Flight Buzz
Singapore Partners With IndiGo In Landmark Agreement To Drive Tourism From India With New Flights, Business-Class Services, And Year-Long Joint Promotions
Thursday, July 31, 2025
Singapore has joined hands with IndiGo, India’s leading airline, in a landmark partnership to strengthen tourism flows from one of its most vital markets. Through a newly signed year-long Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and IndiGo aim to expand flight connectivity, introduce premium travel options, and roll out an extensive promotional campaign designed specifically for Indian travelers. Building on the success of earlier initiatives like the “Untold Singapore” campaign, this collaboration will highlight both Singapore’s iconic attractions and hidden gems, while also offering exclusive travel deals, co-branded content, influencer-led storytelling, and trade outreach. With over 500,000 Indian visitors already arriving in the first half of 2025 and more than 270 weekly flights connecting 15 Indian cities to Singapore via Changi Airport, the partnership underscores a shared commitment to deepening ties and enhancing travel experiences between the two nations.
Singapore and IndiGo Launch Historic Partnership to Expand Indian Travel Market with Year-Long Marketing Push
Singapore and India have advanced their tourism and economic collaboration through a newly announced year-long strategic alliance between the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and IndiGo Airlines. This strategic collaboration—formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)—marks a milestone for both organizations: it is STB’s first-ever alliance with an Indian carrier and IndiGo’s first partnership with a national tourism authority.
The agreement reflects a broader vision to capitalize on India’s position as one of Singapore’s most important tourism markets and to cater to the evolving travel preferences of Indian visitors. In just the first half of 2025, more than five hundred thousand travelers from India visited Singapore, solidifying India’s position as one of the city-state’s top three international tourism markets. The volume of visitors highlights the deep-rooted cultural, business, and familial connections that span the two nations.
Air connectivity has been a vital enabler of this robust travel exchange. Currently, over 270 flights operate each week between Singapore and 15 Indian cities, all funneled through Changi Airport, one of the world’s most awarded aviation hubs. IndiGo, in particular, connects Singapore with nine major Indian cities, offering reliable and frequent service that caters to both leisure and business travelers.
Enhancing its service offerings, IndiGo is set to launch its premium business-class cabin, IndiGoStretch, on 9 August 2025—a date of dual significance as it commemorates Singapore’s National Day and honors the 60-year milestone of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore. This elevated cabin class will be launched on the high-demand Singapore–Delhi and Singapore–Mumbai routes, enhancing comfort for long-haul and premium-seeking customers.
The newly signed agreement builds upon the momentum of previous campaigns, particularly the impactful “Untold Singapore” initiative. That effort not only spotlighted iconic attractions such as Marina Bay Sands, Sentosa Island, and Gardens by the Bay, but also invited travelers to explore the city’s hidden layers—charming heritage neighborhoods, bustling hawker centers offering authentic street cuisine, and peaceful green spaces seamlessly integrated into the modern cityscape.
Under the terms of the new MoU, the STB and IndiGo will roll out a comprehensive 12-month co-marketing campaign designed to entice Indian travelers to explore Singapore beyond the usual itineraries. This campaign will feature special airfare deals, co-branded digital and offline content, targeted influencer marketing, and industry outreach programs.
The initiative will also involve an extensive engagement strategy with India’s travel trade network. Roadshows in major Indian cities, familiarization trips for tour operators and travel media, and specialized training modules for travel agents are being lined up to equip the industry with the latest updates about Singapore’s offerings. This B2B outreach aims to ensure that the front-line sellers of travel are fully aligned with the campaign and able to offer compelling packages to consumers.
A central aspect of the collaboration is the integration of data and insights. Both STB and IndiGo will share market intelligence and analytics to better understand Indian consumer behavior, seasonal trends, destination preferences, and booking patterns. These insights will then be used to fine-tune messaging, personalize marketing, and develop experiences that resonate deeply with Indian travelers, whether they are families, millennials, honeymooners, or business delegates.
The joint marketing drive will also be platform-agnostic, extending across digital platforms, mobile apps, airports, in-flight magazines, and social media channels. Through storytelling, immersive visuals, and real-time deals, the campaign aims to inspire both first-time visitors and repeat travelers to choose Singapore as their next international destination.
This partnership represents more than just a marketing collaboration—it reflects a shared commitment to enhancing connectivity, travel convenience, and destination appeal. For STB, it is a strategic opportunity to diversify its outreach and deepen engagement in tier-1 and tier-2 Indian cities. For IndiGo, it underscores a larger shift in the airline’s vision to move beyond point-to-point air travel and become a value-driven partner in the global tourism ecosystem.
