Category: vistara

A bomb threat was received for an Indian Airlines flight from Kathmandu to New Delhi

Nepal’s Tribhuvan International Airport received a bomb hoax call on Monday, which led to the activation of emergency protocols and a thorough search of Air India flight AI 216, bound for New Delhi. No suspicious objects or explosives were found on board. This is the second hoax call received by the airport within a week. The incident is part of a spate of hoax bomb threats to Indian flights, with over 400 flights receiving threats, including those from Air India, Vistara, and Air Akasa. In a related development, a 35-year-old man was arrested in Nagpur for allegedly making series of hoax bomb threats to airports and railway stations across the country. The IT Ministry has asked social media platforms to remove misinformation and the civil aviation ministry is considering legislative actions to tackle the issue.

Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/world/nepal-indian-airlines-flight-for-new-delhi-from-kathmandu-receives-bomb-threat-search-operations-underway-11730552147182.html

Vistara’s Mumbai-Amritsar flight makes emergency landing in Chandigarh due to inclement weather conditions.

A Vistara flight from Mumbai to Amritsar was diverted to Chandigarh due to bad weather at Amritsar airport. The flight, UK695, took off from Mumbai airport on Saturday and was initially bound for Amritsar. However, due to the inclement weather at Amritsar, the pilot decided to divert the flight to Chandigarh instead. In a social media post, Vistara informed its passengers that the flight will now arrive at Chandigarh airport at 9:00 AM. The airline asked passengers to stay tuned for further updates. This information has not been edited by NDTV staff, but is a syndicated feed. The flight was originally scheduled to land in Amritsar, but the bad weather made it necessary to divert to Chandigarh as a safer alternative.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/vistaras-mumbai-amritsar-flight-diverted-to-chandigarh-due-to-bad-weather-6926158

Mysterious threats to Indian flights – are they pranks or something more sinister, with a steep price to pay?

India’s aviation industry is currently facing a crisis with over 510 domestic and international flights being hit by hoax bomb threats in the past two weeks, resulting in flight delays, emergency landings, and significant costs for airlines. The threats have been made via email and social media, with the perpetrators still unknown. Authorities have made a few arrests, but the source of the threats remains a mystery. The government and law enforcement agencies are working to identify the culprits and prevent further incidents. The Indian carriers, including Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Vistara, have taken precautions to handle the threats, including evacuating passengers and crew, and conducting thorough inspections of the aircraft and luggage. The government is also exploring stricter norms, including putting offenders on a no-fly list. The international community has taken note of the situation, with The Guardian calling it an “unprecedented surge in fake bomb threats.” The Indian authorities have approached the FBI and Interpol for help in tracking down the perpetrators.

Source: https://theprint.in/opinion/are-flight-bomb-threats-pranks-or-conspiracy-cost-of-hoax-to-indian-aviation-is-real/2338503/

What if Air India had stuck with its original branding?

Air India is set to merge with Vistara on November 12, 2024, after a period of decline. The airline has introduced new branding, including updated logos, screens, and cabin designs. If Air India had chosen not to rebrand, they could have retained their original branding and showcased it on new aircraft, such as the A350-900s, which recently joined their fleet. The airline is also investing $400 million in cabin upgrades and $70 billion in new aircraft, guided by designer Manish Mehrotra, who is behind the new logos and uniforms. Air India, a Star Alliance member since 2014, has shown limited improvement in recent years, but is now poised for a new era of transformation. The airline is striving to improve and modernize its services, but it is interesting to consider what could have been if they had chosen to maintain their original branding.

Source: https://simpleflying.com/thread/what-if-air-india-never-changed-its-branding/

Haunting legal issue: Over 400 hoax bomb threats target Indian airlines IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara, with sustained expressions of solidarity and cooperation necessary to combat this worrying trend.

A hoax bomb threat was received by IndiGo on October 29, causing a flight from Chennai to Visakhapatnam to land safely in an isolation bay. The threat was made on Twitter by an individual with the ID “AdamLanza202”. This is not the only incident of its kind, as 32 Air India flights received similar threats, and several other flights received threats in the past two weeks. In total, over 400 hoax calls have been reported. On Tuesday, three airlines received bomb threats, reportedly sent by a Twitter user named “Mandaimassacre”. The police have registered 14 FIRs this month in connection with bomb threats to airlines. So far, no bombs have been found on any of the flights, and they have all landed safely. The threats were made on social media, with the perpetrator identifying themselves as “AdamLanza202”, although it appears to be an imitation of a Twitter user with a history of making threats.

Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/bomb-threats-to-indigo-air-india-and-vistara-flights-continue-over-400-hoax-calls-in-two-weeks-11730215953626.html

Air India to Introduce Premium A320neo Service on Select International Routes from Mumbai

Air India will introduce a three-class premium Airbus A320neo service on international flights from Mumbai Airport in November 2024. The aircraft will have 8 Business Class, 24 Premium Economy, and 132 Economy Class seats. The airline will operate these flights to Jeddah (JED) and Dammam (DMM) in Saudi Arabia, currently served by Vistara. After the merger, Vistara will transfer its routes and fleet to Air India, and Air India will operate these flights with its new A320neos. The Mumbai-Jeddah route is highly competitive, with six carriers operating daily flights. However, Air India will have an edge with its premium services and pricing. IndiGo, which has recently introduced its Business class, will soon deploy this on busy routes, challenging Air India’s monopoly. On the Mumbai-Dammam route, Air India will take over Vistara’s flights and offer premium seats, giving it a monopoly on this route as well. The airline’s dominance in the premium segment is expected to continue after the merger.

Source: https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2024/10/29/air-india-premium-a320neo-on-mumbai-flights/

Bomb threats disrupt air travel, multiple flights including Air India, IndiGo, and Vistara affected

Multiple Indian airlines and airports were affected by bomb threats on Monday, with over 60 flights including those of Air India, IndiGo, and Vistara receiving threats. The threats were made through hoax emails. According to reports, a terror book author is suspected to be behind the emails. The government has sprung into action, with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) deploying Bomb Threat Assessment Cell (BTAC) teams at major airports across the country.
At least one Air India flight, AI-131, made an emergency landing in Delhi after receiving a bomb threat. The flight, operating from London to Bengaluru, was intercepted and escorted to the airport by security personnel before it was safely diverted to land. The police are working to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice. The bizarre incident has left passengers and airport officials on high alert, with enhanced security measures in place at major airports across the country.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/over-60-flights-including-air-india-indigo-and-vistara-get-bomb-threats-on-monday-3252093

Air India Announces Winter 2024 International Schedule, Introducing New Routes and Enhanced Services

Air India, the sole Indian full-service carrier, has announced significant enhancements to its international network for the Winter 2024 season. The airline will integrate Vistara and have a fleet of 210 aircraft, including 67 widebody planes capable of serving long-haul and ultra-long-haul routes. Air India is boosting its presence in North America, Europe, and Asia, with increased frequencies and equipment upgrades. Specific changes include:
* Doubling flights on the Delhi-Toronto route
* Introducing the Airbus A350 aircraft on the Delhi-New York and Delhi-Newark routes
* Upgrading the Delhi-Washington route to Boeing 777-300ER
* Increasing frequencies on European routes, including London
* Strengthening its presence in Asia, including daily flights to Ho Chi Minh City and increased frequencies to Mauritius
The airline is also expanding its domestic network, with 23,732 weekly flights, an 8% year-over-year growth. The Air India group, which includes Vistara and Air India Express, will operate 6,209 weekly flights. The article also touches on the merger of Air India and Vistara, and the integration of AirAsia India and Air India Express.

Source: https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2024/10/26/air-india-international-schedule-winter-2024/

fresh threats of bomb scares delayed 50 flights on Sunday, with authorities reiterating plans to toughen aviation legislation

At least 50 flights operated by Indian airlines received bomb threats, with 2 flights being diverted, according to sources. This is part of a larger trend, as over 350 flights have received hoax bomb threats in the last 14 days. Most of the threats were issued through social media. Airlines such as Akasa, IndiGo, and Vistara received the threats, with multiple flights being diverted due to the threats. The Union Civil Aviation Minister, K Rammohan Naidu, has reiterated the government’s plans to take steps to ban perpetrators who resort to hoax bomb threats from flying. The government is also considering amending two Civil Aviation Laws to impose severe penalties and bans on those responsible. Naidu has also stated that the government is seeking the support of international agencies, law enforcement, and the Intelligence Bureau to prevent these fake threats. The investigation into these threats is ongoing, and the government is also seeking cooperation from social media platforms to prevent such incidents in the future.

Source: https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/Oct/27/fresh-bomb-threats-to-50-flights-on-sunday-aviation-minister-reiterates-plan-to-amend-laws

A surprise wave of bomb threats hits Indian skies, with 27 flights of IndiGo, Vistara, Air India, and SpiceJet receiving fresh alerts.

A surge in bomb threats to Indian airlines continued on October 25, with 27 flights operated by major carriers IndoGo, Vistara, Air India, and SpiceJet receiving threats. Seven flights each of IndiGo, Vistara, and SpiceJet, and six flights of Air India were affected, sparking widespread concern in the aviation sector. This is the latest in a series of bomb threats, with over 200 flights affected in the past week alone. The incidents have disrupted operations on both domestic and international routes, with authorities and airlines working to ensure passenger safety. Airlines have increased security protocols, with IndiGo stating that they are taking necessary precautions and working closely with authorities to ensure the safety and security of customers and crew. The situation has raised concerns over the increase in bomb hoaxes across the country, with similar threats reported earlier in the week. The authorities are working to address the issue and ensure the safety of passengers and crew.

