Growth of Indian Travel Retail: Insights from Industry Leaders at AMRPL and MTRPL

Growth of Indian Travel Retail: Insights from Industry Leaders at AMRPL and MTRPL

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 13, 2024

The Indian travel retail industry has emerged as one of the most dynamic and fast-paced sectors, driven by high tourism, a significant number of Indians traveling to international destinations, expanding airport infrastructures, a steady rise in disposable income due to increasing urbanization, the growth of leisure and business travel, and evolving consumer preferences favoring on-the-go shopping. Collaborative alliances between luxury and premium brands also present a promising opportunity within the travel retail sector. All these factors directly and indirectly influence the market's growth.

While we've seen a surge in the travel retail segment in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, cities like Lucknow and Ahmedabad are also experiencing significant growth. In addition, a number of stores have been launched in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, such as Guwahati and Jaipur, in recent months. These cities are also benefiting from the same factors driving growth in larger cities.

Moreover, the growth of e-commerce and digital platforms has integrated seamlessly with the travel retail sector, offering travelers a convenient way to shop for their favorite brands and products online and collect them at the airport. This omnichannel approach has further boosted the market, making it easier for consumers to engage in travel retail. The increasing number of international flights and improved airport facilities in these emerging cities are also contributing to the expansion of the travel retail sector in India.

Insights from Industry Leaders

To gain a deeper understanding of this dynamic sector, we reached out to industry leaders from AMRPL (April Moon Retail Pvt. Ltd) and MTRPL (Mumbai Travel Retail Private Limited).

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Gaurav Singh, CEO of AMRPL, shared his thoughts on the market's growth:

"At AMRPL, we are witnessing a remarkable shift in consumer behavior, with travelers increasingly seeking premium and exclusive products. Our concept stores, such as Vue De Luxe at Lucknow and Ahmedabad Airports, and Bon Voyage & Meridiem at Lucknow Airport, are designed to cater to these evolving preferences. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the potential of travel retail in both major and emerging cities."

Avishek Bambi Das, CEO of MTRPL, highlighted the collaborative strengths of their joint venture:

"MTRPL, a collaboration between Adani Airport Holdings Limited and Flemingo Travel Retail Private Limited, leverages the strengths of both parent organizations. Our extensive network and expertise in duty-free retail enable us to offer a unique shopping experience to travelers. The growth in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities is particularly exciting, as it opens up new opportunities for us to expand our footprint and serve a broader audience."

The Future of Travel Retail in India

The Indian travel retail industry is poised for significant growth, with major investments in airport infrastructure and a focus on enhancing the traveler experience. The integration of digital platforms with traditional retail models is likely to play a crucial role in this evolution, offering convenience and accessibility to a wider range of consumers.

As the industry continues to evolve, collaborations between luxury brands and travel retail companies will be key to driving innovation and meeting the demands of discerning travelers. The insights from leaders at AMRPL and MTRPL underscore the importance of staying ahead of consumer trends and leveraging strategic partnerships to succeed in this competitive market.

The future of travel retail in India looks promising, with sustained growth expected in both major metropolitan areas and emerging cities. As the sector expands, it will continue to contribute significantly to the country's economy, offering travelers an unparalleled shopping experience.


Emirates Celebrates 25 Years of Operations in Chennai

Emirates Celebrates 25 Years of Operations in Chennai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 3, 2025

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has completed 25 years of operations in Chennai, a key hub in its South India network. Since launching its first flight on 1 September 2000, the airline has carried more than 10.7 million passengers on over 38,000 flights between Dubai and Chennai.

The milestone celebration was joined by Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, while Chennai International Airport commemorated the occasion with a water cannon salute for the arrival of EK544.

Mohammad SarhanVice President, Emirates – India and Nepal, said, “We are delighted to celebrate 25 years of service to Chennai and connecting its people to our global network. We would like to thank M.K Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, for joining us in our celebration, marking an important partnership that has grown from strength to strength over the years. The unwavering support of the authorities and all local stakeholders has been invaluable to the success of our operations and we extend our sincere gratitude on the occasion.”

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Over the past two and a half decades, Emirates has enhanced Chennai’s global connectivity by providing access to its network across six continents. The airline has enabled businesses to expand into new markets and supported demand from business travellers, leisure passengers, and the visiting friends and relatives segment. Popular destinations for passengers from Chennai include New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Washington D.C., Dallas, Boston, Seattle, Paris, London, Manchester, and Frankfurt.