Both parties believe that by combining STB’s strong destination branding expertise with IndiGo’s expansive reach and passenger base, they can unlock significant potential in a market that is increasingly mobile, digital-savvy, and aspirational. India’s outbound tourism market is poised for sustained growth, and Singapore—with its seamless infrastructure, safety, multicultural appeal, and world-class experiences—remains a top-of-mind destination for Indian travelers.
As the campaign unfolds over the next year, travelers can expect enhanced visibility of Singapore across India, as well as increased accessibility through travel packages and curated content tailored specifically for them. From family vacations and romantic getaways to business conferences and solo adventures, Singapore is positioning itself as a destination that caters to all segments of Indian outbound tourism.
Singapore has partnered with IndiGo in a first-of-its-kind tourism agreement to boost Indian arrivals through expanded flight connectivity, premium travel offerings, and a year-long marketing campaign. The move builds on previous successes and marks a major step in strengthening India-Singapore tourism ties in 2025.
In the broader context of global tourism recovery, this MoU serves as a model for cross-sector collaboration that delivers value to both nations. As India continues to rise as one of the world’s largest outbound travel markets, such alliances play a crucial role in capturing demand, enhancing travel experiences, and deepening bilateral relations.
A few months ago, my procrastination caught up to me as I tried booking a last-minute flight home from Paris back to the US.
I’m typically a loyal Delta flyer, but I experienced sticker shock when I saw the prices of its last-minute economy flights back home.
So, although I don’t usually fly with budget airlines, I found myself researching flights on Norse Atlantic Airways.
The Norwegian airline is known for having affordable transatlantic flights, and its nonstop options to get me back to the US were hundreds of dollars cheaper than what I’d seen elsewhere.
So, I paid $670 for an eight-hour flight in premium from Paris to New York City. (From there, I’d take a cheap flight home to Texas.)
Although I was skeptical about the low prices — my premium Norse seat was still way cheaper than a similar flight in Delta’s economy section — I ended up being pleasantly surprised.
My ticket came with priority check-in, which I loved
Katherine Stinson
I chose to upgrade to a premium ticket because economy didn’t include amenities I wanted and would otherwise have to pay out of pocket for, like meals and a checked bag.
Fortunately, my premium ticket even came with priority check-in, which I was very grateful to have.
When I arrived at my gate at Charles de Gaulle, the check-in line for my flight looked incredibly long. Instead of waiting with the masses, I used my status to quickly board the shuttle bus to the plane.
I was pleasantly surprised by how spacious my seat felt
Katherine Stinson
Norse doesn’t have first-class cabins — its Boeing 787 Dreamliners are divided into premium and economy.
Walking to my seat didn’t take long, and I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw how spacious my premium-cabin seat looked.
The seat pitch is 43 inches and the width is 19.5 inches, much larger compared to the 31-inch seat pitch and 17-inch width in economy class.
My seat was so comfortable that I had no issues relaxing. I also had tons of extra legroom, though not having enough is rarely an issue for me at 5’1″.
Katherine Stinson
Still, it was nice having so much space that my feet didn’t even accidentally kick my bag, which was tucked under the seat in front of me.
In premium, the in-flight entertainment screen could be pulled out from the armrest. On it, Norse offered an assortment of movies, TV shows, and music. I opted to watch “Gilmore Girls.”
The screen was easy to maneuver, and I liked that I could tuck it away when I wasn’t using it.
The flight had fairly standard amenities — but I couldn’t reach some of the seat controls
The flight attendants came by and handed everyone in my cabin a complimentary set of headphones, earplugs, an eye mask, and a soft Norse blanket.
I didn’t have to pay for my sodas, water, wine, or two in-flight meals since they were included in my premium upgrade.
At one point, flight attendants even came by the premium section and offered to top off my wine, free of charge. It was such a nice touch.
Katherine Stinson
Although the spacious premium seats provided plenty of room for me to curl up and nap, I couldn’t reach the buttons to control the fans or reading lights.
Unfortunately, I wouldn’t have been able to reach the call button from my seat, either.
I also had to ask for help retrieving my carry-on when the plane arrived in New York.
On other airlines, I’ve been able to stand on my tip-toes to grab my luggage, but I would have needed a stepladder to grab my things from Norse’s bulkheads.
None of that was a major issue, but it’s something worth keeping in mind if you’re a similar height.
I’d fly internationally with Norse again — and I’d stick with my upgrade
All in all, the low-cost airline impressed me. I was especially grateful I’d splurged for a premium ticket, even though economy ones were hundreds of dollars cheaper.
The extra space alone (not to mention the checked bag, food, drinks, and priority check-in) made the upgrade well worth it.
