Maharashtra is moving ahead with plans to strengthen tourism infrastructure in the Vidarbha region, with the state government fast-tracking a proposed MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) project at Hatani and Valti in Buldhana and progressing plans for Jijau Srushti at Sindkhed Raja, the birthplace of Rajmata Jijau.

The projects were reviewed by Maharashtra Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai, with officials asked to accelerate the planning and development process.

For the proposed MICE project, the Buldhana district administration has been directed to facilitate the transfer of required land to the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). Officials will also prepare the master plan, architectural design, Detailed Project Report (DPR) and cost estimates for the development.

The MICE project could help position Buldhana as an emerging destination for business events, conferences and corporate gatherings, while creating opportunities for hotels, restaurants, event companies, transport providers and other hospitality businesses.

Meanwhile, the proposed Jijau Srushti at Sindkhed Raja is expected to strengthen the area's heritage and cultural tourism appeal. Sindkhed Raja is an important historical destination associated with Rajmata Jijau and could benefit from improved visitor infrastructure and tourism development.

Together, the two projects could help create a stronger tourism ecosystem in the region by combining business tourism, heritage, culture and hospitality.

The developments are also part of Maharashtra’s broader efforts to promote tourism beyond established destinations and encourage new investment in tourism infrastructure.

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.”

Emirates and South African Airways (SAA) have expanded their long-standing partnership by introducing a reciprocal codeshare agreement, significantly enhancing connectivity across South Africa and neighbouring countries. The expanded agreement adds nine new destinations to the combined network, providing travellers with more seamless travel options across central and southern Africa.

The partnership marks the next phase of a relationship that has existed for nearly three decades. Since launching their codeshare agreement, SAA has placed its code on Emirates-operated flights between Dubai and Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, while also offering interline connectivity to 68 Emirates destinations via Dubai. Following regulatory approvals, Emirates will now place its code on selected SAA-operated services, extending its reach deeper into the African continent.

The expanded agreement includes three domestic South African routes connecting Johannesburg with Cape Town, Durban, and Port Elizabeth, alongside six regional services linking Johannesburg with Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo), Gaborone (Botswana), Windhoek (Namibia), Lusaka (Zambia), Harare (Zimbabwe), and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe).

The reciprocal arrangement enables passengers to book their journeys on a single ticket, benefit from coordinated schedules, and enjoy through-checked baggage to their final destination, making travel across the region more convenient.

Commenting on the expansion, Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates, said the agreement represents the natural evolution of a partnership that has successfully served travellers for many years. He noted that the expanded codeshare strengthens Emirates’ long-term commitment to South Africa and provides customers with seamless access to more destinations across the region.

Matshela Seshibe, Acting Group CEO of South African Airways, said the partnership supports SAA’s strategy to strengthen African connectivity while improving access to global markets. He added that combining SAA’s regional network with Emirates’ extensive international reach creates greater value for customers while reinforcing Johannesburg’s position as a major aviation gateway in Africa.

Emirates has served South Africa since 1995, beginning operations with flights to Johannesburg before expanding to Cape Town and Durban. Today, the airline operates 56 weekly flights across the three South African gateways, making the country the only destination in Emirates’ African network served by all three of its widebody aircraft types, the Boeing 777, Airbus A380, and Airbus A350.

Passengers travelling on the new codeshare routes will also have access to Emirates’ Premium Economy product on services between Dubai and both Johannesburg and Cape Town.

The expanded partnership reflects both airlines' continued focus on strengthening regional connectivity, supporting tourism, trade, and business travel while providing passengers with greater choice across Africa.