Direct flights connect Abu Dhabi to three culturally rich Indian cities
17 May 2025 15:47
A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)Abu Dhabi will soon be connected to three culturally rich cities of India — Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam and Madurai — with direct flights.IndiGo, India's largest airline, announced the launch of new direct flights linking the UAE capital to Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam and Madurai, three culturally significant Indian cities that have long awaited improved international access.The direct flights to Bhubaneswar will operate three times a week starting from June 12, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, while Visakhapatnam will be connected four times weekly from June 13, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Flights to Madurai will also begin on June 13 and run three times a week — on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.The expansion comes as part of IndiGo's strategic push to enhance regional international connectivity and offer time-saving travel options for passengers. Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, is renowned for its ancient Kalingan temples and its emerging status as a hub for IT and education.Visakhapatnam, also known as Vizag, is a key port city in Andhra Pradesh known for its industrial importance, naval base, and scenic coastal attractions such as Araku Valley and Kailasagiri. Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a centre of Tamil culture and devotion, is home to the iconic Meenakshi Temple and serves as the second most important city in Tamil Nadu after Chennai.'By introducing these direct flights, IndiGo is enhancing travel convenience for passengers, expanding international access to regional markets, and catering to the growing demand from both business and leisure travellers,' the airline said in a statement.Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo, added: 'We are pleased to announce direct flights to Abu Dhabi, further growing our international network. With the addition of these flights, IndiGo now operates over 100 weekly flights to Abu Dhabi from 15 cities in India. This also increases our frequencies to the UAE to 275 flights a week from 18 cities in India. As demand for direct international travel grows, we're committed to connecting India with global economic centres, ensuring on-time, affordable, and seamless travel across our expanding network.'The new connections are expected to ease travel for the large Indian diaspora in the UAE, as well as promote two-way tourism, trade, and educational links.Bookings for the new flights can be made via IndiGo's website or mobile app, and the move reinforces the airline's role in bridging India's Tier-2 cities with global destinations through reliable, cost-effective, and direct air links.Bhupesh Akkineni, a software engineer based in Abu Dhabi, welcomed the direct flight between the UAE capital and Visakhapatnam, the commercial capital of Andhra Pradesh. 'It will save us a lot of time wasted on layovers and changing flights. It comes as a big relief for families from the region,' he said.Amiya Mishra, President of Odisha Samaj UAE, also welcomed the move. 'We are delighted with the news of a direct flight from Bhubaneswar to Abu Dhabi. Now it is almost a daily flight from the UAE to Bhubaneswar except Sunday, which will be of great help to all Odias in the UAE.' IndiGo is already running a three-times-a-week service from Dubai to Bhubaneswar — on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
The Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry also hailed the launch of direct flights from Madurai to Abu Dhabi. In a statement, Chamber President N. Jagatheesan said the body had long emphasised the need for increased international flight services from Madurai to benefit the business community, international travellers and the general public.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
5 hours ago
- Al Etihad
ADNOC Distribution burnishes its ESG credentials
10 June 2025 17:31 A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI) ADNOC Distribution has demonstrated significant strides in its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) agenda throughout 2024, as outlined in its comprehensive annual ESG report submitted to the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX). This report not only highlights the company's progress but also underscores its commitment to sustainability as a fundamental aspect of its long-term strategy, signalling an ambition to lead the energy sector's transition towards a lower-carbon future. The year 2024 was marked by a series of tangible achievements across its six sustainability pillars, reflecting a dedication to transparency and stakeholder the realm of Climate, Emissions, & Energy, ADNOC Distribution achieved notable success with 100% of its UAE fleet operating on biofuels, leading to a substantial annual emissions reduction. All energy supplied for electric vehicle (EV) chargers is now derived from clean and renewables-based sources, with significant solar photovoltaic energy (5,083 MWh PV) generated from service station rooftops in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The company also expanded its EV charging network to 220 fast and super-fast chargers and launched the second phase of its H₂GO pilot green hydrogen refuelling station. For the Local Environment, initiatives included planting over 25,000 mangrove seeds and collecting more than 5.8 million bottles through Reverse Vending Machines, alongside recording zero negative impacts on biodiversity and consistently conducting HSE impact company's Economic and Social Contribution saw it achieve a 71.4% In-Country Value contribution, alongside reporting its highest EBITDA since IPO at Dh3.86 billion and revenues of Dh35.45 billion. Investment in CSR initiatives was substantial, and the expansion of retail fuel infrastructure continued. Significant progress was made in Workforce Diversity and Development, with ADNOC Distribution employing a diverse workforce of 77 nationalities and increasing women's representation across various management and STEM roles. The Emiratisation rate surpassed 62%, and extensive training, wellbeing initiatives, and ESG awareness programmes were delivered to employees. Under Health, Safety, & Security, the company maintained an impressive safety record with zero fatalities and high-consequence work-related injuries, implementing fatigue management systems and conducting numerous HSE audits. Lastly, in Business Sustainability, an ESG Subcommittee was established at the Board level to embed sustainability into strategic decision-making. The company also secured ISO 22241 certification for ADNOC Blue, successfully met KPIs under its sustainability-linked loan, and enhanced its ESG ratings, leading to inclusion in prestigious ESG-linked company's leadership emphasised the strategic significance of these accomplishments. Eng. Bader Saeed Al Lamki, Chief Executive Officer, ADNOC Distribution, expressed his pride in the "remarkable strides ADNOC Distribution has made in our ongoing commitment to sustainability, innovation, and responsible growth." He specifically highlighted the expansion of the EV charging network, which quadrupled its reach, stating: "This expansion supports the UAE's transition to cleaner energy and makes sustainable mobility more accessible than ever." Paula Disberry, Chairwoman of the ESG Subcommittee, ADNOC Distribution, articulated her belief that "sustainability is not just a responsibility—it is an opportunity to drive long-term value for our stakeholders." She underscored that 2024 was "a pivotal year for ADNOC Distribution's ESG agenda,' marked by the establishment of the ESG Subcommittee to integrate risks, opportunities, and stakeholder expectations into business strategies. Athmane Benzerroug, Chief Strategy, Transformation, and Sustainability Officer, ADNOC Distribution, confirmed the company's advanced sustainability efforts "with a heightened sense of responsibility and a clear path forward.' He detailed the decarbonisation roadmap, aiming to reduce carbon intensity by 25% by 2030 and accelerate Net Zero by 2045, further adding, "Our focus on sustainable energy has reached new heights with the successful expansion of our hydrogen infrastructure."
