Air India’s Chief Executive Officer, Campbell Wilson, has reaffirmed the airline’s strong focus on safety while announcing a full return of international operations by October 1, 2025. This development follows a phased resumption of services that began on August 1, after the airline voluntarily initiated a “Safety Pause” in June in the wake of the AI171 incident.

In a communication shared with Maharaja Club members, Wilson highlighted the airline’s transparent approach and ongoing collaboration with regulatory bodies, particularly the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). He stated that comprehensive inspections were carried out across the Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 fleet, with no issues found. Further checks on the fuel control switch mechanisms of Boeing 737 and 787-8 aircraft also showed normal results.

“We continue to work closely with regulators, maintaining full transparency and ensuring that every action we take aligns with the highest standards of safety and care,” Wilson said.

The temporary pause, first announced on June 19, allowed Air India to intensify pre-flight inspections and manage disruptions caused by regional airspace closures. The downtime was used strategically to upgrade aircraft reliability and improve delay management processes.

Wilson emphasized that all Air India aircraft undergo multi-layered safety checks prior to departure, and each flight is monitored in real time by the Integrated Operations Control Centre. The airline’s engineering and crew teams are regularly trained at the Air India Training Academy, strictly following the latest international safety standards.

Air India also operates under a comprehensive Safety Management System aligned with both DGCA and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) norms. The airline is subject to annual audits by the DGCA and undergoes bi-annual IATA Operational Safety Audits conducted by external experts. According to Wilson, the DGCA recently assessed Air India's audit findings as “entirely normal” for an airline of its size.

Since its privatization, Air India has collaborated with aviation consultancy Oliver Wyman/CAVOK for a full safety assessment and has partnered with Boeing for an Operational Efficacy Program aimed at upgrading internal systems.

Acknowledging recent service disruptions, Wilson assured flyers that corrective steps are actively being implemented. He also mentioned that the ongoing fleet retrofit program remains on schedule to enhance the in-flight experience.

“So, whenever you choose to fly with Air India, know that your trust is valued and your journey safeguarded by our entire Air India family,” Wilson concluded.

Some places are just too good to visit only once and Agoda’s 2025 Return Visitor Ranking proves it. According to the latest data from the travel platform, several Indian cities have consistently drawn travelers back within the first six months of the year, highlighting a clear trend: today’s travelers aren’t just exploring, they’re returning for more.

New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, and Bangalore lead the list of Indian cities attracting repeat visitors. As key urban hubs, these cities offer excellent connectivity, drawing professionals and leisure travelers alike. What begins as a work trip often extends into a personal getaway, with many exploring nearby destinations such as Agra, Coorg, or Pondicherry. These metro cities act as gateways to larger travel ecosystems, making them central to India’s growing trend of blended business-leisure travel.

One standout on the list is Kochi, which is rapidly emerging as a favorite among culturally inclined and slow-traveling tourists. Once known mainly as an entry point to Kerala’s scenic backwaters, Kochi now charms return visitors with its colonial architecture, vibrant art scene, and multicultural vibe. Signature events like the Kochi-Muziris Biennale and its walkable heritage neighborhoods have helped elevate the city into a destination in its own right.

Gaurav Malik, Country Director for the Indian Subcontinent and Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda, commented, “Travelers are increasingly seeking deeper, more meaningful engagements with destinations, often returning to places that offer both familiarity and continued discovery. The rising interest in cities like Kochi and Chennai reflects a clear shift toward destinations that combine strong local character with enhanced connectivity and infrastructure.”

Globally, Asian destinations like Bangkok, Tokyo, Seoul, Bali, and Osaka topped Agoda’s return visitor list. Also featured in the top ten were Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Da Nang, Johor Bahru, and Hong Kong, each offering immersive experiences that entice travelers to come back again and again.

Whether you're revisiting an old favorite or discovering a new city, Agoda offers seamless planning with over 6 million holiday properties, 130,000+ flight routes, and 300,000+ activities, all in one place. Travelers can head to www.Agoda.com or download the mobile app to plan their next journey with ease.

Antara Cruises, India’s pioneering luxury river cruise line, has announced its partnership with Serandipians, a distinguished global network of bespoke travel designers and premium hospitality brands. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Antara’s journey to redefine luxury travel and position India’s river tourism on the international map.

Renowned for its curation of the finest travel experiences, Serandipians extends invitations exclusively to brands that exemplify high standards in service, creativity, and storytelling. Antara Cruises, with its elegant all-suite vessels and culturally immersive journeys, perfectly aligns with this philosophy.

“We are proud to join the Serandipians community, as it represents a shared commitment to delivering extraordinary, culturally immersive experiences,” said Raj Singh, Chairman of Antara Cruises. “This partnership opens new pathways for global travelers seeking authentic, intimate, and transformational voyages, directly connecting them with India’s rich heritage from a truly luxurious vantage point.”

Antara Cruises offers unique itineraries across India’s iconic waterways, blending heritage, sustainability, and refined elegance. The cruises showcase UNESCO World Heritage sites, offbeat excursions, and traditional cultural encounters, creating unforgettable experiences rooted in India’s heartland.

Through this alliance, Antara Cruises will work closely with global luxury travel designers and trade partners to craft tailor-made journeys. The association also amplifies Antara’s presence in the global luxury travel circuit, promoting India as a top-tier river cruising destination.

This partnership is not just a strategic move but a celebration of India's cultural depth, seen through the lens of comfort, elegance, and authenticity.