Source: https://www.cnbctv18.com/business/aviation/no-end-to-bomb-threats-27-flights-of-indigo-vistara-air-india-spicejet-get-fresh-alerts-19499225.htm

A sudden emergency led to a dramatic diversion of a Vistara flight from Delhi to Hyderabad, which was rerouted to Jaipur at the last minute.

Vistara Airways flight UK829, originally bound for Hyderabad, was diverted to Jaipur due to unforeseen circumstances. The airline announced the change on Twitter, stating that the flight would now arrive in Jaipur at 0830 hours. This comes after a day of threats to over 80 Indian flights, which led to a brief respite on Wednesday. Under a new protocol, such mass threats are no longer treated as specific and therefore do not require diversions. A Vistara spokesperson confirmed that some of the airline’s flights on October 24, 2024, received security threats on social media. The airline immediately alerted authorities and is following security procedures as directed. The safety and security of customers, crew, and aircraft are of utmost importance, according to Vistara. The diversion of Flight UK829 is a result of this new protocol in action. The airline is providing updates on the situation, asking passengers to stay tuned for further information.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/vistara-airlines-flight-from-delhi-to-hyderabad-diverted-to-jaipur/articleshow/114568217.cms

Several Indian airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, and Akasa Air, have received bomb threats.

Bomb threats on social media platforms have disrupted flights in India, with at least 95 flights from six national airlines receiving similar threats on Thursday, impacting over 250 flights in the past 10 days. The airlines affected include Indigo, Air India, Vistara, SpiceJet, Alliance Air, and Akasa Air. The bomb threats are being investigated by the Delhi Police, which has filed eight cases so far. The Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu, has stated that making hoax bomb threat calls to airlines will be made a cognizable offence. The minister has urged caution, saying that the government will wait for the results of the investigation to determine if there is a larger conspiracy. He has also emphasized the role of social media and cyber channels in the threats, noting that many IP addresses may be rerouted through VPNs, complicating the investigation. The government is working to ensure the safety of air travel, with the help of intelligence agencies and other necessary departments.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/85-indigo-air-india-vistara-akasa-air-flights-receive-threats-amid-hoax-bomb-calls-spree-2622476-2024-10-24

Following a bomb threat, the Nepalese Army conducted a thorough security screening of Vistara flight, ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew.

The Nepal Army conducted a security check on a Vistara flight after a bomb threat was made. This is not an isolated incident, as several Indian flights, including Indigo and Vistara, received bomb threats within a 24-hour period. As a result, one Indian flight made an emergency landing at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. A special team was dispatched to conduct a search of the Vistara aircraft after the bomb threat was reported. Fortunately, no threatening devices were detected, and normal operations resumed at the airport. The Nepal Army’s swift action to ensure the safety of passengers and crew members is commendable. Despite the chaos caused by the bomb threats, the situation was brought under control, and the incident highlights the importance of robust security measures in place to prevent and respond to such threats.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/nepal-army-conducted-security-check-of-vistara-flight-after-bomb-threat-3244041

More than 2.7 lakh Vistara bookings for travel after November 12 have been transferred to Air India.

Vistara passengers who had booked flights after November 12, 2024, will be issued new tickets for travel on Air India. The Tata Group has assured that the travel experience will remain the same for the next few months, with the same aircraft, crew, and onboard service. However, the digital experience will soon be enhanced. Air India’s Chief Digital and Transformation Officer, Satya Ramaswamy, announced that the airline has transformed its digital arena, filing for patents in this field. He highlighted that a one-click booking facility will be launched, reducing the number of clicks required for booking. The merger process involves migrating Vistara’s systems to Air India, with over 2.7 lakh passenger reservations and 45,000 loyalty program members being migrated so far. The focus areas for the merger include transferring reservations and loyalty programs, accounting, employee payroll, airport systems, and schedule continuity. Air India’s digital turnaround is a significant achievement, but the physical product is still years away from achieving world-class status.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/over-2-7-lakh-vistara-bookings-for-travel-after-november-12-migrated-to-ai/articleshow/114454463.cms

Air India seamlessly integrates Vistara operations, offering an unparalleled network of routes and elevating the inflight experience to new heights.

Air India has successfully integrated Vistara, its short-haul carrier, and is now offering enhanced routes and a superior inflight experience. The integration is expected to increase operational efficiency, improve customer experience, and expand Air India’s global reach. Passengers can now enjoy a seamless travel experience across both networks, with unified check-in, baggage handling, and loyalty programs. The integration is also expected to bring about better route network management, reduced costs, and increased resources for improving services. Additionally, Vistara’s modern aircraft and staff will be incorporated into Air India’s fleet, elevating the overall quality of service. The integration is seen as a strategic move by Air India to boost its market share and competitiveness in the global aviation industry. With this integration, Air India now boasts a stronger presence, improved operational efficiency, and a more streamlined customer experience. The airline is expected to emerge as a formidable player in the aviation industry, offering passengers a world-class travel experience.

