Travel

Air India Unveils Luxurious 16,000 sq. ft. Maharaja Lounge at Delhi Airport


New Delhi, February 2026: Air India has unveiled its stunning new Maharaja Lounge at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, marking a milestone in the airline’s transformation since Tata Group took over in 2022.

Spanning 16,000 square feet, the lounge seamlessly blends traditional Indian heritage motifs with modern luxury. Guests can enjoy facilities such as the Aviator’s Bar, Crystal Bar, dedicated sleep suites, live cooking stations, and plush seating areas across separate Business and First Class sections. The lounge accommodates up to 300 guests and offers a serene environment for relaxation, work, and leisure before flights.

CEO Campbell Wilson described the Maharaja Lounge as “a key step in our journey to redefine Air India’s passenger experience,” adding that more premium lounges are planned, including one at San Francisco International Airport. Eligible Business and First Class passengers, along with Star Alliance members, will gain access starting February 16.

Aviation enthusiasts and travelers have already shared glowing reviews of the lounge, praising its gold-accented interiors, spacious seating, and thoughtful blend of Indian artistry with modern comforts. Some have noted ongoing refinements to service, especially for elite passengers, as the team continues to perfect the guest experience.

With this launch, Air India strengthens its positioning as a world-class airline offering premium services that honor Indian heritage while catering to global travelers.

Travel

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


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

Shankh Airlines Set to Take Off in January, Connecting Lucknow to Major Indian Cities


India’s rapidly expanding aviation landscape is poised for another boost as Shankh Airlines announced that it will commence flight operations in January, starting with key domestic routes from Lucknow to Delhi, Mumbai, and other major cities across the country.

The launch marks a significant step towards improving regional and metro connectivity, particularly strengthening Lucknow’s position as an emerging aviation hub in northern India. With domestic air travel witnessing steady growth, the airline aims to cater to both business and leisure travellers seeking reliable and accessible flight options.

Shankh Airlines is expected to focus on operational efficiency, competitive pricing, and improved passenger experience as it enters a competitive market dominated by established carriers. Industry observers believe the airline’s entry could further enhance travel choices and contribute to increased passenger traffic on high-demand routes.

The move aligns with India’s broader push to expand aviation infrastructure and improve connectivity between state capitals and major economic centres. Further details regarding fleet size, additional routes, and service offerings are expected to be announced closer to the official launch.

As Shankh Airlines prepares for take-off, passengers and industry stakeholders alike will be watching closely to see how the new entrant shapes its journey in India’s dynamic aviation sector.