Al Etihad
a day ago
- Al Etihad
UAE markets continue rally with DFM rising by more than 1%
9 June 2025 20:19 A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)The UAE stock markets continued their momentum on Monday, with the Dubai Financial Market rising by more than 1% on the first day of trading after the four-day Eid break. The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) recorded its third consecutive session of gains, with its general index (FADGI) rising by 0.135% to close at 9,748.13. A total of 25,847 trades were executed, involving 502 million shares with a combined value of Dh1.334 billion. The total market capitalisation of all companies listed on the ADX stood at Dh3.012 led the rally with a 1.56% gain, followed by e& with a 0.58% rise and ADNOC Gas with a 0.3% increase. Aldar has announced plans to establish the region's first King's College School Wimbledon in Abu Dhabi as part of the recently announced project Fahid Island. Multiply, whose shares rose by 0.87% on Monday, announced a new media brand bringing all its outdoor advertising companies under one banner. Other top gainers on the ADX included E7W Warrants (+14.93%), Al Wathba National Insurance (+13.92%), and Abu Dhabi National Takaful (+13.64%). Notable decliners were Gulf Medical Projects (-6.05%), Investcorp (-2.94), and National Bank of Fujairah (-2.63%). DFM The Dubai Financial Market's general index (DFMGI) rose by 1.026% to close at 5,592.75, its highest point since 2008, with almost all sectors in positive territory. A total of 20,636 trades were executed on the DFM, involving 834 million shares with a combined value of Dh1 billion. Share prices of 30 companies rose, 15 declined, and 10 remained the real estate giant, was the star performer with its stock rising by nearly 15% to reach Dh1.06. Deyaar Chief Executive Officer Saeed Mohammed Al Qatami recently wondered at a press conference why his company's stock price was less than a dirham when its book value was well above Dh1. Deyaar is often overtaken in optics by its better-known rivals — Emaar and Emaar Developments. Another blue-chip company, Salik, surged by 2.27%, leading to one of the biggest recent rallies. Among the other top gainers were Union Properties (+14.87%), Al Mal Capital REIT (+10%), and Emirates REIT (+9.43%). On the losing side, Al Mazaya Holding fell by 8.84%, followed by Emirates Islamic Bank (-5.65%), Amlak (-4.24%), and National Industries (-2.01%). Monday was the last day of trading for Emirates Islamic as its 100% ownership was acquired by its parent company, Emirates NBD. Amlak Finance, in a disclosure, clarified that the recent price rally was triggered by the company's decision to proceed with the execution of the sale of the Ras Al Khor plots to Emaar Development for a total consideration of Dh2.9 billion. Stock Markets Continue full coverage
Time Out Abu Dhabi
a day ago
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
There's been a brilliant visa update for Indian tourists travelling to the Philippines
Got the Philippines on your travel list? If you're an Indian national, packing for paradise just got a whole lot simpler. Starting June 8, Indian passport holders can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 14 days for tourism purposes – no lengthy embassy visits or paperwork required. All you need is a passport valid for six months beyond your stay, proof of accommodation, funds to cover your trip and a return or onward ticket. That's your beach getaway sorted. But it gets even better. According to the same announcement, made by the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, if you're an Indian citizen holding a valid visa or residence permit for the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore or the Schengen area, you can extend your island time to a full 30 days – no visa necessary. Just show your valid passport and return ticket at the border and you're in. The visa-free entry applies at all Philippine ports and while extensions aren't on the table (so don't overstay your welcome), this move is a major step towards smoother travel between India and the archipelago nation. There are a few fine-print notes: the policy is strictly for tourism. If you're transiting through, planning a longer stay, or heading to the Philippines for business, study or work, you'll still need to apply for the relevant visa through the usual consulate channels. Still, for Indian travellers dreaming of white sands, warm seas and unforgettable Filipino hospitality, this is very good news indeed. Need some travel inspo? Travelling from Abu Dhabi is about to be so much faster Zayed International Airport is the world's first airport to make this change 18 countries offering visa-on-arrival to UAE residents Here's where to go UAE citizens now get visa-on-arrival for India: a game-changer for travellers That quick trip to India just got even easier
