Maha Kumbh 2025 to Host 1.5 Million Foreign Tourists

Over 1.5 Million Foreign Tourists Expected at Maha Kumbh: Union Minister Shekhawat

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 15, 2025

Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, has announced that the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj is expected to attract over 1.5 million foreign tourists from around 100 countries. The event, which will run from January 13 to February 26, 2025, is being positioned as a global spectacle, reflecting India’s vibrant heritage and cultural diversity.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of Kalagram, a sprawling 10-acre cultural hub in Nagvasuki, Shekhawat described the Maha Kumbh as the world's largest fair, embodying India's unity in diversity. The Kalagram will be one of the main attractions, offering visitors a glimpse of India's rich cultural tapestry through interactive exhibits, stage performances, and immersive experiences.

Key Highlights of Kalagram:

A grand entrance replicating the 12 Jyotirlingas.
A showcase of the Char Dhams and the Eternal Kumbh Exhibition.
Seven regional cultural courtyards, each highlighting the diversity of India's traditions.
The Anubhuti Mandapam, providing a unique sensory experience.
Over 230 master craftsmen demonstrating traditional art forms.
Authentic Indian cuisines at state-specific food stalls.
Performances by more than 14,630 cultural artists.

Shekhawat emphasized the efforts by the Ministry of Culture to give the Maha Kumbh global recognition, with preparations ensuring a seamless experience for the expected 45 crore devotees and tourists. Programs will be held across various venues, including Kalagram, Ganga Pandals, Jhunsi, Nagvasuki, and Arail.

For international visitors, a tent city has been established by the Tourism Ministry, offering amenities like Ayurveda, Yoga, and Panchakarma. Additionally, air travel arrangements have been made for spiritual destinations such as Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura.

Shekhawat remarked:
"The Maha Kumbh is more than a fair; it’s a confluence of faith and culture that attracts people from across the globe, showcasing India’s spiritual and cultural richness."

The Maha Kumbh 2025 promises a 45-day celebration of India’s unity, diversity, and heritage, serving as a platform to present the country’s traditions and values to the world. With extensive preparations underway, the event aims to leave a lasting impression on both devotees and international tourists.

Emirates Extends Premium Economy Reach with Expanded City Rollout

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 11, 2026

Emirates has unveiled a significant expansion of its Premium Economy footprint, reinforcing its commitment to delivering a consistent and elevated onboard experience across its global network. The airline will introduce Premium Economy to 10 new cities while expanding services on additional flights in two existing destinations, supported by its growing fleet of retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft and next-generation Airbus A350s.

As part of the expansion, Emirates will deploy its A350 aircraft on new daily services to Copenhagen, Phuket, and Cape Town, adding extra frequencies and enhancing connectivity ahead of the anticipated surge in summer travel demand. These additional services will complement existing schedules, offering passengers more flexibility, increased capacity, and access to Emirates’ latest cabin products.

By 1 July, Emirates will operate Premium Economy-equipped A380, Boeing 777, and A350 aircraft on more than 84 routes worldwide. Customers can expect the airline’s award-winning Premium Economy experience, featuring extra legroom, enhanced comfort, elevated dining options, and thoughtfully curated amenities, alongside upgraded Business and Economy Class cabins.

Additional Capacity to Copenhagen, Phuket and Cape Town

From 1 June, Emirates will introduce a second daily service between Dubai and Copenhagen, followed by a third daily service to Phuket and Cape Town from 1 July. All three additional frequencies will be operated using the airline’s latest A350 aircraft.

The new Dubai–Copenhagen service (EK153/154) will provide seamless onward connections via Dubai to key destinations across East Asia, including Bangkok, Bali, Manila, Tokyo Haneda, and Phuket, as well as convenient links to Colombo, Male, and major African cities such as Nairobi and Entebbe. Passengers from cities including Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland, Delhi, and Bangalore will also benefit from improved connectivity to the Danish capital.

