In this month's travel updates: Indigo suspends flights to Almaty and Tashkent till June 15 due to Pakistan airspace closure; BCAS implements stricter airport security measures across India; Air India increases its Delhi-Tokyo service to daily from June 15; IndiGo to commence direct flights on Mumbai-Amsterdam and Mumbai-Manchester route; Vietnam Airlines enhances its Mumbai-Hanoi route with wide-body aircraft and plans new routes from Bengaluru and Hyderabad; Air India unveils a legacy fleet retrofit program, featuring upgraded cabins and refreshed amenities. These and more updates in the May edition.

Air India Begins Major Retrofit of legacy fleet:

Air India has launched a US$ 400 million comprehensive retrofit program to upgrade its entire fleet of legacy single-aisle and twin-aisle aircraft. The refurbishment will introduce brand-new cabin interiors across three travel classes: Business Class, Premium Economy (India's only), and an enhanced Economy Class.

Passengers can look forward to refreshed amenities, including upgraded carpets, curtains, and lavatories for improved comfort. The aircraft will also sport a fresh coat of paint and Air India's new livery as part of the overhaul.

Govt Implements 100% Pre-Boarding Checks; Flyers Advised Early Airport Arrival.

Following recent attacks in Pahalgam, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has increased security at airports across India. All passengers will now go through 100% secondary security checks at the boarding gate.

To make airports safer, visitors are no longer allowed inside terminal buildings. Passengers are advised to reach the airport at least three hours before their flight to avoid delays due to the extra checks. Check in counters will now close 75 minutes prior to departure instead of 60 minutes.

Other new safety measures include thorough checks of vehicles and people near airport roads and parking areas, strict ID checks for everyone entering the airport, and random baggage screenings before entering terminals.

India Rolls Out Chip-Enabled E-Passports for Enhanced Travel Security:

India has begun rolling out its new e-passports which now come with an embedded RFID chip and antenna in the cover that securely stores your personal and biometric details-like your photo, fingerprints, and passport number. The chip, is designed to work with global immigration systems for electronic verification and global security standards, helping reduce the risk of identity theft.

What does this mean for travellers? Faster, smoother immigration at e-gates around the world. The launch began in April 2024 across 13 cities including Chennai, Hyderabad, Goa, and Ranchi, and is part of the Passport Seva Programme 2.0.

If you are applying for a new passport or renewal at one of these centres, the e-passport will be issued automatically-no extra steps needed. If you have a traditional passport there is no need to replace it unless it's due for renewal, damaged, or out of pages.

Vietnam Airlines Introduces Wide-Body Aircraft on Mumbai-Hanoi Route:

Vietnam Airlines has introduced a wide-body aircraft on its Mumbai-Hanoi route, now operating four weekly flights using Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 jets. This upgrade brings an improved travel experience, featuring lie-flat beds in business class, personal entertainment systems, and meal options designed with Indian preferences in mind. In addition, the airline is set to strengthen its presence in India with new direct flights from Bengaluru and Hyderabad, launching in May 2025.

Vietnam Airlines Launches Direct Hyderabad-Hanoi Flights:

Vietnam Airlines has launched a new nonstop flight rout between Hyderabad and Hanoi, marking its first direct service from South India to Vietnam. This new connection will operate three times a week using Airbus321 aircraft, reducing travel time and providing a seamless experience for passengers. With this expansion, Vietnam airlines strengthens its presence in India, complementing its existing services from Delhi and Mumbai.

With the following schedule effective 7th May:

Air India Increases Delhi-Tokyo (Haneda) Service to Daily from June 15

Starting June 15, 2025, Air India will operate daily non-stop flights between Delhi and Tokyo, Haneda airport. This upgrade form current 4 flights per week to 7 flights per week will increase passenger flexibility and convenient travel options on India-Japan route. Here is the flight schedule:

With the following schedule effective 15th June:

IndiGo to commence direct flights on Mumbai-Amsterdam and Mumbai-Manchester route starting July 2nd and July 1st respectively.

IndiGo is set to commence direct non-stop flights between Mumbai and Amsterdam starting July 2, 2025, marking its entry into long-haul European operations. The airline will also launch flights on the Mumbai-Manchester route one day earlier, on July 1, 2025. Upgrading its in-flight dining experience, IndiGo also announced that complimentary hot meals and beverages will be served to all customers on this route. The thrice weekly service, operated with IndiGo's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, marks the airline's strategic foray into long-haul operations to meet the growing demand for air travel between India and Europe, facilitated by Indian operators.

With the following schedule:

Air Canada Launches Premium Economy on India-Canada Route:

Air Canada has introduced its Premium Economy Class on select India-Canada routes, offering travellers a wider choice and an upgraded experience. This service is available on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A330 aircraft. This new cabin features larger seats with extra legroom, greater recline, and enhanced comfort.

Passengers can enjoy priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling, along with two additional checked bags. The experience is further elevated with in-flight amenities such as multilingual cabin crew, complimentary headsets, USB ports, in-seat power, and an extensive entertainment selection including Bollywood films. Travelers are also treated to a curated menu with fresh salads, hot entrées, warm bread, desserts, and pre-landing snacks on select routes.

Philippines Eases Visa Rules for Indians With New 14 & 30-Day Visa-Free Options.

In a major move to boost tourism, the Philippines has revised its visa-free entry rules for Indian nationals. As per two new Foreign Service Circulars (2025-019 and 2025-020), Indian tourists now have access to two types of short-term visa-free entry, each with its own eligibility criteria.

1. The 14-Day Visa-Free Entry

Foreign Service Circular No. 2025_019 indicates a general 14-day visa-free entry for all Indian nationals whose sole purpose of visit is tourism. This new provision marks a significant shift, offering a convenient short-stay option without the need for a prior visa application.

Who Qualifies?

Any Indian national planning a purely tourist visit to the Philippines.

Key Requirements

• Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond your intended period of stay.
• Confirmed Accommodation: Proof of confirmed hotel bookings or other accommodation.
• Financial Capacity: Evidence of sufficient financial means to cover your expenses during your stay (e.g., bank statements, certificate of employment).

• Return/Onward Ticket: A confirmed return ticket to India or an onward ticket to another destination.
• Clean Record: No derogatory record with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration.

Important Notes

• The 14-day stay is non-extendable.
• This entry privilege is strictly for tourism and cannot be converted to other Philippine visa categories.
• Entry will be available via major international airports, secondary international hubs, and seaports (for cruise ship passengers).

2. The Enhanced 30-Day Visa-Free Entry

Foreign Service Circular No. 2025_020 introduces an even more generous 30-day visa-free entry. This option is specifically designed for Indian nationals who already hold valid visas or permanent residence permits from certain key countries.

Who Qualifies?

Indian nationals who possess a valid visa or permanent residence permit from any of the following countries, collectively referred to as "AJACSSUK" privilege.

• Australia (A)
• Japan (J)
• America (A)
• Canada (C)
• Schengen (S)
• Singapore (S)
• United Kingdom (UK)

Key Requirements

• AJACSSUK Visa/Permit: Proof of your valid AJACSSUK visa or permanent residence permit.
• Passport Validity: Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond your intended stay.
• Return/Onward Ticket: A confirmed return ticket or onward ticket.
• Clean Record: No derogatory record with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration.

Important Notes

• Similar to the 14-day option, this 30-day stay is for tourism purposes only and is non-extendable or convertible.

• Entry is permitted through major international airports, secondary international hubs, and seaports.