Holiday Basket

Air India marked a major milestone on February 1, 2026, by launching its first line-fit Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the Mumbai–Frankfurt route and resuming Delhi–Shanghai flights after six years. The new Dreamliner offers modern cabins and improved passenger comfort. Frankfurt strengthens Air India’s presence in Europe. Shanghai restores direct connectivity between India and China. Both routes reflect rising international travel demand. These moves support Air India’s Vihaan.AI transformation plan. Fleet renewal is a key focus for the airline. Overall, the developments signal strong global expansion ambitions.

Celebrity Cruises has announced a major expansion of its river cruise business in Europe. The company will introduce ten new river cruise ships under the Celebrity River Cruises brand. Bookings have opened for the 2028 season with 80 percent more destinations. New routes will join popular rivers like the Danube, Rhine, Seine, and Douro. The focus will be on luxury, comfort, and cultural experiences. Modern ships, fine dining, and immersive excursions will be key features. The move strengthens Celebrity’s position in the growing river cruise market. By 2028, the brand aims to offer one of Europe’s most diverse river cruise programs.

Hong Kong will celebrate Chinese New Year with a festive mix of tradition and modern entertainment this February. The city will welcome the Year of the Horse with colourful decorations, parades, and cultural activities. Popular characters will join the celebrations through shows and meet-and-greet events. Traditional experiences like lion dances and calligraphy will remain a key part of the festival. Shopping and dining will feature special menus and limited-edition products. The celebrations are designed to be family-friendly and joyful. This initiative helps boost tourism and attract global visitors. It presents Hong Kong as a lively and welcoming New Year destination.

Singapore Airlines has announced network adjustments for the 2026 Northern Summer season from March to October. The airline will increase flights and capacity across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific. More services are planned for Paris, Frankfurt, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Seasonal changes will also apply to Rome, Barcelona, Sydney, and Melbourne. Regional demand growth has led to added flights to Tokyo and Seoul. Modern aircraft will be used to improve efficiency and comfort. The airline aims to balance growth with sustainability goals. These changes support strong summer travel demand across its global network.

Singapore allows selected travellers to enter the country for up to 96 hours without a visa under the VFTF rule. This applies to passengers travelling to or from a third country. Citizens of certain CIS countries, India, and selected PRC document holders may qualify. Indian travellers must hold a valid visa for specific developed countries. A confirmed onward ticket within 96 hours is required. Stay extension under this rule is not allowed. Entry approval depends on immigration officers at arrival. The rule helps travellers enjoy short visits during transit.

Air France will launch special direct flights from Los Angeles and New York to Nice in 2026 for the Cannes festivals. The flights will run during May and June, matching the Cannes Film Festival and Cannes Lions Festival dates. Travelers can reach the French Riviera without changing planes in Paris. Flights from Los Angeles will operate in May, while New York services will run in June. The airline will use widebody aircraft with multiple cabin options. These routes save time and make travel easier for festival guests. The move supports tourism and business travel to southern France. It also strengthens Air France’s role in global cultural events.

Bharat Parv 2026 will be organised by the Ministry of Tourism at the Red Fort in New Delhi from 26 to 31 January 2026. The festival is part of the Republic Day celebrations and will be open to the public with free entry. Visitors will be able to explore state and Union Territory pavilions showcasing India’s culture and traditions. A special food festival will offer regional dishes from across the country. Cultural performances like folk dances and music will entertain the audience. Handicrafts and exhibitions by Indian artisans will be displayed at the venue. The event will promote tourism and national unity. Bharat Parv 2026 will celebrate India’s heritage in a joyful and patriotic way.

Thailand is planning a Disneyland-style theme park in its Eastern Economic Corridor to attract more tourists. The project aims to boost tourism and support transport development at the same time. It is linked with major airport and high-speed rail projects connecting key cities. Officials believe the theme park can bring visitors throughout the year. The plan also includes sports and event facilities, but the theme park will be the main attraction. Different park sizes are being studied based on land availability. Casinos will not be allowed under Disney’s rules. The project is still in the discussion stage, with no final decision yet.

Delhi will start a luxury cruise service on the Yamuna river from February as part of its riverfront tourism plan. The cruise will offer an international-style experience with seating for 40 passengers. It will run hour-long trips and provide facilities like music, entertainment and food services. The vessel is being transported from Mumbai to Delhi in January. Final technical and safety work will be completed after its arrival. The service is expected to be inaugurated by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. Water sports and a leisure zone are also planned near the cruise terminal. The project aims to promote eco-friendly tourism and reconnect people with the river.

