Tourism Crashes as Operation Sindoor Sparks 90% Booking Cancellations in North India

Tourism Crashes as Operation Sindoor Sparks 90% Booking Cancellations in North India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 11, 2025

The aftermath of Operation Sindoor, India's military strike on terrorist targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), has sent shockwaves through the domestic tourism industry. With rising uncertainty, flight shutdowns, and safety concerns, Northern India’s tourism has come to a standstill as nearly 90% of bookings have been cancelled.

Peak summer travel plans have been upended, especially in popular destinations across Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir. Airports in Jodhpur, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Jammu, and Kashmir, all close to the international border, have suspended civilian operations till May 10, severely disrupting travel schedules.

“People who were already vacationing in Himachal Pradesh have cut short their trips. The North is totally out of the question now. Nearly 95% of bookings for northern destinations in May have been called off,” said Virendra Shah, a travel consultant.

The ongoing panic has left tour operators and travel consultants struggling. "This is the worst May we’ve seen in years," one operator said, pointing to widespread refund requests and a sharp drop in new enquiries.

Even tourists currently on vacation are opting to play it safe. Prashant Sharma, vacationing in Uttarakhand, said, “We had a packed itinerary from Nainital, Jim Corbett, and Mussoorie to Rishikesh, but we’ve cancelled everything except Nainital. We are heading back as planned from Dehradun.”

Experts say the mood of the traveller has been shaken. “This conflict has not just disrupted logistics; it has disrupted sentiment. Even journeys planned a month from now are being cancelled out of fear,” said Ankit Bajaj, a travel expert. He added that the industry is facing a 70% revenue loss for existing bookings this season.

The uncertainty is spilling over to international travel as well. While a few tourists are still flying to the UK and Spain, many are cancelling trips to Turkey, Dubai, Bali, Indonesia, and the Maldives at the last minute.

Sanjeev Chhajer, Chairman of GCCI’s tourism committee, added, “Domestic air travel is badly hit due to airport shutdowns. However, international travel is relatively steady, except for a few cancellations by government employees. Turkey and Azerbaijan have seen more cancellations, while others are less affected.”

With no clear timeline on when normalcy will return, the travel industry braces for an extended lull during what was expected to be a high-revenue summer.


Sri Lanka Launches Three-City Roadshow Across Southern India

Sri Lanka Launches Three-City Roadshow Across Southern India

By Hariharan U

Published on October 4, 2025

Sri Lanka Tourism is intensifying its efforts to attract Indian travellers with a three-city roadshow series across Southern India. Scheduled for Madurai, Coimbatore, and Chennai on October 6, 8, and 10, 2025 respectively, the initiative will highlight Sri Lanka’s diverse tourism offerings and strengthen ties with the Indian travel industry.

Organised by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), the roadshows will feature B2B sessions and networking evenings designed to showcase Sri Lanka as a year-round destination for all types of travellers. The events will introduce Indian travel agents and industry professionals to Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, its vibrant attractions, and growing opportunities for leisure and MICE travel.

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“This initiative underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening its position as a preferred destination for Indian travellers, offering a blend of breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and world-class hospitality,” said the delegation led by Mr. Vijitha Herath, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, and Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism.

The delegation includes over 40 stakeholders from across Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, including destination management companies, hotels, resorts, tour operators, and service providers. Each city’s event will host over 200 participants, comprising Indian travel agents, industry leaders, and media representatives.

Adding a vibrant touch to the experience, a Sri Lankan cultural dance troupe will perform at each venue, offering guests a glimpse into the island’s rich heritage and traditions.

About SLTPB & SLCB

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau is the government agency responsible for marketing and promoting Sri Lanka as a travel destination. Working closely with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, SLCB, and other stakeholders, SLTPB aims to position Sri Lanka as South Asia’s leading tourist destination.

The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau focuses on promoting MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) travel to Sri Lanka. With world-class venues and improved accessibility, SLCB facilitates event planning for international corporations, associations, and incentive houses. India remains a key market for the bureau’s promotional activities.

Both organisations operate under the Ministry of Foreign Employment, Foreign Affairs & Tourism of Sri Lanka, combining efforts to promote the country’s leisure and business tourism offerings.


Centrum Air to Launch Direct Delhi–Tashkent Flights from October 3

Centrum Air to Launch Direct Delhi–Tashkent Flights from October 3

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 3, 2025

Centrum Air, represented in India by Aeroprime Group as its exclusive General Sales Agent (GSA), will commence direct flights between Delhi and Tashkent starting October 3, 2025. The twice-weekly service, operating on Tuesdays and Fridays, is designed to enhance air connectivity, tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges between India and Uzbekistan.

The official launch event, hosted by Aeroprime Group, was attended by His Excellency Sardor Rustambaev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to India, along with senior dignitaries, embassy officials, media representatives, and trade partners.

Adil Mirza Khalmirzaev, GSA Department Head and Business Development Director at Centrum Air, stated that the airline is responding to growing demand for direct India–Uzbekistan connectivity. Plans are underway to expand routes from Hyderabad and Bengaluru to Tashkent by summer 2026, while Mumbai expansion will be considered based on market demand.

Abhishek Goyal, CEO & Executive Director, Aeroprime Group, highlighted that the Delhi–Tashkent route is part of a broader plan to expand Centrum Air’s presence in India, opening pathways for travelers to Central Asia and Europe.

Uzbekistan, known for its Silk Road heritage, cultural landmarks, and hospitality, is expected to benefit from improved accessibility. The new service aims to support both leisure travel and trade, strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two nations.

Centrum Air’s launch reflects growing opportunities in air connectivity and provides Indian travelers with affordable fares, convenient schedules, and a comfortable travel experience on the Delhi–Tashkent corridor.


Akasa Air Expands ‘Pets on Akasa’ Service with More Cabin Slots and Flexible Bookings

Akasa Air Expands ‘Pets on Akasa’ Service with More Cabin Slots and Flexible Bookings

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 3, 2025

Akasa Air has announced significant enhancements to its ‘Pets on Akasa’ service, offering greater flexibility and convenience for passengers travelling with pets. Starting immediately, the airline will allow two pets in the cabin per flight, up from the earlier limit of one, and has reduced the booking window to 24 hours before departure.

Since its launch in November 2022, over 8,500 pets have travelled with Akasa Air across its domestic network, highlighting the rising demand for pet-friendly air travel in India. Customer feedback has shaped several service upgrades, including extending pet travel certificate validity to 15 days and increasing the maximum cabin weight (pet plus carrier) to 10 kg.

Passengers with pets enjoy additional benefits, such as pre-booked window seats, priority check-in, baggage delivery, and first boarding options. Akasa Air staff across call centres, airport counters, and in-flight teams have undergone specialised training to ensure the safety and comfort of pets and owners.

The airline has also partnered with Umeed for Animals Foundation, a Gurgaon-based non-profit, to follow best practices in animal care and safety. Pets on Akasa is now available on flights to 24 domestic cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Guwahati, Lucknow, and Goa. Bookings can be made via the Akasa Air Care Centre or by contacting pets@akasaair.com.

Akasa Air operates a modern fleet featuring USB ports, spacious seating, and its onboard dining service, Café Akasa, along with accessibility-focused initiatives like Braille menus and safety cards. These enhancements underscore Akasa Air’s commitment to inclusive travel and its growing role in shaping pet-friendly air journeys across India.

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