Rajasthan Signs Hospitality MoUs in Saudi Arabia, Expanding Investment Prospects

Rajasthan Signs Hospitality MoUs in Saudi Arabia, Expanding Investment Prospects

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on November 11, 2024

The Rajasthan Government has extended an invitation to Saudi Arabia to participate as a partner country in the upcoming ‘Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024.’ This high-level engagement, led by Minister of State for Industry and Commerce K.K. Vishnoi, marks an important step in strengthening economic ties between Rajasthan and Saudi Arabia. The summit, scheduled for December, aims to attract significant investment into the state across various sectors.

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During a recent roadshow in Saudi Arabia, the Rajasthan delegation signed two key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) focused on hospitality. These MoUs were signed with Riyadh-based Swiss Hospitality Company and Jeddah-based C Ventures. Both companies are expected to play critical roles in boosting Rajasthan’s hospitality and tourism landscape. Swiss Hospitality Company specializes in advisory services, project management, and community engagement, while C Ventures focuses on consulting and fostering entrepreneurship through community-building programs.

Highlighting Saudi Arabia’s influence in key sectors such as petrochemicals, renewable energy, real estate, and engineering, Minister Vishnoi shared that “Saudi Arabia is one of the largest economies in West Asia and home to major business groups, which are essential to Rajasthan’s growth.” These meetings also underscored Rajasthan’s recent policy reforms, designed to make the state an attractive investment destination.

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In addition to the hospitality agreements, the delegation engaged in productive discussions with several major Saudi companies, including Alfanar Projects, which expressed interest in Rajasthan’s renewable energy sector. Talks were also held with Al-Jomaih Group, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), ACWA Power, and Lulu Saudi HyperMarket, with each company exploring potential investment opportunities across industries from retail to energy.

The delegation emphasized Rajasthan’s unique advantages, such as its abundant natural resources, proximity to the national capital, and supportive policies under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma. “Rajasthan offers a wealth of resources, a pro-business climate, and a wide range of incentives that make it a compelling destination for investors,” noted Secretary of Finance (Expenditure), Naveen Jain, during his presentation to Saudi investors.

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The government’s investment roadshows have included key international markets such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, UAE, and Singapore, as well as domestic engagements in Mumbai and New Delhi. These efforts have so far generated investment proposals totaling over INR 18 lakh crore, reflecting strong interest from the global business community in Rajasthan’s development potential.


IndiGo Focuses on Operational Stability, Plans Select Route Expansion

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.


Navi Mumbai Airport Sees 26,000+ Passengers in First Five Days

Navi Mumbai Airport Sees 26,000+ Passengers in First Five Days

By Hariharan U

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 Expands Partnership with airBaltic to Offer Seamless Connectivity to Latvia

Air India Expands Partnership with airBaltic to Offer Seamless Connectivity to Latvia

By Hariharan U

Published on January 1, 2026

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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