Monday, August 27, 2012

India’s Jet Airways to Introduce Multi-Cuisine Menu on Flights

International travellers taking flights with India’s Jet Airways will soon be able to gratify their taste buds with a pleasing variety of cuisines in the flight.

Jet Airways, one of the leading private carriers of India, is planning to start multi-cuisine in-flight service for its passengers at a nominal cost. Italian, Chinese and Continental cuisines have been revealed to be part of the choice offered on the flights. Travellers will have the option to book their desired cuisine in advance.

While the new service will be a hit with the extravagant travellers taking flights with the airline, the budget conscious ones who do not wish to pay extra for food will still be able to enjoy the free meals served in the flights.

JetKonnect, a low cost unit of Jet Airways that offers cheap flights within India, already offers the option of paid in-flight meal. Now, the full-service parent company is opting for the service to augment its revenues without hurting the pockets of the economy class flyers who are not willing to pay extra for a meal.

Passengers taking domestic and international flights with the airline will be able to book pre-selected meals online. The system will be operational in the coming few months.

Apart from this, the operator is planning to amplify its revenue by charging for some other in-flight and on-ground facilities. Some of the privileges on the consideration list of the carrier are pre-selection of seats, special facilities at airports like faster check-ins and giving the access of business lounges to economy class flyers for a fee.

News Reference

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Kerala Shopping Festival to Entice Tourists to Take Flights

Tourists planning to take flights to India, connecting Kerala in December will get a chance to immerse in the incessant fun of shopping as the dates for the 6th edition of Grand Kerala Shopping Festival (GSKF) have been announced. The festival is set to take place from December 1st, 2012 to January 15th, 2013.

With region's best offers from big brands and hotels, exciting prizes, fun full events and much more, one of Asia’s largest shopping carnivals is all set to lure increasingly higher number of tourists to look for flights to India landing in Kerala.

If the organizers are to be believed, the 6th GSKF would be better and bigger than the previous ones. Over 10,000 merchant establishments including some of the most prominent regional and local brands have shown interest in participation.

This year the event will be more focused on local products and handicrafts, which has for long been a hit with foreign souvenir hunters on flights to India. The raffle campaign to be held during the event will provide a chance to win 101 kg gold as the grand prize apart from other luxury items. International travellers on state bound flights to India can surely hope to net some of these prizes and gifts!

In addition to the extravagant shopping and grand prizes, hundreds of events await the visitors taking flights to India during this time. From cultural programs to musical events – GSKF 2012 is sure to become a hit with foreign visitors on flights to India during December-January.

News Reference

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Malaysia Airlines Adds More Flights to Kuala Lumpur from India

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) fans looking for more flight options between India and Kuala Lumpur have all the reasons to smile now as the airline is all set to enhance its flight frequency between India’s major cities and Kuala Lumpur.

Currently, MAS offers 40 weekly flights to India which includes 12 weekly flights to New Delhi and 7 weekly flights each to Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. However, from 01st September 2012, the airline is planning to introduce 10 additional day-time flights connecting Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai to Kuala Lumpur.

These additional day-time flights are sure to cater to the needs of corporate flyers who are often to be seen on a look out for day time flights to reach their intended destinations well in time to attend their business meetings, seminars or conferences.

India has long been one of the key markets for MAS and the airline is hopeful of at least 15% growth in passenger numbers on its flights from India in the current year as against 2011.

Recently, MAS also launched ‘Showcase Malaysia Dream Deal 2012’ to treat its passengers with complementary stays in Malaysia. Under the deal, travellers booking return flights to Malaysia or beyond from India will get two nights of free stay at select hotels located in popular Malaysian cities including Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia Airlines’ move to introduce additional daytime flight from Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore to Kuala Lumpur seems to be driven by its endeavour to tap India’s burgeoning market.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

South African Airways to Increase Flights to Mumbai

South African Airways has decided to amp up its flight services to India’s financial capital, Mumbai. The airline will be offering daily, non-stop flights to India connecting Mumbai with Johannesburg from 03 October 2012.

The seventh weekly flight between Mumbai and Johannesburg comes close on the heels of fifth weekly flight the airline launched on 16 June and the sixth frequency which is scheduled to be inaugurated from 21 August.

Theunis Potgieter, SAA’s General Manager Commercial said the seventh weekly flight is the result of the growing demand in the market for travel between South Africa and India. Mr Potgieter also feels that South Africa’s entry into the BRICS alliance has led to increased investment activities between the two countries, which in turn has resulted in heightened passenger movement.

The announcement is surely good news for travellers who seek convenient flights between South Africa and India. With more direct connections available, it might also result in cheap flights for the travellers. Additionally, British vacationers who opt for twin centre holidays in South Africa and India can smile as an added connection between the two regions is sure to offer flexibility to their travel itinerary.

After Jet Airways terminated its service on the route, South African Airways has now become the only carrier that offers non-stop flights between South Africa and India.

SAA operates on the route with an A330-200 Airbus, one of the most fuel efficient aircraft in the airline’s fleet. Aircraft configuration includes 36 business class seats and 186 economy class seats.

