In major news since our last update: China Southern Airlines to launch daily non-stop Delhi-Guangzhou flights from September 2026; Air India opens bookings for 'Easy Connect' flights thereby launching India's new Hub-and-Spoke International Travel Model starting from Varanasi; IndiGo suspends operations to 6 international destinations till Sep 30 and discontinue Manchester flights from Aug 31; Germany removes transit visa requirements for Indian travellers from Jun 03; Akasa Air shifts all Mumbai operations to Terminal 2 from August 01, 2026. These and more updates in our June edition.

Air India opens bookings for 'Easy Connect' Flights, launches India's new Hub-and-Spoke International Travel Model from Varanasi:

Air India has opened bookings for its first-ever Easy Connect flights, marking the launch of the Government of India's ambitious hub-and-spoke aviation model. The new service aims to simplify international travel for passengers from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Travelers can complete baggage check-in and immigration formalities at their origin airport before connecting seamlessly to international destinations.

The first Easy Connect service will begin operations from Varanasi on June 25, 2026, with the model being rolled out in phases across multiple cities in the coming months.

The hub-and-spoke model connects smaller cities, known as "spokes," to major gateway airports, or “hubs,” such as Delhi, Mumbai & Bengaluru. From these hubs, travellers gain access to Air India's extensive international network.

Under this system, passengers departing from cities such as Varanasi can enjoy a streamlined travel experience without repeated check-ins, baggage collection, or immigration procedures at connecting airports. The initiative has been developed by Air India in close collaboration with airports, government agencies, and industry stakeholders to improve international connectivity from non-metro cities.

Passengers flying on Easy Connect services will receive several advantages:

• Through check-in to the final destination, including international sectors
• Checked baggage transferred automatically to the final overseas destination
• International immigration clearance at the origin airport, eliminating the need for immigration processing at Delhi
• Faster transit at hub airports by traveling as an international transit passenger
• A smoother and more familiar travel experience within India before boarding an international flight

The airline has introduced a dedicated numbering system for hub-and-spoke operations. The inaugural flight from Varanasi operates as AI1111, while future Easy Connect flights from other spoke cities will carry flight numbers in the AI11XX series, creating a distinct identity for the network.

Passport Fees revised effective July 01, 2026:

According to a notification dated June 20, and published by the Ministry of External Affairs on June 25, 2026, the passport fees have been revised as per the chart below:

IndiGo to suspend Manchester flights from Aug 31, return one leased Dreamliner amid rising costs:

IndiGo will temporarily discontinue flights to and from Manchester from August 31, citing prolonged airspace restrictions, rising operating costs and an increasingly challenging international aviation environment.

The airline said the suspension would result in the return of one of the six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft it had leased from Norse Atlantic Airways as part of its long-haul expansion strategy.

The Manchester route was among the airline's first long-haul international services under this strategy. However, IndiGo said a combination of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, elevated aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices, severe airspace constraints and foreign exchange volatility had significantly increased operating costs beyond initial estimates.

IndiGo said it will inform affected passengers in advance and provide support through alternative travel arrangements or refunds, wherever applicable. The airline clarified that all its other long-haul services will continue to operate as scheduled.

IndiGo suspends operations to six international destinations:

The budget carrier has decided to temporarily suspend services to Langkawi, Krabi, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, and Shanghai starting July 1 and Siem Reap effective July 3 until September 30. IndiGo, said it has temporarily suspended operations to six international destinations, as part of network optimisation.

The decision has been taken in view of a traditionally softer demand in the July to September quarter and an incredibly challenging cost environment.

IndiGo will resume bookings for all impacted services starting October 1, subject to an improved environment, the airline said adding that it stands prepared to reinstate these services earlier than scheduled, with appropriate lead time.

The carrier also stated that it has managed to retain the majority of its international operations -- over 1,800 weekly international flights -- despite this realignment.

IndiGo announces resumption of Pune (PNQ) - Dubai (DXB) - Pune (PNQ) flights with effect from August 03 as per the below schedule:

China Southern Airlines to launch daily direct Delhi-Guangzhou service from September 2026:

China Southern Airlines has announced the launch of a new daily non-stop service between Delhi and Guangzhou, further strengthening air connectivity between India and China. The new route is scheduled to commence operations on September 21, 2026 and will offer seamless travel options for business and leisure travellers alike.

The schedule of the daily service with effect from September 21 is as follows:

According to the airline's schedule, the route will be served by a Boeing 737-8 aircraft, ensuring a comfortable and efficient travel experience.

The daily flights are expected to benefit a wide range of travellers, including business professionals, tourists, students, and trade partners, while supporting stronger commercial, educational, and cultural exchanges between India and China.

Air India Express to launch Navi Mumbai Airport's first international flight with direct Abu Dhabi service from July 15:

Air India Express has opened bookings for direct flights between Navi Mumbai International Airport and Abu Dhabi, starting July 15. This twice-weekly service will add a Sunday departure from July 29, making it three weekly flights providing travellers a new UAE gateway from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

The Abu Dhabi route is the first international passenger service from Maharashtra's newest airport, which began domestic operations in December 2025. It reduces dependence on the congested Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and is expected to enhance convenience for residents of Navi Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, and even Pune. The launch also coincides with the start of international freighter operations, projected to reach 18 weekly flights.

Air India Maharaja Club members can now earn and redeem points on Air India Express flights:

Air India has expanded its Maharaja Club loyalty programme to include Air India Express-operated flights, enabling members to earn and redeem Maharaja Points across more than 55 destinations in South, Southeast and West Asia. Maharaja Points on Air India Express are calculated on the base fare and fuel surcharge, with accrual rates aligned to Air India's existing structure across fare categories including student, senior citizen and armed forces fares.