Emirates also carries significant inbound traffic into Chennai, particularly from Kuwait and North America. On the cargo front, Emirates SkyCargo has played a vital role in trade, transporting high-value and time-sensitive commodities such as fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and engineering goods. In the last financial year alone, it uplifted 19,300 tonnes of cargo from Chennai, creating export opportunities for local farmers, manufacturers, and businesses.

Travellers continue to experience Emirates’ signature Fly Better service, featuring fully enclosed First Class suites, direct aisle access in Business Class, and award-winning inflight entertainment with over 6,500 channels. The airline also offers regionally inspired cuisine, including vegan options, paired with curated wine and beverage selections.

As Emirates celebrates 25 years in Chennai, it reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening global connectivity, supporting industries, and contributing to the city’s role as a vital gateway for South India.


SpiceJet Launches Paperless Boarding at Shillong Airport

SpiceJet Launches Paperless Boarding at Shillong Airport

By Hariharan U

Published on August 27, 2025

SpiceJet has taken a pioneering step towards digital innovation and eco-friendly travel by becoming the first airline in India to roll out paperless boarding at Shillong Airport. Passengers checking in at the airport counter will now receive their boarding passes directly on WhatsApp, eliminating the need for printed copies.

This new feature aims to make the check-in process faster, greener, and more seamless. By reducing reliance on paper, the initiative also aligns with SpiceJet’s commitment to sustainability.

Despite the availability of web check-in and Digi Yatra, Indian airports still printed more than 9 million boarding passes in June 2025, resulting in nearly 6 tonnes of carbon emissions. SpiceJet’s move directly addresses this avoidable footprint, setting a new standard for environmentally conscious aviation practices.

The paperless boarding feature is powered by SpiceJet’s indigenously developed Web Departure Control System (WEBDCS)- a browser-based platform that enables airport staff to issue:

Digital boarding passes via WhatsApp or email

Baggage tags via SMS

This system works on tablets as well as standard airport computers, ensuring smooth operations while enhancing efficiency.

Speaking on the milestone, GP Gupta, Chief Strategy Officer, SpiceJet, said, “At SpiceJet, we are constantly working to enhance the travel experience for our passengers while embracing sustainability. The introduction of paperless boarding at Shillong Airport is a significant step in that direction. We look forward to expanding this convenience-driven initiative across more airports in the near future”.

SpiceJet has confirmed plans to extend the WhatsApp-based paperless boarding experience to other domestic airports in the coming months, furthering its position as a leader in sustainable and passenger-centric air travel.

About SpiceJet:

SpiceJet is India’s favourite airline, making flying affordable for millions of Indians. An IATA-IOSA certified carrier, it operates a fleet of Boeing 737s and Q-400s and is among the country’s largest regional players, operating multiple daily flights under UDAN – the Regional Connectivity Scheme. A majority of its fleet features SpiceMax, India’s most spacious economy-class seating.


Akasa Air Adds Kozhikode as 30th Destination, Strengthens Kerala Network

Akasa Air Adds Kozhikode as 30th Destination, Strengthens Kerala Network

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 25, 2025

Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing airline, has added Kozhikode (Calicut) to its network as its 30th destination and 24th domestic city in just under three years of operations. Starting 1 October 2025, the airline will operate daily direct flights between Mumbai and Kozhikode, strengthening connectivity between India’s financial capital and Kerala’s Malabar coast.

The new addition builds on Akasa Air’s existing services to Kochi and further expands its footprint in Kerala. Kozhikode, known for its cultural heritage, coastal charm, and active trade, is a hub for both leisure and business travellers. The daily service is expected to boost tourism and trade opportunities between Kerala and metropolitan centres.

Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air, said: “We are delighted to add Kozhikode as the 30th destination on our network, marking a milestone in Akasa Air’s growth story, and expanding our connectivity in Kerala. The city’s unique cultural character and thriving economy, combined with Kerala’s renewed emphasis on tourism and infrastructure, make it an instrumental addition to our network. Our daily Mumbai–Kozhikode service will not only enhance connectivity between India’s commercial capital and the Malabar coast but also act as a catalyst for trade, tourism, and economic opportunities.”

Within just 37 months of commencing operations, Akasa Air has grown to 30 destinations, making it the fastest-growing airline in Indian civil aviation history. Its strategy is centred on affordable and reliable connectivity while steadily expanding its reach.

The airline continues to enhance customer experience with modern aircraft offering extra legroom, USB charging ports, and Café Akasa’s festive and healthy menus. Akasa has also introduced industry-first innovations such as QuietFlights, SkyScore by Akasa, SkyLights, and a pet travel policy, along with products like Akasa GetEarly and Akasa Holidays, reflecting its focus on passenger comfort and convenience.

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