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By Author
Published on February 11, 2024
In a significant move to position Lakshadweep on the global tourism map, the island administration has announced a series of ambitious projects aimed at unlocking the archipelago's untapped tourism potential. With an eye on enhancing connectivity as a foundational step, the administration has welcomed the entry of major airlines, including Fly19 and Spice Jet, with Indigo also showing interest in starting operations to Agatti Island.
Expanding Horizons with Enhanced Connectivity
The connectivity boost is not just about flights; the Agatti Island airport is set to undergo a comprehensive expansion. With a contract awarded to construction giant L&T, the airport's runway will be extended to 2,800 meters, supporting larger aircraft and increasing tourist influx. Furthermore, a new Greenfield airport is on the cards for Minicoy Island, strategically located near the Maldives, promising to open new routes and opportunities for the island's tourism sector.
Upscaling Accommodation with Luxury Resorts
To complement the improved connectivity, the Tata Group has proposed the construction of three major Taj resorts on Suheli, Minicoy, and Kadmat islands. With plans for over 100 rooms in Lagoon Villas and land villas—marking the first of their kind in India—these developments are set to redefine luxury accommodation in the region. The projects have received the green light after thorough Environmental Impact Assessments, ensuring sustainable development that respects the fragile island ecosystem.
Balancing Development with Environmental Sustainability
Marine Biologist K K Idrees Babu emphasized the stringent guidelines underpinning these projects, aiming to avoid the ecological missteps observed in other island destinations like the Maldives. The focus is on eco-friendly construction and operations that preserve the islands' natural beauty while offering world-class tourism experiences.
A Community-Centric Approach to Tourism
Despite the enthusiasm for the economic benefits these projects are expected to bring, there's a call for greater community involvement in the decision-making process. Local leaders and the current MP of Lakshadweep have voiced concerns about the lack of consultation with the island's residents, stressing the importance of preserving the local culture and ensuring sustainable tourism practices that align with the community's values.
Future Prospects: Smart Cities and Eco-Friendly Infrastructure
Beyond airport expansions and luxury resorts, the administration is planning a smart city project and two city centers with five-star hotels in Agatti and Kavaratti. A novel 'Tent City' concept is also being introduced, offering flexible, eco-conscious accommodation options along the coastline.
As Lakshadweep gears up for a transformative phase, these initiatives are designed to not only boost the local economy but also establish the islands as a premier destination for tourists seeking an alternative to the Maldives. This comes at a time when diplomatic tensions have highlighted the need for India to develop its own high-end tourism destinations, leveraging its natural beauty and cultural heritage.
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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.
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 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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