India announces closure of airspace over Andaman Sea on May 23-24 for planned air activity
India has announced the closure of airspace over an area around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea for three hours each on May 23-24 for a planned air activity, and no civilian aircraft will be allowed to use the specified airspace at any altitude, according to a recent Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Indian authorities.
The NOTAM was issued on Friday (May 16) evening. It is not mandatory for the exact nature of the air activity to be mentioned in the NOTAM.
A review of past NOTAMs issued for military exercises and weapons tests shows that the specific nature of the activity was mentioned in a number of notices, while a few were non-specific. But the location and certain particulars of this NOTAM may be interpreted as indicative of a missile or weapons system test.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands region has been used time and again by India for missile tests, with the test firing of the BrahMos supersonic missile in salvo mode in January 2025 being a recent example. In April last year, India successfully tested an air-launched ballistic missile in the Adamans, and in March 2022, a successful test firing of the extended range BrahMos missile was done from a launch pad in the island group.
According to the NOTAM, the specified airspace—over a polygonal area around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands with maximum corridor length of around 500 km—will be restricted between 01:30 and 04:30 UTC (7 am and 10 am IST) on May 23 and 24, and consequently nine international flight routes will be closed for these periods without any alternative routes being made available. The affected altitudes are listed as ground to unlimited, which means that civilian aircraft are not allowed to operate even at very high altitudes over the specified area during the restriction windows.
As the NOTAM is for a specified three-hour window on both days, covers a large area, is applicable for all altitude levels from the ground up, and does not make available any alternative routes for civilian aircraft, it could be indicative of a missile test or a high-altitude weapons test. Such broad closures without alternative routes usually signal sensitive or hazardous operations that require civilian aircraft to be kept completely out of range. For activities like aerial surveys, usually lower altitudes are used, which do not interfere with high-altitude flight paths.
Emails to the Airports Authority of India, Ministry of Defence, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have not elicited any response so far.
Sukalp Sharma is a Senior Assistant Editor with The Indian Express and writes on a host of subjects and sectors, notably energy and aviation. He has over 13 years of experience in journalism with a body of work spanning areas like politics, development, equity markets, corporates, trade, and economic policy. He considers himself an above-average photographer, which goes well with his love for travel. ... Read More
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Lucknow eyes Unesco's ‘city of gastronomy' tag
1 2 Lucknow: The City of Nawabs, known for its sumptuous kebabs and royal culinary traditions, is now vying for global recognition. Lucknow has been officially nominated for inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) as a "City of Gastronomy" — a title currently held by only one other Indian city, Hyderabad. Confirming the development, Lucknow divisional commissioner Roshan Jacob said, "We have submitted our nomination, and additional data will be sent by the end of June. Post that, Unesco may conduct a field visit to verify our claims. Lucknow's culinary culture is not just historic—it's a living tradition passed down over centuries." The nomination, coordinated by the state's department of tourism and culture, highlights the city's rich Awadhi fare—iconic dishes like Tunday kebabs, galawati, nihari, biryani, khasta, kulfi, and jalebi that have drawn food lovers from across the globe. Heritage conservationist Abha Narain Lambah, appointed to prepare the Unesco dossier, noted, "Lucknow's gastronomic heritage was enriched by the royal kitchens of Awadh and continues to thrive across communities—from Brahmins and Baniyas to Kayasthas, Khattris and working-class families. The city offers a diverse culinary ecosystem, from legendary kebabs to humble khasta and puri-sabzi." "Food Lucknow is a major food destination," she added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pessoas com dores no joelho devem fazer isto à noite Saude News Saiba Mais Undo Special secretary, tourism, Eesha Priya, said the application is now under review by the Union Ministry of Culture. "The blueprint prepared by Abha's team is detailed and data-backed. We're hopeful Lucknow will make the cut," she said. Unesco's Creative Cities Network recognizes cities with vibrant cultural sectors. Globally, cities like Alba (Italy), Arequipa (Peru), Bergen (Norway), Belem (Brazil), and Bendigo (Australia) are already part of the list under the gastronomy category. Experts say Lucknow offers a compelling case. "The artistry in Awadhi cooking—from the dum pukht technique to refined spice layering—is unmatched. Lucknow isn't just about food, it's about storytelling through cuisine," said Ahad Arshad, a local food chain operator. Culinary expert Adil Hussain added, "Hyderabad may be known for its biryani and haleem, but Lucknow offers a deeper, more nuanced food journey—from Mughlai meats to street snacks. It's a complete sensory experience." Officials point out that while the city is celebrated for its non-vegetarian delights, vegetarian and sweet offerings are just as noteworthy. "Dishes like Bajpai ki Puri, Durga ke Khaste, Malai Paan, and Motichur ke Laddoo are integral to Lucknow's identity," said an officer involved in the bid. With the final submission underway and Unesco assessment awaited, Lucknow could soon find itself on the world's gastronomic map—one kebab at a time.