Source: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/air-india-seamlessly-integrates-vistara-operations-ensuring-superior-routes-and-a-first-class-inflight-experience/

Airline staff are trained to treat all potentially threatening calls, including hoax bomb threats, with utmost seriousness and vigilance.

The Indian Civil Aviation Ministry is taking the issue of hoax bomb threats seriously, with Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu stating that they are thoroughly pursuing the matter. Nine flights, six each for Vistara and Akasa Air, received security threats on October 20, 2024, prompting the airlines to activate emergency protocols. The Ministry is working to change legislation and rules to prevent such incidents and is collaborating with authorities to identify the culprits. The Minister believes that the threats are likely the result of a single individual on Twitter tweeting about multiple flights, causing chaos in the system. He emphasized the importance of cooperating with intelligence agencies and the Home Affairs department to prevent future incidents. The airlines and authorities have been working together to ensure the safety and security of passengers and crew. Vistara and Akasa Air received security threats on six flights each, with the airlines following standard operating procedures and protocols to contain the situation. The authorities are taking the matter seriously and will take strong action against those responsible.

Source: https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/minister-kinjarapu-naidu-hoax-bomb-calls-to-airlines-taken-seriously-1831654

IndiGo, Vistara, and Akasa airlines receive bomb threats, and are taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of their passengers and crew.

Multiple Indian airlines received bomb threats on October 20, with over 20 flights being targeted. The airlines, including IndiGo, Vistara, and Akasa, have stated that they are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their passengers and employees. The threats were made via phone calls to the Bengaluru airport command center, and the Indian aviation authorities are investigating the matter.
This is not the first time that flights have received bomb threats in recent days. In fact, it is reported that over 100 threats have been made to flights in the past 7 days. The Indian authorities are urging people to remain calm and not to panic, and are working to identify the source of the threats.
The airlines have increased security measures, including increased security screening and surveillance, to ensure the safety of their passengers and employees. The authorities are also working to track down the perpetrators of the threats and bring them to justice.

Source: https://www.moneycontrol.com/

Six Vistara flights receive new bomb threats, just a day after an urgent meeting with the aviation safety body and airlines to ensure flying safety.

On October 20, 2024, six flights operated by Vistara airline received bomb threats on social media. The threat identified the following flights: UK25 (Delhi to Frankfurt), UK106 (Singapore to Mumbai), UK146 (Bali to Delhi), UK116 (Singapore to Delhi), UK110 (Singapore to Pune), and UK107 (Mumbai to Singapore). In response, the airline notified the relevant authorities and implemented security procedures as directed. The safety and security of passengers, crew, and aircraft remain the airline’s top priority. The airline has confirmed receiving the security threats on social media and is working with authorities to ensure the situation is resolved.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/bomb-threat-to-flights-vistara-akasa-airline-airport-authority-alert-october-20-latest-updates-9092516.html

Here is a rewritten version of the line without additional responses:Air India Express Flight 867 from Dubai, with 189 passengers on board, received a bomb threat and made an emergency landing in Jaipur.

An Air India Express flight from Dubai to Jaipur received a bomb threat via email on Saturday, prompting a thorough search by security forces, which found nothing suspicious. This incident is part of a ongoing pattern of bomb threats to Indian airlines, with around 40 flights receiving threats in the past few days, all of which have turned out to be hoaxes. The incidents have been reported from various airlines, including Air India, Vistara, and IndiGo. Akasa Air also reported a security alert on one of its flights, which was diverted to Frankfurt as a precaution. The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation plans to put in place stricter norms to prevent such incidents, including placing perpetrators on the no-fly list. The Ministry is also looking to amend regulations to ensure strict action is taken against those who send fake bomb threats. The minister, K Rammohan Naidu, has said that the bomb threats are likely the result of individual pranks or mischief by minors and pranksters, rather than a conspiracy.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/air-india-express-flight-from-dubai-carrying-189-passengers-receives-bomb-threat-lands-in-jaipur-101729307635081.html

Threats disrupt air travel: Eight flights of Indian airlines IndiGo and Air India receive bomb threat in just 15 hours

Here’s a 200-word summary of the content:
Hoax threat calls continue to disrupt Indian carriers, with Air India Group and IndiGo affected by at least 8 flights receiving such messages. A Vistara flight from Delhi to London was diverted to Frankfurt after receiving a threat, and an Air India flight from Newark to Mumbai was delayed for 3 hours. Another Vistara flight from Udaipur to Mumbai received a similar message, and an AI Express flight from Dubai to Jaipur was checked on arrival at a remote parking bay. IndiGo received threats for four flights, including two to Istanbul and one to Delhi. The carriers are prioritizing the safety and security of their passengers and crew, working closely with authorities and following guidelines. Since last Sunday, there have been over 40 such hoax threat messages for Indian carriers. The recent incidents suggest that the issue is ongoing, causing disruptions and inconvenience to passengers and carriers alike.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/threats-to-8-ai-group-indigo-flights-in-last-15-hours/articleshow/114370689.cms

SpiceJet Flight SG116 from Darbhanga to Mumbai makes an emergency landing after declaring a mayday situation.

