MakeMyTrip has recently launched an exclusive charter service between Mumbai and Bhutan in response to the increasing popularity of Bhutan among Indian travelers. Bhutan has become one of the top five most-searched emerging destinations on MakeMyTrip, with a year-on-year increase of over 200%. This year, Bhutan saw a record number of visitors, with 60% of them coming from India. The country has made travel simple for Indians, only requiring a permit to enter at a lower fee compared to tourists from other parts of the world. Bhutan is expecting around 150,000 Indian tourists this year, more than double the numbers from 2023.
In addition to the charter service, IndiGo placed an order for 10 A320 NEO aircraft in March to expand its operations domestically and internationally. The airline has a goal to double its capacity over the next seven years. Last year, IndiGo made the largest order for 500 aircraft with Airbus in the history of passenger jets. The airline already has an order book for over 1,300 aircraft with Airbus, with nearly 400 delivered so far. IHG Hotels and Resorts also opened a Holiday Inn Express in Bangalore, with plans to open 45 more hotels in India within the next three to five years.
Air India has announced non-stop flights between Delhi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam starting on June 1, operating five weekly flights. This new route will add to Air India’s current network of direct routes between India and Southeast Asia. The airline is also reportedly planning to start long-haul direct flights to Seattle, Los Angeles, and Dallas as it undergoes a merger with sister airline Vistara. Indian Railways is running the Ramayana Yatra train, covering 14 cities linked to Hindu deity Lord Rama to boost spiritual tourism in the country.
The Dabolim International Airport in Goa is set to implement the biometric-based access system DigiYatra by the end of April, following its launch at the Chennai airport earlier in the month. This initiative aims to improve passenger service at the airport by using facial recognition technology for faster processing at key points. Former SpiceJet COO Arun Kashyap has also entered the air charter business with the launch of Sirius India Airlines, catering to the upscale travel market. The new carrier has tied up with Dubai-based Transworld Group to bring its luxury private air travel brand to India.
