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Africa

From Muscat to the Maasai: SalamAir’s first African route takes off with inaugural Nairobi flight

SalamAir, Oman’s leading low-cost airline, has officially launched its first-ever flight connecting Muscat to Nairobi, Kenya, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s expansion into Africa. The inaugural flight landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where a welcoming ceremony was attended by key dignitaries from both nations, emphasizing the route’s importance in strengthening economic, tourism, and cultural ties between Oman and Kenya. The official ceremony in Nairobi was held under the patronage of Mohamed Daghar, Principal Secretary, State Department for Transport in Kenya’s Ministry of Roads and Transport, alongside Her Excellency Nasra Salim Mohamed Al Hashmi, the Omani Ambassador to Kenya, and His Excellency Abdi Aden Korio, the Kenyan Ambassador to Oman. Boosting tourism ties between Oman and Kenya Talking about the new route, Adrian Hamilton-Manns, CEO of SalamAir, stated: "This expansion supports our vision of linking Oman with key global destinations, in alignment with Oman Vision 2040. Nairobi is a bustling economic hub with tremendous business opportunities and rich tourism experiences, and we are excited to offer passengers a convenient and affordable way to travel between the two nations.” The new Muscat-Nairobi route will cater to both business and leisure travellers, while also providing seamless onward connections from Nairobi to the GCC and the Indian subcontinent, broadening travel options for passengers in both regions. Growing network Since its launch in 2017, the carrier has rapidly expanded, now operating 13 Airbus A320 family aircraft across six domestic destinations in Oman and 37 international cities in 18 countries. The airline has been named Oman’s Most Trusted Brand for three consecutive years (2022-2024). Nairobi is expected to be the first of several destinations in East Africa as SalamAir expands its footprint across the region, offering affordable and accessible travel between the Gulf and Africa.

Airlines and Aviation

Air India Express to be first airline to operate from two airports in Delhi-NCR

Strengthening connectivity in the National Capital Region (NCR), Air India Express has announced the addition of Hindon Airport in Ghaziabad, to its growing network. With this expansion, Air India Express will operate from two airports in NCR; Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and Hindon Airport (HDO). The airline will commence services from Hindon on March 1, 2025, with direct flights to Bengaluru, Goa, and Kolkata. Situated in Ghaziabad, Hindon Airport provides a convenient alternative for travellers from Central and East Delhi, Noida, and nearby areas such as Akshardham, Anand Vihar, Parliament Street and Central Secretariat, Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place, Indirapuram, Karol Bagh, Vaishali and surrounding regions. For those flying in from Bengaluru, Goa, and Kolkata, Hindon Airport ensures quicker access to key areas in the National Capital Region. It also makes air travel more accessible to a broader population, particularly aspiring travellers from western Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, including cities such as Bareilly, Bijnor, Dehradun, Haridwar, Hapur, Meerut, Moradabad, Mussoorie, Muzaffarnagar, Rampur, and Saharanpur. Bookings for the new flights are now open on the airline’s award-winning website, airindiaexpress.com, as well as other major booking platforms, with attractive inaugural fares starting at ₹4,400 for Hindon–Kolkata, ₹4,900 for Hindon–Goa and Goa–Hindon, ₹5,500 for Kolkata–Hindon, ₹6,000 for Bengaluru–Hindon, and ₹6,200 for Hindon–Bengaluru.   Schedule Effective from March 01, 2025 (all timings are local) Departure Arrival Departure Time Arrival Time Frequency Hindon Bengaluru 15:45 18:40 Daily except Saturday Bengaluru Hindon 12:40 15:15 Daily except Saturday Hindon Goa 10:30 13:15 Daily Goa Hindon 14:00 16:40 Daily except Saturday Hindon Kolkata 17:20 19:40 Daily except Saturday Kolkata Hindon 07:10 09:30 Daily With this expansion, Air India Express becomes the first airline in India to operate from two airports within the same metropolitan region, reinforcing the benefits of multiple airports in major metros for improved connectivity, increased competition, and greater affordability for travellers. Besides Hindon Airport, Air India Express operates over 320 flights weekly from Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), New Delhi, connecting 17 domestic and four international destinations- Bahrain, Dammam, Muscat, Sharjah. Air India Express continues its rapid expansion, with a 30% growth in its winter schedule over last year, operating over 400 daily flights. Backed by a fast-growing fleet nearing the 100-aircraft milestone, the airline now serves 50+ destinations, recently adding Bangkok, Dibrugarh, Dimapur, Patna    