A SpiceJet flight, SG116, from Darbhanga to Mumbai, declared an emergency while approaching Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The Boeing 737-800 aircraft, registered VT-SYZ, made an on-time departure from Darbhanga at 11:38 local time and normally climbed to 38,000 feet before reaching the descent stage. At 07:47 UTC, the flight crew switched to emergency squawk code 7700, indicating a serious issue. The flight continued the approach to Mumbai, following a similar situation involving Vistara flight UK624, which had also declared an emergency during its approach. The SpiceJet flight, with 130 people on board, has now landed safely at Mumbai airport. The reason for the emergency is not specified in the report, but the aircraft will be inspected to determine the cause of the issue.

Source: https://avsn.co.uk/spicejet-flight-sg116-darbhanga-mumbai-declares-emergency/

A Vistara flight from Delhi to London was unexpectedly redirected to Frankfurt due to a bomb threat.

A Vistara flight from Delhi to London was diverted to Frankfurt on Friday after receiving a bomb threat on social media. As a precautionary measure, the pilots decided to divert the flight to Frankfurt, where security checks are being conducted. The airline spokesperson stated that the flight will continue to its destination only after being cleared by security agencies. This is the latest in a series of bomb threats made to Indian airlines, with nearly 40 flights receiving threats in the past few days, which have all turned out to be hoaxes. The Civil Aviation Ministry is planning to introduce stricter norms to prevent such incidents and place perpetrators on the no-fly list.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/vistaras-delhi-london-flight-diverted-to-frankfurt-after-bomb-threat-6822330

Threats to three more AI Group airlines emerged late Friday night, rocking India’s aviation sector.

Since Friday night, three Air India group flights received threat messages, causing disruptions. Vistara’s Delhi-London flight UK17 was diverted to Frankfurt as a precautionary measure due to a security threat posted on social media. The flight was cleared to continue to London after a thorough check at Frankfurt. Air India’s Newark-Mumbai flight was delayed at the origin before taking off, while an AI Express Dubai-Jaipur flight arrived at its destination and underwent checks at a remote parking bay. Vistara emphasized that the safety and security of passengers, crew, and aircraft are their top priority. This is not an isolated incident, as over 40 hoax threat messages have been received by Indian carriers since last Sunday, targeting both domestic and international flights. The constant stream of hoax threats is causing disruptions and concerns for airline operators and passengers alike.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/three-more-ai-group-airlines-get-threats-since-late-friday-night/articleshow/114366775.cms

Vistara India Flights to London Directly Routed to Frankfurt, Causing Disruption in Delhi-London Service

A Vistara flight from Delhi to London was diverted to Frankfurt on October 18th due to a security threat received on social media. The Boeing 787 flight, which was scheduled to land in London, was diverted to Frankfurt as a precautionary measure after the threat was reported. The flight was thoroughly checked and cleared by security agencies, and it took off from Frankfurt 2.5 hours later. The flight eventually landed safely in London at 11:32 pm. This is the latest in a series of hoax threats Indian carriers have been receiving in the past week. Vistara prioritizes the safety and security of its customers, crew, and aircraft, and follows regular protocols to ensure passenger safety.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/another-threat-now-vistara-delhi-london-diverts-to-frankfurt/articleshow/114362911.cms

One in twenty: Vistara’s Frankfurt-bound flight declares an emergency, makes a safe landing in Mumbai

A bomb threat was reported against a Vistara flight from Frankfurt to Mumbai, prompting the pilot to declare a general emergency and land safely at Mumbai airport. This is the 20th bomb threat reported against Indian carriers in a week, with most being false and spread through social media. The latest threat was received via social media and protocol was followed, with authorities notified and the aircraft taken to an isolation bay for security checks. The airline is cooperating with security agencies to investigate. This comes after several earlier threats, including one against an IndiGo flight and another against an Air India flight which was diverted to an airport in Canada following a bomb threat. Union civil aviation minister Kishangarh Naidu expressed concern over the threats and stated that efforts are underway to identify and prosecute those involved. A suspect, a minor, has already been arrested in connection with some of the threats.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/20th-bomb-threat-vistara-flight-from-frakfut-declares-emergency-lands-safely-in-mumbai-101729146474006.html

A bomb attack on the home of a Shiv Sena leader in Punjab has raised concerns about security risks, coinciding with a nearby Vistara flight’s arrival.

