Operation Sindoor Disrupts Air Travel: 27 Airports Closed, Over 400 Flights Cancelled

Operation Sindoor Disrupts Air Travel: 27 Airports Closed, Over 400 Flights Cancelled

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 9, 2025

As part of Operation Sindoor, commercial flights have been suspended at 27 airports across north, west, and central India. The move has led to widespread disruptions in air travel, with over 430 flights cancelled across carriers like IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Air India Express.

To ensure safety, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has issued new advisories mandating heightened airport security across the country. All passengers are now required to undergo Secondary Ladder Point Checks (SLPC), and visitor access to airport terminals has been suspended until further notice.

Aviation authorities have also instructed airports to ensure that all CCTV systems are fully functional and have directed the deployment of air marshals based on priority and random selection.

Airlines have issued urgent travel advisories.

  • Air India posted: Passengers are advised to arrive at airports at least 3 hours before departure. 

  • SpiceJet posted: Check-in closes 75 minutes prior to flight. and Akasa Air urging passengers early arrival and limiting cabin baggage to one handbag up to 7 kg.

  • All passengers must carry valid government-approved photo ID for airport entry.

List of Airports Closed under Operation Sindoor:

Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bhuntar, Kishangarh, Patiala, Shimla, Kangra-Gaggal, Bathinda, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Halwara, Pathankot, Jammu, Leh, Mundra, Jamnagar, Hirasar (Rajkot), Porbandar, Keshod, Kandla, Bhuj.

According to flight tracking services like Flightradar24, the airspace over India’s western corridor from Kashmir to Gujarat, currently shows minimal civilian air traffic, highlighting the scale of the shutdown. Airports are expected to resume commercial operations by 5:29 AM on Saturday, May 10, but travelers are urged to stay updated through airline channels.

Passengers are strongly advised to recheck flight schedules, plan ahead, and cooperate with the enhanced security procedures to ensure smooth transit during this sensitive period.


The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Unveils 'Luminara' – A Masterpiece of Luxury at Sea

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Unveils 'Luminara' – A Masterpiece of Luxury at Sea

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 2, 2025

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has revealed exciting new details about its third ultra-luxury superyacht, Luminara, ahead of its July 2025 debut. Promising a transformative experience at sea, Luminara will offer immersive itineraries, world-class dining, museum-worthy art, and meticulously designed interiors—all starting with its maiden voyage from Monte Carlo to Rome.

Following successful sea trials, Luminara is now prepped for an ambitious sailing calendar. The yacht will introduce Ritz-Carlton’s first-ever journeys to Asia and Alaska, offering guests a broader spectrum of destinations and deeper experiences of exploration.

“With Luminara, we’ve raised the bar once again,” said Ernesto Fara, President of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “This superyacht opens the door to new destinations and deeper guest experiences, reinforcing our commitment to thoughtful exploration and continuous innovation across the fleet.”

Stretching 794 feet and accommodating 452 guests across 226 ocean-facing suites, Luminara lives up to its name—meaning "light" in Latin—through soft tones, sculptural lighting, and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions. Designs by Chapi Design and AD Associates blend walnut wood, Arabescato Corchia marble, and rich textiles, while each suite comes with a private terrace and bespoke furnishings by design houses like Minotti and Poltrona Frau.

Guests will be treated to 731 art pieces onboard, 65% of which are specially commissioned. The collection celebrates the spirit of yachting and Malta’s heritage, with works by iconic artists such as Paul Klee, Matisse, and Andy Warhol. A seven-story light sculpture in the atrium adds dramatic flair to the experience.

image

On the culinary front, Michelin-starred chefs Fabio Trabocchi and Michael Mina will lead signature dining venues. Seta su Luminara will offer an 8-course Venetian-inspired menu, while Beach House will feature bold Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors. Additional options like Azur, Haesu Bit, and Mistral will round out the gourmet journey.

Bars include the stylish new Art Bar, where craft cocktails meet Cycladic art, and sea views elevate every toast. The yacht also features a floating marina with a central pool, water sports, and direct sea access. Wellness takes center stage at The Ritz-Carlton Spa®, offering Asian-inspired treatments and products from ESPA, 111SKIN, and Pisterzi.