News Sources

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Air India May Offer Cheaper Flights on International Routes

Air India is likely to offer cheap flight tickets on several overseas routes to woo more number of international flyers. The new airfares will be put into effect from September 2012, stated a report of the Financial Express, a popular business newspaper in India.

India’s national airline, Air India is likely to come out with cheap flight tickets to European and North American destinations. The routes are highly popular among leisure holidaymakers and business travellers and will definitely woo flyers into booking cheap flight ticket deals with the airline.

Earlier, many rival airlines took advantage of the industrial strike that hit Air India and increased the fares on flights to some important destinations like London, Paris, Munich and Toronto to over 25 per cent. However, the new aggressive pricing strategy of Air India is likely to comfort the pockets of Britons and other international travellers who are looking to book cheap flights on these routes.

Endorsing the new move, an Air India official said trimming down of the fares is the only option that can bring Air India back to the market that has more or less been closed for over two months.

While the move hasn’t gone down too well with industry experts who termed it as ‘unproductive’, the airline has high hopes with its new aggressive pricing strategy and anticipates that these routes will definitely help the carrier once it deploys its highly fuel-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliner on them.

Reference

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

India, Mauritius to Promote Tourism Together

India and Mauritius, two top holiday destinations, will be working together to encourage tourism. The two countries are looking at the possibilities of facilitating investment in hospitality industry and infrastructure development.

Mauritius Tourism is looking to formulate a long term strategy for the Indian market. The island nation is likely to focus on the MICE (Meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) and Wedding segments to facilitate the rise in the Indian tourist arrivals.

Govt. of Mauritius is also working on weekend packages in collaboration with Air Mauritius by September 2012. It is also speculated that Air Mauritius will increase the frequency of flights to India, connecting to Mumbai. An additional flight will be offered on Thursday to tap the weekend holiday segment.

Indian Government is of the opinion that India and Mauritius should work together to look for possibilities of promoting investment in hotel industry tourism and infrastructure development as India permits 100 per cent FDI in hotel sector.

India and Mauritius are both popular holiday destinations that attract tourists from different corners of the globe. If cheap flights to India remain popular among all and sundry, Mauritius is no less a honeymoon and adventure destination and tempts many rummage around for cheap flight deals.

News reports reveal that 18,000 tourists booked airline tickets to India from Mauritius in 2009. The figure went up to 21,000 in 2010.

India’s tourism office in Johannesburg is in charge for promoting the country as a travel destination in Mauritius.

News Reference

Friday, July 13, 2012

More India Bound Tourists Opt For Visa on Arrival

The efforts and initiatives of Indian authorities to woo foreign travellers are paying off well. India’s decision to launch Visa on Arrival (VoA) scheme has brought in encouraging numbers for the country.

VoA scheme has registered a growth of more than 12 per cent in June this year as compared to the same period in the previous year. Figures rolled out by the country’s tourism ministry state that a total of 864 foreign tourists who took flights to India in June 2012 made use of the VoA scheme as opposed to 770 during the same period in the previous year. In June this year, a total of 4.32 lakh foreign tourists made a travel to India and in June 2011, 4.12 lakh travelled to the country.

India’s decision to offer Visa on Arrival has certainly proven to be beneficial. The country has been a favourite with holiday makers for long and now with the convenience of VoA, more number of tourists are looking for deals on cheap flights to India.

Government of India launched the VoA scheme in January 2010 to attract more foreign tourists to look for airline ticket to the country. The prerogative was given to five countries in 2010 - Finland, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand and Singapore. In January 2011, the scheme was extended to six more countries - Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Laos and Myanmar.

Maximum number of tourists who used the facility in June came from Japan (233).

During the period January-June 2012, the maximum number of VoAs were issued at Delhi airport (3888), followed by Mumbai (1473), Chennai (954) and Kolkata (406), official figures said.

News Reference

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

India and UAE Join Hands for Tourism Promotion

India with its riveting culture, heritage and hospitality and beguiling tourist attractions steeped in quintessential Indian ambience is already at the forefront of tourism trade in Asia attracting a deluge of holidaymakers every year. The country is striving hard to place itself as a top holiday destination in the global tourism scene. An international collaboration is perhaps what the country has found as the means to achieve its ambitious ends.

Collaboration with UAE

The country is now planning to work in collaboration with the UAE to promote tourism. Both the countries will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU), with an endeavour to double the two-way flow of tourists between them.

Road Show

India’s tourism ministry organised a road show in the Middle East to spike the number of vacationers seeking tickets on flights to India. The road show kicked off from the Atlantis Hotel and was attended by government of India tourism officials, diplomats as well as travel operators, hotels, media participants and airlines.

Indian states like Rajasthan, Delhi, Maharashtra and Uttarakhand, each of which is a top holiday destination and is replete with world class tourist trappings also participated in the show.

Encouraging Figures

Currently, as many as six million tourists plan a tour to India, annualy. The Indian government hopes to double the figure by 2015. There has been a significant rise in the number of travellers who look for cheap flights to India from the Gulf and Middle East.

Additionally, India is aiming to improve its share in the international tourist arrivals from 0.6 per cent to 1 per cent by 2016.