A leader of the Shiv Sena, a right-wing Indian political party, had his house attacked in Ludhiana, Punjab on Wednesday. The attackers, who arrived on motorcycles, hurled a petrol bomb at the residence of Yogesh Bhakshi. The Punjab Police have launched an investigation into the incident. Separately, a Vistara flight arriving in Mumbai from Frankfurt on Wednesday was diverted to a secure area after receiving a threat on social media. The flight landed safely at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, but was taken to an isolation bay for further inspection. The security threat did not disrupt the flight’s normal operations, and passengers disembarked normally. These incidents are being treated with seriousness by authorities, who are working to ensure public safety and security.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/programme/india-s-agenda/video/bomb-attack-shiv-sena-leaders-house-punjab-security-threat-vistara-flight-2618377-2024-10-17

Vistara’s commitment to empowerment shone through by putting its frontline employees at the forefront, according to Chairman Bhaskar Bhat.

Vistara’s Chairman, Bhaskar Bhat, highlighted the airline’s focus on empowering frontline employees to provide a premium service and solve customer problems. He notes that Vistara’s innovation lies not in its products or services, but in its approach to empowerment. The company has managed to create a unique customer experience by allowing its employees to deal with problems on the spot, making them the “ambassadors of the airline”. Bhat also mentioned that the airline has been a loss-making venture since its inception, but has received significant investments from the Tata group and Singapore Airlines. The airline has operated over 2,400 flights weekly with a fleet of 70 planes. Bhat also mentioned that India has made flying affordable, with prices being comparable to auto fares. He expressed the need for leadership to push companies towards innovation, citing the correlation between economic development and innovation. With Vistara set to sunset and merge with Air India, Bhat believes that the Indian aviation sector will continue to grow and innovate.

Source: https://www.business-standard.com/companies/news/vistara-stood-out-because-it-empowered-front-line-employees-chairman-bhat-124101600494_1.html

Explore Air India’s Diwali deals: Exclusive discounts on flights, routes, and fares inside

To attract customers during the Diwali festival, full-service airlines like Air India have joined the flight sale, offering discounts on airfares. According to a report by PTI, the average airfares on domestic routes have declined by 20-25% compared to last year, attributed to rising capacity and lower oil prices. Air India is offering special fares for travel between October 8 and November 30, with one-way tickets to Singapore starting at ₹7,445 and to Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from ₹32,611. The airline is also offering instant discounts on domestic flights and other promotions. Vistara has stopped operating due to its merger with Air India, while Indigo has an ongoing offer of flights starting at ₹1,111 until September 30. International airlines like Qatar Airways are also offering discounts on business and economy class travel. These offers are valid for various routes and periods, and customers can check the airlines’ websites for more details.

Source: https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/diwali-flight-sale-air-india-offers-festive-discounts-for-tickets-check-fares-routes-and-other-details-11728827995402.html

Air India commences phased transition of its A320 fleet to AI Express operations.

Tata-owned Air India has started transferring some of its Airbus A320 aircraft to its low-cost carrier, Air India Express (IX). The planes being transferred have all-economy seats and are used for short-haul flights. The move is aimed at challenging IndiGo’s dominance in the domestic market. Air India Express has announced new routes and increased frequencies, competing with IndiGo on certain routes. The airline group is undergoing a significant transformation, with the merger of Air India Express and AIX Connect, and the merger of Vistara (UK) into Air India Group next month. The group plans to diversify its fleet, operating a mix of A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft. The move is expected to improve operational efficiency and take advantage of the low-cost carrier’s cost advantage. The competition between Air India Express and IndiGo is expected to intensify, with the two carriers vying for market share. Air India Express will need to manage its diverse fleet efficiently to maintain its cost advantage and gain market share.

Source: https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2024/10/12/air-india-begins-a320-aircraft-transfer-to-ai-express/

Vistara A321neo takes to the skies, launching a new daily service between Mumbai and Nairobi, Air India’s latest route addition.

Air India’s subsidiary Vistara has launched twice-weekly flights from Mumbai to Nairobi, operated by an Airbus A321neo aircraft. The new route is expected to increase connectivity between India and East Africa, as well as offer a seamless travel experience to business travelers. The flights will depart from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (S taboo) to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) every Tuesday and Saturday.
The Vistara A321neo offers a capacity of 158 seats, with a mix of economy and business class cabins. Business class passengers can enjoy amenities such as lie-flat beds, gourmet cuisine, and personalized service. The plane is also equipped with a high-speed Wi-Fi and in-seat power outlets.
The new route is expected to benefit both passengers and the Indian economy, given the growing business ties between India and East Africa. The route is also expected to promote tourism, cultural exchange, and cargo movement between the two regions. With this new route, Vistara has further strengthened its presence in the global market, offering passengers a unique blend of Indian hospitality and international standards of service.

