srinagar | Business Upturn

IndiGo to launch first commercial flights from Noida International Airport on June 15

Rashmi Pandey — Thu, 07 May 2026 12:07:38 +0000

IndiGo has announced that it will become the launch carrier for Noida International Airport, beginning commercial flight operations from the newly inaugurated airport on June 15, 2026.

The move marks a significant development for the National Capital Region’s aviation infrastructure, with Noida International Airport becoming the third airport serving the NCR after Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport and Hindon Airport.

According to the airline, IndiGo will progressively introduce direct flights connecting the new airport to more than 16 destinations across India. The planned network includes major metro cities such as Bengaluru and Hyderabad, along with tier-2 and tier-3 destinations including Amritsar, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Jaipur, Lucknow, Srinagar and Navi Mumbai among others.

The airline said bookings for the flights are being opened in phases through its website, mobile application and authorised travel partners.

Aloke Singh said the airport’s strategic location on the Yamuna Expressway would make it an important gateway for western Uttar Pradesh and the wider NCR region. He added that large metropolitan regions in India are increasingly evolving to support multiple airports, and IndiGo is proud to operate across all three airports in the NCR.

Among the country’s largest greenfield airport projects, Noida International Airport has been developed with a focus on integrated multi-modal connectivity through extensive road and rail links. The airport is expected to improve access for passengers across western Uttar Pradesh and reduce congestion pressure on Delhi’s existing aviation infrastructure.

Industry experts believe the operationalisation of the Jewar airport could significantly reshape passenger traffic patterns in northern India while supporting the government’s broader infrastructure and connectivity push.

IndiGo, currently India’s largest airline by market share, has continued aggressive domestic and international expansion as air travel demand grows rapidly across the country. The airline’s decision to become the first commercial operator at Noida International Airport is expected to strengthen the airport’s positioning as a future aviation hub for northern India.

Lemon Tree Hotels signs agreement for 60-room property in Srinagar

Kinjal — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 17:36:00 +0000

Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd, India’s largest mid-priced hotel chain, has announced the signing of Keys Prima by Lemon Tree Hotels in Srinagar. This new property marks a significant expansion in the company’s regional presence, bringing its total footprint in Jammu & Kashmir to four operational hotels and two properties currently under development.

The hotel will be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lemon Tree Hotels Limited. Strategically located just 2 km from Srinagar International Airport and 11 km from the Srinagar Railway Station, the property offers excellent connectivity for both corporate travellers and leisure groups visiting the Kashmir Valley.

The hotel will feature 60 well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, banquet hall, conference room, and recreational facilities including a swimming pool and fitness centre. This signing is part of Lemon Tree Hotels’ strategy to capture demand in high-growth leisure markets while maintaining its asset-light growth model.

Neelendra Singh, Managing Director & CEO of Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd, commented on the signing, stating, “Jammu & Kashmir is rapidly evolving into a high-potential leisure market, underpinned by a surge in domestic tourism and significantly improved infrastructure. In destinations like Srinagar, we are seeing a sophisticated shift in traveller expectations as guests are increasingly seeking refined, experience-led stays that offer the reliability of a trusted brand. The introduction of Keys Prima to this market is a direct response to that demand. By expanding state-wide footprint, we are not just adding rooms; we are building a network that offers consistency and quality across India’s most iconic travel circuits.”

Keys Prima represents Lemon Tree Hotels’ elevated midscale offering, blending contemporary design with enhanced service standards. This addition reinforces the company’s commitment to capturing demand in high-growth leisure markets.

Disclaimer: This article is based on a regulatory filing submitted to the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE).

IndiGo unveils 6 new routes, anticipating summer travel surge and economic growth

Matrika Shukla — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:54:20 +0000

Starting from March 31st, IndiGo is set to introduce six additional routes, coinciding with the onset of the summer schedule.

Among these routes are direct flights connecting Ahmedabad to Rajkot and Aurangabad, as well as Bhopal to Lucknow, and Indore to Varanasi.

Moreover, IndiGo will commence direct flights between Kolkata and Srinagar on April 10th, followed by Kolkata and Jammu on April 21st.

Commencing April 10th, flights between Kolkata and Jammu via Srinagar are also slated to commence.

These fresh links with significant hubs such as Ahmedabad, Lucknow, and Kolkata are poised to amplify mobility and facilitate connectivity to various domestic and international destinations. This expansion will broaden access for both business travellers and tourists, fostering seamless travel experiences.

As air travel continues to attract a growing number of individuals and with the emergence of new airports, the demand for domestic travel is witnessing a surge. According to CAPA’s report, air passenger traffic in India is projected to soar to 860 million by 2030, signalling a substantial opportunity for economic expansion.