KLM has launched free WiFi on its European flights starting from 22 January 2026.The service is being introduced in phases across the airline’s short-haul fleet. At present, around half of KLM’s European aircraft already offer free internet access.The airline plans to extend this service to all Airbus A321neo and Embraer 195-E2 aircraft.Some Boeing 737-800 aircraft will also be included in the rollout in the coming years.Free WiFi allows passengers to browse the internet, send emails, stream content, and stay connected.Travelers can access the service by logging in or registering as a Flying Blue member.The move reflects KLM’s focus on improving comfort and meeting long-standing passenger requests.

Air India will start operating its brand-new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the Mumbai–Frankfurt route from 1 February 2026. The new aircraft offers modern cabins, better comfort, improved in-flight entertainment, and quieter engines. This move strengthens Air India’s European network, supports its fleet renewal plan, and reflects the airline’s focus on quality, sustainability, and better passenger experience as part of its transformation under the Tata Group.

Goa is getting ready to host the much-loved Carnaval 2026, a lively festival filled with colour, music, dance, and happiness. Organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, the celebration will take place from 13 to 17 February across major cities including Porvorim, Panjim, Margao, Vasco da Gama, Mapusa, and Morjim. Deeply connected to Goa’s Portuguese roots, the festival will feature grand parades, cultural performances, local food, and community participation. The event is expected to attract many tourists and bring strong support to local businesses, making it one of the biggest cultural events of the year in Goa.

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) will operate over 2,400 flights during the Chinese New Year 2026 travel season to help Malaysians return home. Malaysia Airlines and Firefly are adding more flights, offering special fares, and improving connections between West and East Malaysia. This move supports families travelling during one of the busiest times of the year.

Vietjet has once again been named among the World’s Safest Airlines for 2026 by AirlineRatings. This recognition confirms the airline’s strong focus on safety, modern aircraft, and reliable operations. Vietjet has kept a perfect 7/7 safety rating since 2018, showing that low-cost travel can still meet the highest safety standards.

Rajgarh Palace, a 350-year-old royal building in northern India, has reopened as a luxury hotel after a full restoration by the Oberoi Group. Set on a large private estate near Khajuraho, the palace offers elegant rooms, fine dining, a lakeside spa, and cultural experiences. With easy access to wildlife parks and historic temples, the hotel gives guests a chance to enjoy India’s royal heritage, nature, and tradition in one unforgettable stay.

Thai Airways International has received its first Airbus A321neo aircraft, registered HS-TOA and named “Bowonrangsi,” marking an important step in its fleet renewal and regional growth plans. Delivered from Hamburg on 25 December 2025, the aircraft offers better fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and improved passenger comfort. It is the first of 32 A321neo aircraft to join THAI’s fleet and will start commercial flights on the Bangkok–Singapore route from 22 January 2026.

Malaysia Airlines has launched its “Time for New Chapters” campaign for 2026, offering low fares from RM159, extra discounts for Enrich members, and travel until November 2026. The campaign includes many global and regional destinations, modern aircraft with better comfort, free Wi-Fi, and special Malaysian and Asian meals. It aims to make travel easier, affordable, and more enjoyable for everyone in the new year.

From 2026, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea will introduce stricter travel and entry rules to better manage tourism and improve border security. Japan will change its tax-free shopping system, increase departure tax, and strengthen document and data checks at borders. Singapore will enforce a No-Boarding Directive, allowing airlines to stop passengers from boarding if they do not meet entry requirements. South Korea will also tighten entry checks and improve visitor monitoring to handle high tourist numbers. Travelers should be prepared for more paperwork, stricter checks, and slightly higher travel costs when visiting these countries.

IndiGo has become the first Indian airline to add the Airbus A321XLR aircraft to its fleet. The new plane arrived in Delhi on 7 January 2026 and will help IndiGo fly longer international routes. Using this aircraft, the airline will start direct flights from Mumbai and Delhi to Athens from 23 and 24 January 2026, with three flights per week on each route. The A321XLR offers better fuel efficiency, comfortable seating, in-flight entertainment, and complimentary meals. IndiGo plans to use this aircraft to expand its services to Europe and East Asia and strengthen India’s position in global aviation.

Tomorrowland will be held in Thailand for the first time in December 2026 at Wisdom Valley, Chonburi. The three-day festival will welcome around 50,000 visitors, with multiple stages, hotel stays, and shuttle services available. This event marks a major step for Thailand in global music and tourism.

The DGCA has banned the use of power banks for charging any electronic devices during flights because of safety risks linked to lithium batteries. Incidents of overheating and fire have raised serious concerns. Power banks are allowed only in hand baggage but cannot be used on board. Airlines have been instructed to strictly follow the rules, train cabin crew properly, and clearly inform passengers to ensure safe air travel.