Airlines and Aviation

Oman flights: New boarding rule announced at Muscat airport

Muscat International Airport in Oman has introduced stricter rules for passengers travelling to or via the country while boarding. Set to begin from August 4, 2024, the new change includes an adjustment to the timings in the boarding pass system (PBS) area, which is located after the check-in counters and before passport control. Passengers will not be allowed to pass through this checkpoint after 40 minutes before the scheduled departure time. The departure gates on the other hand will continue to close 20 minutes before the departure time, as done previously. The airport informed travellers of the new change in a notice, that has been made to ensure smooth processing of procedures as well as timely departure of flights. The time duration change will allow passengers to complete passport control and security check more efficiently. All travellers have been advised to adhere to the change to ensure a smooth journey. Oman Air, the Sultunate's local airline, also put out a notice after the airport's announcement, informing them of the same. Their check-in procedures "remain unchanged and will close 60 minutes before flight departure time". Source: Khaleej Times

Global

10 Design appointed lead architect for LA VIE, in Muscat, Oman

10 Design has unveiled its design for LA VIE in Muscat, Oman, a modern mixed-use destination delivering business, leisure, wellness, and sports opportunities amidst panoramic views of the Muscat Hills Golf Course.  A 10-minute drive from Muscat International Airport, and near residential urban centers and Muscat’s central business district, the development celebrates the region’s natural beauty while providing visitors and the local community an array of modern golf experiences, year-round family-friendly activities, and a variety of F&B options to enhance daily life. Developed by Oman Real Estate Investment Services LLC (ORIS), the real estate arm of Oman’s leading Investment Company, Ominvest, the master-planned development is comprised of Tivoli Muscat Hotel & Residences – including 80 hotel keys and 100 branded residences – along with 22 apartments, office space and clubhouse amenities, overlooking an 18-hole championship golf course nestled in a prime location between the mesmerizing Sea of Oman and the majestic Al-Hajar mountains. “Inspired by landforms embraced by a coastline, we wanted to bring the green to the terraces and the roofs of the buildings, blurring the boundaries between architecture and nature, for a truly immersive experience,” said Design Principal, José Cláudio Silva. “While traditionally, stacked, tall buildings can feel disconnected from surrounding context, our intimately scaled design leverages cascading terraces and walkable slopes to bring people together, stimulate the senses, and invite engagement.” A modern home for golf, wellness, and leisure in Oman With a strategic location that will draw a diverse set of travelers arriving to play golf and locals seeking memorable experiences with family and friends, the design is centered around the sport of golf while integrating exceptional residential, commercial, and tourism buildings within a built-up area of 64,000 square meters. The centerpiece of the development is a new 80-room boutique hotel and 100 fully serviced apartments managed by Tivoli, serviced with an elegant 70-meter rooftop pool, fitness center, ballroom, four meeting rooms, and an Anantara spa. The residential complex also includes 22 apartments and eight independent luxury villas, the latter with ground-level or rooftop pools showcasing picturesque views of the golf course and mountains. Providing guests and residents eclectic dining and shopping experiences, a range of F&B options – including a rooftop bar and restaurant, lobby lounge café, sports bar, and all-day dining restaurant – will be complemented by 2,800 square meters of retail space hosting a variety of international brands. For the golf-driven hospitality environments of today and tomorrow, designers are tasked with creating vibrant backdrops for social events and gatherings that will resonate with multifaceted, multigenerational audiences. In collaboration with ORIS, 10 Design created a welcoming, social atmosphere where the Tivoli hotel is programmed for events and weddings and the design affords opportunities for ballroom activities to spill out to areas overlooking the golf course. “We’re honored to collaborate with ORIS in creating a world-class destination where the mountains and sea provide a cinematic backdrop for vibrant hospitality environments and a highly amenitized golf experience,” said José Cláudio Silva. “Our design invites a multigenerational audience of golfers, travelers, and residents to access a new world of golf leisure in a prime location experiencing growth and transformation.” An inviting design that ushers in a new future for golf The property’s international standard golf club, LA VIE Club, is poised to be one of the premier golf facilities within the region, with a fully reimagined 18-hole golf course surrounded by spectacular views and lush nature. Reflecting an evolution in golf club and golf course design, the club caters to beginner and elite golfers of all ages. In addition to the course, LA VIE Club features the first TopTracer Driving Range in Oman, offering fun, tech-driven experiences such as interactive games and virtual golf courses so that golfers of all ability levels can practice and improve their game in a user-friendly, informal setting. Echoing this ethos of accessibility and approachability, the new scheme by 10 Design brings the golf environment inside the development through two L-shaped pockets, with the first nine and the last nine holes of the golf course connected to the building form. The fluid exterior wraps around and anchors large green public spaces, creating a distinctive silhouette for the site-specific golf course, which integrates the natural valley terrain. The building orientation maximizes the natural wind from the southwest and reduces energy needs, with sun shading devices that minimize solar heat gain. In addition to implementing evaporative cooling techniques through strategically placed water features, the design leverages the capabilities of the site and maximizes views, while creating an intimate environment for users. Inspired by the textures and colors of traditional Omani cities, the expressive forms by 10 Design showcase materials familiar to the locale, with a combination of white surfaces complemented by warm local stones and rich wood finishes. The full structure is slated for completion at the end of 2024, with an anticipated opening of Q1 2026.          