News Sources

Friday, July 6, 2012

Mexico Airport Guide

The Mexico City International Airport is served by more than 30 international and domestic airlines and is connected with more than 100 destinations across the world.

Address: Av. Capitan Carlos Leon s/n, Colonia Penon de los banos, C.P. 15620 Delegacion Venustiano Carranza, Mexico D.F.

Time Zone: GMT - 6, GMT - 5 (from first Sunday in May to last Sunday in September).


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Bali Airport Guide

The airport is also known as Denpasar International Airport and is well served by a number of airlines operating Bali flights.

Address: Jl. Raya, Denpasar 80361, Bali, Indonesia

Time Zone: GMT + 8


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Notes:
Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Seychelles Airport Guide

The Seychelles International Airport also serves as the base of Air Seychelles which is the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles besides serving a host of other flights to and from the destination.

Address: Seychelles International Airport, PO Box 18,1 Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles

Time Zone: GMT + 4


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Maldives Airport Guide

Male International Airport is located in the North Male Atoll. Maldives’ international airport is served by several international airlines as well as few charter operators, and is a hub for the national airline, Maldivian.

Address: Maldives Airports Company Ltd. Male International Airport Hulhule - 22000

Time Zone: +5:00 hours from UTC/GMT


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Monday, July 2, 2012

Mauritius Airport Guide

Mauritius airport is served by numerous overseas airlines. The trendy airport plays a big role in the burgeoning Mauritius tourism segment.

Address: Plaine Magnien, Mauritius

Time Zone: GMT + 4


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Colombo Airport Guide

The Colombo airport hosts more than 15 passenger and cargo airlines, and is a hub for SriLankan Airlines and Colombo’s budget airline Mihin Lanka.

Address: Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake, Sri Lanka.

Tel: 94 11 2252861 Fax: 94 11 225 9435

Time Zone: +5:30 hours from UTC/GMT


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Hong Kong Airport Guide

The Hong Kong International Airport is an important gateway for different Chinese destinations and serves as a main hub for many airlines.

Address: Hong Kong International Airport, Lantau, Hong Kong

Time Zone: +8:00 hours from UTC/GMT


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Friday, June 29, 2012

Singapore Airport Guide

The Singapore Airport is spread out over an area of some 1,300 hectares and serves over 40 airlines across the domains of regional, international and cargo services, including the five star Singapore Airlines.

Address: Singapore Changi Airport PO Box 168 Singapore 918146

Time Zone: +8:00 hours from UTC/GMT


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Nairobi Airport Guide

The Nairobi Airport has become the benchmark for other airports in the region. JKIA is served by 49 scheduled airlines and offers direct connections to the African Continent, the Far East, and the Middle East.

Address: P O Box 19087-00501, Airport North Road, Nairobi, Kenya

Time Zone: GMT + 3


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Manila Airport Guide

Ninoy Aquino International Airport is the largest in the Philippines and serves Manila and its surrounding metropolitan area.

Address: Pasay City 1300, Manila, Philippines

Time Zone: GMT + 8


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Marrakech Menara Airport Guide

Marrakech-Menara Airport handles flights from European as well as Arab world destinations. The airport is a main hub for Royal Air Maroc.

Address: B.P 13201 Marrakech, Morocco

Time Zone: GMT


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Casablanca Airport Guide

Mohammed V International Airport, the airport serves as one of the major gateways to the country. The busiest Morocco airport is the hub of Morocco's flag airline Royal Air Maroc.

Address: Office National des Aeroports, Casa-Oasis, BP 8101 Casablanca, Morocco

Telephone: (022) 539 040

Time Zone: GMT


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Virgin Atlantic India Flights Offers


Virgin Atlantic India Flights Offers

British Airways India Flights Offers


British Airways India Flights Offers

Jet Airways India Flights Offers

Jet Airways India Flights Offers

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Bahrain International Airport

Bahrain International Airport is the key hub for Gulf Air and Bahrain Air. Some of the popular airlines that fly to the airport are British Airways, Indian Airlines, Air India Express, Cathay Pacific and other airlines.

Address: Bahrain International Airport, P.O Box 586, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain

Time Zone: UTC/GMT +3:00


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Muscat Airport Guide

Muscat International Airport is a hub base for Oman Air, national airline of Oman. Other popular airlines to the airport are Air India, Emirates, British Airways, Etihad, Jet Airways, Lufthansa and Qatar Airways.

Time Zone: (UTC+4)


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Friday, June 22, 2012

Abu Dhabi Airport Guide

Abu Dhabi International Airport serves the city of Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates. It is the second largest airport in the UAE.

Address: PO Box 20, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Time Zone: GMT + 4


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Dubai Airport Guide

The Dubai International Airport is forecasted to handle an annual passenger traffic of 46 million in 2010.

Address: Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai International Airport, PO Box 2525, Dubai, UAE

Time Zone: GMT + 4


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Langkawi Airport Guide

Langkawi International Airport serves Malaysia Airlines, Finnair and AirAsia. Langkawi Airport additionally serves flights of China Southern Airlines and Cathay Pacific.