The introduction of these new routes not only accommodates the escalating demand for travel but also plays a pivotal role in fostering trade, commerce, and employment prospects. By bolstering connectivity between cities, these routes contribute to the enhancement of ties and collaboration across regions, thereby facilitating robust economic growth.

Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo, expressed satisfaction in unveiling the new routes for the upcoming summer schedule, in direct response to the escalating demand for travel. With the vacation season on the horizon, IndiGo aims to provide an extensive array of options for exploring diverse destinations within India. Malhotra emphasized the company’s confidence that these routes will not only enrich accessibility and travel experiences but also reinforce economic connections among different states.

He reiterated IndiGo’s commitment to delivering affordable, punctual, courteous, and seamless travel experiences across its unparalleled network.

Air India Express to launch daily direct flights between Mumbai and Kozhikode

Matrika Shukla — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 11:03:29 +0000

Air India Express announced its newest addition to its flight routes, with direct daily flights between Mumbai and Kozhikode commencing from February 23rd. This initiative aims to enhance connectivity between these two major cities and cater to the increasing demand for seamless travel options.

Kozhikode serves as the airline’s primary hub for international operations, boasting a robust network of 101 weekly flights. This strategic move underscores Air India Express’s commitment to expanding its presence in key markets and facilitating convenient travel for passengers.

Passengers traveling from Kozhikode can now enjoy direct connectivity to 15 domestic and international destinations, including popular hubs like Bengaluru, Bahrain, Kuwait, Muscat, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Doha, Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam. Additionally, the airline offers convenient one-stop itineraries to 19 destinations, including Ayodhya, Delhi, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, and Chennai, further enhancing travel options for passengers.

From Mumbai, Air India Express currently operates 112 weekly flights, connecting major destinations such as Bengaluru, Delhi, Bhubaneswar, Goa, Jaipur, Ranchi, Madurai, Lucknow, Srinagar, Dammam, Sharjah, and now Kozhikode. This expansion solidifies the airline’s position as a key player in the aviation sector, offering extensive connectivity across India and beyond.

With a fleet comprising 63 aircraft, including 35 Boeing 737s and 28 Airbus A320s, Air India Express operates over 340 flights daily, linking 31 domestic and 14 international airports. The airline’s continuous efforts to enhance its route network and improve passenger experience reflect its commitment to providing efficient and reliable air travel services.

The introduction of direct daily flights between Mumbai and Kozhikode marks a significant milestone for Air India Express, as it strives to meet the evolving needs of travelers and strengthen its foothold in the competitive aviation market.

Akasa Air introduces facial recognition at 9 airports, expands to 21 cities

Matrika Shukla — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 11:18:11 +0000

Akasa Air, backed by the Rakesh Jhunjhunwala group, has launched Digi Yatra’s facial recognition system across nine major airports in India. Passengers can now save time and bypass queues at airports in Bengaluru, New Delhi, Varanasi, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Kolkata, and Pune.

The DigiYatra service provides a fully biometric-based self-boarding solution, ensuring a seamless travel experience. Travellers can register their ID and biometric data, along with flight details, on the DigiYatra app before entering the terminal. State-of-the-art biometric technology then authenticates and verifies passengers’ identities as they move through the airport, prioritizing safety and security.

To enroll for DigiYatra, passengers should follow these steps:

1. Download the DigiYatra App from the Android or Apple store and register using their Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
2. Link their Aadhaar through Digi Locker, ensuring prior registration.
3. Ensure that the name on their Aadhaar matches the name used for flight booking.
4. Take a clear selfie, verify it with Aadhaar, and save the credentials.
5. Add their boarding pass to the DigiYatra App at least 24 hours before the flight and await confirmation.

Akasa Air serves 21 cities including Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Delhi, Guwahati, Agartala, Pune, Lucknow, Goa, Hyderabad, Varanasi, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Port Blair, Ayodhya, Gwalior, Srinagar, and Doha (Qatar).

Jammu and Kashmir’s police successfully apprehend terrorist behind brutal killing of Punjabi labourers

Gowri Jagadish — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 12:50:45 +0000

On Tuesday, the Jammu and Kashmir police declared that they had successfully captured Adil Manzoor Langoo, the terrorist who killed two Punjabi labourers brutally on February 7 in the Habba Kadal neighbourhood of Srinagar.

Additional Director General of Police Vijay Kumar confirmed the arrest by stating that the terrorist opened fire on the two labourers residing in the Habba Kadal area, Punjab on February 7. Amritpal Singh and Rohit Masih, two woodworkers, were shot at their house in the Shahed Gunj neighbourhood of Shalla Kadal.

Amritpal Singh passed right away, and Rohit Masih survived an initial medical emergency but eventually passed away from his wounds. Both were from Punjab’s Amritsar district and had been working in Jammu & Kashmir to help their destitute families.

