Historic Flight Connection: Kochi and Ho Chi Minh City Linked with Direct VietJet Flights

Historic Flight Connection: Kochi and Ho Chi Minh City Linked with Direct VietJet Flights

By Author

Published on August 19, 2023

Travel between Kochi, India, and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam, just got easier with the inauguration of a direct route by VietJet. This strategic move enhances connectivity and trade prospects between these two vibrant cities.

VietJet's innovative spirit shines as it becomes the first Vietnamese airline to establish direct flights between Kochi and HCMC. Operating four times a week – on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays – these flights provide a swift journey of approximately 5 hours, bridging geographical distances with ease. This achievement adds to VietJet's success in establishing direct flight connections to key Indian cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, and Ahmedabad.

Departing from Kochi at 11:50 PM, these flights land gracefully in Ho Chi Minh City at 6:40 AM, ensuring seamless travel for both outbound and inbound passengers. To celebrate the launch, VietJet offers an exclusive promotion to Indian travelers until December 31, 2023. With one-way all-in tickets starting from INR 5,555 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, this offer makes exploring new horizons more accessible until March 31, 2024.

Direct Flight Connection: Kochi-Ho Chi Minh City

This significant step marks the 45th direct flight link between Kochi and various Southeast Asian cities.

VietJet's inaugural direct flights between Kochi and Ho Chi Minh City are a milestone for Cochin International Airport, further enhancing the city's connectivity. The new link strengthens the total number of direct flights connecting Kochi with different Southeast Asian cities to an impressive count of 45.

Jay L. Lingeswara, Vice President of Commercial at VietJet, expressed appreciation for the enthusiastic response from passengers of both nations. The inaugural flights operated at full capacity, demonstrating the growing demand for direct connections between Kochi and Vietnam. Lingeswara's optimism about expanding this connectivity by introducing additional flights from other cities in Vietnam to the Kochi route emphasizes the commitment to seamless travel and stronger ties.

Flight VJ1811, operating four days a week, departs from Ho Chi Minh City at 7:20 PM, arriving at Kochi airport by 10:50 PM. The return flight, VJ1812, takes off from Kochi at 11:50 PM and lands in Ho Chi Minh City at 6:40 AM.

This historic flight route sets a milestone for Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), establishing the first direct air link between Kerala and Vietnam. The connection opens doors for business and leisure travel, affirming CIAL's role as a significant hub for international travel.

CIAL's commitment to passenger excellence is evident, with 89.82 lakh passengers handled in the fiscal year 2022–23. With a goal to surpass one crore passengers in the current financial year, CIAL solidifies its position as the country's third-highest airport for international passenger traffic.


Novotel Cairo Airport Joins Hands with Egyptian Clothing Bank to Support Community

Novotel Cairo Airport Joins Hands with Egyptian Clothing Bank to Support Community

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 3, 2026

Hospitality is not just about service, it is also about giving back. Novotel Cairo Airport has partnered with the Egyptian Clothing Bank, a well-known charitable organisation that provides clothing to families in need across Egypt.

As part of this initiative, two donation boxes have been placed within the hotel premises, allowing both guests and staff to contribute clothing and directly support those who need it most. The effort offers a simple yet impactful way for the hotel community to come together and make a real difference.

Sharing his thoughts on the collaboration, Mr. Atta El Dessouky, General Manager, said, “At Novotel Cairo Airport, we believe true hospitality extends beyond our doors. Partnering with the Egyptian Clothing Bank allows us to support families in need and contribute to initiatives that have a real, positive impact on society.”

The partnership reflects the hotel’s ongoing commitment to social responsibility and community care. By supporting initiatives that uplift people and strengthen society, Novotel Cairo Airport continues to extend its role beyond hospitality and into meaningful community engagement.

The hotel looks forward to participating in similar initiatives in the future and remains committed to supporting causes that create lasting, positive change.


Chef Keshav Kumar Chaudhary Appointed as Assistant Chef at Sahib & Dhaba Restaurant, New York

Chef Keshav Kumar Chaudhary Appointed as Assistant Chef at Sahib & Dhaba Restaurant, New York

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 3, 2026

Sahib & Dhaba Restaurant has announced the appointment of Chef Keshav Kumar Chaudhary as Assistant Chef, strengthening its culinary leadership in New York. An experienced hospitality professional, Chef Keshav brings a strong mix of creativity, operational knowledge, and team management to the restaurant’s growing kitchen team.