Prices may vary (especially for last-minute bookings), but I’m still impressed that my upgraded Norse Atlantic ticket cost me less than what I’d have paid to fly Delta in economy.
Plus, my overall experience was more pleasant than I expected.
My seat felt pretty top-notch for a low-cost carrier, and I commend the entire staff for being so friendly, helpful, and welcoming throughout the flight.
However, I won’t be committing my loyalty to Norse Airlines anytime soon. It has a limited selection of routes, no direct flights to my home airport in Texas, and no frequent-flyer rewards program.
So, for now, I think I’ll stick with Delta and rack up miles for future rewards — but if I end up needing another short-notice international flight, I’d definitely fly premium with Norse Airlines.
Flight Buzz
Air France, British, Austrian, KLM, ITA, Lufthansa, and other Airlines Experience Major Travel Disruptions as Over 60 Flights Are Grounded Across Airports in Russia, UK, Portugal, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, and More
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Air travel in Europe has been severely disrupted due to adverse weather conditions, impacting Air France, British Airways, Austrian Airlines, KLM, ITA Airways, Lufthansa and many others. Over 60 flights have been canceled and dozens of other flights have been delayed. Russian, British, Portuguese, Spanish and Italian airports, and many more, have been impacted by storms, heavy rainfall, and low visibility. These conditions have resulted in many people being stuck for long periods of time. These airlines continue to operate in Europe and the constant flow of aircraft is hampered by the current weather issues.
Bad weather continues to wreak havoc on air travel in Europe, with numerous airlines experiencing major flight disruptions. Over 60 flights have been grounded today at various airports across Russia, the UK, Portugal, Spain, France, Ireland, and Italy. These cancellations and delays have affected several major airlines, including Air France, British Airways, Austrian Airlines, KLM, ITA Airways, Lufthansa, and many others. Passengers are facing significant disruptions as they navigate through storms and adverse weather conditions.
Today, over 60 flights were grounded across major European airports, with disruptions affecting airlines such as Air France, British Airways, Austrian Airlines, KLM, ITA Airways, and Lufthansa. At Pulkovo, 18 cancellations (8%) and 2 delays (0%) impacted Rossiya Airlines, while Sheremetyevo saw 14 cancellations (6%) and 76 delays (11%), mostly affecting Aeroflot. Vnukovo reported 10 cancellations (23%) and 13 delays (0%), with Rossiya Airlines and UTair most impacted. Heathrow had 5 cancellations (0%) and 59 delays (5%), while Schiphol experienced 6 cancellations (0%) and 183 delays (15%), with KLM and easyJet hit hardest. Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado had 2 cancellations (33%) and 49 delays (10%), primarily affecting TAP Air Portugal. Other airports, including Barcelona, Nice, Dublin, Brussels, and Venice, also reported significant delays and cancellations due to severe weather across Russia, the UK, Portugal, Spain, France, Ireland, Belgium, and Italy. The disruptions highlight the ongoing challenges of weather-related flight operations in Europe.
Major Airlines Affected by Weather Chaos
Among the airlines impacted by today’s disruptions, Air France, British Airways, Austrian Airlines, KLM, ITA Airways, and Lufthansa are some of the most notable names. These carriers are among the largest in Europe and operate numerous international routes. However, severe weather has forced them to ground flights, delay departures, and cause significant inconvenience for travelers.
The total number of grounded flights has been substantial, with airports such as Pulkovo, Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, London Heathrow, Amsterdam Schiphol, and others reporting major cancellations. In fact, as of today, more than 60 flights have been affected across various European airports. While the primary reason for these disruptions has been bad weather, the severity of the situation has made it clear how vulnerable the aviation industry is to such conditions.
Affected Airports
Pulkovo Airport (Russia)
At Pulkovo, 18 flights were canceled, and two additional flights were delayed. Among the most impacted carriers were Rossiya Airlines, which saw a significant percentage of its flights grounded (18 cancellations), and Aeroflot, which also faced disruptions. Other airlines such as Pegas Fly, Yamal Airlines, and My Freighter were also affected, although their cancellations and delays were lower in number.
Sheremetyevo International Airport (Russia)
Sheremetyevo, one of the busiest airports in Russia, reported 14 cancellations and 76 delays today. Aeroflot, the national carrier, was among the hardest hit, with 58 delayed flights. Other airlines such as Rossiya Airlines and Yamal Airlines also experienced delays, with several international carriers, including Beijing Capital Airlines, Air China, and China Southern Airlines, suffering cancellations and delays due to bad weather conditions.
