India launches National Digital Tourism Stack, plugging directly into e-Visa and IVFRT systems
DGCA launches probe after IndiGo A321 tail-strike at Bengaluru
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal heads to US as India–US trade deal enters final stretch, mobility chapter in focus
Latest News
Embassy of India in Riyadh invites bids to outsource visa, passport and OCI services
India’s embassy in Riyadh has issued a fresh RFP to outsource all visa, passport and OCI front-office services in Riyadh and Jeddah. The contract aims to double processing capacity, integrate with India’s digital immigration platforms and introduce optional premium services—promising faster, more predictable turnaround for the Kingdom’s 2.4 million-strong Indian community and for Saudi business travellers heading to India.
Char Dham Yatra restarts after weather suspension; officials urge staggered travel
Uttarakhand has reopened access to the Char Dham shrines after a weather-related suspension from 26–27 September. Staggered departures, partial trek-route closures and high accommodation demand will persist for several days. Travel managers should adjust itineraries and ensure pilgrims carry proof of online registration and adequate insurance.
Start-up carrier ‘Air Ayodhya’ wins civil-aviation NOC, targets tier-3 business links
Megamax Aviation’s new venture ‘Air Ayodhya’ received a No-Objection Certificate on 28 September, kicking off the AOC process for regional flights under the UDAN scheme. The carrier will connect underserved Uttar Pradesh cities with national hubs, easing mobility for expatriates, business travellers and religious tourists.
US B-1/B-2 visa interview wait times in India stretch to one year at some consulates
Latest State Department data show B-1/B-2 interview dates in Hyderabad at 12 months and Mumbai at 11½ months, with other Indian consulates not far behind. The backlog—driven by record demand and the rollback of interview waivers—means Indian travellers must plan US trips almost a year ahead or pursue costly work-arounds.
US visitor-visa wait times at Indian consulates creep back toward the one-year mark
The U.S. State Department’s 17 September update shows B-1/B-2 visitor-visa interview waits of 12 months in Hyderabad, 11½ months in Mumbai and 10 months in New Delhi, signalling renewed pressure on Indian travel to the United States. Long queues are disrupting project kick-offs, trade-show attendance and executive visits, forcing companies to build year-long lead times or seek appointments in third countries. Other categories such as student and work visas have shorter waits, but mobility managers warn that unpredictable slot releases still complicate planning.
Char Dham Yatra suspended, flights and trains hit as extreme rainfall sweeps North India
Severe rainfall on 27 September forced the suspension of the Char Dham Yatra, cancelled flights in Ranchi and disrupted rail services across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh. Companies with travellers in the region should activate emergency comms and expect multi-day knock-ons even after skies clear.
46 flight delays and cancellations at UAE hubs hit Indian carriers and passengers
Forty-six flights were delayed or cancelled at Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah airports on 27 September, including Air India Express and SpiceJet services from Kochi and Mumbai. The disruptions—caused by upstream weather and operational bottlenecks—left Indian business travellers scrambling for new connections and highlighted the vulnerability of the busy India-UAE air corridor. Airlines offered re-booking and refunds, but mobility managers advise adding buffer time and flexible tickets for Gulf transits.
Mumbai’s Central Railway imposes five-hour mega blocks on Harbour and Main lines
Central Railway is blocking both Harbour and Main lines for up to five hours on 27 September, suspending Harbour services and diverting Main fast trains. The maintenance shutdown will delay journeys between Mumbai’s core business districts and Navi Mumbai, requiring companies to adjust transport plans and employee reporting times.
Air India launches ‘Great Escape’ flash sale with deep discounts on 40+ global routes
From 27 September to 3 October, Air India is cutting fares on more than 40 international routes in its ‘Great Escape Sale’, with travel valid into mid-2027. The deal offers sizable savings for Indian corporates planning overseas assignments or conferences, though blackout dates and no-name-change rules require careful booking discipline.