Address: Langkawi International Airport, 07100 Padang Mat Sirat, Malaysia

Tel: +60 (0) 4 955 1311 Fax: +60 (0) 4 955 1314

Time Zone: GMT + 8:00


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Penang Airport Guide

Penang International Airport won the Best Emerging Airport (Asia) at the Asian Freight and Supply Chain Awards.

Address: Penang International Airport, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia

Tel: +60 (0) 4 643 4411 Fax: +60 (0) 4 643 5399

Time Zone: +8:00 hours from UTC/GMT


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

SriLankan Joins Oneworld, Opens Up India Flights for the Alliance

The news of SriLankan Airlines joining the oneworld has brought cheers to not only the SriLankan and oneworld camps but also to those interested in netting rewarding deals on India bound flights.

The induction of Sri Lanka’s flag carrier in the global alliance will open up new flights to India for oneworld passengers. The carrier connects to three major southern parts of the country - Kochi, Tiruchirapalli and Thiruvananthapuram and all of these three will now be added to the alliance’s network.

SriLankan Airlines is the biggest international airline that offers seamless connections to neighbouring Maldives, a top luxury holiday destination. And as mentioned, the carrier also has a significant presence in southern India. This just might make it easy for the members of the oneworld alliance seeking tickets on cheap flights to India as they can now redeem their air miles with SriLankan Airlines too.

CEO of SriLankan Airlines, Kapila Chandrasena said that this linkup would strengthen the position of SriLankan on the global aviation map.

As per the report of Sri Lanka’s Daily News, the induction of SriLankan into oneworld will bring rewarding deals for its passengers, as they would be able to enjoy this truly global travel network. Moreover, the airline’s FlySmiLes frequent flyer programme members will also be able to redeem air miles with any of oneworld’s other carriers. Such rewards will definitely satisfy the budget travellers looking for cheap flights and other privileges with the airline. Apart from this, top tier members of the airline will be granted with access to oneworld’s 550 plus airport lounges.

News Reference

Monday, June 18, 2012

Kuala Lumpur Airport Guide

Kuala Lumpur International Airport is one of the world’s busiest airports in terms of passenger traffic.

Address: Malaysia Airports Sepang Sdn Bhd, KL International Airport, 64000 KLIA, Selangor, Malaysia.

Time Zone: +8:00 hours from UTC/GMT


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

South African Airways to Enhance Mumbai-Johannesburg Flights

South African Airways is all ready to roll out one more weekly flight on the popular Mumbai- Johannesburg route. The new service is going to complement the airline’s four weekly flights to India’s financial capital that are already in operation.

South African Airways’ fifth flight to India, connecting Mumbai and Johannesburg will kick start off from June 16. The route is highly popular among business travellers and holiday makers on both sides. Especially over the last few years, South Africa has experienced a significant rise in Indian tourist inflow. In 2011, South Africa saw a 26.2 per cent growth in Indian tourists visiting the country as compared to the last year with more than 90,000 Indians booked flights to South Africa in 2011.

Presently, the airline offers four weekly flights on Mumbai-Johannesburg route on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The new weekly flight will be offered on Sundays.

South African Airways will be operating the new flight with Airbus A330-200s and will be offering two travel classes. There will be 36 business class seats for those who desire luxury and 186 economy class seats for those who prefer tickets on relatively cheap flights to India.

Currently, South African Airways is the only carrier that offers direct Mumbai to Johannesburg flights. Recently, India’s Jet Airways suspending the service on the route temporarily.

South African Airways, South Africa’s flag carrier, also has a sixth frequency scheduled on Mumbai-Johannesburg route from August 21, subject to government approval.

Reference

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Peshawar Airport Guide

The Peshawar International Airport has improved dramatically in terms of both infrastructure and passenger traffic. The international airport is located about a 10-minute drive from the centre of Peshawar.

Airport Code: PEW


Address: Peshawar, Pakistan

Time Zone: GMT + 5


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Karachi Airport Guide

The Karachi Airport is also served by approximately 20 further carriers. The different airlines include Emirates, Etihad Airways, Air Arabia, Ariana Afghan Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines and other airlines.

Airport Code: KHI

Address: Suite No. 6034, Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, Pakistan

Time Zone: GMT + 5


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Lahore Airport Guide

The Lahore Airport of Pakistan is known as the Allama Iqbal International Airport. It is amongst the busiest and the largest airports in Pakistan. Besides, serving the capital city of Lahore, the airport also caters to Pakistan’s Punjab province.

Airport Code: LHE

Address: Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore, Pakistan

Time Zone: GMT + 5


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Islamabad Airport Guide

The Islamabad International Airport serves a range of airlines, such as Kuwait Airways, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, Thai Airways International, United Airlines, American Airlines, Ariana Afghan Airlines and other airlines.

Airport Code: ISB

Time Zone: PST (UTC+5)


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Delhi-Agra to Be Connected with Helicopter Services

Undoubtedly, Taj Mahal is India’s biggest tourist gem! A good number of tourists from all corners of the world look to get their hands around cheap flight deals for India just to explore the extreme grandeur of this hugely renowned love symbol.

