In major news since our last update; Air India & Indigo announce a 2nd daily flight between Delhi and Phuket from June, Akasa Air announces Jeddah as its 2nd international destination, Air India announces direct flights between Delhi and Zurich in June and commences codeshare partnership with All Nippon Airways. Thailand and Sri Lanka extend visa free entry for Indians. These are more travel news in the May edition of Travel Updates.

Thailand has extended its visa exemption program for tourists from India and Taiwan for another six months until November 11, 2024 where they can stay for up to 30 days without a visa. This decision was made after the initial waiver implemented last November proved to be successful. Earlier, tourists from India and Taiwan were allowed to stay in Thailand for only 15 days under a visa-on-arrival scheme. By extending the exemption and the duration, Thailand hopes to encourage longer stays and more frequent visits from these countries.

The current visa free entry scheme for Indian nationals that has been in effect since October 2023 and was due to end on April 30, this year has been further extended by the island nation. The validity period of the free visa is for 30 days.

The Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries that comprise UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait & Qatar has announced they will be launching a Schengen-style unified tourist visa, named 'GCC Grand Tours', by the end of this year. The visa will allow travellers to explore Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait for 30 days within the region. The unified visa is expected to drive growth in the region's travel sector and have a positive economic impact by driving tourism-related revenue, encouraging longer stays, increasing tourist spending, and creating employment opportunities within the tourism sector.

Passengers flying the 'Economy Comfort' and 'Comfort Plus' fare categories on Air India will be allowed to carry check-in baggage of 15 kgs only from May 02 onwards. Before privatisation, the airline used to offer a free baggage allowance of 25 kg, which was reduced to 20 kgs last year.

After the Delhi High Court passed an order on April 26, DGCA deregistered all 54 aircraft leased to the now bankrupt Go First. The lessors now have the opportunity to reclaim their aircrafts. Go First ceased flight operations on May 03, 2023 following the submission of an insolvency application to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).

Air India will commence direct flights between Delhi and Zurich from June 16, 2004, making its debut in Switzerland and expanding its European footprint to seven cities. Air India will fly to Zurich four days a week - Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

And responding to robust demand, Air India is adding a second daily service (except Wednesdays) between Delhi and Phuket from June 01, 2024. This supplements Air India's existing daily flight between Delhi and Phuket and the near double daily service will offer travellers greater flexibility and convenience.

IndiGo is doubling its flights between Delhi and Phuket from 7 to 14 per week starting June 1. The airline is responding to the growing demand from business and leisure travelers, and these additional flights will also take advantage of visa-free entry to Thailand. Below is the updated schedule of the double daily service between Delhi and Phuket:

Akasa Air has announced its 2nd international destination - Jeddah with direct flights from Mumbai and Ahmedabad commencing from June 08 and July 20 respectively as per the below schedule:

Travelling to Cambodia from India is set to get easier this summer. Starting June 16, Cambodia Angkor Air will begin operations between New Delhi and Phnom Penh (PNH) with four times a week service operating on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

Cambodia Angkor Air flight K6-761 will depart from New Delhi to Phnom Penh at 8:50pm and arrive in Phnom Penh at 2:50am.

While returning, Cambodia Angkor Air Flight K6-760 will depart from Phnom Penh at 16:45pm and arrive in New Delhi at 19:50pm.

From Phnom Penh, travellers can head to Siem Reap, which is a quick 45-minute flight or five hour drive away.

Air India and All Nippon Airways have signed a codeshare agreement connecting their networks, providing more travel opportunities for customers of both airlines flying between India and Japan. Air India will add its 'AI' designator code on ANA's flights between Tokyo Haneda and Delhi as well as Tokyo Narita and Mumbai, while ANA will add its 'NH' designator code on Air India's flight between Tokyo Narita and Delhi. Apart from flying on a single ticket, guests will also enjoy premium services such as lounge access and priority boarding.

Emirates unveiled its inaugural roster of destinations for its new A350 aircraft, set to commence operations in September 2024. Mumbai and Ahmedabad feature in the list where Emirates will commence flights from October 27.

The Emirates A350 will feature three cabin classes: 32 next-generation Business Class seats, 21 Premium Economy seats, and 259 generously spaced Economy Class seats. The aircraft is designed for short to medium-haul routes within Emirates' network, delivering comfort and luxury for all passengers. The airline will integrate 10 new A350s into its fleet by March 31, 2025.