HUFI Expo 2024: A New Era for Hajj and Umrah Travel in India

HUFI Expo 2024: A New Era for Hajj and Umrah Travel in India

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on July 28, 2024

The Hajj and Umrah Forum of India (HUFI) Expo 2024 is set to transform the Indian Hajj and Umrah travel market by bringing together industry leaders and regional operators in Mumbai. This two-day event, a first for Mumbai, will be held on November 13-14, 2024, at the Bombay Exhibition Center, Goregaon (East).

The HUFI Expo aims to connect major B2B travel service providers with regional tour operators who specialize in Hajj and Umrah travel. This initiative will help larger travel companies expand their reach to domestic operators, ensuring meticulous attention to the diverse needs of clients. After its Mumbai debut, the expo plans to expand to two additional cities.

The expo will serve as a one-stop solution for networking in the Hajj and Umrah travel sector. It will feature a variety of exhibitors, including visa service providers, specialty caterers, ground transport fleet aggregators, and hotels. These exhibitors will assist regional tour operators in offering organized, high-quality Hajj and Umrah travel services.

HUFI Expo 2024 will also address contemporary issues in Hajj and Umrah travel. The event will host panel discussions and plenary sessions on enhancing pilgrimage experiences, travel innovations, health and safety, and government support for Hajj and Umrah. Participants from across India will have the opportunity to explore new business prospects and partnerships through targeted B2B interactions, as well as attend seminars and workshops focused on market trends and innovations.

For the B2C sector, visitors from remote areas can expect various benefits. They will have access to a range of innovative consumer products and services, engaging displays, and demonstrations. These interactions will provide hands-on insights into their planned Hajj and Umrah visits. Additionally, educational seminars and workshops will offer valuable information on product benefits and sustainability.

To enhance the expo's vibrant atmosphere, Hubble Entertainment will introduce a range of immersive activities. This collaboration aims to provide attendees with an exciting and engaging experience, adding a dynamic element to the event.

Nayeem Ansari, spokesperson for HUFI Expo 2024 India, emphasized the expo's mission to create an inclusive platform for the Hajj and Umrah services industry. “Our foremost goal at HUFI 2024 is to create an inclusive platform that brings together all facets of the Hajj and Umrah services industry. We believe that by facilitating networking opportunities and hosting insightful conferences and panel discussions, we can drive innovation and excellence in this sector,” Ansari stated.


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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