And now, these Taj-smitten tourists would be able to travel to Agra from Delhi via a helicopter! Delhi airport remains one of the biggest gateways for tourists taking flights to India and it surely makes sense to link the two cities.

The Indian ministry of civil aviation has gathered support from the state administration of Uttar Pradesh to connect Delhi with Agra in order to boost region’s tour and travel sector. Not just Agra, the authorities have come up with a plan to link Delhi to tourist-interest cities of Mathura and Vrindavan. Agra is also going to have a brand new international air terminal at Dhanauli, which is likely to make the proposed chopper services a hit.

The state tourism officials seem to have already met the Pawan Hans Helicopter Limited officials and the proposed locations for helipads at Vrindavan have also been identified.

As mentioned earlier, a visit to Taj Mahal remains the most important aspect of sightseeing itinerary for many tourists booking cheap flights to India for a holiday break. The helicopter service is sure to benefit vacationers who grab airline tickets to Delhi and seek to unearth the gems of Agra, Mathura and Vrindavan.

In particular, tourists who do not have much time on their hands will find the service highly valuable.

Reference

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Auckland Airport Guide

Auckland International Airport is New Zealand’s major gateway to the world. Formed in 1988, the airport has been voted to be one of the 10 best airports in the world consecutively for two years.

Address: PO Box 73020, Manukau 2150, New Zealand.

The airport is located about 21kms south of Auckland.

Telephone:
+27 (0)31 451 6666

Time Zone: GMT + 12 (GMT + 13 from last Sunday in September to first Sunday in April).


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Christchurch Airport Guide

The Christchurch Airport serves as a veritable gateway to the Antarctic and operated over 100 direct flights each year.

Airport Code: CHC

Address: 4th Floor, Carpark Building, Christchurch Airport, Memorial Avenue, Christchurch, New Zealand

Time Zone: GMT + 12 (GMT + 13 from first Sunday in October to third Sunday in March).


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Monday, June 11, 2012

Queenstown Airport Guide

Queenstown Airport is situated in Frankton, Otago, in the South Island of New Zealand. Started as a domestic airport, the airport over the years has been witnessing increase in international traffic.

Address: PO Box 64, Queenstown, New Zealand

Time Zone: GMT + 12 (GMT + 13 from last Sunday in September to first Sunday in April)


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Cairo Airport Guide

Cairo International Airport is located in Heliopolis, north-east of Cairo, the capital of Egypt. The airport is operated by Cairo Airport Authority.

Airport Code: CAI

Address: Oruba Road, Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt

Time Zone: GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from last Friday in April to first Friday in October)


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Hurghada Airport Guide

Hurghada Airport is one of the busiest airports in Egypt and receives traffic from destinations across Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

Airport Code: HRG

Address: Hurghada, Egypt

Time Zone: GMT + 2 GMT +3 (from last Friday in April to last Thursday in September).


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Sharm El Sheikh Airport Guide

Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport is one of the busiest airports in Egypt and Africa, and handles nearly 7 million passengers annually. Airport Code: SSH

Address: Ras Nasrani, Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt

Time Zone: GMT +2, GMT +3 (from last Sunday in April to last Thursday in September).


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Luxor Airport Guide

Luxor International Airport serves nearly 2 million passengers each year. The international airport is managed by the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority.

Airport Code: LXR

Time Zone: GMT + 2


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Chiang Mai Airport Guide

The Chiang Mai International airport is undoubtedly one of the important gateway to the northern Thailand and one of the busiest airports in the country. Location: Chiang Mai International Airport is 4 kilometers southwest of downtown Chiang Mai.

Airport Code: CNX

Time Zone: GMT + 7


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Flights to India May Bring More Tourists to Kerala this Monsoon

The hot favourite of many foreign travellers planning holiday tours to India, Kerala is the perfect place to explore the unveiled beauty of the country!

The Kerala Tourism Department is working overtime to lure more number of domestic and international tourists to take tickets on flights to India this year.

Recently, the state’s tourism department carried out several promotional campaigns in the Gulf region and the authorities are now hoping that it will receive a majority of tourist influx from there in the monsoon months.

The months between June-September are considered as off-season in Kerala when travellers avoid flying to the region even with the availability of numerous airlines with cheap flights to India. However, this year, the region is planning to tempt Gulf tourists to land up in Kerala during monsoon to avoid hot weather back home.

The data of the Kerala tourism shows that 6.8 lakh tourists visited Kerala during monsoon in 2010 while in 2011 the number raised to 7.3 lakh. The authorities are anticipating an increase of 5 to 10% in the tourist inflow this year after getting positive response from Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam towards their marketing campaign.

Rani George, Director, Kerala Tourism Department stated that monsoon tourism was promoted to increase tourist arrivals during off-season. She also said that after finding out the keen interest of the Gulf nationals in the region, the authorities decided to tap their potential and thus launched 'dream season' campaign to promote monsoon tourism.

Rani George also notified that a tourism website will be hosting a virtual video soon to display the major attractions that travellers may experience on their holiday breaks to Kerala.

