Category: Travel

Travel

FLY91 Launches Daily Kochi–Agatti Flights, Plans Expansion to Seven New Regional Stations

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

FLY91 has announced the launch of daily non-stop flights between Kochi and Agatti in the Lakshadweep islands, with bookings now open for travel in both directions. The announcement comes as the regional airline accelerates its network growth, with plans to add seven new stations over the next 90 days as part of a phased expansion strategy.

The new Kochi–Agatti service marks a significant milestone for FLY91, enhancing connectivity between the Indian mainland and Lakshadweep through a key southern gateway. The airline currently operates flights between Agatti and Manohar International Airport in Goa, and the addition of Kochi provides island residents and visitors with greater flexibility, improved access, and more seamless onward connections.

As part of its expansion roadmap, FLY91 will add Kochi, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Hubballi, Dabolim, Nanded, and Indore to its network. Once operational, the airline’s footprint will expand to 15 stations, supported by a fleet of six ATR 72-600 aircraft. Three additional aircraft are scheduled for induction within the next 45 days, enabling higher frequencies and the introduction of new city pairs while maintaining operational reliability.

The airline’s expansion will roll out in phases beginning in early February with the launch of daily Kochi–Agatti flights. This will be followed by thrice-daily services on the Rajahmundry–Hyderabad and Vijayawada–Hyderabad routes, along with daily flights between Hubballi–Hyderabad and Hubballi–Bengaluru. Subsequent phases will include connections from Nanded to South Goa and Bengaluru, while Indore will be linked to Jalgaon and Hyderabad.

Agatti Island, known for its coral reefs, lagoons, and pristine beaches, is an emerging tourism destination. Improved air connectivity is expected to support sustainable tourism while also easing travel for island residents who depend on limited transport options for education, healthcare, and commerce.

Commenting on the launch, Manoj Chacko, Managing Director and CEO of FLY91, said the daily Kochi–Agatti flights add momentum to regional aviation in India and reaffirm the airline’s commitment to connecting aspirational tier-two and tier-three destinations. He noted that improved regional connectivity will play a key role in unlocking India’s next phase of economic and tourism growth.

Headquartered in Ribandar, Goa, FLY91 currently connects nine destinations and operates from regional hubs including Goa, Hyderabad, Pune, and Bengaluru, with a strong focus on underserved regional markets.

Travel

Air India Deploys New B787-9 Aircraft on Mumbai–Frankfurt Route from February 2026

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Gurugram, January 15, 2026: Air India has announced a major enhancement to its Mumbai–Frankfurt service with the deployment of its newly delivered, first line-fit B787-9 aircraft featuring new cabin interiors. The upgraded aircraft will operate on the route starting February 1, 2026.


Air India currently operates five flights a week between Mumbai and Frankfurt, strengthening connectivity between the financial centres of India and Germany. With this deployment, all Air India flights to Germany, including services between Delhi and Frankfurt, will now be operated using new or upgraded aircraft.

The move is part of Air India’s ongoing fleet transformation programme, which includes additional widebody aircraft deliveries and retrofits planned through 2026. These upgrades aim to modernise a significant portion of the airline’s long-haul fleet and enhance passenger experience.

Further strengthening international connectivity, Air India continues its codeshare partnership with Lufthansa, enabling seamless onward travel from Frankfurt to 29 destinations across Europe, as well as select destinations in North and South America.

Air India’s optimised schedules also provide convenient one-stop connections via Mumbai or Delhi for travellers flying between Germany and destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia and Australia. These include Bangkok, Bali, Colombo, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Phuket and Singapore.

Mumbai–Frankfurt Flight Schedule

Flight Route Departure Arrival

AI2027 Mumbai–Frankfurt 12:35 hrs 17:30 hrs
AI2028 Frankfurt–Mumbai 20:20 hrs 09:00 hrs (+1)


Tickets for the Mumbai–Frankfurt services remain available across all booking channels, including Air India’s website, mobile app, airport ticketing offices, contact centres and authorised travel agents worldwide.

Air India Group, comprising Air India and Air India Express, continues its five-year transformation programme, Vihaan.AI, following its return to Tata Sons ownership in 2022. The airline has placed orders for 570 new aircraft and is undertaking fleet renewal, training infrastructure expansion and maintenance facility development as part of its long-term growth strategy.

Travel

IndiGo Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Lucknow After Bomb Threat Note Found Onboard

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Lucknow; January 18, 2026: An IndiGo flight 6E-6650 operating from Delhi to Bagdogra made an emergency landing at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow, on Saturday morning after a note reading “bomb on board” was discovered during the flight.

