Tag: Travel News

Travel

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

rencygomes02

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.

#AllycaralFeature 👒

Navi Mumbai International Airport Commences Operations with First Commercial Flights

allycaralgoa

Panaji/Mumbai, December 25, 2025: The much-anticipated Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) began operations today, providing much-needed relief to Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, which handles over 50 million passengers annually.

Constructed in a massive ₹19,650 crore investment, the first phase of NMIA has been designed to handle 20 million passengers per year, with state-of-the-art facilities, seamless passenger flow, and enhanced connectivity. The airport commenced scheduled operations with commercial flights to Delhi and Goa, operated by major carriers including IndiGo and Air India Express.

The inauguration on Christmas Eve featured a spectacular drone show that paid tribute to the thousands of construction workers who contributed to the airport’s creation. Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group, welcomed the first passengers, including soldiers, farmers, and airport staff, highlighting the airport as a symbol of inclusive development benefiting all Mumbaikars.

Officials expressed optimism that the new hub will significantly reduce congestion at Mumbai’s main airport, promote regional economic growth, and strengthen India’s aviation network. Plans for further expansion in the coming years aim to increase capacity and introduce more international routes.

Travel

IndiGo Announces Refunds and Flexible Changes for Cancelled Flights Amid Service Disruption

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

IndiGo has announced that it is processing refunds for passengers whose flights were cancelled between 3rd December 2025 and 15th December 2025.

The airline is also providing additional support for travellers whose plans were disrupted during this period by offering a full waiver on change and cancellation requests for bookings valid until 15th December 2025. Passengers are advised to follow the steps provided on the airline’s portal to make changes or cancellations seamlessly.

Refunds will be credited to the original mode of payment and may appear as one or two transactions depending on the processing method. IndiGo expressed sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused and assured passengers that its teams, both on the ground and behind the scenes, are working diligently to restore normal operations and provide timely support to all affected customers.

The airline’s proactive approach reflects its commitment to passenger welfare during unforeseen operational disruptions.

Travel

Direct Flights from Uzbekistan Resume, Boosting Goa’s Global Connectivity

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Goa’s international tourism landscape received a significant boost with the resumption of direct flights from Uzbekistan. On December 3, an A-320 aircraft arrived at Manohar International Airport, Mopa from Tashkent with 121 passengers, symbolizing renewed connectivity and the strengthening of ties between the two destinations.

This development reinforces Goa’s appeal as a preferred global travel hotspot and enhances convenience for visitors from Central Asia. Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, highlighted that the restored route amplifies Goa’s international connectivity and contributes to the state’s ongoing efforts to expand into new global markets. He emphasized that such initiatives pave the way for seamless travel and deeper engagement between regions. Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, stated that the renewed connection reflects the trust that global partners continue to place in Goa’s tourism potential.

According to him, it improves outreach efforts and offers visitors from Uzbekistan easier access to Goa’s culture, festivals, and diverse experiences. With the reinstated service, Goa strengthens its focus on cultural exchange, leisure travel, and future collaborations. This milestone aligns with the state’s larger vision of broadening its international footprint through sustained partnerships and targeted global promotions.

The return of direct flights marks a promising chapter in Goa’s evolving tourism growth story, enhancing accessibility while inviting more international travelers to discover the state’s unique charm.

Travel

PM Modi Flags Off Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express, Linking Kerala, Tamil Nadu & Karnataka

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express on Saturday, marking another milestone in India’s expanding network of high-speed passenger trains. The Prime Minister inaugurated the service virtually from Varanasi, along with three other Vande Bharat trains — the Banaras–Khajuraho, Firozpur–Delhi, and Lucknow–Saharanpur routes.

The Ernakulam Junction–KSR Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 06652) departed from Ernakulam at 8.41 a.m. amid a festive atmosphere, complete with flowers, balloons, and the traditional sounds of Chendamelam. Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Union Ministers of State Suresh Gopi and George Kurian, Kerala Industries Minister P. Rajeeve, MP Hibi Eden, MLA T.J. Vinod, and Kochi Mayor M. Anilkumar were among the dignitaries who participated in the event virtually.

In his address, Prime Minister Modi said that the Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat trains are shaping the future of Indian Railways, laying the foundation for a new era of speed, comfort, and innovation.

The new inter-State Vande Bharat Express will significantly enhance regional connectivity by linking key cities across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka — including Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Krishnarajapuram, and KSR Bengaluru. The train will cover the journey in 8 hours and 40 minutes, saving over two hours compared to existing services.

Regular operations will begin on November 11, running six days a week, except Wednesday. The KSR Bengaluru–Ernakulam train (No. 26651) will depart Bengaluru at 5:10 a.m. and reach Ernakulam at 1:50 p.m. The return train (No. 26652) will leave Ernakulam at 2:20 p.m. and arrive in Bengaluru at 11 p.m.

Speaking onboard the inaugural service, Minister Suresh Gopi described the Vande Bharat as “a revolution on rails,” adding that further expansion depends on Kerala’s readiness to provide land for track doubling and straighten sharp curves. “If there are more tracks, more trains will come,” he said, highlighting the state’s crucial role in enabling faster train operations.

Children selected through a drawing competition and officials from various departments also joined the inaugural run, marking the event with celebrations and enthusiasm.

The Ernakulam–Bengaluru service becomes the third Vande Bharat for Kerala and the first inter-State connection linking the state with Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. With its addition, the Southern Railway now operates 12 Vande Bharat trains, and the nationwide total has surpassed 160 operational services, reflecting India’s growing commitment to modern, high-speed rail travel.