Source: https://www.businesstraveller.com/paris-barcelona-tgv-service-delayed-indefinitely/2004/october/2024/10/11/air-india-introduces-mumbai-nairobi-route-operated-by-vistara-a321neo/

After November 11, you can still relish the warm hospitality Vistara is renowned for.

Vistara, the joint venture between Tata and Singapore Airlines, will merge with Air India on November 11, 2024. The transition is expected to take some time, and Vistara’s aircraft will continue to operate with the Vistara brand until early next year. To identify which flights will be operated by Vistara aircraft, passengers can look for flight numbers with a prefix “2” and four-digit numbers. The airline has also announced that Vistara’s three-class configuration will be replaced with Air India’s two-class configuration on certain routes. As the merge approaches, social media users have been expressing their sadness at the loss of Vistara’s hospitality. The merger will see Air India operating Vistara’s aircraft and crew, with the airline’s new branding gradually being implemented across touchpoints. However, the future of Vistara’s meal service and other amenities remains unclear. The airline’s focus will be on providing a consistent product across all its routes, which may lead to changes in its widebody network, including at Frankfurt and Paris. The successful implementation of the merger will depend on how the airline evaluates and implements its new strategies.

Source: https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/can-you-still-enjoy-the-vistara-hospitality-after-november-11-the-answer-is-yes-11728637520626.html

After a 20-year hiatus, Tata finally re-entered the airline sector in 2014, having navigated a complex regulatory landscape and tabled three separate proposals.

Ratan Tata, the former chairman of Tata Sons, has had a long and complex history with the Indian airline industry. In 1990, he was approached by the government to start a new domestic airline, but the proposal was rejected due to political resistance. In 1995, he proposed a collaboration with Singapore Airlines, but that too was rejected. In 2001, the government attempted to sell a minority stake in Air India, but the bid was rejected. Despite these setbacks, Tata Sons eventually entered the airline business with the launch of Vistara in 2014 and AirAsia India in 2015. In 2022, Tata Sons acquired Air India, which was saddled with debt and outdated aircraft, for ₹18,000 crore. Ratan Tata boarded an Airbus A350 for a demonstration flight, a memorable moment for aviation enthusiasts. Throughout his journey, Tata has spoken about the challenges he faced, including corruption and regulatory hurdles, which he refused to overcome by paying bribes. Despite the challenges, Tata has remained committed to the airline industry, and his companies have played a significant role in shaping the country’s aviation landscape.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/business/two-decade-long-regulatory-rigmarole-and-three-proposals-later-tata-re-entered-airline-sector-in-2014/article68741854.ece

Vistara’s Delhi-bound flight makes emergency U-turn back to Hyderabad after technical issue; a Congress MP describes the incident as ‘terrifying’.

A Vistara flight from Bengaluru to Delhi turned back to Hyderabad on Sunday due to a technical snag. The incident left passengers, including a Congress MP, with a “frightening” experience. According to reports, the aircraft experienced a problem with its hydraulic system, prompting the pilot to divert the flight back to Hyderabad. The plane made an emergency landing at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, where the technical issue was resolved.
Congress MP Ahmed Patel, who was on board the flight, described the experience as “frightening”. “We were on the flight from Bengaluru to Delhi when suddenly the aircraft’s lights and air conditioning stopped working. The pilot announced that the flight was returning to Hyderabad due to technical snag,” Patel said. “It was a frightening experience, especially seeing oxygen masks dropping down and hearing the ‘seat belt signs’,” he added. The cause of the snag is yet to be determined, and an investigation is underway. The airline has apologized for the inconvenience caused to passengers and assured them of a smooth resumption of the journey once the issue is resolved.

Source: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMi_gFBVV95cUxNejYzQUFua3Z5RUxrOGNYbWFVR1A3dDBZX2R3M2QyeHNHVGdXdkZ2OThicHNZZnNfUVBCTXgtZExhS3AwbklqcVoxdV9RQWh6RmlpenFlMTN1bDk3N09wNG94YzhCcnZGM2tjRmpwVmRvVEpMajU5bG9wZHozM25kdVZLYTd0b2hSTW1pMS1HdnpFN0NQaTZjQUllZjdwdmZJWWJXOVlHanNiUFAxR2REaHVzeWgwa0h5Nld3dnF4amJEaTM0c1BGTURyQUhxR0JWUkxWS25qaTZHR2JYM05GeU0wU0pHUTI5TTdYbzNvS1o2aTc4bjBpbGNCN3ZlQQ?oc=5&hl=en-SG&gl=SG&ceid=SG:en

When Vistara is run efficiently, why can’t Air India follow suit, led by Ratan Tata’s legacy? – The FederalI simplified and condensed the language to make it clearer and more concise, while retaining the original meaning and nuance.