As per the Additional Director General of Police, the police have effectively retrieved the firearm that was utilised in the incident.

Based on the inquiry, it was determined that handlers in Pakistan had used social media to influence and recruit Adil Manzoor Langoo into the terrorist community. This new information illuminates the ongoing outside factors fueling violence in the area.

Jammu and Kashmir have been facing violent incidents against non-locals since 2019. This is due to the Union government’s decision to repeal Article 370, which gave the state special status. The terrorist attack that took place in Shahed Gunj is the first known instance of violence against foreigners in Jammu and Kashmir this year.

Since the Union government decided to revoke Article 370, which gave the state special status, Jammu and Kashmir has been dealing with violent occurrences against non-locals. This year’s first documented terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir against non-locals took place in Shahed Gunj.

The current incident is an extension of an identical pattern of violence that was observed in Pulwama in October 2023 when an migrant worker from Uttar Pradesh was shot and killed. According to the police report, “A worker in the Tumchi Nowpora region of Pulwama was shot by terrorists; the man eventually died from his wounds. Area marked off with tape.”

Home Minister Amit Shah unveils ‘Statue of Peace’ in Srinagar

United News of India (UNI) — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 08:23:25 +0000

New Delhi, July 7: Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday unveiled the ‘Statue of Peace’ of Swamy Ramanujacharya in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir via Video Conferencing.

Talking about Ramanujacharya, one of the most important exponents of the Vaishnavism tradition within Hinduism, the Home Minister said the statue will bring peace and prosperity to J&K.

“The establishment of ‘Statue of Peace’ in Srinagar is a very good sign for Jammu and Kashmir. In the leadership of LG Manoj Sinha, J&K is moving forward on the path of peace and progress,” Home Minister Amit Shah said after unveiling the statue. He was addressing the gathering through video conferencing.

“In the leadership of (PM) Modi ji, Manoj Sinha ji has ensured a strong control on terrorism. And benefits of govt schemes are reaching everyone in Kashmir without any discrimination”. Shah said.

He said people of the country had this expectation for long that Article 370 and 35 A should be abolished. He said the expectation was fulfilled by PM Narendra Modi and August 5, 2019 brought the dawn of a new age for J&K.

“This Statue of Peace will bring the blessings and the message of Ramanujacharya. For Kashmiris of all faiths, and will take Kashmir forward on path of peace and development”. Shah added.

(Except for the headline. This story has not been edited by Business Upturn staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

“Srinagar to commence international flights with Sharjah,” says Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia

Cheryll Jain — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 05:31:36 +0000

Efforts to open Jammu and Kashmir to international trade and tourism by the Centre come to fruition in a historical decision as the Civil Aviation Ministry green lights the launch of the first commercial flight between Srinagar and Sharjah in the coming months. Prior to this, Srinagar Airport had handled international flights only for the Hajj pilgrims.

At a joint press conference with J&K lieutenant governor, Manoj Sinha on Saturday, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia commented “the first international flight connection from Srinagar to Sharjah (in the United Arab Emirates) will be started soon. Efforts are on so that international travellers come directly to Srinagar. This will be a historic decision, not just for Jammu and Kashmir, but the whole country.”

At the press conference, plans to further develop the aviation infrastructure in Srinagar and Jammu were also discussed. Scindia announced that there shall be an investment of ₹1,500 crores at the Srinagar airport to facilitate the expansion of the airport from 22,000 sq metre to 63,000 sq metre, while ₹600 crores will be spent on the Jammu airport.

“The Jammu airport will have a new 25,000 square metre terminal, adding to the existing one,” the minister further added over Manoj Sinha’s assurance to hand over the desired land in Jammu by October 10 to the Airport Authority of India.

The Centre’s determination to rapidly expand infrastructure in the Union territory is further compounded by the revocation of Article 370. “Article 370, which was revoked by the Centre in August 2019, was a hindrance in the way of social, rural progress and everything in Jammu and Kashmir,” the Union Minister stated.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged progress and development for this region so that it touches new heights of progress, development and employment. It is with this thought that Article 370 was revoked,” Scindia further added.

LeT commander Abrar involved in many killings killed in encounter

Faara Nadeem — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 05:03:31 +0000

On Monday, Nadeem Abrar, a top commander of LeT involved in many killings was arrested during checking of vehicles at Parimpora and put on sustained interrogation, a police spokesman informed.

The spokesman further added that the LeT commander disclosed the location where he had kept his AK-47 rifle in Maloora locality.

Police shared on Tuesday that a day after his arrest, Nadeem Abrar along with a Pakistani national were killed in an encounter in Parimpora area of the city.

A few joint checkposts of JK Police and CRPF were placed along the highway after a specific input about terrorists carrying an attack on highways, he said.