From 1 July, Emirates’ third daily service to Phuket (EK390/391) will offer early morning arrivals, catering to travellers connecting from major European gateways such as London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Manchester, as well as from the Gulf region. The service also enables convenient onward connections from Phuket to multiple destinations across Europe and the Middle East.

Cape Town will also see a third daily frequency from 1 July, operated by the Emirates A350. The additional service strengthens connectivity to and from London, Dublin, Brussels, Mumbai, Australasia, and key Asian markets, catering to both leisure and corporate travel demand. Emirates’ Cape Town services have consistently recorded strong load factors, driven by growing inbound demand from the GCC and robust outbound traffic to Europe and the US East Coast.

Planned Premium Economy Route Expansions

Emirates’ Premium Economy rollout spans multiple regions. In Europe and North America, Barcelona and Mexico City will see Premium Economy-equipped Boeing 777 services from February, while Rome will transition to A350 operations from 29 March. Copenhagen’s second daily service will begin on 1 June.

Across Asia, Premium Economy will be introduced or expanded on routes to Cochin, Karachi, Taipei, and Phuket, supported by retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft and A350 deployments. In Australia, Brisbane will receive daily services operated by a retrofitted four-class Boeing 777-300ER from 29 March.

In Africa, Addis Ababa will see daily Premium Economy services from 1 March, while Cape Town’s third daily flight will operate with the A350 from 1 July 2026. Middle East routes including Basra, Kuwait City, and Tehran will also transition to Premium Economy-equipped aircraft across selected frequencies.

Tickets for all services are available for booking on emirates.com, via the Emirates App, through online and offline travel agents, and at Emirates retail stores.

Akasa Air Joins IATA, Strengthening India’s Role in Global Aviation

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 11, 2026

Akasa Air has officially become a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), a global trade body representing more than 360 airlines and accounting for over 80 per cent of worldwide air traffic. The achievement marks a significant milestone for India’s fastest-growing airline and highlights its adherence to internationally recognised safety and operational standards.

The induction comes just over three years after Akasa Air commenced operations and follows the airline’s successful completion of the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA). IOSA is a globally acknowledged benchmark for airline operational safety and is a mandatory requirement for IATA membership, reflecting Akasa Air’s strong focus on robust safety practices and compliance with international aviation protocols.

IATA plays a pivotal role in shaping the global aviation industry by setting standards across safety, sustainability, and operational efficiency. Through its membership, Akasa Air will actively participate in industry-wide discussions and initiatives, contributing to best practices in areas such as safety management, digital transformation, and sustainable aviation, key priorities for the future of global air travel.

Welcoming the airline, Sheldon Hee, Regional Vice President for Asia-Pacific at IATA, said, “We are excited to welcome Akasa Air as an IATA member. India’s aviation potential is huge, with the industry supporting 7.7 million jobs and contributing US$53.6 billion to the economy. We look forward to engaging with Akasa Air and to their active participation in shaping the airline industry’s agenda, priorities, and initiatives in India, the Asia Pacific region, and globally.”

Vinay Dube, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Akasa Air, emphasised the importance of the association, stating, “IATA plays a central role in shaping the global aviation ecosystem by establishing rigorous industry benchmarks and fostering collaboration across key stakeholders worldwide. Akasa Air’s membership underscores our disciplined approach to growth and our unwavering commitment to meeting the highest global standards of safety, operational excellence, and sustainability. This association will further strengthen our global credibility and position Akasa as a future-ready Indian airline on the world stage.”

Since its inception, Akasa Air has focused on building a resilient, efficient, and customer-centric airline anchored in responsible growth and strong governance. Its entry into IATA marks a defining step in aligning with global aviation standards while reinforcing India’s expanding presence and influence in international aviation.

IndiGo Focuses on Operational Stability, Plans Select Route Expansion

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.

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Over 1.5 Million Foreign Tourists Expected at Maha Kumbh: Union Minister Shekhawat

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Emirates Extends Premium Economy Reach with Expanded City Rollout

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Akasa Air Joins IATA, Strengthening India’s Role in Global Aviation

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IndiGo Focuses on Operational Stability, Plans Select Route Expansion

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