Finance

Travelex launches more than 75 new international bureaux, kiosks and ATMs worldwide

Travelex, the market leading foreign exchange brand, is investing in more than 75 new bureaux, kiosks and ATMs internationally as global travel continues to rebound.  In Europe, Travelex has significantly expanded its ATM network with new ATMs across Berlin, Frankfurt and Zurich airports, as well as over a dozen ATMs across the Netherlands’ national railway network. Travelex has also celebrated its 30th anniversary in Germany this year (its first German store opened in Frankfurt in 1993); and announced contract extensions for both its bureaux at Hamburg Airport and its tax refund business in the Netherlands. In the UK, Travelex has launched two firsts: its first ever bureau at a UK rail station with a new branch at London Paddington, and a first-of-its-kind automated, self-service, FX kiosk at London Heathrow that requires no human interaction. Furthermore, a new store has been opened at Edinburgh Airport, an extensive bureaux refresh has been undertaken across part of Travelex’s UK estate, and new three metre LED walls have also been developed for Heathrow terminals 3 and 5. In recent months Travelex has also undertaken extensive investment across the Middle East. In the UAE, Travelex has launched a series of new bureaux and On-The-Move kiosks across airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah as well as the Mina Rashid sea port, in addition to investing in the refurbishment and expansion of existing stores at Sharjah airport. Furthermore, Travelex is in the process of launching a dozen new ATMs across the Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal, Dubai International and the new Abu Dhabi Airport Terminal A. In terms of a retail footprint expansion in the Middle East, Oman saw a launch of a new Travelex pre-immigration store at Muscat International Airport in October 2023. The new store comes as Travelex celebrated its 20th anniversary in Oman this year. In the UAE, a new flagship Landside Arrivals store has opened in Dubai International’s Terminal 3, and at Abu Dhabi seven new stores and eight ATMs have opened to coincide with the inauguration of the new Abu Dhabi International Airport – Terminal A which will serve as the capital city’s main airport. In Asia, two new stores have been launched at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2), taking the total number of retail stores in Malaysia to ten, while two further stores are also set to be launched at Shanghai Pudong Airport Terminal 1 in the coming months. In Japan, Travelex has introduced its prepaid foreign currency card, the Travelex Travel Money Card, to the local market, and also celebrated its 20th anniversary in the country. Travelex has opened six new stores in Australia and three in New Zealand. Travelex has also partnered with both Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) to offer its 1.2m customers access to discounted travel money. In Brazil, Travelex has continued to invest in and expand its operations with seven new stores launched nationwide, including in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Travelex now operates over 125 stores across the country, with further openings planned for the coming months. The new bureaux openings follow Travelex’s recent announcement of a £90m refinancing package. With international travel now at 93.1% of pre-Covid levels, and demand for travel – particularly among emerging markets – continuing to accelerate, Travelex is now working to further expand its retail offering, develop new wholesale relationships and increase investment into both its digital transformation and further product innovation. Richard Wazacz, Travelex CEO, said: “Customer convenience is at the heart of everything Travelex stands for, and so we’re thrilled to be investing in the growth of our retail store operations. This investment, along with the recent news of our £90m refinancing, is a clear statement that both travel, and Travelex, are on the rise once again.”    

