Passengers using the Chennai International Airport are raising concerns about the poor quality of service at the airport lounges maintained by Travel Food Services (TFS). Complaints have emerged that travelers are being denied entry to the lounge even when they present valid debit or credit cards, leading to a wave of dissatisfaction online and offline.

Typically, after completing security checks, many passengers access the airport lounge by paying a small fee through their debit or credit cards. Lounges offer amenities like cozy seating, vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals, free Wi-Fi, newspapers, flight information screens, and TV access, making them a popular choice to relax before flights.

However, TFS, the company responsible for maintaining lounge services at both the domestic and international terminals of Chennai Airport, is now under fire.

"I paid ₹2,000 to access the TFS lounge at the D1 Terminal of Chennai International Airport, but the staff refused entry citing false reasons. It was a complete insult. My bank allows access to this lounge, but they ignored that," shared a disgruntled passenger.

Another user on social media criticized the hygiene and food quality, saying, "The food in the lounge was in very poor condition. Fruits weren’t clean and even basic food options were missing. Why are they still managing this lounge?"

With rising discontent, many are urging the Airport Authority to reevaluate its contract with TFS. The poor experience has left travelers frustrated and has highlighted the gap between expectations and the services offered.

The Airport Authority has responded, stating that immediate action is being taken based on the complaints posted online. "We advise the respective outlets if there are concerns with service and food quality. A decision to change vendors is under review due to the issues reported about TFS," an official said. Any further problems within the lounge area will be reported to the concerned company for resolution, the authority added.

Following the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed at least 28 lives, Indian airlines have announced several measures to support tourists seeking to leave Kashmir. Air India and IndiGo will operate four additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

"In view of the prevailing situation, Air India will operate two additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai," the Air India  announced on X (formerly Twitter). IndiGo also confirmed the operation of two extra flights on the same route.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde requested Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu to arrange special transport for the mortal remains of the deceased tourists from Srinagar to Mumbai. Minister Naidu assured that necessary steps would be taken immediately.

Air India will operate flights from Srinagar to Delhi at 11:30 AM and to Mumbai at 12:00 noon. It is also offering free rescheduling and full refunds for cancellations on Srinagar sectors until April 30, 2025.

IndiGo is offering waivers for cancellation and rescheduling, along with two additional flights, while Air India Express is allowing complete flexibility to reschedule travel or cancel flights with full refunds. Akasa Air has announced full refunds or no-penalty rescheduling for travel between April 23 and 29. SpiceJet has also extended similar waivers until the end of this month.

Online travel platform MakeMyTrip has stepped in to support travelers with flexible booking and cancellation assistance. "Our teams are working round the clock with airline and hotel partners to assist travelers during this difficult time," a MakeMyTrip spokesperson said.

Despite the aviation ministry’s efforts to control airfares, ticket prices remain high due to the sudden surge in demand. Many tourists reported facing difficulties finding affordable tickets, with economy fares from Srinagar to Delhi listed between Rs 11,000 and Rs 13,000, and flights to Mumbai priced even higher, touching Rs 21,000 to Rs 23,000 in some cases.

While airlines have added extra flights and offered waivers, the rising ticket costs have compounded the distress of travelers already shaken by the tragedy in Pahalgam.

Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta. The announcement was made at 9:45 AM by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, who expressed deep sorrow at the loss of the beloved Holy Father.

Cardinal Farrell described Pope Francis as a true disciple who dedicated his life to serving the Lord and the Church with courage, fidelity, and universal love, especially towards the poor and marginalized. The Camerlengo's announcement marked the beginning of the formal mourning period in the Vatican.

According to Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, Pope Francis' mortal remains are expected to be transferred to St. Peter's Basilica on the morning of Wednesday, April 23, 2025, allowing the faithful to pay their final respects. Final arrangements are being organized following the first General Congregation of Cardinals scheduled for Tuesday morning.

On Monday evening at 8:00 PM, the rite of certification of death and placement in the coffin was conducted in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta. The declaration of death was read aloud, validated by Cardinal Farrell, and the ceremony concluded within an hour. Seals were also placed on the papal apartments in both the Apostolic Palace and the Casa Santa Marta.

Pope Francis’ closest collaborators began paying their respects on Monday evening. Meanwhile, preparations for the funeral are underway, with a date expected to be decided shortly.

The 88-year-old pontiff had been battling health issues in recent months. He was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital in February 2025 after suffering from bronchitis, which later developed into bilateral pneumonia. After 38 days of hospitalization, he returned to Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery.

Throughout his life, Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, showed resilience, having undergone lung surgery in his youth due to a severe respiratory infection. Despite facing multiple health challenges, he remained active in his mission, even approving an updated liturgical book for papal funeral rites in April 2024 to reflect a simpler, faith-centered approach to funeral ceremonies.

Pope Francis made history in 2013 by becoming the first Jesuit Pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pontiff in over 1,200 years. His decade-long papacy was marked by a focus on mercy, humility, environmental stewardship, and inclusiveness, with a special emphasis on serving the marginalized.

The late Pope’s final public address was delivered on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, where he called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, continuing his lifelong advocacy for peace.

In tribute to Pope Francis, the Government of India has declared a three-day state mourning. State mourning will be observed on April 22 and 23, while the third day of mourning will coincide with the day of his funeral.

According to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, Pope Francis had personally requested that his funeral rites be simple, focusing on the faith of the Church in the Risen Body of Christ rather than worldly grandeur.

Archbishop Ravelli emphasized that the renewed funeral rite highlights the Pope’s identity as a pastor and disciple of Christ, echoing the spirit in which Pope Francis lived his entire ministry.