India, Kuwait Sign Air Pact to Boost Flights and Cut Fares

India, Kuwait Sign Air Pact to Boost Flights and Cut Fares

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 17, 2025

India and Kuwait have signed a landmark agreement to liberalise their bilateral air services, raising weekly seat entitlements to 18,000 for carriers on each side—a significant jump that comes 18 years after the last increase. The agreement, aimed at addressing rising demand from Indian workers in the Gulf and reducing ticket prices, was formalised yesterday in New Delhi. It was signed by India’s Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha and Sheikh Hamoud Al-Mubarak, President of Kuwait’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

This move follows sustained calls to enhance flight capacity, as airlines from both countries had already maxed out the previous quota of 12,000 seats per week. With a large share of Indian workers in Kuwait and many hailing from Kerala, limited capacity often resulted in skyrocketing fares, particularly during peak travel periods.

The issue was also discussed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait in December, underscoring its importance. Under the new agreement, Indian airlines will receive priority for landing and parking slots at Kuwaiti airports, ensuring better operational flexibility.

Currently, carriers like Air India Express, IndiGo, Akasa Air, Kuwait Airways, and Jazeera Airways operate nearly 40 flights daily between India and Kuwait. Kuwait Airways and IndiGo are the largest operators, with 54 and 36 weekly flights respectively.

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The pact signals a calibrated shift in India’s traditionally guarded stance on granting additional flying rights, especially to Middle Eastern carriers. While the government remains committed to an "India-first" policy that safeguards local airlines and seeks to develop airports into regional hubs akin to Dubai or Changi, officials noted they would consider expanding access on a case-by-case basis if it benefits passengers and supports domestic carriers.

In fact, in just the past year, India has signed similar air treaties with Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Uzbekistan. As per India’s National Civil Aviation Policy of 2016, additional rights aren’t typically granted until Indian carriers utilise at least 80% of existing capacity.

A government official said, “We will follow an India-first policy on any negotiation about air service agreements. We will be open to any suggestions wherever customers will benefit and our airlines will get a good deal.”

The Ministry of External Affairs also informed a parliamentary committee that ongoing dialogues with various Gulf nations aim to enhance connectivity, ultimately bringing down the cost of tickets for millions of Indians travelling to the region.

This latest agreement with Kuwait stands as a crucial step toward balancing growing passenger needs, affordable travel, and the protection of Indian aviation interests.


Bollywood Meets the High Seas: Yacht Week Opens Its Iconic Adriatic Experience to Indian Travellers

Bollywood Meets the High Seas: Yacht Week Opens Its Iconic Adriatic Experience to Indian Travellers

By Hariharan U

Published on December 25, 2025

Following the release of the visually striking trailer of the Bollywood entertainer Tu Meri Main Tera, curiosity around its breathtaking coastal backdrops has surged among Indian audiences. From turquoise waters to sun-drenched decks and high-energy yacht parties, the film’s sailing sequences have quickly become talking points online.

Yacht Week has now confirmed that these iconic scenes are not cinematic fantasy. The sailing lifestyle, vibrant social moments, and the much-talked-about circle raft parties featured in the trailer are part of its real-world experience and Indian travellers are officially invited to join.

Shot along Croatia’s stunning Adriatic coastline, the film showcases destinations such as Hvar, Vis, and Brač. These islands form the core of Yacht Week’s legendary Original Route, a carefully curated sailing journey that has long been popular with travellers from around the world.

For Indian audiences, this marks a chance to step beyond the screen and experience the lifestyle themselves. Yacht Week combines island-hopping, sailing, and immersive social experiences that closely echo the companionship, romance, and freedom portrayed in Tu Meri Main Tera.

The week-long journey mirrors the spirit of the film, taking guests along the same Adriatic waters, stopping at historic coastal towns and hidden bays. Days are spent soaking up the sun on deck, swimming in clear blue waters, and enjoying relaxed seaside meals. Evenings transform into open-air celebrations, culminating in the iconic Circle Raft, a signature Yacht Week moment where yachts connect in the middle of the sea to create a floating celebration, just as seen in the trailer.

Despite its global reputation, Yacht Week is positioning the experience as accessible for Indian millennials, couples, and groups of friends. Flexible instalment plans are also available, allowing guests to secure their spot with an initial deposit.

Commenting on the growing interest, Sahil Wahid, Director, Revel Travel — Official Travel Partner for India, said,

“We were thrilled to see Bollywood bring the energy of Yacht Week to the big screen with Tu Meri Main Tera. The trailer perfectly captures the spirit of friendship and freedom that defines our global community. We know Indian travelers have a deep love for travel and cinema, and we are ready to welcome them to live the journey they've fallen in love with on screen — real yachts, real people, and the real Adriatic summer.”