Features

Top 6 perfect plans for the international long weekend from India

Beautiful girl standing on viewpoint at Koh Nangyuan island near Koh Tao island, Surat Thani in Thailand.   You may be a last-minute packer or a meticulous planner, long weekends get everyone revved up. A shared element among travellers is the desire to visit a location that offers distinctive encounters while minimising the challenges related to visa processes, language barriers, and long-haul flights. With two long weekends coming up – August 12 - 16 and August 26 - 30 – plan strategically. We have compiled the ultimate wish list for you, and now it’s up to you to take care of your leave application. Whether you prefer solo travel, going on a trip with friends, enjoying a family vacation, or seeking thrilling experiences, these conveniently located countries. 1) Seychelles Perched near the equator on the Indian Ocean, Seychelles is an excellent holiday destination with pleasant weather throughout the year. Indians can enjoy a visa-free holiday in Seychelles with a direct 4.5-hour flight from Mumbai to Mahé on Air Seychelles, the country’s national carrier. Other airlines like Air India, IndiGo, Emirates, Ethiopian, and Qatar Airways also offer connecting flights from different hubs in India. While the official languages in Seychelles are Seychellois Creole, English is widely spoken and understood. So, Indian tourists can easily communicate with locals and navigate the destination without language barriers. Travellers can exchange Indian Rupees for Seychellois Rupees at authorised currency exchange counters in airports, hotels, or banks. Carrying cash in small denominations is better as not all local establishments accept cards. Comprising 115 islands, Seychelles is the perfect destination for island hopping. From the inner islands like Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue to outer islands like Aldabra Atoll and Desroches Island, each offers a unique escape to the world of tropical wonders. No matter where you are in Seychelles, you can be sure of finding world-class water-based activities such as diving, snorkelling, kayaking, surfing, and sailing. Flight duration: Average 4 hours Visa process: No visa for Indians  2) Thailand Thailand is one of the most easily accessible and affordable holiday destinations with stunning scenic and culinary experiences. Just a 4-hour flight away, there are many flight options from India’s marquee cities to Bangkok and Phuket. The Southeast Asian kingdom has also introduced the e-Visa-on-Arrival to make the visa acquisition process hassle-free for Indians. The country also has a range of affordable accommodations, transportation, and food options, making it a budget-friendly destination. Being a tourism-driven country, tour guides, hotels, hospitality employees, and even local vendors in Thailand can communicate in English, thus making it much easier for Indian tourists to navigate. Indian rupee can be exchanged in most major Thai banks and money exchange centres. While ATMs and exchange desks at Thai airports offer this service on the go, it comes with a significant surcharge. Flight duration: Average 3-4 hours Visa process and duration: Visa-on-Arrival (15 days) 3) Vietnam Vietnam is also one of the more proximate destinations to India with Vietnam Airlines and VietJet offering direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Phu Quoc. You can apply for the e-Visa on their official website, pay a nominal fee, and receive the visa within four working days. Vietnam is a tourism-driven country; therefore, local tour guides and vendors can converse in English. Foreign currencies can be easily exchanged for Vietnamese Dong at airports, banks, or other authorised currency exchange jewellery shops in the country. Vietnam has a lot to offer beyond the touristy traps, especially the coastal towns of Mui Ne and Nha Trang. If you stay at an all-inclusive hotel such as The Anam Vietnam, which is easily accessible from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, not only you enjoy the best-in-class culinary experiences, but you can also visit the historical vestiges of the past Champa Kingdom that ruled south-central Vietnam and has an ancient Indian connect. You can visit the centuries-old Phan Thiet city and its Hamu Lithit community. Named by the Cham people, it leapt on the global radar in 1995 due to a rare solar eclipse sighting. Adventure seekers can enjoy a