols, and its signature Christmas flavours. Churches such as the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception host soulful midnight masses that attract visitors from across the country. Travellers can explore lively Christmas markets, enjoy beachfront music sessions, or savour traditional Goan feasts.

In Kerala, Christmas blends coastal charm with serene celebrations. Cities such as Kochi, Kottayam, and Thiruvananthapuram come alive with star lanterns, nativity displays, and warm community gatherings. A backwater cruise on Christmas Eve, a Kathakali show in Kochi, and the beautifully lit streets of Fort Kochi offer a relaxed yet festive holiday experience.

Puducherry brings together French elegance and coastal simplicity for a peaceful Christmas getaway. White Town turns into a picture-perfect festive setting lined with cafés, heritage buildings, and soft illumination. Visitors can attend midnight mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, enjoy French-Indian festive menus, or spend quiet evenings by the sea.

For travellers seeking a hill destination, Meghalaya offers a vibrant yet serene celebration. Shillong shines with decorated churches, choir performances, and lively music nights that reflect the state’s strong musical culture. Christmas fairs, colourful lights at Police Bazaar, and outings to Umiam Lake make it an inviting winter retreat.

A culturally rich experience awaits visitors in Nagaland, where community feasts, gospel performances, and beautifully decorated churches define the celebrations. Kohima and Dimapur showcase the state’s strong sense of togetherness, while travellers visiting in early December can also experience the energy of the Hornbill Festival.

Kolkata brings timeless charm to Christmas with its Anglo-Indian traditions and festive street scenes. Park Street turns into a hub of lights, music, and food, drawing crowds throughout the season. Midnight mass at St. Paul’s Cathedral, treats from heritage bakeries, and the warm celebrations of Bow Barracks add to the nostalgic experience.

Those dreaming of a winter escape can head to Shimla, where pine trees, colonial architecture, and the possibility of snow create a classic Christmas mood. The Ridge and Mall Road glow with decorations, while Christ Church offers a peaceful setting for Christmas services. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks, warm cafés, and short trips to Kufri for snow-filled adventures.

Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel’s curated selection offers travellers a chance to choose a Christmas holiday that suits their festive mood, be it relaxed, cultural, adventurous, or nostalgic.

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