Air India has recorded more than one million inflight WiFi users over the past 12 months, reflecting the growing demand for onboard internet services among travellers.

According to the airline, over one million passengers connected to its inflight WiFi service between June 2025 and June 2026 across its WiFi-enabled fleet. The service is currently available on more than 55 daily flights operated by 28 connected aircraft.

The airline said passenger adoption has increased significantly during the year, with WiFi usage rising from 30 per cent in June 2025 to 55 per cent in June 2026.

Usage data shows that inflight connectivity is being driven largely by entertainment and social media. Around 89 per cent of connected passengers used the service to stream content or access social media platforms, while the remaining 11 per cent used it for web browsing, emails and messaging applications.

Over the 12-month period, passengers consumed nearly 500 terabytes of data through the airline's onboard network. Streaming services accounted for 86 per cent of total data usage, while web browsing made up the remaining 14 per cent.

Air India's inflight WiFi service is currently available on international routes served by its connected fleet, including flights to London, New York, Newark, Frankfurt, Melbourne, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bali, Manila and Mauritius.

The airline said it plans to gradually expand onboard connectivity as more aircraft are equipped with WiFi, extending the service to additional routes in the future.

Introduced as part of Air India's broader efforts to enhance passenger experience and digital services, the inflight WiFi platform has witnessed steady growth over the past year. The airline noted that demand has been particularly strong on long-haul international flights, where passengers increasingly expect uninterrupted internet access throughout their journey.

While Air India did not disclose the number of individual devices connected or the average data consumed per passenger, it said the service has maintained consistent growth since its rollout.

Haldiram’s, one of India’s most recognised brands in sweets, snacks, and dining, has strengthened its presence in Uttar Pradesh with the opening of its latest outlet in Prayagraj.

Located at WP Arena, Hot Stuff Chauraha, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, the new restaurant was inaugurated by Er. Harshvardhan Bajpayee, MLA, Prayagraj North, in the presence of customers, local dignitaries, and community members.

The launch marks another step in Haldiram’s expansion strategy of entering emerging markets beyond major metropolitan cities while bringing its legacy of traditional Indian flavours closer to consumers across the country. The opening is also aligned with the brand’s “Acche Din Aa Rahe Hai!” campaign, highlighting its continued growth journey.

Known as one of India’s most culturally significant cities, Prayagraj holds a special place in the country’s spiritual and intellectual heritage. Home to the iconic Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers meet, the city attracts millions of visitors during the Kumbh Mela and continues to be a major destination for travellers, pilgrims, and scholars.

Beyond its cultural importance, Prayagraj has emerged as an important educational, administrative, and commercial hub in Uttar Pradesh. With increasing infrastructure development and rising tourism, the city has witnessed growing demand for quality dining experiences.

Recognising this evolving consumer landscape, Haldiram’s has introduced its new outlet to offer residents and visitors a trusted destination for traditional Indian cuisine combined with modern dining comfort.

Designed to cater to families, groups, and travellers, the outlet offers Haldiram’s extensive portfolio of Indian sweets, namkeens, regional favourites, chaats, complete meals, and contemporary beverages.

The expansion into Prayagraj reflects Haldiram’s broader vision of reaching new markets while preserving the traditions, flavours, and hospitality that have shaped the brand over decades.

With its growing footprint across India, Haldiram’s continues to focus on delivering authentic Indian culinary experiences while adapting to the changing preferences of today’s consumers.

MAYFAIR Elixir, the growth and expansion arm of MAYFAIR Hotels & Resorts, has signed a premium hospitality project in Santiniketan, West Bengal, further strengthening the group's presence in Eastern India.

The hotel, scheduled to open in FY2028-29, will become MAYFAIR's fifth property in West Bengal. Located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Santiniketan, the development aims to cater to leisure travellers, cultural enthusiasts and guests looking for intimate celebration venues.

Designed as a premium retreat, the upcoming property will combine modern hospitality with the cultural heritage of Santiniketan, offering personalised experiences that reflect the MAYFAIR brand while embracing the destination's artistic and literary legacy.

The signing was announced during Jagannath Rath Yatra and forms part of the group's long-term strategy to expand across destinations known for their cultural significance and tourism potential.

Speaking on the partnership, Rajendra Chatterjee, CEO & Managing Director of WESTROAD Group, which owns the property, said:

"Santiniketan is more than a destination. It is an emotion that celebrates creativity, learning and Rabindranath Tagore's legacy. We wanted a hospitality partner that understands the importance of preserving this essence while delivering exceptional guest experiences. MAYFAIR Group's expertise, its deep understanding of regional culture and unwavering commitment to excellence made it the natural choice. We look forward to creating a landmark experience in Santiniketan with MAYFAIR Elixir."

Commenting on the signing, Randhir Gupta, Vice President – Commercial & Business Development, MAYFAIR Hotels & Resorts, said:

"Santiniketan has long been one of India's most celebrated cultural destinations. Yet, the market has remained underserved in the premium hospitality segment. This signing is a strategic addition to our growing portfolio, allowing us to introduce the MAYFAIR experience to a destination of global significance. Santiniketan perfectly aligns with our vision of expanding into culturally rich destinations with long-term tourism potential."

Bjorn DeNiese, Managing Director, MAYFAIR Elixir, added:

"This marks an exciting chapter in the growth journey of MAYFAIR Elixir. As we expand our footprint across India, our vision is not simply to add destinations, but to create hospitality experiences that celebrate the unique character and cultural identity of every place we enter. Santiniketan, with its extraordinary legacy of art, literature and learning, embodies the values we believe modern travellers increasingly seek."

He further said the company has several new destinations, hospitality concepts and strategic partnerships in the pipeline as it continues to grow its portfolio across India.

The latest signing reinforces MAYFAIR Hotels & Resorts' focus on expanding into culturally significant destinations while strengthening its presence in key tourism markets across the country.