With the state’s tourism authority taking such measures, it will not be unrealistic to expect that the airlines and hotels may also add to the appeal of this stunning destination by offering cheap flights and hotels who travel here this monsoon.

Reference

Krabi Airport Guide

The Krabi international airport stretches upto 3000 metres and has a much higher passenger handling capacity than ever before.

Time Zone: GMT + 7


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Monday, June 4, 2012

Koh Samui Airport Guide

The Samui island boasts one of the most beautifully designed airports in the world which is privately owned by the Bangkok Airways.

Time Zone: GMT + 7


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Sunday, June 3, 2012

New Terminal to Greet Flyers at Lucknow Airport

International travellers who do not have very high opinion of Indian airports that are located in relatively smaller cities are in for some surprise! Airport authorities in the country have pull out all the stops to ensure that the airports in the country are replete with all the modern day facilities and amenities!

This is exactly what Lucknow airport aims to do. The new terminal of the airport will be operational from Saturday, June 2 and international travellers landing up in the city after taking airline ticket deals will surely be able to enjoy a wide range of modern services and facilities. The new terminal was inaugurated by India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Ajit Singh a couple of weeks ago.

Media reports state that Oman Airways would be the first flight to land at the runway at 4 am on Saturday.

A spacious three-tier building, the new terminal can accommodate 650 passengers at a time. The terminal will be used for arrivals and departures of both domestic as well as international flights. The new terminal has elaborate immigration arrangements for fliers taking inbound or outbound flights to India.

The terminal’s other services are equally elaborate with facilities like internet cafes, cafeteria, snack bars, bookshops and jewellery stores available. Travel buffs taking cheap flights to India will also be able to enjoy shopping at duty-free shops.

The ground floor of the terminal will have arrival and departure points and the first floor will feature a lounge connected to two aerobridges, enabling passengers to walk straight into the aircraft.

Reference

Phuket Airport Guide

The Phuket International Airport in Thailand caters to a large number of passengers each week and is an important landmark in the itinerary of Round-The-World (RTW) travellers.

Address: 222 Moo 6, Talbol Mai Kwao, Amphoe Thalang 83110, Phuket Province, Thailand

Time Zone: GMT + 7


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Bangkok Airport Guide

The 'Suvarnabhumi International Airport’ is without doubt the ‘Pride of Bangkok’ and is the preferred stop-over point of discerning business and leisure travellers from all across the globe.

Time Zone: GMT + 7


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Friday, June 1, 2012

East London Airport Guide

The East London airport receives a total of half a million passengers each year. The Airport has recently upgraded its infrastructure to cater to the projected rise in passenger traffic.

Telephone: +27 (0)43 706 0306

Time Zone: GMT +2


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Added Attraction for Tourists Taking Flights to India

If things go according to the plan, tourists landing up in India after booking airline tickets could very well experience the thrill of a night time safari!

Yes, India is all set to do a Singapore by planning to set up a night safari park very soon. It will be India’s first night safari park and is surely going to regale wildlife enthusiasts with yet another added attraction after they book airline tickets on flights to India. Vacationers who are planning to a travel to India sometime in near future can definitely take advantage of the opportunity!

Media reports suggest that India’s first night safari park is likely to come up at Gautam Budh Nagar University in Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh, a northern state in India. Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has given in principle approval for the project, reports say.

It will be a 120-hectare park that will be built through the public-private partnership (PPP) model. The proposed night safari park will also include an endangered species breeding centre.

Times of India, top English daily, published a report that gave out the finer details of the proposed project. The safari will remain operational between 4pm and midnight all round the year. The park will have a total of 71 species of animals and 841 specimens, including 58 species of mammals, eight species of birds, three species of reptiles and two species of fish. So, enough distractions for holiday makers planning to book cheap flights to India for a hearty wildlife tour!

The report further said 40% animals will be from the Indian sub-continent and the rest will be imported from foreign shores.

Reference

Port Elizabeth Airport Guide

The Port Elizabeth Airport is no more than ten minutes from all major commercial areas of the city. No wonder it has earned the sobriquet of the ‘ten minute airport’ from frequent flyers who patronize this airport.

Address:
Alister Miller Drive, Walmer 6065, South Africa

Telephone: +27 (0)41 507 7348

Time Zone: GMT + 2



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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Durban Airport Guide

Durban International Airport, one of the largest airports in the country, handles some 2.4 million passengers every year.

Address: P O Box X1, Durban International Airport, 4029, South Africa

E-Mail: customercare@airports.co.za

Telephone: +27 (0)31 451 6666

Time Zone: GMT + 2


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Many Airlines Still Willing to Spread Wings in India

All the gloom and doom that seem to have permeated the India’s aviation sector could well make experts wary of the industry’s future.

But a report published by the Center of Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) on its website says that while some carriers might have scrapped their flights to India, a good number of global airlines are looking to expand their operations to the country, with few already have done so.

And perhaps the most heartening part of the report for the industry is the fact that not only big cities and traditional hubs like Mumbai and Delhi are attracting ventures from carriers but comparatively smaller cities like Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Amritsar too are featuring in the expansion plans of global players.