Mint
2 hours ago
- Mint
Samsonite backs India's premium shift, resists e-commerce discount battles
Mumbai: India's booming travel market has ignited a fierce luggage war, pitting established brands against aggressive direct-to-consumer (D2C) newcomers and budget-focused e-commerce platforms. Amidst this intense competition, Samsonite, the global travel gear giant, is leveraging its premium positioning, overhauling its brand strategy and doubling down on its India-specific playbook. In this interview, Anushree Tainwala, vice-president—marketing, Samsonite South Asia, breaks down the company's multi-brand strategy, its refusal to join the discount race, and why a 'tested like Samsonite' pitch is resonating more than flashy advertising. Edited excerpts: Samsonite has a global supply chain. What's India's role in the overall mix? We manufacture in China, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar and Europe—but India is a core hub. Samsonite has just three owned factories globally: two in Europe and one in Nashik. Our Indian factory alone produces over 5 lakh pieces monthly, serving both domestic and global subsidiaries. Hard luggage is largely made in-house; soft luggage leverages vendor networks. But everything is engineered and designed internally—no off-the-shelf trading. Also read: Monsoon & Musings: India's ad brains ponder Goafest's future Post-Covid, your India portfolio looks more layered, premium, but also broader. Is it intentional? The brand's positioning hasn't changed—we've always been premium. But what's changed is the Indian consumer. People now buy high-end products here instead of picking them up abroad. While our entry pricing stays at ₹10,000, we now offer ₹30,000– ₹40,000 collections, too. And it's not just metros; demand is strong from Indore, Bhopal and Jaipur. Consumers are seeking both functionality and status. After the post-pandemic boom, has travel demand stabilized? It has normalized, yes, but on a higher base. There's a structural shift, more frequent short breaks, and blended business-leisure trips. New D2C brands are adding momentum, even if their scale remains modest. Mokobara often gets mentioned in the same breath now. They've built awareness and helped grow the category, especially among younger audiences. But long-term performance still matters. Globally, we've seen similar brands rise fast and plateau. We're not chasing acquisitions in India. We already have a strong multi-brand play. Also read: Third time's the charm for this startup looking to ride India's gaming frenzy How is that portfolio segmented? Three main brands—Samsonite, American Tourister (AT), Kamiliant. Each has a clear role. Samsonite is for the engineering-obsessed frequent flyer. American Tourister is energetic, colourful and more mass-premium. Kamiliant targets value-conscious first-time buyers. Then there's Tumi, managed by Reliance Brands. We've built Kamiliant to stand on its own now; earlier, it was 'Kamiliant by AT", but that tie is gradually fading. Your campaign for Samsonite 'Tested Like Samsonite' felt like a shift. That campaign was rooted in consumer research. Loyalists told us they loved our deep product engineering. Things like 32-part wheels and drop-test sensors. So we leaned in. We showed boxer Mary Kom smashing bags, an F1 driver towing one and Amitabh Raj's story of resilience. Instead of glamour, we focused on trust and testing. For AT, we created a music video with Siddhant Chaturvedi. Kamiliant, meanwhile, took the comic route—Ganji Chudail and Komolika-style content. Each brand has its own creative lane. With so many campaigns, how do you assess RoI? Celebrities bring reach; influencers build authenticity. We measure not just conversions, but engagement and long-term equity. Ganji Chudail's Kamiliant video, for example, got over a lakh shares—organic reach like that is gold. What's your marketing spend as a percentage of sales? Around 6–7% of topline. What role does quick commerce play now? We're live on Q-commerce with AT and Kamiliant. There are logistical hurdles, delivering luggage on a two-wheeler isn't easy, but we see use cases like urgent last-minute orders. It's still early days. But you also hinted at pulling back on e-commerce. E-commerce has become a bidding war. It's less about brand discovery and more about algorithmic placement. We've chosen to focus on sustainable growth and profitability. We're present online but don't overinvest in chasing ranks. What about sustainability? Every bag we sell now has a lining made from recycled PET bottles. Globally, we follow strict green norms, even if we don't actively market it in India yet. Indian consumers aren't demanding it yet, but the shift will come. Gen Alpha may grow up with it as a default expectation. Also read: From milk delivery to FMCG - Chitale Bandhu now seeks to make a mark with snacks What's the current retail footprint? Over 15,000–20,000 touchpoints. Samsonite is sold mostly through company stores; AT is