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By Nishang Narayan
Published on January 10, 2025
The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) has lauded the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Policy 2024-29, recognizing it as a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming the state into a premier global tourism destination. By integrating sustainability, economic growth, and cultural preservation, the policy sets a new benchmark for tourism development in India.
A key highlight of the policy is the Industry Status granted to the tourism and hospitality sector, underscoring its importance as a catalyst for economic growth, employment generation, and regional development. Backed by this recognition, the policy introduces fiscal incentives like 100% stamp duty reimbursement, land conversion charge waivers, and subsidies on fixed capital investments. These measures are designed to encourage private investments worth ₹25,000 crore and facilitate ease of doing business in the sector.
The policy outlines ambitious goals, including increasing the state's tourism Gross Value Added (GVA) from 4.6% to 8%, expanding employment contributions from 12% to 15%, and growing room inventory from 3,500 to 10,000 in the classified category. To achieve these targets, it proposes developing seven major hubs and 25 tourism circuits that focus on beach tourism, eco-tourism, Buddhist heritage, river cruises, and temple tourism.
With a strong emphasis on sustainability, the policy incorporates initiatives such as zero-emission zones, Blue Flag-certified beaches, and green-certified accommodations. It also prioritizes workforce development, offering skill enhancement programs in hospitality, eco-tourism, and specialized sectors like MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).
Reacting to the policy, Mr. K. Syama Raju, President of FHRAI, expressed optimism, stating: "Recognizing tourism as an industry, coupled with substantial incentives and a focus on thematic circuits, will elevate Andhra Pradesh's appeal as a tourist destination. With its emphasis on sustainability and community empowerment, this policy has the potential to drive significant economic growth and create employment opportunities. FHRAI is eager to collaborate with the state government to realize these goals."
The policy also simplifies administrative processes with a single-window clearance system and the establishment of Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) to oversee tourism hubs and circuits. District-level hubs will further support investors and ensure streamlined project implementation.
FHRAI believes that the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Policy 2024-29 is a visionary roadmap that other states can emulate. By fostering sustainability, promoting inclusivity, and integrating private investments with infrastructure upgrades, the policy positions Andhra Pradesh as a leader in India's tourism sector.
The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), established in 1955, is the apex body of the Indian hospitality industry and the third-largest hospitality association globally. Representing the interests of the sector, FHRAI actively collaborates with government bodies, international organizations, and civil society to drive growth and innovation in India's tourism and hospitality landscape.
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By Hariharan U
Published on January 3, 2026
IndiGo has outlined a cautious yet forward-looking approach as it prepares for the next phase of growth, placing strong emphasis on “operational reliability” while planning a limited set of international route additions. The airline said its immediate focus is to “stabilise operations” as it continues to strengthen capacity and network resilience.
As part of its international plans, IndiGo has announced the launch of non-stop services to Athens. This route will also mark the international debut of India’s first Airbus A321XLR, a new aircraft type expected to support the airline’s entry into fresh overseas markets as it gradually expands beyond short-haul operations.
Beyond Athens, the airline has not shared details of additional international destinations or capacity increases. IndiGo stated that it will continue to grow its international footprint while further densifying its domestic network, without outlining the pace or scale of expansion.
On the domestic front, the airline is also preparing to begin operations from Noida International Airport at Jewar, strengthening its presence in the National Capital Region once services commence.
Addressing recent operational challenges, IndiGo said it had swiftly restored normal operations following a temporary network disruption. The airline also confirmed that it is “fully collaborating and providing requested information to the regulator's committee” as part of an ongoing review by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
While IndiGo reiterated its long-term ambitions, including plans related to widebody aircraft and sustained growth, its near-term outlook remains measured. The airline said its renewed focus on stability will help drive future scale, innovation, and impact as it carefully explores new frontiers.
Published on January 1, 2026
Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has made an impressive start, handling a total of 26,021 passengers in its first five days of operations. This includes 12,431 arrivals and 13,590 departures, showing strong demand right from day one.
Weekend traffic was particularly high, with 5,548 travellers on Saturday and 5,614 on Sunday, reflecting growing confidence among passengers. During this initial period, the airport managed 162 flight movements, 81 arrivals and 81 departures, while keeping on-time performance smooth for both airlines and ground services.
Currently, NMIA connects 13 major domestic destinations, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Cochin, Coimbatore, Delhi, Goa (MOPA), Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mangalore, Nagpur, Vadodara. These connections cover key business and leisure hubs, giving travellers more options and conveand nience in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Looking ahead, the airport plans to expand its network with additional destinations and increased flight frequencies in coordination with partner airlines. With strong early passenger response and ready infrastructure, NMIA is set to become a modern, seamless travel hub in Western India
Air India has strengthened its partnership with airBaltic, the flag carrier of Latvia, by entering into a new codeshare agreement, making travel between India and the Baltic region easier and more seamless for its customers. This move builds on the interline partnership established between the two carriers in June 2025.
Under the codeshare, Air India has begun adding its ‘AI’ designator code on airBaltic-operated flights between Riga and Air India’s European gateways including Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Milan Malpensa, Vienna, Zurich, and London Gatwick. This allows passengers to travel between India and Riga with a single Air India ticket, covering connecting flights under the same booking.
Additionally, Air India’s interline agreement with airBaltic allows travellers to reach Tallinn, Estonia, and Vilnius, Lithuania via select European gateways, further expanding access to the Baltic region.
Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India, said, "This expanded partnership with airBaltic reflects Air India’s commitment to providing seamless global connectivity to our customers. Latvia and the wider Baltic region are growing travel markets, and this codeshare makes the journey more convenient than ever."
Air India currently operates multiple non-stop flights connecting India with Europe:
Delhi: Amsterdam (7x weekly), Paris (14x weekly), Frankfurt (12x weekly), Copenhagen (4x weekly), Milan (6x weekly), Vienna (4x weekly), Zurich (4x weekly)
Mumbai: Frankfurt (5x weekly)
Amritsar & Ahmedabad: London Gatwick (3x weekly each)
Since its privatization in 2022, Air India has expanded its global alliance network to include 24 codeshare partnerships and nearly 100 interline agreements, offering passengers access to over 800 destinations worldwide.
The new codeshare flights are now available for booking through both airlines’ official channels and travel partners.
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