desert safari in white and red dunes, visit the fairy stream, and even a fish sauce museum. Flight duration: Average 4 hours Visa process and duration: Visa-on-Arrival (30 days) 4) Oman Oman is an exotic destination replete with incredible attractions and unique experiences. Its capital Muscat is a gem for travellers seeking a culturally immersive vacation. The port city is famous for its vibrant souq and seafood. It is also a great place to trek, spot dolphins, and indulge in Omani hospitality at clifftop resorts like Shangri-La Muscat. This resort’s private beach happens to be one of the top five turtle nesting sites in Oman. If you visit between February and September, you can witness more than 100 turtles from the endangered hawksbill and green turtle species and their hatchlings returning to the sea. You can join hands with the hotel’s Turtle Ranger to protect their nests. The Oman Electronic Visa (eVisa) allows Indian citizens to apply for an Omani visa online in minutes by paying the fee and getting it via email within five business days. Oman Air, Air India, Vistara, and IndiGo offer direct flights. English is widely spoken and the Indian rupee can be exchanged for Omani Rial at airports, money exchange companies, banks, and hotels at a standardised rate. Flight duration: Average 3 hours Visa process and duration: e-Visa application (30 days) 5) Qatar Ranked as the safest country five times in a row by Numbeo Crime Index 2023, Qatar is a vibrant desert peninsula, surrounded by a spectacular coastline, full of natural and cultural wonders. The national carrier, Qatar Airways, connects Doha to more than 160 destinations across six continents. Qatar is easily accessible due to a free visa-on-arrival provision for citizens of over 95 countries, including India, and an average of 3-5 hours flight distance from anywhere in the world. The visa application process for all other nationalities is simple with the refreshed Hayya platform. With a range of assets including world-class hotels, restaurants, beaches and a bustling atmosphere, Qatar offers the best of the Middle East all in one safe and accessible place. As a country Qatar, has the perfect mix of indoor entertainment along with the outdoor sun, sea, and sand activities making it an excellent fit for all kinds of travellers and budgets. Furthermore, Hamad International Airport, Doha, retains its title as ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’, and has also been awarded ‘Third Best Airport in the World’, per the Skytrax World Airport Awards. Bollywood has a strong influence on the culture; thus, encounters with Hindi-speaking locals are common. Indian currency can be conveniently exchanged at standardised rates in airports, malls, and souqs. Qatar is blessed to have year-round pleasant weather for all kinds of activities and its strategic location also allows it to be a good stop-over destination. Qatar is where modernity and tradition converge, making it a top-notch destination for all. Flight duration: Average 3-5 hours Visa process and duration: Visa-on-Arrival (30 days) 6) Mauritius Mauritius, a tropical paradise known for its cultural diversity and enchanting natural attractions, offers a hassle-free Visa-on-Arrival process for Indian travellers with basic documents requirements. Various airlines like Vistara, IndiGo, Air Mauritius, Air Seychelles, and Emirates connect India to this captivating island nation. A wonderful accommodation option is The Residence Mauritius, where you can enjoy a harmonious blend of modernity and tradition. The architectural style of this beachfront property draws inspiration from historic plantation houses. In addition to engaging in water-based activities, there are several noteworthy places to explore, including Sancho Island, Riviere des Galets Beach, Black River Gorges, Gris Gris, and Vanilla Nature Park. A visit to Chamarel is highly recommended to marvel at the multi-coloured dunes. The local currency in Mauritius is Mauritian rupees, which can be easily obtained by exchanging Indian rupees at the airport, money exchange centres, travel agencies such as Thomas Cook, or banks. Certified tour guides, hotel staff, and local hosts are well-versed in English. Hindi, one of the languages brought by Indian migrants in the early 1800s, is widely spoken in Mauritius, making it convenient for Indian visitors. Flight duration: Average 6-7 hours Visa process and duration: Visa-on-Arrival (60 days)    