The spokesman said, ‘On Parimpora naka (checkpost), a vehicle was stopped and their identity was asked. The person sitting at the back seat tried to open his bag and took out a grenade. The police party swiftly swung into action and grabbed the person sitting at the back seat. Both the driver and the person sitting at the back seat were taken into police custody. After taking off his mask, it was identified that he was terrorist Abrar, a top LeT commander.’

He added that some hand grenades and a pistol were recovered from Abrar’s possession.

Abrar was then taken to the house in order to recover the weapon (AK 47 rifle). Spokesman said that one of his associates, a Pakistani terrorist hiding inside the premises, fired at the party on entering the house.

3 CRPF personnel were injured in the initial round of fire. Abrar accompanying the search party also got wounded, the spokesman said.

He said that the force was strengthened and they retaliated with heavy firing. ‘In the ensuing gunfire, the foreign terrorist who fired from inside the house got neutralised and Abrar also got killed. Two AK-47 rifles along with ammunitions were recovered from the site,’ he added. Abrar was also involved in several killings of security force personnel.

Earthquake of magnitude 3.6 strikes Ladakh at 9 PM

Nitin Anand — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 16:59:23 +0000

On Wednesday, April 14, Earthquake tremors Ladakh in the mid of Corona times.

National Centre for Seismology reported that an earthquake of 3.6 has hit in the Union territories of ladakh at 9:01 pm. Richter scale reads the magnitude of 3.6.

An earthquake of magnitude 3.6 on the Richter scale occurred in Ladakh at 9:00 pm today: National Center for Seismology

— ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2021

Earthquake has been felt from the distance of 169 KM in the direction of East of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India. The Depth of the Earthquake was 5 KM.

3 terrorists neutralised in an operation by the Security Forces in Srinagar

Nivedya P T — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 06:35:08 +0000

Three terrorists have been neutralised today in the ongoing encounter with the security forces in Srinagar, according to the Kashmir Zone Police on Thursday.

In an operation in the Batamaloo area of Srinagar, a civilian died while a Deputy Commandant of CRPF got injured. The injured personnel has been admitted to hospital and is under medical observation, says Jammu&Kashmir DGP Dilbag Singh, according to ANI.
The police and CRPF personnel are carrying out the operation.

“One identified terrorist killed. Search is going on,” the tweet by the Kashmir Zone police read.

#SrinagarEncounterUpdate: 02 more #unidentified #terrorists killed (total 03). Search going on. Further details shall follow. @JmuKmrPolice https://t.co/jM8sq21bFn

— Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) September 17, 2020

Further details are awaited.

Indian Troops recover bodies of 3 terrorists along with weapons in Srinagar encounter

Muskan Jain — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 06:03:05 +0000

Three unidentified terrorists have been killed in an ongoing encounter at Batamaloo in Srinagar on Thursday, Troops recovered bodies of three terrorists along with weapons. DC Commander of Valley QAT received bullet injuries and evacuated to hospital; Operation concluded: CRPF on Srinagar encounter

The firefight between terrorists and security forces took place after security forces laid a cordon and launched a search operation on the basis of a specific information about the presence of terrorists in the area.

Troops recovered bodies of three terrorists along with weapons. DC Commander of Valley QAT received bullet injuries and evacuated to hospital; Operation concluded: CRPF on Srinagar encounter https://t.co/aDhOL3rTr9

— ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2020

As the security forces zeroed in on the spot where terrorists were hiding they came under a heavy volume of fire that triggered the encounter.“One unidentified terrorist killed in an encounter at Batamaloo area of Srinagar. The police and the CRPF are in search of other terrorists too,” police said.

Curfew ordered in Srinagar ahead of 1st Anniversary of abrogation of Article 370

Ruchit Purohit — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 05:51:34 +0000

The Srinagar administration on Monday has ordered Curfew in Srinagar a year after the Article 370 was revoked in the year 2019 gaining special status in J&K.

The areas are in alert of violent protests and other outbreaks ahead of the 1st year anniversary of the major decision taken last year on August 5. The administration has already imposed curfew in the citing inputs of Srinagar after the orders on Monday.

The curfew orders to be followed till 5th august and to be imposed as and when ordered by the authorities, The previous restrictions on the outbreak of the COVID-19 shall continue further till August 8 – Said the order.

The Senior police superintendent has reported that separatists and Pakistan sponsored groups are likely to observe 5th August as “Black Day” and might lead to violent protests in the places and other nearby areas as well.

“There are specific inputs about violent protests endangering public life and property” – the order said.(Moneycontrol)

A year back:

On 5 August 2019, the Government of India revoked the special status, or limited autonomy, granted under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution to Jammu and Kashmir—a region administered by India as a state which consists of the larger part of Kashmir which has been the subject of dispute among India, Pakistan, and China since 1947.