Vnukovo Airport (Russia)
Vnukovo airport saw a relatively smaller impact with 10 cancellations and 13 delays. Rossiya Airlines again topped the list of affected airlines with 10 cancellations, while UTair, Azimuth, and FlyDubai were also impacted. While the disruptions were fewer compared to other airports, passengers traveling through this hub still faced delays and cancellations throughout the day.
London Heathrow Airport (UK)
Heathrow, one of the busiest international airports in the world, reported 59 delays and 5 cancellations. British Airways faced the brunt of these disruptions, with 37 delayed flights. Other airlines, including KLM, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, also reported cancellations and delays. International carriers like Air Baltic, Cathay Pacific, and Kenya Airways were similarly affected. Weather-related disruptions at Heathrow have led to long queues and frustrated passengers, as several flights were either canceled or delayed for several hours.
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (Netherlands)
Amsterdam Schiphol, a major European hub, reported 183 delays and 6 cancellations today. KLM, the national carrier of the Netherlands, was the most affected airline, with over 100 delayed flights. Other airlines, including Delta Air Lines, Air France, Lufthansa, and easyJet, saw a significant number of flights delayed or canceled. Passengers at Schiphol faced a chaotic situation with long wait times and delays, as adverse weather conditions caused havoc on the runway schedules.
General Humberto Delgado Airport (Portugal)
Portugal’s busiest airport, General Humberto Delgado in Lisbon, reported 49 delays and 2 cancellations. TAP Air Portugal was the most impacted airline, with several delays across its routes. Other affected airlines included Air Canada, KLM, and Ryanair, as well as several smaller regional carriers. Portugal’s weather situation resulted in disruptions at this hub as well, affecting both domestic and international flights.
Barcelona International Airport (Spain)
In Spain, Barcelona International saw 83 delays and just 1 cancellation. EasyJet was the worst-hit airline, with several flights delayed. KLM, Ryanair, and Lufthansa also saw disruptions to their schedules. The flight cancellations were minimal, but delays were widespread, affecting travelers looking to make their way to and from Spain’s most popular airport.
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (France)
Nice Côte d’Azur, located in the south of France, reported 62 delays and 1 cancellation. The weather in the region caused major delays, particularly with airlines like easyJet and Air France. Other affected airlines included KLM, British Airways, and Lufthansa. While the number of cancellations was low, the airport saw numerous delayed flights, leading to crowded terminals and frustrated travelers.
Dublin International Airport (Ireland)
Dublin International reported 33 delays and 1 cancellation today. Ryanair, a low-cost carrier, was the most impacted, with 10 delays. Other airlines such as Aer Lingus, United, and Eurowings faced some disruptions as well, with a few flights either delayed or canceled due to the inclement weather.
Brussels Airport (Belgium)
Brussels saw 40 delays and 2 cancellations, with Brussels Airlines being the most affected carrier. Other airlines such as Air Canada, Aegean Airlines, and Vueling also experienced disruptions. Though the number of cancellations was low, delays were widespread across various international and regional flights.
Marco Polo International Airport (Italy)
At Marco Polo International in Venice, 26 delays and 1 cancellation were reported. EasyJet and KLM were among the airlines facing significant delays. Other airlines such as Ryanair and Lufthansa also had flights affected. The adverse weather in the region forced several flights to be delayed or canceled, leaving passengers stranded or unable to meet their schedules.
Bad Weather Continues to Disrupt Air Travel
The primary reason for these widespread cancellations and delays is the ongoing adverse weather conditions across Europe. Severe storms, heavy rainfall, and low visibility have made it impossible for several airlines to operate their flights on time. The storms have not only affected airports in major cities but also smaller regional hubs, making it a continent-wide issue.
Airlines are struggling to accommodate affected passengers, as delays and cancellations continue to stack up. While some airlines have been able to rebook passengers on later flights, others are unable to offer alternative solutions due to the scale of the disruptions. With bad weather expected to persist for the next few days, the situation could worsen before it improves.
Passenger Impact and Airport Response
Passengers at affected airports have reported long wait times, crowded terminals, and frustration as they attempt to rebook flights or find alternative transportation options. Airlines are offering compensation, including meal vouchers and hotel accommodations, for passengers stranded overnight. However, many travelers are still left scrambling for answers as the bad weather continues to wreak havoc.
Airport authorities across Europe have been working tirelessly to manage the situation, but the scale of the disruptions has proven difficult to handle. While efforts are being made to clear backlogs, it is clear that the ripple effect of these cancellations will continue for days to come. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for updates on their flights and to expect further delays.