Appointments

Dusit International appoints Jagdeep Thakral as General Manager of dusitD2 Naseem Resort Jabal Akhdar, Oman

Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has appointed  Jagdeep Thakral as General Manager of dusitD2 Naseem Resort Jabal Akhdar and its adjoining adventure park in Oman.   Thakral is an accomplished leader with a proven track record of success in the hospitality industry. During his career he has held several key leadership positions for IHG Hotels and Resorts, including Area General Manager for Indonesia, where he oversaw the operations of several flagship hotels in Jakarta; and Area General Manager for Holiday Inn Express in Bangkok, where, alongside serving as the General Manager of Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukhumvit, he successfully managed five hotels in different suburbs. Thakral’s extensive experience in the hospitality industry also includes, amongst others, serving as the General Manager of IHG Hotels Pyeongchang, South Korea, General Manager of the Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre, and Resident Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Penang, Malaysia. A graduate of the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, India, where he majored in Hotel Management, Mr Thakral also has extensive experience in Food and Beverage, working in various F&B management roles for Starwood and IHG from 1987 through 2009. Passionate about providing employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities, he gave a speech on the topic at the United Nations Headquarters in New York in 2013 and received the UN ESCAP-Sasakawa Award for Disability-Inclusive Business in 2014 in Bangkok. Prior to joining Dusit, Thakral was General Manager of The Grand New Delhi, where he successfully repositioned the hotel in the luxury space by upgrading the product and standardising systems and processes. He took on his new position as General Manager of dusitD2 Naseem Resort Jabal Akhdar in April this year. “I am honoured and excited to join Dusit Hotels and Resorts and work with the talented team at dusitD2 Naseem Resort and Adventure Park,” said Thakral. “Together with the team, I am committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences, building strong relationships with our partners and stakeholders, and driving sustainable growth for the property. I look forward to leading the team towards achieving new milestones and positioning dusitD2 Naseem Resort Jabal Akhdar as a premier destination in the region.” Opened in 2021, dusitD2 Naseem Resort is located within an 8,000 sq m Adventure Park on the Saiq Plateau in Oman’s renowned Jabal Akhdar area, just a five-minute drive from the 'Grand Canyon of the Middle East,' and two hours by car from Muscat International Airport. Comprising 252 beautifully decorated rooms and suites, the contemporary resort fully embraces its unique mountain location with a spacious layout that blends seamlessly with its stunning natural surroundings.      

Airlines and Aviation

Oman Air’s latest partnership enables Sindbad Members to spend their miles at Muscat Duty Free’s Online Store

Adding another exclusive partnership to its growing portfolio, Oman Air has signed a new agreement that allows members of its frequent flyer programme, Sindbad, to use their Miles to shop at Muscat Duty Free’s online store. With over a thousand lifestyle products ranging from cutting-edge gadgets to confectionary, luxury fragrances and accessories, and easy pick-up on the way through Muscat International Airport, it’s the perfect excuse for members to treat themselves or even gift someone they love. Mundher Al Shaikhani, Acting Vice President – Marketing, at Oman Air, said, “We're thrilled to have partnerships with some of the best and most popular lifestyle brands, providing our loyal members with opportunities to use their hard-earned Miles in whole new ways. As Sindbad continues to evolve, we are finding new and unique ways to make their travel more rewarding every time they fly.” Renat Rozpravka, chief executive officer of Muscat Duty Free, added, “We seek to further enhance the world-class offering in Oman, focusing on delivering high-quality products and an enjoyable shopping experience for passengers travelling through Muscat International Airport. We are thrilled to offer this new benefit to our valued members and look forward to seeing how they take advantage of it.” The new agreement means members can pay with their Sindbad Miles when shopping at the Muscat Duty Free online store and pick up their order when departing from or arriving at Muscat International Airport. Alternatively, they can nominate another person to collect it on their behalf. Meanwhile, members can also earn Miles when shopping in-store, benefiting from a rate of 1 Sindbad Mile per 1 Omani Rial spent at Departures, and 2 Sindbad Miles per 1 Omani Rial spent at Arrivals. With an ever-growing range of partners, the national airline’s award-winning frequent flyer programme allows members to spend Miles both in the air and on the ground, including free flights, flight upgrades, raffles and promotions. Membership has three tiers, each offering a wide range of benefits, with the higher tiers bringing exclusive lounge access, extra baggage allowance, priority check-in and other exciting privileges.        

