Air India has announced temporary changes to its international route network between June and August 2026 as the airline responds to continued airspace restrictions across certain regions and record-high jet fuel prices impacting international operations.

According to the airline, the move is aimed at strengthening network stability and reducing last-minute inconvenience for passengers while navigating ongoing operational challenges.

Despite the temporary adjustments, Air India stated that it will continue operating more than 1,200 international flights every month across five continents. The airline’s network during this period will include 33 weekly flights to North America, 47 flights to Europe, 57 weekly services to the UK, 8 flights to Australia, 158 flights across the Far East, Southeast Asia and SAARC regions, along with 7 weekly services to Mauritius.

For passengers affected by cancellations and schedule revisions, Air India said it will provide assistance through alternative available Air India flights, complimentary date changes, or full refunds wherever applicable. Support will also continue through the airline’s 24x7 contact centre and digital platforms.

Several routes across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia will see temporary suspensions or reduced frequencies. In North America, services including Delhi–Chicago and select New York and Newark operations will be temporarily suspended, while routes to San Francisco, Toronto, and Vancouver will operate at lower frequencies for part of the period.

European operations including Paris, Copenhagen, Milan, Vienna, Zurich, and Rome will also see reduced weekly frequencies. In Australia, services to Melbourne and Sydney will temporarily reduce from daily operations to four flights a week.

Within the Far East, Southeast Asia and SAARC network, Air India will temporarily suspend routes such as Delhi–Shanghai, Chennai–Singapore, Mumbai–Dhaka, and Delhi–Malé through August, while services to Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Kathmandu, and other destinations will operate at revised frequencies.

Air India said it continues to work with regulators, airport authorities, and industry partners to restore full operational capacity as conditions improve. The airline also noted that further route adjustments may be introduced if the current operating environment continues.

Award-winning mixologist Nipichthorn “Francisco” Junkaew from Meliá Chiang Mai is set to headline a special guest shift at Garbo, the cinematic cocktail bar at Meliá Hanoi, as part of the World Cocktail Day celebrations this May.

The two-night event, titled Garbo’s Signatures Reimagined in Chiang Mai Flavors, will take place on May 14 and 15 from 4 PM until midnight. During the takeover, Francisco will present a fresh interpretation of Garbo’s signature cocktails by blending them with distinctive Northern Thai flavours, herbs, spices, and citrus elements inspired by Chiang Mai.

Known for its old-Hollywood-inspired interiors and cocktail menu that pays tribute to iconic films and cinema legends, Garbo has collaborated with Francisco to create three exclusive cocktails for the occasion.

One of the highlights, Black Glamour, draws inspiration from Greta Garbo and the 1936 film Camille. The cocktail combines Johnnie Walker Black Label, cacao-infused Averna Amaro, coffee, and tonka bean tincture, finished with Chiang Mai stout cacao and cava air foam.

Another creation, Call Me By Your Name, inspired by Humphrey Bogart’s role in Casablanca, blends Chiang Mai tea-infused vodka with clarified pomelo juice for a refreshing twist.

The third cocktail, Chiang Mai Confidential, pays tribute to Ginger Rogers in Top Hat and features neem leaf-infused gin, Lillet Blanc, and soda water, delivering a herbaceous and refreshing flavour profile.

To elevate the experience further, each cocktail will be served with a limited-edition coaster inspired by the Hollywood icon and film connected to the drink. Guests can also scan a QR code on the coaster to explore the story behind each creation.

Francisco has gained recognition in the mixology space after winning the Thailand Hotel Bartender’s Championship 2025. He was also named second runner-up at the World Class Thailand 2025 national competition and won the Zacapa “Above the Clouds” Challenge.

With more than eight years of experience in luxury hospitality and mixology, Francisco played an important role in the pre-opening journey of Meliá Chiang Mai before taking charge as the hotel’s beverage manager. He currently leads the beverage program at MAI The Sky Bar, the hotel’s rooftop venue known for its panoramic views of Chiang Mai and the Ping River.

“This guest shift gives me the chance to recast Garbo’s signature cocktails through the flavours and atmosphere of Chiang Mai, with Northern Thai ingredients stepping into the spotlight,” said Francisco. “The drinks still carry that old Hollywood glamour and mystery, but with Northern Thai ingredients playing the leading role.”

Fairfest Media has announced the appointment of Simon Press as Managing Director – International, marking an important step in the company’s global growth strategy following its recent acquisition of WTE Miami.

In this newly created role, Simon Press will lead Fairfest’s international business portfolio with a focus on expanding WTE Miami into a leading global travel trade event. He will also play a major role in identifying and bringing high-potential international event intellectual properties (IPs) into India, one of the fastest-growing exhibition markets globally.

Simon will be based across Miami, London, and Mumbai while overseeing the company’s international operations and strategic growth initiatives.

Bringing more than two decades of experience, Simon has worked extensively in launching, scaling, and managing large-scale international exhibitions and B2B media brands across Europe and the Middle East. Most recently, he managed a portfolio of leading European technology events. Prior to that, he held senior leadership positions at globally recognised travel industry exhibitions, where he handled growth strategies, international partnerships, and expansion across multiple markets.

Commenting on the appointment, Sanjiv Agarwal, Chairman & CEO of Fairfest Media, said,

"Simon's appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Fairfest as we expand our global footprint. His extensive experience in leading world-class exhibitions and building global platforms aligns perfectly with our vision. We are confident that under his leadership, WTE Miami will scale rapidly and I am equally excited about the new opportunities we will unlock together to bring world-class shows to India."

Sharing his thoughts on joining the company, Simon Press said,

"Fairfest has built a remarkable reputation as a leading trade show organiser in Asia, and the acquisition of WTE Miami creates a compelling global platform to build on. I look forward to growing WTE Miami into a truly global event and exploring new opportunities to connect international markets with India's rapidly expanding exhibition ecosystem."

With this appointment, Fairfest Media aims to further strengthen its presence across the United States, Europe, and Asia. The company is also actively engaging with global event organisers for co-development and co-investment opportunities in high-potential event IPs within India, backed by its strong local expertise and decades of industry experience.