Air India has expanded its self-check-in and baggage-drop service to 19 international destinations across Europe, the UK, and Canada. This move enhances the airline’s digital offerings for outbound passengers from India, streamlining the airport experience and reducing counter queues. The initiative builds on earlier rollouts across the US and Australia and aligns with Air India’s broader technology-led transformation.
SriLankan Airlines has added an Airbus A330-200 to its fleet—the first wide-body aircraft acquisition in seven years. The aircraft arrived from Paris with a ceremonial fly-past and touched down at Bandaranaike International Airport. The addition takes the fleet size to 23 and underscores the airline’s strategy to enhance long-haul capacity amid growing international travel demand.
Rajasthan recorded a 21.92 per cent increase in international tourist arrivals in 2024, led by visitors from the USA and UK. The state welcomed over 20.7 lakh foreign tourists in 2024, driven by active participation in global travel fairs. The first quarter of 2025 has already drawn nearly 8 lakh international visitors, reaffirming Rajasthan’s growing global tourism appeal.
Virgin Atlantic has launched the Sky High Club, a new loyalty initiative tailored for travel agents in India. The first-of-its-kind rewards programme is designed to strengthen ties with the Indian trade community, offering exclusive incentives, experiences and benefits. The programme marks Virgin Atlantic’s increased focus on partnerships in the region and recognises the role of agents in driving international travel.
Air India has entered new interline partnerships with airBaltic, Bulgaria Air, Cyprus Airways, and Uzbekistan Airways, expanding its network to 16 destinations across Europe and Central Asia. The move enhances Air India’s international footprint, improves access to India for foreign travellers, and reinforces the airline’s transformation into a global aviation connector.
India's aviation sector is set for expansion. Foreign airlines are increasing routes to India. This is due to weaker demand elsewhere. Air India and IndiGo are also planning international growth. They are ordering many new planes. The focus on India raises concerns about competition. Some worry about overcapacity. India's aviation rules may need changes for further growth.
HK Express faces challenges as air ticket prices fall amid increased competition following the opening of Hong Kong's third runway. Despite a planned 30 per cent rise in flight numbers this year, yields dropped 23 per cent in 2024. The airline is also grappling with grounded Airbus A320neo planes due to Pratt & Whitney engine issues, impacting its operational capacity.
IndiGo and Garuda Indonesia have signed a bilateral codeshare agreement to offer passengers expanded connectivity across India and Indonesia. IndiGo customers will gain access to 17 new Indonesian destinations, while Garuda flyers can connect to seven Indian cities. The partnership, routed via Singapore, Bangkok, Jakarta, and Bali, is expected to begin in July, pending regulatory clearance.
Virgin Atlantic has extended its two-decade partnership with Tata Consultancy Services for another seven years. The collaboration will modernise the airline’s core technology systems with AI-driven tools, improve operational resilience, and enable personalised customer experiences. TCS will implement a unified technology platform and launch a Technology Command Centre to streamline airline operations and support real-time decision-making.
Air India has signed two major codeshare agreements with Icelandair and Air Mauritius, widening its global network with seamless travel options across Europe, Southern Africa, and the Indian Subcontinent. The agreements, formalised at the 81st IATA AGM in New Delhi, enhance connectivity to 32 destinations and reaffirm Air India’s strategy to bolster international travel and trade through strategic alliances.
IndiGo has signed an MoU with Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic to create an expansive partnership linking India with Europe and North America. The alliance aims to offer broader connectivity, a consistent customer experience, and new opportunities for long-haul growth as IndiGo prepares for its next phase of international expansion.
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