The article discusses the limbo surrounding the performance of Air India, a state-owned airline, compared to Vistara, a private airline founded by Ratan Tata. While Vistara has been successful, Air India has struggled to turn a profit. The article raises questions about why Air India, with its significant means and resources, is not performing as well as Vistara. The airline’s recurring losses, poor services, and outdated infrastructure are attributed to mismanagement and corruption. The article also explores the speculation that Air India’s troubles could be due to a lack of effective leadership, resulting from the sudden death of Ratan Tata, who was the Chairman of Air India’s parent company, Tata Sons. This theory is bolstered by the fact that Vistara, also founded by Ratan Tata, is thriving. The article concludes by expressing concern over the future of Air India and whether it can be salvaged, or if it will ultimately be sold off to private owners.

Source: https://thefederal.com/category/videos/ratan-tatas-death-when-group-company-vistara-is-run-well-why-nor-air-india-149669

Vistara’s London-Delhi flight makes safe landing after crew finds suspicious message on in-flight toilet.

A Vistara flight from London to Delhi received a bomb threat on Wednesday. A piece of paper with a bomb threat message was found in one of the lavatories, prompting the pilot to land the plane safely at Delhi’s airport. The aircraft, a Boeing 787, was carrying nearly 290 passengers. In accordance with protocol, the authorities were informed and the plane was taken to the isolation bay for mandatory checks. The airline spokesperson confirmed that the staff operating the flight noted a security concern and fully cooperated with the authorities to complete the necessary security checks. The passengers were not harmed and the plane was cleared after the checks were completed.

Source: https://news.abplive.com/news/india/vistara-london-delhi-flight-lands-safely-after-staff-discovers-bomb-threat-message-plane-washroom-1723266

Vistara issues ‘five essential’ steps for flyers after merger with AI on November 12 – The Times of India

Vistara issues ‘five essential’ steps for flyers after merger with AI on November 12  The Times of IndiaVistara to get AI2 flight number after merger with Air India  Hindustan TimesVistara-Air India merger: How to transition bookings on/after 12 November, manage baggage, and lounge acce  The Economic TimesVistara experience will remain post-merger; Vistara flight services to have ‘AI2’ prefix: Air India  The HinduVistara To Get New Flight Code ‘AI2’ After Merger With Air India Next…
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Source: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMi_AFBVV95cUxNc1cyV1dfblJ6MHMtb1llRjdVQmR3S0s4TEhBQ2VXME1UVGFCUkhTSDQ3MnJEWUtXZzlNNmlSSklEQndTOXNaNVBUR0plNGVPX1Y4c0stSWJGNS1VelJ3Mk1mWldvNDBNSTkxZzFlakcyNEVrd0EwQW9mb2YyR2ZKU0ZRNG1SeWNXLU5XanJsb3h1VnFLbGNBbldmbFJjY1F0N0hXQWdxeXAtMkgwQ1YxT200aHZGRWNobUhDdVE2cFk4WVU1ekVqdllJZWtvUmdzazNVR0pSSUZEVlhhTXd1aXQxanpYNjhFYTZ5eTQ5UWNZek9HR0NadjBmS2I?oc=5&hl=en-SG&gl=SG&ceid=SG:en

Vistara to get AI2 flight number after merger with Air India | Latest News India

Passengers will be able to identify Vistara flights even after its merger with Air India at least till March, with all flights operated by the airline on its original to be assigned flight numbers with the prefix “AI2”, said a spokesperson. Airline officials said even though Vistara will cease to exist from November 12, its aircraft, routes and crew will continue to operate as they do at least till March. (HT Photo) {{^userSubscribed}} {{/userSubscribed}} …
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Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/vistara-to-get-ai2-flight-number-after-merger-with-air-india-101727894359712-amp.html

Vistara Issues Travel Advisory for Passengers En Route Udaipur Airport

Published 07:01 IST, October 3rd 2024 Vistara Issues Travel Advisory for Passengers En Route Udaipur Airport A travel advisory has been issued by Vistara for all passengers travelling to the Udaipur Airport today, possibly because of President Murmu’s Rajasthan visit.
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Source: https://www.republicworld.com/india/vistara-issues-travel-advisory-for-passengers-en-route-udaipur-airport-ahead-of-president-droupadi-murmu-rajasthan-visit

Air India Revamps Cabin Crew Policies Amid Integration with Vistara


Air India is implementing a new cabin crew policy for both domestic and international flights, requiring certain crew members to share rooms during layovers, according to a source.This revised policy will also extend to Air India Express, which has recently merged with AIX Connect. Additionally, allowances for international flight cabin crew will be increased from the USD 75-125 range to USD 85-135. There are no changes for domestic flight allowances.A spokesman highlighted the need to…
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Source: https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/business/3108200-air-india-revamps-cabin-crew-policies-amid-integration-with-vistara

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