Bookings are now open for the upcoming summer season, offering Indian travellers the opportunity to experience the exact route, lifestyle, and energy that made the film’s sailing scenes go viral.

For more details, visit: www.theyachtweek.com


Ring in 2026 with Grand Celebrations at ZANA Luxury Resorts & Country Inn Hotels

Ring in 2026 with Grand Celebrations at ZANA Luxury Resorts & Country Inn Hotels

By Hariharan U

Published on December 19, 2025

As the countdown to 2026 begins, ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels & Resorts invite travellers to celebrate the New Year in style with thoughtfully curated packages across some of India’s most picturesque destinations. From lakeside luxury and hill retreats to wildlife escapes, these celebrations promise a perfect blend of fun, relaxation, and indulgence.

ZANA Luxury Resorts – Jim Corbett: Guests at ZANA Luxury Suites & Cottages and ZANA In The Wild can enjoy an energetic New Year under the stars with DJ entertainment, fireworks, lucky draws, and a live performance by acclaimed percussionist Nishant Gugnani. A dedicated kids’ zone and special buffet ensure fun for all ages.

ZANA Lake Resort, Udaipur: Celebrate amid the shimmering lakes of Udaipur with a serene yet festive lakeside gala dinner. Guests can enjoy gourmet breakfasts, leisurely hi-teas, and even bring their own alcohol for a personalised experience.

ZANA By The Ganges, Rishikesh: This newest luxury address offers a soulful start to 2026 with a lively gala dinner, live singing, and tranquil views of the Ganges and Himalayas—perfect for those seeking festive celebrations with a touch of serenity.

ZANA Forest Resort, Ranthambore: Spread across 11 acres, the resort blends luxury cottages, green spaces, and a festive gala dinner, making it ideal for families and nature enthusiasts looking for a peaceful yet memorable New Year.

Country Inn Nature Resort, Bhimtal: Surrounded by hills and crisp mountain air, guests can enjoy a DJ, fireworks, Kumaoni folk dance, live singing, bonfire, and a lavish gala dinner, providing a joyous and family-friendly way to welcome 2026.

Country Inn Premier, Mussoorie: Step into the New Year with panoramic hill station views, warm hospitality, a lively DJ, and gala dinner, creating a relaxed yet festive celebration in Mussoorie.

Country Inn Riverside Resort, Jim Corbett: Adjacent to ZANA In The Wild, this property offers a nature-centric celebration with fireworks, bonfire, DJ entertainment, lucky draws, and live percussion performances, ensuring a memorable New Year getaway.

Across all locations, guests can enjoy live music, curated gastronomic experiences, and immersive entertainment designed to create unforgettable memories. With these New Year packages, ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels offer the perfect blend of celebration, comfort, and scenic beauty.


PRISM Offers Full Refunds for Guests Affected by Flight Disruptions

PRISM Offers Full Refunds for Guests Affected by Flight Disruptions

By Hariharan U

Published on December 10, 2025

PRISM, the parent company of OYO, has announced a full refund policy for guests who could not check into their hotels between December 5 and 15, 2025 due to the widespread flight disruptions across India. With more than 1,400 flights cancelled over the weekend and multiple delays crossing four hours, thousands of travel plans were affected at the peak of the wedding and holiday season.

Under this policy, guests who booked through the OYO or CheckIn apps will receive automatic refunds once they submit valid proof of cancellation or delay. PRISM is also coordinating closely with its hotel partners to ensure the process is smooth and does not burden small and mid-sized properties that depend heavily on seasonal business.

Sharing more details, Varun Jain, Chief Operating Officer, PRISM Asia, said, “Our early estimates indicate that significant bookings across our hotel network may be affected by the ongoing flight disruptions. Coinciding with the peak wedding and holiday season, both leisure and business travel plans are being impacted. Our decision to offer full refunds is guided by empathy and a sense of responsibility to ensure our guests are not financially burdened by circumstances entirely beyond their control.”

PRISM today operates 13,000+ hotels under brands such as Townhouse, Sunday and Palette across India. To support the increased volume of queries, the group has also expanded its customer service team to help guests with refund requests and clarity on documentation. The company will continue to monitor the situation and extend the refund window if required.

Guests can access detailed policy information or raise requests through the CheckIn policy page or contact the dedicated support helpline.

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