IndiGo cancels 24 flights at Ranchi amid adverse weather
India sets out digital visa expansion plan ahead of World Tourism Day 2026
Indian Railways cancels 51 Bihar-bound trains, diverts 47 during Rajendra Pul upgrade
Latest News
India–New Zealand FTA to open 5,000-visa pathway for skilled Indians from 20 October
An Economic Times interview on 25 September and a recent PIB note confirm that the India–New Zealand FTA—effective 20 October 2026—will introduce 5,000 three-year work visas and 1,000 working-holiday places annually for Indian citizens, alongside expanded post-study work entitlements. The dedicated quota gives Indian firms a fast-track route into New Zealand’s tight labour market.
US visitor-visa interview wait for Indians stretches to one year in Hyderabad
Interview-appointment waits for US B-1/B-2 visitor visas have hit 12 months in Hyderabad and 11.5 months in Mumbai, Economic Times data published 25 September reveal. The delays complicate urgent business travel and family visits, pushing employers to rely on interview-waiver options and alternative consulates.
IMD issues heavy-rain alert for 8 states, airlines and railways activate contingency plans
A post-monsoon depression has prompted the IMD to issue heavy-rain alerts for eight northern and central states on 26 September, leading airlines and rail operators to curtail services and impose speed restrictions. Corporations with end-of-quarter travel in the region should expect delays and consider remote alternatives.
Late-night Chennai suburban services cancelled 26 Sept–4 Oct for Guindy maintenance
Southern Railway will cancel key late-night suburban trains on the Chennai Beach–Tambaram route between 26 September and 4 October to perform signalling and OHE upgrades at Guindy. The outage affects airport and shift-worker mobility, requiring employers to arrange alternate transport and travellers to allow extra journey time.
West Asian destinations woo Indian wedding market with complimentary visas and charter perks
Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and other Gulf hubs are dangling free visas and charter-flight incentives to attract big-ticket Indian weddings, Economic Times reported on 26 September. The perks can cut event costs by up to ₹75 lakh and make large-scale group travel easier, but planners must navigate slot availability and compliance rules.
Consumer court fines IndiGo ₹67,000 for denying boarding after schedule change
A Delhi consumer court has ordered IndiGo to pay ₹67,000 to a passenger denied boarding after the airline advanced his flight without proper notice, reinforcing DGCA rules on rescheduling. The judgment could encourage more travellers—and companies—to seek redress for similar disruptions.
UK updates India travel advisory, highlights border restrictions and visa-support resources
On 25 September the UK government refreshed its India travel advisory, maintaining warnings near the Pakistan border while adding details on visa assistance and India’s new e-OCI system. British companies should review journey-management plans and build in longer lead times for e-Visa processing.
India expands e-Tourist Visa list to 166 countries after adding Gulf and African markets
A BankBazaar update dated 25 September shows India’s e-Tourist Visa scheme now covers 166 countries after adding Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Mauritania. The expansion streamlines short-term business and leisure travel from key Gulf and African partners.
US Visa Interview Wait Times for Indians Stretch Up to One Year in Major Cities
Latest State Department figures show B-1/B-2 interview dates for Indians are up to 12 months away in Hyderabad and 11.5 months in Mumbai. Student visa slots have improved, but work-visa appointments still take up to 5.5 months. The bottleneck threatens corporate travel and may force firms to reschedule US engagements.
India–New Zealand FTA to Unlock Working-Holiday Visas and Direct Flights
The India–NZ FTA, effective 20 Oct 2026, creates a 5,000-place skilled-worker visa, a 1,000-slot working-holiday scheme, and multi-year post-study work rights for Indian graduates. Direct Mumbai–Auckland flights are also on the agenda, promising faster corporate travel.
Philippine Airlines confirms first nonstop Manila–Delhi and Manila–Mumbai flights from December 2026
On 25 September 2026 Philippine Airlines unveiled plans for the first nonstop flights linking Manila with Delhi and Mumbai, to start in December. Using Airbus A321neos, the services will cut travel time by up to six hours, boost cargo flows and give Indian travellers one-stop access to PAL’s Pacific network. The move intensifies competition ahead of IndiGo’s anticipated India–Philippines debut next year.
Goyal Urges India and Australia to Fast-Track Mutual Recognition for Chartered Accountants
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal says India and Australia should finalise a broad mutual-recognition agreement for Chartered Accountants, allowing easier cross-border movement of finance professionals and supporting the forthcoming CEPA services chapter.
Delhi court allows seven foreign nationals in drone-terror probe to exit India for 30 days under Immigration Act conditions
A Delhi special court has granted a one-month travel window to a U.S. national and six Ukrainians accused of drone-related offences, saying their case currently involves only Immigration and Foreigners Act breaches rather than terrorism charges. The precedent confirms Indian courts’ willingness to allow temporary foreign travel when national-security evidence is still unproven, provided strict reporting conditions are met.
DGCA integrates Bharatkosh payments into eGCA, streamlining licence applications for student pilots
DGCA now requires all Student Pilot Licence fees to be paid through Bharatkosh directly inside the eGCA portal, removing manual challans and reducing application processing time. The move is part of a wider digitisation drive that could eventually cover air-worthiness and foreign-pilot permissions, easing administrative friction for airlines and business-aviation operators.
Kochi Immigration-Consultancy CEO Arrested for ₹4 Lakh Job-Visa Fraud
Police in Kochi have detained an immigration-consultancy CEO accused of taking ₹4 lakh per head for bogus Armenian job visas. The case highlights ongoing visa-fraud risks and prompts fresh warnings from the PoE.
Delhi Court Lets Seven Foreign Nationals Accused in NIA Case Visit Families Abroad
An NIA special court has permitted six Ukrainians and an American—previously held on terror-related charges—to leave India for one month after they cleared immigration-act penalties with the FRRO, highlighting judicial willingness to protect the fundamental right to travel.