FHRAI to Champion Sustainable Tourism at New Delhi Summit

FHRAI to Champion Sustainable Tourism at New Delhi Summit

By Author

Published on February 18, 2024

In a significant move towards promoting sustainable tourism practices, the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), in collaboration with the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) and the Hotel Association of India (HAI), is gearing up to host the "Travel for Life; Tourism Sustainability Summit." Scheduled for March 8, 2024, in New Delhi, this summit falls under the ambit of the Ministry of Tourism's Travel for Life program and is poised to redefine sustainable tourism pathways in India.

The summit, receiving backing from prestigious organizations such as the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (UK), Niti Aayog, Invest India, and KPMG as the Knowledge Partner, emerges from India's commitment to fostering a resilient and sustainable tourism sector. This commitment was particularly highlighted during its G20 Presidency, underlining the nation's dedication to becoming a global tourism and hospitality leader that prioritizes environmental stewardship.

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"The Travel for Life Summit marks a pivotal moment for India's tourism and hospitality industry," stated Pradeep Shetty, President of FHRAI. "As stewards of this vibrant sector, we are guided by the principle of sustainability. This summit is our call to action, aiming to unite stakeholders towards a vision of responsible tourism that not only enhances visitor experiences but also protects our planet for future generations."

The summit will serve as a platform for key stakeholders from various sectors, including government, industry, the diplomatic community, international agencies, practitioners, and the media, to come together and formulate a forward-looking action plan for global tourism sustainability. By sharing best practices and case studies, the event aims to inspire informed decision-making and propose actionable frameworks that align with the innovative Goa Roadmap for Tourism.

Highlighting the critical role of technology and green investments in promoting sustainability within the industry, the summit will feature discussions led by eminent speakers and panelists. Notable participants include Shri G. Kishan Reddy, the Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Culture and Development of North Eastern Region, as the Chief Guest, and Shri Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa and Former CEO of Niti Aayog, as the Guest of Honour.

The event also boasts an impressive lineup of international speakers, further emphasizing the global scope of the discussions. Attendees can expect to engage in meaningful dialogue with representatives from Nepal, Bhutan, Malaysia, EMEA region of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, UK, among others.

The "Travel for Life; Tourism Sustainability Summit" is not just a conference; it's a catalyst for change, aiming to usher in a new era of tourism in India where sustainability is not just a buzzword but a fundamental practice. FHRAI, along with its partners, invites all stakeholders to join this landmark event and contribute to shaping a sustainable future for tourism in India.


IndiGo Focuses on Operational Stability, Plans Select Route Expansion

IndiGo Focuses on Operational Stability, Plans Select Route Expansion

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.


Navi Mumbai Airport Sees 26,000+ Passengers in First Five Days

Navi Mumbai Airport Sees 26,000+ Passengers in First Five Days

By Hariharan U

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 Expands Partnership with airBaltic to Offer Seamless Connectivity to Latvia

Air India Expands Partnership with airBaltic to Offer Seamless Connectivity to Latvia

By Hariharan U

Published on January 1, 2026

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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