Green signal for ₹136cr city-side hub at Thiruvananthapuram airport

Green signal for ₹136cr city-side hub at Thiruvananthapuram airport

By Hariharan U

Published on September 15, 2025

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is moving closer to a major transformation, with the Union environment ministry’s expert appraisal committee (EAC) recommending environmental clearance for a ₹136 crore city-side development project. The initiative, planned by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL) at Chackai within the airport grounds, aims to reshape the capital city’s gateway into a modern hospitality and commercial hub.

The project will feature a 240-room luxury hotel, expansive food and beverage areas with over 600 seats, and world-class infrastructure across nearly 34,000 sq. m. Spread over two basements, a ground floor and four upper floors, the complex will rise up to 23 metres. Once clearances are finalized, the hotel is expected to come under a global five-star brand such as Marriott, Hilton or Intercontinental.

This city-side facility is part of the larger terminal expansion plan, "Project Anantha" The project faced delays after the state environment impact assessment authority (SEIAA) sought changes in the basement design, citing environmental risks. The revised proposal has now cleared hurdles, and with pending cases moved to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the project is finally back on track.

Construction could begin within three months. Alongside enhancing airport facilities, the project is expected to generate around 300 direct jobs and nearly 900 indirect employment opportunities. “The project will not just address rising accommodation needs but also give a strong push to Kerala’s hospitality sector,” said a source close to the airport.

The EAC has attached strict environmental safeguards. Construction will rely on recycled water and rainwater harvesting. Once operational, the complex will need 318 KLD of water, with nearly half supplied by an in-house sewage treatment plant. Solid waste, expected at 418 kg daily, will be processed sustainably—biodegradable waste will be converted on-site while non-biodegradable material will be handed over to authorized vendors.

Other eco-measures include rooftop rainwater harvesting tanks, a 20% reduction target in energy use, and transplantation of 40 trees within the airport boundary. The land, currently serving as open parking, was allocated to AAHL under a 50-year concession agreement signed in 2021 with the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The EAC has clarified that the site is free from ecologically sensitive zones, coastal regulation restrictions or protected habitats.

Thiruvananthapuram airport is already handling record traffic, with nearly 4.9 million passengers between April 2024 and March 2025, and this new city-side development is expected to further elevate the airport’s standing as a gateway to Kerala.


Sri Lanka Launches Three-City Roadshow Across Southern India

Sri Lanka Launches Three-City Roadshow Across Southern India

By Hariharan U

Published on October 4, 2025

Sri Lanka Tourism is intensifying its efforts to attract Indian travellers with a three-city roadshow series across Southern India. Scheduled for Madurai, Coimbatore, and Chennai on October 6, 8, and 10, 2025 respectively, the initiative will highlight Sri Lanka’s diverse tourism offerings and strengthen ties with the Indian travel industry.

Organised by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), the roadshows will feature B2B sessions and networking evenings designed to showcase Sri Lanka as a year-round destination for all types of travellers. The events will introduce Indian travel agents and industry professionals to Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, its vibrant attractions, and growing opportunities for leisure and MICE travel.

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“This initiative underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening its position as a preferred destination for Indian travellers, offering a blend of breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and world-class hospitality,” said the delegation led by Mr. Vijitha Herath, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, and Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism.

The delegation includes over 40 stakeholders from across Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, including destination management companies, hotels, resorts, tour operators, and service providers. Each city’s event will host over 200 participants, comprising Indian travel agents, industry leaders, and media representatives.

Adding a vibrant touch to the experience, a Sri Lankan cultural dance troupe will perform at each venue, offering guests a glimpse into the island’s rich heritage and traditions.

About SLTPB & SLCB

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau is the government agency responsible for marketing and promoting Sri Lanka as a travel destination. Working closely with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, SLCB, and other stakeholders, SLTPB aims to position Sri Lanka as South Asia’s leading tourist destination.

The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau focuses on promoting MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) travel to Sri Lanka. With world-class venues and improved accessibility, SLCB facilitates event planning for international corporations, associations, and incentive houses. India remains a key market for the bureau’s promotional activities.

Both organisations operate under the Ministry of Foreign Employment, Foreign Affairs & Tourism of Sri Lanka, combining efforts to promote the country’s leisure and business tourism offerings.


Centrum Air to Launch Direct Delhi–Tashkent Flights from October 3

Centrum Air to Launch Direct Delhi–Tashkent Flights from October 3

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 3, 2025

Centrum Air, represented in India by Aeroprime Group as its exclusive General Sales Agent (GSA), will commence direct flights between Delhi and Tashkent starting October 3, 2025. The twice-weekly service, operating on Tuesdays and Fridays, is designed to enhance air connectivity, tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges between India and Uzbekistan.

The official launch event, hosted by Aeroprime Group, was attended by His Excellency Sardor Rustambaev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to India, along with senior dignitaries, embassy officials, media representatives, and trade partners.

Adil Mirza Khalmirzaev, GSA Department Head and Business Development Director at Centrum Air, stated that the airline is responding to growing demand for direct India–Uzbekistan connectivity. Plans are underway to expand routes from Hyderabad and Bengaluru to Tashkent by summer 2026, while Mumbai expansion will be considered based on market demand.

Abhishek Goyal, CEO & Executive Director, Aeroprime Group, highlighted that the Delhi–Tashkent route is part of a broader plan to expand Centrum Air’s presence in India, opening pathways for travelers to Central Asia and Europe.

Uzbekistan, known for its Silk Road heritage, cultural landmarks, and hospitality, is expected to benefit from improved accessibility. The new service aims to support both leisure travel and trade, strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two nations.

Centrum Air’s launch reflects growing opportunities in air connectivity and provides Indian travelers with affordable fares, convenient schedules, and a comfortable travel experience on the Delhi–Tashkent corridor.


Akasa Air Expands ‘Pets on Akasa’ Service with More Cabin Slots and Flexible Bookings

Akasa Air Expands ‘Pets on Akasa’ Service with More Cabin Slots and Flexible Bookings

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 3, 2025

Akasa Air has announced significant enhancements to its ‘Pets on Akasa’ service, offering greater flexibility and convenience for passengers travelling with pets. Starting immediately, the airline will allow two pets in the cabin per flight, up from the earlier limit of one, and has reduced the booking window to 24 hours before departure.

Since its launch in November 2022, over 8,500 pets have travelled with Akasa Air across its domestic network, highlighting the rising demand for pet-friendly air travel in India. Customer feedback has shaped several service upgrades, including extending pet travel certificate validity to 15 days and increasing the maximum cabin weight (pet plus carrier) to 10 kg.

Passengers with pets enjoy additional benefits, such as pre-booked window seats, priority check-in, baggage delivery, and first boarding options. Akasa Air staff across call centres, airport counters, and in-flight teams have undergone specialised training to ensure the safety and comfort of pets and owners.

The airline has also partnered with Umeed for Animals Foundation, a Gurgaon-based non-profit, to follow best practices in animal care and safety. Pets on Akasa is now available on flights to 24 domestic cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Guwahati, Lucknow, and Goa. Bookings can be made via the Akasa Air Care Centre or by contacting pets@akasaair.com.

Akasa Air operates a modern fleet featuring USB ports, spacious seating, and its onboard dining service, Café Akasa, along with accessibility-focused initiatives like Braille menus and safety cards. These enhancements underscore Akasa Air’s commitment to inclusive travel and its growing role in shaping pet-friendly air journeys across India.

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