German carrier Lufthansa is open to resuming direct flights from Pune if market conditions support the move. The airline had earlier operated a direct Pune-Frankfurt service, which was discontinued in 2019.

The possibility of bringing the route back comes as the expansion of Pune airport is being fast-tracked. The proposed runway extension is expected to allow the airport to handle larger aircraft and support more international services. Lufthansa said it remains open to expanding its network in India, either through direct services or in partnership with Indian carriers.

“We are always open to expanding our network in India, whether through direct services or in partnership with Air India. Should market conditions evolve, our network planning team would evaluate opportunities for new international connections to an important IT hub and a city of more than seven million people. India is our second-largest premium market globally and we currently operate more than 80 weekly flights to the subcontinent,” said Jeffery James, the head of Lufthansa Group Communications for Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

Lufthansa previously operated direct flights between Pune and Frankfurt six days a week. The service began in 2008, using a smaller aircraft wet-leased from PrivatAir. The route was discontinued in early 2019 after PrivatAir became insolvent. Pune airport's infrastructure, particularly its short runway, was also a limitation for expanding international operations. The proposed runway expansion could help address this challenge.

In 2024, Minister of state for civil aviation and Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol announced that around 300 acres would be acquired as part of the airport's overall expansion, including the runway extension. The land acquisition process is now being accelerated.

“Two weeks ago, I met the defence minister regarding the transfer of 35 acres that forms part of the total 300 acres required. By October or November, all aspects of the land acquisition for the airport expansion project should be on track. The acquisition has to be carried out by the state government and we are pursuing it aggressively,” Mohol said.

Pune airport currently has a 2,540-metre runway. Under the proposed expansion, the runway will be extended by 800 metres, with 500 metres added on the eastern side and 300 metres on the western side. The expansion is expected to improve the airport's ability to handle larger aircraft and support more international connectivity. Pune airport recently recorded a record 213 flight movements on Sunday, highlighting the growing demand for air connectivity in the city.

Aviation experts believe direct European connectivity will be important for Pune's continued economic growth. The city is a major hub for IT, automobile, pharmaceutical, manufacturing and education, with strong business, student and diaspora traffic to Europe, the UK and the US.

“Pune is a major IT, automobile, pharmaceutical, manufacturing and education hub with significant business, student and diaspora traffic to Europe, the UK and the US. Travellers currently spend three to four hours reaching Mumbai or transit through Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad or Dubai, adding cost, fatigue and the risk of missed connections. The airport authorities and governments must expedite the runway expansion to enable wide-body operations, ensure round-the-clock ATC, customs and immigration facilities, and secure bilateral slots,” said aviation analyst Dhairyashil Vandekar.

Businessman and member of the Pune airport advisory committee Sudhir Mehta said, “A direct air link to Europe and other major global destinations would benefit industry, academia, tourism, healthcare and the wider community alike. It would enhance Pune's global competitiveness, attract investment and talent, and improve the quality of life for citizens who increasingly live, work and collaborate across borders.”

JW Kitchen at JW Marriott Kolkata is set to host the Osama Jalali Food Festival, bringing India's forgotten recipes and rich culinary traditions to the table. Celebrated food historian and author Osama Jalali will showcase a selection of heirloom recipes, regional delicacies and traditional cooking techniques, offering diners an opportunity to explore lesser-known flavours from different parts of India.

Running over ten evenings from 14–23 August 2026, the festival will feature specially curated dinner menus inspired by royal kitchens, historic food traditions and regional home cooking.

More than just a food festival, the experience aims to connect diners with the stories and traditions behind India's diverse cuisine. Each dish reflects a different part of the country's culinary heritage, giving guests an opportunity to discover authentic flavours and recipes that have been passed down through generations.

For food lovers and those interested in India's culinary history, the festival offers a chance to explore traditional Indian cooking through a specially curated dining experience.

Event Details

• Venue: JW Kitchen, JW Marriott Kolkata
  
• Dates: 14–23 August 2026
  
• Time: Dinner from 7.00 PM Onwards.

Oasis Brewery is inviting beer enthusiasts to explore its collection of signature and seasonal brews, bringing together different flavours and brewing styles at its Whitefield, Bangalore location.

Leading the seasonal collection is the Very Berry Ale, a fruit-forward beer brewed with strawberries, blueberries, mulberries and raspberries. The light-bodied brew offers vibrant berry flavours, a refreshing character and a crisp finish with a subtle tartness.

Also available is the Perry Pear Cider, made entirely with fresh pear juice without added sugars. Inspired by the traditional Perry style, the cider combines delicate floral notes with fresh pear aromas and champagne-like carbonation for a smooth and refreshing experience.

The collection is completed by Oasis Brewery's signature 007 IPA, an Imperial India Pale Ale inspired by the iconic James Bond. Built around the number seven, from its ingredients and brewing process to its 7% ABV, the beer delivers a bold hop character while maintaining a balanced finish.

The beers are crafted under the guidance of Oasis Brewery's Brewmaster, a Heriot-Watt University, Scotland graduate with more than a decade of brewing experience. With a focus on quality and innovation, the brewery's collection brings together different flavour profiles and brewing techniques for those looking to explore craft beer in Bangalore.

• Location: Oasis Brewery, Whitefield, Bangalore
  
• Time: 12PM Onwards.