Virgin Atlantic is all set to resume London-Mumbai flights from October. Dragonair will be offering flights to Kolkata from November. Etihad will offer a connection between Abu Dhabi and Ahmedabad also in November. Air China launched Chengdu-Mumbai operation in May 2012. Kenya Airways started non-stop Nairobi-Delhi service in May-2012.

The reason for India being such a focal point of airlines around the world can be the fact that apart from being a highly popular holiday travel destination and an emerging economy, the country’s geographical location makes it a perfect regional hub. So, for every AirAsiaX that has suspended its cheap flights to India, there are several carriers that see a great potential in the country.

CAPA report says airlines based in Asia, Africa and the Middle East are the ones that seem to be most interested in India.

Reference

Johannesburg Airport Guide

The Johannesburg International Airport is the busiest airport in South Africa is undergoing a major revamp in the wake of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Airport

Address: Private Bag X1, O R Tambo International Airport, 1627, South Africa

E-Mail address: customercare@airports.co.za

Telephone: +27 (0)11 921 6911.

Time Zone: GMT + 2


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Monday, May 28, 2012

Cape Town Airport Guide

The Cape Town International Airport is the third largest airport in Africa and is among the best airports in the world.

Address: Airports Company South Africa, Private Bag X9002, Cape Town International Airport, 7525, South Africa.

Telephone: +27 (021) 937 1200

Time Zone: GMT + 2


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Brisbane Airport Guide

The Brisbane International Airport is the ideal stop-over point for well-heeled business and leisure travellers who intend to take a stop-over in the Australian sub-continent.

Address: 11, The Circuit, Brisbane Airport, Queensland 4007, Australia

Website: www.brisbaneairport.com.au

Time Zone: GMT + 10


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

New Hotels for Pilgrimage Tourists Taking Flights to India

The news of the launch of new pilgrim hotel chain by Daiwik Hotels has brought big cheers to the international travellers planning holiday breaks to India to enjoy a cocktail of spirituality.

The first 4-star pilgrim hotel chain of India, Daiwik Hotels has planned to set up five 4-star hotels at popular pilgrimage destinations including Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, and Dwarka in Gujarat, Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh and Katra in Jammu & Kashmir. The hotels aim to serve the middle-income and high-income international and domestic tourists. The hotels will start operating in the next 30 months.

The launch of these hotels will give a boost to the pilgrim tourism in the country that acts as a great crowd puller luring hordes of international travellers to plan air travel and book tickets on flights to India. Pilgrim tourism in India educates the travellers about the authentic spiritual beliefs of the country.

Other than the hotel launch, Daiwik Hotels has also planned to offer knowledge-based recreational facilities to the travellers such as guided tours, historical information about the place and recreational activities like yoga, Ayurveda spa etc. These activities mirror the restorative powers of yoga and Ayurveda and thus remain a key lure that indulge travellers into booking airlines with cheap flights to India.

Managing Director & CEO of Daiwik Hotels, Mr. Debashis Ghosal expressed that the company chose pilgrimage hospitality as there is a huge demand and supply gap in India for quality branded products.

Reference : http://www.southalltravel.co.uk/news/India/90402155/More-Hotel-Options-for-Pilgrim-Tourists-taking-Flights-to-India.html

Adelaide Airport Guide

The Adelaide Airport is the preferred stop-over point for discerning business and leisure travellers visiting Australia.

Address: 1 James Schofield Drive, South Australia 5950, Australia

Time Zone: GMT + 9.5 (GMT + 10.5 from first Sunday in October to first Sunday in April)


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Cairns Airport Guide

The Cairns International Airport is one of busiest airports in Australia. Renovated with a cost of A$200 million.

Address: Corner of Grafton and Hartley Streets, PO Box 594, Cairns, Queensland, Australia 4870.

Time Zone: GMT + 10


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Northeast Tourism to Get a Stimulus

Though India is a popular holiday destination, the country’s north-eastern region still remains a relatively unexplored heaven that is replete with incredible natural marvels.

Addressing the issue, Northeast India has decided to unveil its hidden charms to the world around and is thus planning to roll out a master plan to improve its tour and travel industry.

The North Eastern Council (NEC) a nodal association for economic and social expansion of northeastern states like Sikkim has laid the plan in agreement with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), which is likely to be implemented in the current 12th Five Year Plan period.

India’s Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) has taken the initiative to propose this master plan to the ministry of tourism and respective state governments for implementation.

Union Ministry of Tourism reports show that there has been a growth of 6.9% in the number of international travellers booking tickets on flights to India and visiting northeastern region. Whereas, the frequency of domestic travellers visiting the region has grown by 8.09% in 2010.

Eco-tourism, culture and religion are the scoring points of the northeastern India and these are the ones that are likely to draw more number of travellers to look for airlines offering cheap flights to India to plan refreshing breaks here.

Presently, Sikkim is the winning horse in terms of tourism in the region. Experts believe that the success of Sikkim as a tourist hot spot is likely to motivate the underdeveloped tourism industry of other northeastern Indian states as well like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, etc.