Known for his innovative approach and hands-on leadership style, Chef Keshav has built a reputation for creating diverse menus that reflect changing guest preferences while maintaining quality and consistency. In his current role at Sahib & Dhaba Restaurant, he has played a key role in improving customer satisfaction through high food standards, appealing presentation, and smooth kitchen operations in a fast-paced setting.

image

Sharing his thoughts on the new role, Chef Keshav Kumar Chaudhary said, “It is an honor to be part of Sahib & Dhaba Restaurant in New York. My focus is to combine authentic flavors with modern culinary techniques while maintaining consistency and excellence in every dish. I look forward to contributing to the restaurant’s growth and delivering memorable dining experiences to our guests.”

Before joining Sahib & Dhaba Restaurant, Chef Keshav served as Executive Chef at Compass Group, where he was responsible for training and developing kitchen teams through structured programs, performance reviews, and leadership support. He also ensured discipline and professionalism across operations while maintaining strict compliance with health department regulations. His role included designing cost-effective menus, controlling food expenses, managing inventory, and overseeing overall kitchen and business operations.

Earlier in his career, Chef Keshav gained valuable experience with leading hospitality brands in India, including The Westin Gurgaon, The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Hilton Jaipur, and Kempinski Ambience Hotel. His professional journey also includes roles at Radisson Blu Hotel Greater Noida, Sahara Aamby Valley City, The Dukes Retreat, and TGI Fridays Gurgaon.

With his strong background, leadership skills, and passion for excellence, Chef Keshav Kumar Chaudhary is set to play an important role in further enhancing Sahib & Dhaba Restaurant’s presence in New York’s competitive dining landscape.


Amber India Unveils Holi Special Menu at Indian Restaurant Week San Francisco

Amber India Unveils Holi Special Menu at Indian Restaurant Week San Francisco

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 3, 2026

Amber India has launched an exclusive Holi Special Menu as part of Indian Restaurant Week San Francisco, bringing the festive energy of Holi to the Bay Area through a refined yet joyful culinary showcase.

Curated under the leadership of Specialty Chef Ram Pratap Singh Kushwah, the limited-edition menu celebrates the festival of colors by blending traditional Indian flavours with modern techniques. The result is a dining experience that feels festive, thoughtful, and rooted in contemporary Indian gastronomy.

Inspired by the warmth and vibrancy of Holi, the menu unfolds like a celebration on the plate. The experience begins with an Amuse-Bouche featuring Tandoori Avocado Chaat, Khandvi, and Paniyaram. This opening course sets the tone with colour, texture, and a nod to India’s diverse regional kitchens.

The Appetizer Course offers guests the option to choose between vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Vegetarian selections include Asparagus Dahi Kebab & Malabari Mushroom, known for their balanced flavours and gentle spice notes. For non-vegetarian diners, the menu features Tandoori Chimichurri Chicken Breast & Prawn Pepper Fry, combining classic tandoor elements with bold coastal influences.

The Entrée Course draws inspiration from royal Indian culinary traditions. Vegetarian diners can enjoy Royal Awadhi Paneer, where cottage cheese is served in a pumpkin-infused gravy enriched with cream, nuts, and aromatic spices. Non-vegetarian highlights include Awadhi Lamb Chops, slow-cooked in a brown onion and yogurt-based sauce, and Kashmiri Murgh Gustaba, featuring tender chicken meatballs simmered in a smooth, mildly spiced yogurt gravy. These mains are paired with Dal Amber, a curated Bread Basket, and fragrant Zaffrani Pulao, completing the experience.

Desserts bring the celebration to a graceful close with Elaneer Pudding and Mango Kulfi Tiramisu, blending familiar Indian flavours with a modern presentation.

Speaking about the special menu, Chef Ram Pratap Singh Kushwah said:

“Holi is a celebration of colors, togetherness, and joy. With this menu, we wanted every dish to reflect those emotions, vibrant ingredients, bold flavors, and a balance of tradition with creativity. Our aim is to give guests an experience that feels festive, nostalgic, and exciting all at once.”

With this Holi Special Menu, Amber India continues to strengthen its presence in the Bay Area dining scene, offering guests a festive journey that celebrates culture, colour, and Indian culinary artistry during Indian Restaurant Week San Francisco.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.