The note was reportedly found around 8:46 a.m. IST, prompting the flight crew to immediately alert air traffic control and follow standard security protocols. The aircraft was carrying 222 adult passengers, eight infants, and seven crew members at the time of the incident.

Upon landing, the aircraft was directed to an isolation bay, where all passengers and crew were safely evacuated. Security agencies, including bomb disposal squads and CISF personnel, conducted thorough checks of the aircraft and luggage. As a precautionary measure, passengers were provided refreshments while the investigation was underway.

After extensive inspection, authorities confirmed that no explosive material was found onboard. IndiGo stated that it is fully cooperating with security agencies and reiterated that passenger safety remains its top priority.

While no injuries were reported, the incident led to delays in the onward journey to Bagdogra, with passengers being informed about revised schedules and further assistance.

The investigation is ongoing to determine the source and intent behind the threatening note.

Travel

Siddhant Chaturvedi Invites Fans to Experience Mumbai Like a Local with Airbnb

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

As live music increasingly shapes how India’s Gen Z travels, Airbnb is bringing fans closer to the culture they love through an exclusive collaboration with actor, musician, and cultural voice Siddhant Chaturvedi. Announced on January 14, 2026, the partnership introduces “Lolla India Like a Local,” an Airbnb Original Experience designed to offer guests an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime way to explore Mumbai before ending the day at Lollapalooza India 2026.

The experience reflects a growing trend, with a significant number of young travellers planning trips around concerts and festivals. Rooted in the city that shaped Siddhant, the experience takes guests through Mumbai’s neighbourhoods, food, music, and creative spaces—bringing to life the everyday moments that define local travel. The day culminates at Lollapalooza India, where guests experience the festival alongside Siddhant himself.

Central to the collaboration is The Mumbai Guidebook, a digital city guide curated by Siddhant Chaturvedi exclusively for Airbnb. Featuring his handpicked neighbourhoods, local hangouts, and a selection of Airbnb stays that capture the spirit of the city, the guidebook is designed to help travellers extend their festival trip and experience Mumbai beyond the stage.

Limited to just four guests, the experience transforms recommendations into shared memories. Guests begin the day with a meal at one of Siddhant’s favourite local food joints, followed by a curated heritage walk through Bandra’s historic Ranwar Village with architect Nikhil Mahashur. The journey continues with an intimate jam session where Siddhant performs an original track inspired by the city, before heading to Lollapalooza India together to soak in the music and energy of a live performance.

Sharing his thoughts on the collaboration, Siddhant Chaturvedi said that Mumbai has shaped every aspect of who he is, from his music to the places he returns to. Curating the guidebook and hosting the experience was his way of welcoming guests into his version of the city and sharing the sounds, neighbourhoods, and everyday moments that make Mumbai special.

The initiative builds on Airbnb’s first-ever global live music partnership at Lollapalooza India 2026, which includes a range of exclusive festival-related experiences designed to bring fans closer to the music and culture they love. Airbnb India and Southeast Asia Country Head Amanpreet Bajaj noted that while live music often sparks travel, it is local connections and authentic experiences that make journeys memorable.

Requests to book the four-hour experience will open at 11 AM IST on January 19, 2026, via airbnb.com/siddhant. The experience is priced at ₹0, available to a maximum of four guests on a first-come, first-served basis, with guests responsible for their own travel to and from Mumbai.

Travel

“Please Travel in It Only If You Have Learned Your Toilet Manners”: Anand Rupanagudi on Vande Bharat Sleeper Launch

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The Vande Bharat Sleeper, India’s latest high-speed train designed for overnight journeys, is all set for its much-anticipated rollout. Ahead of the launch, Chief Project Manager Anand Rupanagudi made a candid and humorous remark emphasizing passenger hygiene.

“Please travel in it only if you have learned your toilet manners,” said Rupanagudi, drawing attention to the importance of keeping the train’s facilities clean and well-maintained.

The Vande Bharat Sleeper has been designed to combine comfort, speed, and convenience for long-distance travelers. With modern amenities including sleeper berths, improved restroom facilities, and enhanced safety features, the train promises a new era of overnight rail travel in India.

Project managers and engineers have spent months ensuring that all facilities meet international standards, from cleanliness to passenger comfort. Rupanagudi’s comments highlight the practical challenges of maintaining hygiene on long-haul services, while reminding travelers of their role in preserving the premium experience.

The Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to operate on key overnight routes, providing faster travel times and a comfortable journey for passengers, while India continues to expand its modern rail infrastructure under the National Rail Plan.