Reference

Melbourne Airport Guide

Melbourne Airport has as many as 4 terminals. Terminal 2 is used for international flights, while the rest cater to domestic flights.

Official Website and Telephone: www.melbourneairport.com

Time Zone: GMT +10. It becomes GMT +11 from last Sunday of October to first Sunday of April.


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Cathay Pacific May Decrease Its Flight Frequency to Delhi

Hong Kong's flag carrier, Cathay Pacific may decrease the frequency of its Delhi bound flights to India, even while the airline is looking to enhance its services to other parts of the country.

With effect from May 15th, 2012, Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) increased 345 per cent hike in aeronautical charges. Underpinned by the rate hike, Cathay Pacific is expected to make substantial decrease in its flight frequency from the present 14 times a week flights to Delhi.

If the airline trims down its flights to Delhi, it will be the fourth foreign airline after American Airlines, Air Asia and Air France to either cancel or cut down Delhi bound flights.

While American Airlines terminated its services out of Delhi, Air France chose to reduce the frequency of its Delhi bound flights. Air Asia, popular choice for cheap flights to India and other Asian destinations has already cancelled its services from Delhi Airport.

Other foreign carriers that opposing the recent rate hike of nearly 345 per cent hike by DIAL include the likes of Lufthansa, British Airways, Emirates and Singapore Airlines.

With the recent rate hike by DIAL, budget vacationers looking for holiday tours to India would surely be wary of high priced travel tickets.

Cathay Pacific may decide on whether or not to cut back on its flight frequency to Delhi only after it evaluates the impact of the hike on their operations out of Delhi. With the recent rage of rate hikes, Delhi has become the most expensive airport in the world.

Reference

Sydney Airport Guide

Sydney Airport has three terminals. Terminal 1 is the International Terminal, while 2 and 3 are the domestic and Qantas terminals respectively.

Official Website and Telephone:
For latest information on the airport, a reliable source is the airport website, www.sydneyairport.com. One may also send the carrier and flight number as text message to the helpline 199 00 747 for flight arrival and departure status.

Time Zone: GMT + 10. (GMT + 11 from the last Sunday of October to the last Sunday of March)


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Perth Airport Guide

The Perth Airport is the International terminal, while terminals 2 and 3 are used as domestic terminals.

Official Website and Telephone: Visit www.perthairport.com for latest information on flights and associated queries.

Time Zone: GMT + 8


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Notes: Please refer to the official website for latest updates.

Indian Govt Launches ‘Incredible Tiffin’ To Promote Tourism

In a bid to promote tourism and to entice foreign tourists to book flights to India, the Union Ministry of Tourism (MoT) has come up with ‘Incredible Tiffin’ campaign. Under the project, ethnic India food will be offered in tiffins to people outside India.

Incredible Tiffin’, an initiative of the Indian Ministry of Tourism, aims at increasing the foreign tourist inflow to India. The campaign will promote Indian cuisine all over the world and will acquaint people with the rich variety in Indian food.

‘Incredible Tiffin’ campaign, an enterprise of the Cuisine Society of India, was launched at ITC Maurya, New Delhi. Under the scheme, local ethnic food will be offered in tiffin (colloquially referred as ‘dabba’ in the country) to people outside India, allowing them to sample the different culinary treats that await them after booking flights to India.

The initiative is a part of the ‘Incredible India’ campaign that was launched by the Indian tourism ministry to attract higher number of foreign tourists.

India’s Minister of Tourism, Subodh Kant Sahai launched the campaign. He highlighted the contribution of Indian cuisine in making foreigners look for those cheap flights to India. The minister also expressed hope that with the ‘Incredible Tiffin’ being launched, five million more tourists will book airline tickets to India.

V Sunil, the Creative Director of ‘Incredible Tiffin’ concept is of the opinion that India as a tourist hub cannot simply keep promoting the usual attractions. India needs to keep reinventing itself a holiday destination in order to continue attracting people to book flights to India. He said the concept needed to be something “which had contemporary packaging with local connect and appeal.”

With all its aromatic flavours and wonderful diversity, Indian cuisine is highly popular world over and is a must-have experience on holiday tour in the country. Different states and territories of India have their own spread of delightful local delicacies, attracting tourists seeking culinary pursuits to grab tickets on cheap flights to India to discover the country’s inimitable gastronomic concoctions.

Manisha Bhasin, Executive Chef, ITC Maurya, New Delhi was also quoted in different online sources. He said foreign travellers are not very familiar with Indian cuisine as it keeps on changing every 100 kilometres and with each region and community.

"Incredible Tiffin" offers a carefully packaged spread of local delicacies, suggesting what the visitors should look for in Indian food when they travel to India.

The first to roll out under the project is the Delhvi cuisine.

Food from Delhi will have two categories - Farmaishi (royal) cuisine and Saadgi (common man's) food. News reports revealed that a sample Delhi tiffin will have four well known cuisines from Kayasthas, Vaish, Muslim and Punjabi communities.

Under the campaign, the authorities are also planning to celebrate Indian food weeks all over the world. One would be able to buy memorabilia such as tiffin boxes, food maps, books and pamphlets at such events.

Reference