Retrospective claims for past Air India Express flights are not currently available, so members must add their Maharaja Club ID at the time of booking to ensure accrual. Future phases will bring additional loyalty benefits for Air India Express travellers, including priority check-in, priority boarding, enhanced seat selection and greater booking flexibility with fee waivers.

Air India Express has introduced a new daily direct flight service connecting Pune and Amritsar from June 15:

Air India Express has introduced a new red-eye daily flight between Pune and Amritsar from June 15. The flight caters to leisure travellers, pilgrims, students, and even business professionals. 'Gourmair' hot meals and Xpress Ahead priority services are available on this route.

With this launch, Air India Express now operates 105 weekly flights from Pune, connecting to 12 destinations, including Bangkok.

The Pune - Amritsar flight operates with the following schedule:

From Amritsar, the airline runs 24 weekly flights to cities such as Delhi, Dubai, and Sharjah.

Akasa Air to increase frequency on Pune and Delhi route from July 01, 2026:

Akasa Air has announced the introduction of additional direct flights between Pune (PNQ) and New Delhi (DEL) effective July 01, 2026, further strengthening connectivity between Maharashtra's cultural hub and the national capital. The enhanced schedule will provide passengers with greater flexibility and more travel options throughout the day, catering to both business and leisure travellers. The new flights will operate six days a week (all days except Saturday), complementing Akasa Air's existing twice-daily service on the route.

The Pune-Delhi sector remains one of India's busiest domestic air corridors, witnessing strong demand from corporate travellers, government officials, students and tourists. With the addition of these new services, Akasa Air will offer up to three flights daily on most days between the two cities.

New flight effective from July 01, 2026:

Existing Daily Flights

Pune airport to add 15 check-in counters as old terminal set to open:

The renovated old terminal at Pune Airport is expected to become operational within the next couple of months, with 95% of the work completed. The redevelopment includes 15 additional check-in counters, taking the total to 49 from the existing 34. The terminal will also have two check-in X-ray machines, four security screening machines, two remote boarding gates, expanded security holding areas, and four DigiYatra gates to speed up passenger movement.

Airport Director, Mr Santosh Dhoke said the project is in its final stage and will open once mandatory clearances are received. “The airport has approval for 235 flight slots, of which around 208 are currently in use, leaving room for additional services if airlines find them viable,” he also said.

Officials said expanded security holding areas and additional screening facilities are expected to reduce peak-hour congestion. The four DigiYatra gates will also speed up processing for passengers enrolled in the facial recognition system.

Noida International Airport commences operations with 1st flight arriving from Lucknow:

Noida International Airport welcomed its first passengers on June 15, 2026 as it commenced commercial flight operations, with an inaugural IndiGo flight arriving from Lucknow. An IndiGo flight from Noida to Lucknow carried 170 farmers from Jewar. The farmers, whose land was acquired to build the airport, met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the State capital.

Developed as the second airport serving the National Capital Region, Noida International Airport will initially handle 12 daily flights. The number is set to increase to 42 flights a day from July. Operations will begin with domestic services, while international flights are expected to commence in the coming months.

IndiGo and Akasa Air have announced services from the airport. Destinations to be connected include Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Amritsar, Jammu, Bareilly, Dehradun, Dharamshala, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Lucknow, Pantnagar and Kishangarh.

A rapid rail-cum-metro link connecting Noida International Airport with Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport is also planned, aimed at providing seamless connectivity between the two airports.

US to offer expedited visa interviews at select embassies for US$ 750:

The US State Department will offer a "premium" expedited service for foreigners seeking business or tourist visas to come to the United States that will set applicants back US$ 750 - on top of the initial fee of US$ 185. The pilot program will run from July 01 to Dec. 31, according to internal documents obtained by The Associated Press and a State Department official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the program has not yet been formally announced.

In a notice to be published in the Federal Register this week, the department will unveil a pilot program that will allow visa applicants to pay the US$ 750 to schedule an appointment for an interview within 10 days of the payment at select U.S. embassies and consulates. The embassies and consulates at which the expedited service will be available are to be announced before the program takes effect on July 1. The pilot program will run through the end of the year but could be extended depending on demand.

Wait times for visa interviews for citizens of countries that are not part of the Visa Waiver Program can be several months if not longer. But paying the fee for the “optional premium add-on service” does not guarantee that a visa will be issued.

UK Visa Update: Transition to E-Visa System for Indian Passport Holders

Important Information for Travellers to the United Kingdom:

The United Kingdom has transitioned to a digital E-Visa system, and physical visa stickers (vignettes) are no longer issued for most of the new UK visa applications. Indian passport holders travelling to the UK are required to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Account to access and manage their UK immigration status online.

All Indian passport holders travelling to the UK are advised to create a UKVI Account via the official website: https://www.gov.uk/evisa/set-up-ukvi-account

During registration, travellers will need to verify their identity using their passport and complete the required online verification process.

Upon successful registration, travellers can access:

• Their UK E-Visa (Immigration Status)
• A Share Code for travel and verification purposes

Important: Even passengers holding a valid UK visa sticker in their passport should create a UKVI account and link their visa before travelling.

Share Codes are valid for 6 months and can be regenerated anytime by logging into the UKVI account. For queries and assistance with creating a UKVI account, please get in touch with Odyssey's visa team.

No transit visa required for Indian nationals via Germany:

Effective June 03, 2026, Indian nationals no longer need an airport transit visa when connecting via German airports. This simplifies travel and opens seamless access to global destinations via the Frankfurt and Munich hubs through the Lufthansa Group network.

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