Emirates Marks Two Decades of Connecting Thiruvananthapuram to the World

Emirates Marks Two Decades of Connecting Thiruvananthapuram to the World

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 4, 2026

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has marked 20 years of operations in Thiruvananthapuram, reaffirming its commitment to Kerala’s travel, trade and tourism ecosystem. The airline commenced its services to the city on 1 February 2006, making Thiruvananthapuram a key gateway in its South India network.

Since the launch of operations, Emirates has carried more than 4.6 million passengers on over 19,000 flights between Dubai and Thiruvananthapuram, strengthening international connectivity for travellers, businesses and the region’s large visiting friends and relatives segment.

Currently, Emirates operates 167 weekly flights from nine gateways across India, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram. These services connect Indian cities to Dubai and onwards to more than 150 destinations across six continents.

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The milestone was commemorated in the presence of the Honorable Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan, underlining the strong partnership between Emirates, the Kerala government and key aviation stakeholders.

Commenting on the milestone, Mohammad Sarhan, Emirates’ VP – India and Nepal, said, “We are proud to have served Thiruvananthapuram for over 20 years. The city has been instrumental in strengthening our presence in Kerala and Southern India. Over the past two decades, our operations have supported the growth of local tourism and trade, while connecting travellers from Thiruvananthapuram to Dubai and beyond on our global network.”

He further added, “On this occasion, we are pleased to be joined by the Honorable Chief Minister of Kerala to mark the milestone, and I would like to thank the state authorities, airport partners, and the Emirates team for their continued support in making our operations a success over the span of two decades. We look forward to continued partnership and providing our services to the people of Thiruvananthapuram and visitors and supporting local businesses and trade with our cargo operations.”

Over the years, Emirates has played a key role in enhancing Thiruvananthapuram’s global reach, offering seamless connections to major international destinations including London, New York, Manama, San Francisco, Frankfurt, Manchester, Chicago, Toronto, Seattle and Houston. The airline has also supported inbound tourism to Kerala by enabling smoother access for international travellers.

On the cargo front, Emirates SkyCargo has significantly contributed to Kerala’s export-driven economy. Since 2019, the cargo division has uplifted over 34,000 tonnes of cargo from Thiruvananthapuram, including seafood, vegetables and other perishable goods, enabling local exporters to access global markets efficiently.

Emirates continues to offer its Fly Better experience across all cabins for travellers from Thiruvananthapuram, combining comfort, regional cuisine options, award-winning service and its inflight entertainment system with content in regional languages.

As Emirates celebrates two decades of service to Thiruvananthapuram, the airline reaffirmed its long-term commitment to supporting tourism, trade and economic growth in Kerala.


The Sleep Company Opens New Experience Store at Vihang Ventura in Mumbai's Mira Road

The Sleep Company Opens New Experience Store at Vihang Ventura in Mumbai's Mira Road

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 6, 2026

The Sleep Company has announced the opening of its new experience store at Vihang Ventura in Mira Road, further expanding its retail footprint in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Located within the upcoming premium commercial development by Vihang Ahead, the new outlet adds to the growing presence of national brands at the project.

The comfort-tech brand, known for its patented SmartGRID® technology, has grown rapidly across India with more than 200 stores in less than four years. Its latest store at Vihang Ventura is part of the company's strategy to expand into fast-growing suburban markets where demand for premium lifestyle and comfort products continues to rise.

Situated opposite Kashigaon Metro Station, Vihang Ventura is being developed as an integrated commercial destination featuring premium retail outlets, flagship showrooms, office spaces, and lifestyle brands. The project is attracting leading national retailers looking to tap into the growing consumer base of the Mira Bhayandar region.

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The new experience store offers customers an opportunity to explore and try The Sleep Company's complete range of SmartGRID mattresses, ergonomic chairs, recliners, sofas, and sleep accessories before making their purchase decisions.

Commenting on the development, Purvesh Sarnaik, Director, Vihang Ahead, said:

"The Sleep Company's decision to establish its presence at Vihang Ventura is another strong endorsement of Mira Bhayandar's emergence as a premium retail destination. As consumer aspirations evolve and the region continues to attract high-quality residential and commercial developments, national brands are increasingly recognising the market's long-term potential. Our vision for Vihang Ventura is to create a vibrant commercial ecosystem that brings together leading retail, lifestyle and business brands in one landmark destination."

