Key Industry Developments
West Bengal Airport Expansion: Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu announced that West Bengal will double its operational airports from four to eight within two years. Four new greenfield regional airports will be developed at Chharra, Kalaikunda, Balurghat, and Hasimara under the UDAN scheme through a Memorandum of Understanding between Ministry of Civil Aviation and state government.
VFS Global Guwahati Center: VFS Global inaugurated a 3,200 sq. ft. Visa Application Centre in Khanapara, Guwahati, providing direct processing for 14 international destinations including UK, France, Italy, Switzerland, Japan, and Egypt. The facility serves all eight Northeastern states.
Air India Route Expansion: Air India will launch non-stop four-times-weekly service between Delhi and Osaka (Kansai International) starting February 2, 2027, using Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. This makes Osaka the carrier's second destination in Japan alongside Tokyo.
Marriott Brand Entry: Marriott International introduced its midscale City Express brand to South Asia with the opening of 56-room City Express by Marriott Udaipur Nathdwara Highway located on NH-58.
Chinese Visa Process Change: Effective October 26, 2026, Chinese diplomatic missions in India will directly accept and process visa applications at the Embassy in New Delhi and Consulate General in Mumbai, replacing third-party Visa Application Centers. This eliminates external service center fees for qualifying online submissions.
Swiss Airline Schedule: Swiss International Air Lines extended its Zurich-Bengaluru direct flight service beyond winter season into summer schedule, operating five-times-weekly.
Hotel Openings: Suba Group of Hotels opened Quality Inn Serenity, a 36-room midscale property on Faizabad Road, Lucknow, marking their seventh hotel in Lucknow.
Fuel Charge Revision: IndiGo revised distance-based fuel charges across domestic and international sectors following 14% surge in Aviation Turbine Fuel prices. Domestic fuel surcharges now range between ₹375 and ₹1,300 depending on route distance, while international charges range up to ₹10,000.
Company Specific Updates
Mach Travel Solutions Growth: The company has grown to over 550 employees with 100+ new team members joining over the last five months, including senior professionals with over 25 years experience and mid-management with 15+ years experience.
Training Session: Air India conducted a focused training session hosted at Mach Travel Solutions Ltd's Head Office in Noida, with employees participating virtually across all Full Service Centers pan-India. The session covered Air India's expanding network, onboard products, culinary experience, and operational best practices.
Award Nomination: Mach Travel Solutions Limited nominated for India Trade Awards 2026 in category of Most Innovative Travel Solutions Company of the Year by Asian Arab Trade Chamber of Commerce.
Event Sponsorship: Company serves as Title Sponsor for MICE Cricket League (MCL) 2026 with their own team participating.
Management Commentary: Joint Managing Director Kaushik Ghosh published research paper titled "Indians at Overseas Sports Mega Events" in internationally recognized journal "Sport in Society".
Travel Destination Focus
Madagascar: Featured as destination highlight with 6 nights/7 days ideal program for April to November travel. Recommended experiences include lemur spotting, Avenue of the Baobabs at sunset, Tsingy de Bemaraha exploration, and Nosy Be beach escape. Recommended hotels include Constance Tsarabanjina, Andilana Beach Resort, Palissandre Côte Ouest, Relais des Plateaux, and Anjajavy le Lodge.