Kaziranga National Park has recorded a record rise in international tourists at the start of the 2025–26 tourism year. Improved connectivity, smooth booking systems, rich wildlife, and strong conservation efforts have made the park a favorite global destination. The tourism growth is helping local communities while keeping wildlife protection as the top priority.

The Jammu Tourism Department is planning to start commercial paragliding near Aitham by early next year. The project aims to promote adventure tourism and create job opportunities for local youth. Aitham, located around 19 km from Jammu city, has ideal weather, wind conditions, and scenic views, making it suitable for paragliding activities.To ensure safety and quality, 20 local pilots are undergoing professional training with expert instructors. The initiative also supports women empowerment, with Dolly Sharma being the only woman pilot among the trainees. Along with paragliding, the tourism department plans to develop infrastructure like access roads, restaurants, and viewing points to make Jammu a year-round tourist destination.

Pithoragarh has launched its first astro-tourism observatory to promote stargazing, science learning, and local jobs. Trained local Astro Guides will run sessions, making the district a new hub for night-sky tourism in Uttarakhand.

Navi Mumbai International Airport has begun commercial operations with its first passenger flights. The airport started with limited daytime operations and handled around 30 domestic flights on day one. This new airport will help reduce congestion at Mumbai’s existing airport and improve air travel in the region.

Lucknow is developing the Kukrail Night Safari to promote eco-tourism in Uttar Pradesh. Inspired by Singapore, it will be India’s first urban night safari, offering visitors a chance to see wildlife at night. The project includes new facilities like a children’s park, nature trails, bamboo huts, an open gym, cafeteria, toilets, and parking. Being built at a cost of ₹2 crore, the initiative aims to boost tourism, create local jobs, and provide a safe and enjoyable wildlife experience.

Thailand is seeing a strong rise in air travel as 2026 approaches, with passenger numbers close to pre-COVID levels. Airports are especially busy ahead of the New Year, with the peak expected between 27 December 2025 and 4 January 2026. Tourists from countries like China, India, and Malaysia are visiting in large numbers. Airlines such as Thai Airways and AirAsia are adding more flights and routes, including to popular destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Krabi. With better planning and more flights, Thailand is well prepared for one of its busiest New Year travel seasons in recent years.

Disneyland Paris is set to open Disney Adventure World on March 29, 2026, bringing one of its biggest expansions ever in Europe. The new park will feature the magical World of Frozen, exciting Pixar and Marvel attractions, a stunning nighttime show at Adventure Bay, and many new dining options. With a €2 billion investment, this transformation promises more fun, better stories, and unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages.

Navi Mumbai International Airport will start commercial flights from Thursday, helping reduce travel time, ease crowd at Mumbai airport, and boost tourism and business in the region. On the first day, 30 flights by airlines like IndiGo and Akasa Air will operate.

Air India has stopped its direct flights to San Francisco from Bengaluru and Mumbai from March 1. This decision will affect many passengers who already have bookings. The airline said the reason is higher operating costs and airspace issues. Instead, Air India will focus more on flights from Delhi to North America. Passengers affected will be offered alternative flights or a refund. The airline may restart these routes in the future if the situation gets better.

Direct flights between Darwin and Kuala Lumpur have been relaunched by AirAsia Malaysia, with four weekly departures. This service resumes after a ten-year hiatus, offering enhanced access for tourists and corporate travellers. 

Air India Express has started a new direct flight between Varanasi in India and Bangkok in Thailand, which will begin from 01 February 2026. This non-stop service saves travel time as passengers no longer need to change flights. The new route makes it easier for Thai visitors to reach Varanasi, one of India’s most important cultural cities. At the same time, Indian travellers get direct access to Bangkok, a major international hub.From Bangkok, passengers can also easily connect to many other countries in Southeast Asia.

Approximately 41,800 foreigners were denied entry into Singapore in the first 11 months of 2025. To tighten border controls, a new no-boarding rule will start in January 2026. Airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Emirates, Turkish Airlines and  AirAsia will stop travellers who are not eligible from boarding flights to Singapore. More airlines will join the scheme from March 2026, according to ICA.

IndiGo has announced an additional ₹10,000 travel voucher for passengers severely affected by mass flight cancellations between December 3–5, on top of mandatory compensation, as it seeks to contain fallout from over 4,200 cancelled flights in a turbulent week…

Thailand has tightened security and imposed curfews in select border districts near Cambodia, while tourism and transport across the rest of the country—including major destinations—continue to operate normally, authorities said…

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told the Rajya Sabha that Indian Railways’ punctuality has risen to 80 per cent—surpassing several European countries—driven by major operational upgrades and record investments, with many divisions crossing the 90 per cent mark..

Indian Railways has unveiled its first indigenously developed, zero-emission hydrogen train—now the world’s longest and most powerful of its kind—marking a major leap toward green, next-generation rail technology…