franchise-driven; Kamiliant is via multi-brand retail and e-commerce. We have deep reach across all districts. How big is India in Samsonite's global mix? Among the top markets, and one of the fastest-growing. Our R&D centre is in Nashik. The factory there just expanded, now up to 7 lakh units per month. We've invested millions over two phases already. India is not just large, it's strategic. Are exports growing too? We export to Europe, Australia, the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Asia. Not to the US yet. But with shifting global tariffs, that may change. You've been busy with collaborations lately. Yes—across all brands. With Masaba, Manish Malhotra, Netflix (Stranger Things, Squid Game), Hugo Boss, Laura Ashley and Smurfs. Collaborations help us reach niche audiences, spark buzz, and keep the brands culturally relevant.
Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Indian Express
‘I like to check out forts & monuments in Delhi, where you can feel the essence of history': Ambassador of Jordan
In the eight months that Jordan Ambassador Yousef Abdelghani has been in Delhi, he has discovered several cultural similarities between the culture in Jordan and India, as well as the cuisine. As for the city itself, he likes exploring Old Delhi and its forts and monuments. He and his family enjoy dining out every week. Abdelghani joined the foreign service in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in 1995 and served in Jordanian Embassies in Lebanon, Egypt, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. He is currently Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the Republic of India (Resident), since 2024 and Ambassador-Designate to Sri Lanka and Nepal (Non-Resident). He holds a Master's in Political Science with an emphasis on International Relations and American Politics from Sam Houston State University (USA). Abdelghani speaks to The Indian Express as part of a series of interviews with diplomats about Delhi — their home. Excerpts: How long have you been in Delhi? What is the one place in the city that you love to visit often? I've been in Delhi for eight months now. I arrived in September 2024 and presented my credentials to the Hon'ble President of the Republic of India in November 2024. As for places I love to see and visit, I like to see the old city and check out old forts and historical monuments, where you can feel the essence of history. Three things that have stood out during your stay so far? The most adorable things I noticed are the kindness of the Indian people and their hospitality, the green areas… spread all over the city that give it a unique appearance… and the diversity in the local community, which shows a symbol of unity and solidarity between all segments of society. Is there anything you would suggest the administrators of Delhi work on to make the city a better place? The main problem, in my humble opinion, that the city is facing now is traffic jams and air pollution. This could be addressed by developing the public transport systems, reducing the number of cars on the streets, and relying more on green energy… which could reduce carbon emissions. How do you plan to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations between Jordan and India this year? We are planning to establish direct flights between Amman and Delhi by the end of this year. This will give a boost to our bilateral relations and encourage tourist groups and cultural and business delegation exchange between the two countries. The inauguration of flights will coincide with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between our countries. Other activities are planned, like organising VIP visits… What food did you like here? My family and I like to go out and try Indian food, and every week, we try a new restaurant. For me, I would say I like the cottage cheese and lentil soup and vegetarian dishes in general, but with not much spice added, as I am not a meat lover. If you have to introduce Delhi to someone back home, what will you tell them? I would say Delhi is the symbol of India… It is a representation of the whole of India, which I consider much more than a country but a continent… unique in its diverse cultures, languages, religions, and landscapes… This diversity gives India its strength. Any memories or encounters that happened while you were in Delhi that you think will stay with you always? Every day, I encounter new amazing things in India, that are fascinating and inspiring, among which are the cultural similarities between our culture in Jordan and the Indian culture especially family values… the other thing is the diversity of Indian cuisine which is rich in vegetarian dishes — this is similar also to our cuisine. Is there anything you and your family would miss once you say goodbye to this city? My family will miss our travels through the city — either for dining or for shopping or sightseeing, and trying new food and checking out new places.