Airlines and Aviation

Prague Airport gets a direct route to Taipei

Effective 18 July 2023, Prague Airport is getting a direct connection with the Taiwanese capital of Taipei. The direct route from Taoyuan International Airport to Václav Havel Airport Prague will be operated twice a week (with departures from Prague on Wednesdays and Sundays). China Airlines has decided to use Airbus A350-900s to service its flights between Taipei and Prague.  Jiří Pos, Chairman of the Prague Airport Board of Directors, considers the new long-haul route to Southeast Asia to be a great success: “We have been striving for a direct route to Taiwan for several years. I am therefore glad that our negotiations have yielded results and we can offer this direct service to Czech travellers. Moreover, this route will provide passengers from Prague with the possibility of convenient transfers to a number of China Airlines destinations in Asia and the Pacific. The non-stop air connection with Prague is also great news for the residents of Taiwan. In 2019, i.e., before the Covid-19 pandemic, almost a quarter of a million of them visited the Czech Republic.” Jan Herget, Director of CzechTourism, in connection with the new route, adds that last year there were approximately 7.4 million incoming tourists to the Czech Republic. “It is almost as many as ten years ago. However, we are still not at the pre-Covid numbers. Although almost all the guests from neighbouring countries have already returned, the arrival of the more remote travellers can be expected this year, due to the air connection. Long-haul routes are thus the priority of CzechTourism for this year. If we were to count only tourists from Russia, China, South Korea, and Japan from the TOP 10 markets, who spent on an average nearly 3,800 crowns per person per night in our country in 2019, while domestic tourists spent around 700 crowns, last year there were almost two million guests from distant markets missing. We expect to see a change precisely due to an increased number of direct long-haul air connections. It’s great that, after the direct Prague-Seoul route that was resumed in March, i.e., the air connection with South Korea, we can look forward to direct flights to Taiwan this July.” According to Herget, a total of 191,336 tourists from Taiwan came to the Czech Republic in 2019, compared to only 13,791 last year, which meant a drop of almost 93%. A direct flight between Prague and Taipei could change that. Prague will become the sixth European city to which China Airlines operates direct flights from Taipei. It will rank alongside Frankfurt, Amsterdam, London, Rome and Vienna. China Airlines will newly offer almost 30 direct flights between Europe and Taiwan each week. Taiwan is not only a country of modern technology, but it also offers many tourist attractions. In the capital of Taipei, inhabited by three million people, there is the National Palace Museum, which houses rare collections from the Forbidden City. Next year, the impressive building located in the capital, which is the second tallest in the world and bears the number 101 in its name according to the number of floors, will celebrate its twentieth anniversary. The island abounds in wild tropical nature with gorges, mountains, lakes, and thermal springs. Almost a tenth of the area of Taiwan is covered by national parks. Prague Airport currently features connections to Amman, Dubai, Doha, Muscat, and Salalah on the list of long-haul routes to Asia, with a direct route to Seoul scheduled to be resumed at the end of March.      

Airlines and Aviation

Oman Air to shift to Mopa airport in Goa

The Middle East-based carrier officially announces plans to shift flights to new Greenfield International Airport at Mopa. The airlines in a communication released to its frequent fliers said that all Oman Air flights arriving and departing from Goa will operate from new Mopa International Airport from 1 January 2023. “Dear Guest, beginning 1 January 2023, all Oman Air Flights arriving to and departing from Goa will operate out of the new Mopa International Airport (GOX). Oman Air flights will no longer operate from Goa International Airport (GOI),” states the message. From January, Oman Air is expected to operate four weekly flights from Goa to Muscat using a 162-seater Boeing 737-800. The Mopa international airport is expected to be inaugurated in December by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Responding to the development, the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said a meeting would be convened shortly to plan the division of flights between Mopa and Dabolim airports. Earlier this week, Sawant had said that the government may think of division of flights and in case international flights move towards Mopa, then the domestic flights will arrive at Dabolim Airport.  

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