In retail, Luminara partners with luxury icons like Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, and Piaget—making their first appearance at sea—along with curated selections of apparel, accessories, and vintage finds.

After sailing the Mediterranean, Luminara will explore Africa and the Indian Ocean before beginning Asia-Pacific itineraries in late 2025. Highlights include stops in Vietnam’s Hạ Long Bay, Japan’s Osaka, and Thailand’s Bangkok. By summer 2026, the yacht will head to Alaska and Canada, offering intimate access to the region’s wild beauty.

With bookings now open, Luminara is set to become a new benchmark in oceanic luxury, blending The Ritz-Carlton’s legendary service with adventurous itineraries and transformative experiences at sea.


Air India Express to Launch Direct Flights from Bengaluru to Kathmandu from June 2025

Air India Express to Launch Direct Flights from Bengaluru to Kathmandu from June 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 1, 2025

Air India Express has announced the launch of direct flights between Bengaluru and Kathmandu, starting 1 June 2025, marking the airline’s official entry into Nepal. With this route, Kathmandu becomes the 55th destination in the carrier’s expanding network, furthering its reach in South Asia.

The launch establishes a direct air corridor between South India and Nepal’s capital, enhancing cultural and economic connections between the two nations. With this move, travellers from 20 Indian cities and two international hubs, Abu Dhabi and Dammam can now access Kathmandu via convenient one-stop connections through Bengaluru.

Introductory fares for the new route start at INR 8,000 for Xpress Lite and INR 8,500 for Xpress Value, available through the airline’s official website and booking platforms.

Kathmandu, known for its spiritual landmarks, scenic landscapes, and nearby destinations like Lumbini and Pokhara, appeals to both religious and adventure travellers. The new connection offers smoother travel for leisure tourists from India, supporting the rise of short-haul international tourism.

Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, stated, “We are delighted to expand our footprint to Nepal, our neighbouring country in the subcontinent, further strengthening the deep-rooted cultural and economic ties we share. This new route brings people, tales, and traditions closer, while reinforcing our vision of making travel more accessible and meaningful.”

Air India Express currently operates over 450 weekly flights from Bengaluru, connecting to 31 Indian cities and three international destinations. With the recent addition of Bangkok and Phuket, the airline continues to focus on short-haul international leisure destinations, expanding its presence across Asia.


Ras Al Khaimah Launches Tourism Excellence Awards to Honour Hospitality Trailblazers

Ras Al Khaimah Launches Tourism Excellence Awards to Honour Hospitality Trailblazers

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 31, 2025

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) made a landmark move in the Emirate’s hospitality journey with the debut of the Tourism Excellence Awards, a prestigious platform honouring those transforming Ras Al Khaimah into one of the world’s fastest-growing travel destinations.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Public Services Department in Ras Al Khaimah, the inaugural ceremony took place on 21 May 2025 at the stunning Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island.

The awards celebrated outstanding performers across six dynamic categories:

  • Corporate Hospitality Excellence

  • Individual Innovation

  • Culinary Artistry

  • Hospitality Leadership

  • Community Involvement

  • Environmental Responsibility

This comprehensive recognition structure reflects RAKTDA’s intent to spotlight excellence at every level—be it individuals, teams, or companies.

Speaking at the event, Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA, said,

“The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Excellence Awards mark an important milestone in our journey to become a leading global destination. By recognising those who go above and beyond to deliver unforgettable experiences, we are not only celebrating their achievements, but fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and community engagement.”

More than just accolades, the awards align with RAKTDA’s wider mission of building a sustainable, inclusive, and culturally rich tourism ecosystem. They aim to enhance traveller confidence, elevate service standards, foster innovation, and drive collaboration between businesses, local communities, and government bodies.

Phillips added,

“These awards mark a new era of recognition and inspiration in Ras Al Khaimah’s exceptional tourism story—one driven by shared ambition, pride in local achievement, and a commitment to excellence at every touchpoint.”

For more information and interview requests, reach out to:
Nidhie Raj Singh | +91 9999 266134 | nidhies@branditindia.com
Priyanshi Jain | +91 8527217660 | priyanshij@branditindia.com

To explore Ras Al Khaimah’s journey and initiatives, visit www.visitrasalkhaimah.com
Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube
Hashtag: #VisitRasAlKhaimah

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.