Speaking about the expansion, Sharad Shukla, Senior Director-Retail Expansion, The Sleep Company, said:

"Our retail expansion strategy is centred around markets that are witnessing strong residential growth, improving infrastructure and a rising base of aspirational consumers. Mira Bhayandar has evolved into one of the fastest-growing suburban markets within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, making it an ideal destination for our next experience store. Vihang Ventura offers the right ecosystem for us to engage with customers seeking innovative comfort solutions and a premium in-store shopping experience."

The launch comes at a time when India's organised retail sector continues to see steady growth, supported by strong retail leasing activity and increasing expansion into emerging suburban markets. Improved infrastructure, Metro connectivity, and sustained residential development have also made Mira Bhayandar an attractive destination for organised retail and lifestyle brands.

With The Sleep Company joining its retail mix, Vihang Ventura continues to strengthen its positioning as a modern commercial and lifestyle destination, bringing together brands across lifestyle, wellness, food & beverage, and retail while offering consumers premium shopping experiences closer to home.


17 Injured After Air India Phuket–Delhi Flight Encounters Turbulence

17 Injured After Air India Phuket–Delhi Flight Encounters Turbulence

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 5, 2026

Air India Flight AI2379, operating from Phuket to Delhi, encountered severe turbulence during its journey on Tuesday, leaving 17 people injured, including 13 passengers and four cabin crew members. Despite the incident, the aircraft landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, where medical teams were immediately deployed to assist those onboard.

The flight, operated by an Airbus A320 (VT-EXO), was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, along with eight crew members comprising two pilots and six cabin crew.

According to Air India, the aircraft experienced a momentary change in altitude during the cruise phase before stabilising and continuing its journey safely to Delhi. Flight tracking platform Flightradar24 indicated that the aircraft descended by approximately 300 feet around 2.5 hours into the flight, while flying over Odisha.

Following the landing, medical teams attended to all passengers and crew as a precaution. Eight passengers and four cabin crew members were admitted to hospitals for detailed medical evaluation and treatment. Air India stated that all those admitted are stable and are receiving appropriate medical care, while the remaining passengers were provided with the necessary assistance and support.

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The Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, personally visited the injured passengers at Fortis and Medanta Hospitals to enquire about their condition and assure them of the government's full support. Senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation also visited the hospitals and are coordinating closely with the airline and hospital authorities to ensure the injured receive the best possible medical care.

The aircraft has since been moved to the hangar, where the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) have been secured for detailed examination.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and DGCA said they are closely monitoring the situation, reiterating that passenger safety remains the highest priority and that all necessary measures are being taken.


Bikanervala to Open New Outlet at SPS Realty's Helios in Zirakpur

Bikanervala to Open New Outlet at SPS Realty's Helios in Zirakpur

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 3, 2026

SPS Realty has announced that Bikanervala, one of India's most recognised food and sweets brands, will open a new outlet at its flagship commercial development, Helios, located on VIP Road in Zirakpur. The addition is set to strengthen the project's retail and food & beverage ecosystem while enhancing its appeal as a lifestyle destination.

The upcoming outlet will offer Bikanervala's wide range of traditional Indian sweets, snacks, and dining options, catering to residents, businesses, and visitors from Zirakpur and nearby areas. The brand's presence is expected to serve as a key food and beverage anchor within the commercial development.

Commenting on the association, Rohit Singla, Director, SPS Realty, said, "The addition of Bikanervala at Helios reflects our vision of creating a well-rounded commercial destination that brings together premium retail, food, and lifestyle experiences. We aim to curate a diverse ecosystem where businesses can thrive while offering visitors a complete experience under one roof."

Helios has been designed as SPS Realty's flagship commercial project, featuring contemporary architecture, premium commercial spaces, and a strategic location on VIP Road. The development comprises 177 premium retail and showroom spaces, offering high-visibility opportunities for established brands, entrepreneurs, and businesses.

The arrival of Bikanervala is expected to further strengthen Helios' growing tenant mix while enhancing customer engagement by adding a well-established food and beverage destination. With increasing urbanisation and rising demand for organised retail spaces in the region, the project is positioned to emerge as a preferred commercial hub in Zirakpur.

Through this partnership, SPS Realty continues its focus on developing commercial destinations that combine retail, dining, and lifestyle experiences while creating new opportunities for businesses and consumers alike.

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