The Way Forward
As the weather conditions improve, it is hoped that airlines and airports will be able to return to normal operations. However, it will take time to clear the backlog of delayed and canceled flights. Airlines are working hard to get their schedules back on track, but passengers should expect ongoing disruptions until the storm passes.
In the meantime, travelers are encouraged to remain patient and stay informed about their flight status. While airlines and airports continue to battle adverse weather, it is essential to keep communication open and be prepared for potential changes in travel plans.
The severe weather situations in Europe have prompted more than 60 flight cancellations from major carriers like Air France, British, KLM and even Lufthansa. Airports in Russia, UK, Portugal, Spain, France, Ireland and Italy are still recovering from storms, excessive rain, and low visibility which has made air travel quite difficult.
The unexpected weather changes even today have shown how fragile the aviation industry is and how quickly they can be impacted due to unforeseen weather changes. Air France, British, Austrian, KLM, ITA, and even Lufthansa to name a few airlines are gravely impacted, with more than 60 flights being canceled from major air travel hubs in Russia, UK, Spain, France, and Italy. Weather disruptions like this remind us how important weather predictions are, as they allow airlines and airports to manage operations more smoothly, utilizing proper adaptability.
A record number of passengers flew in 2024.
Izusek | E+ | Getty Images
Southwest Airlines, once known for its first-come, first-served approach to boarding and seating, on Tuesday began selling its first tickets with assigned seats. That change — and with it, new boarding groups — goes into effect for flights in late January.
The move brings Southwest more in line with other major carriers, where travelers need to weigh the value of paying for an early-boarding upgrade.
“The number one reason to buy the early boarding upgrade is if you have a carry-on for the overhead bin,” said Sara Wilcox, an advisor at Fora Travel, a travel agency in New York City.
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Priority boarding is “basically the race to get our carry-on suitcases in the overhead bins,” said Henry Harteveldt, founder of Atmosphere Research Group, a travel industry market research and advisory firm.
Understanding the boarding process
By law, individuals with disabilities who require special assistance must have the opportunity to board a flight first. Depending on an airline’s policy, other groups like active military members and families with young children may also be offered early boarding.
Beyond that, while the boarding process varies by airline, your spot among boarding groups will generally depend on your status with the airline and the kind of airfare you booked, experts say.
Individuals with elite airline status are typically among the first boarding groups, Harteveldt said. If you don’t have status and you bought a discounted or restricted coach fare, expect to be among the last to board.
If you fit an airline’s early boarding criteria, you might not need to pay for the perk.
Look for early-boarding add-on options
Travelers can sometimes buy early boarding as an add-on, either when you buy the flight or as your travel date approaches. Sometimes it’s bundled with other extras, too.
The cost of the add-on depends on the airline, and in some cases, how long the flight is, according to Sally French, a travel expert at NerdWallet.
For instance, the priority boarding add-on through United Airlines costs a flat rate of $24 per person.
“If overhead space is important to you, you do need to pay for priority boarding,” said French.
How co-branded travel credit cards can help
There are different ways to move up the boarding group ladder. Applying for and using an airline’s travel credit card can help you move closer to elite status, Harteveldt said.
Such cards typically include other perks like free or heavily discounted checked baggage fees. Before you apply, make sure to read and understand the card’s terms and conditions, as some charge high annual fees.
Remember that simply having the card is generally not enough to get the early-boarding benefits. You get the perk when you use the card to book that ticket.
‘You’re also bumped up’ through a premium airfare
Another way to board earlier is by booking a premium economy or main economy airfare, said French.
Doing so typically allows you to book a specific seat, and “you’re also bumped up in an early boarding position,” she said.
Premium economy “is a step up from economy,” but is not as costly as first or business class, according to Skyscanner, a travel site. In addition to more legroom, wider seats and more recline, these seats offer priority services for check-in and boarding.
But this is an expensive way to get on the plane sooner. Price-wise, a premium economy fare will likely be over 50% less expensive than a business class fare, but is at least 30% more expensive than standard economy, per Skyscanner.
If you have enough points or miles with an airline, you might be able to upgrade from economy to premium economy, per Skyscanner.
While “its not the worst use ever,” remember that you might not get more than one cent per mile, said Stella Shon, a senior features editor at UpgradedPoints, a travel site.
“Cash upgrades are where you get the most value,” she said. If not, assess where your points and miles will be the most valuable to you.
While paying to pick a seat can help you get a better boarding group, especially if you’re willing to pay for an extra legroom seat, you can forgo it. NerdWallet’s French said that passengers should not feel obligated to pay the added cost for early boarding.
If you simply paid for a flight — with or without seat reservations — the airline will assign a seat for you.
You’re just more likely to be placed in a middle seat towards the back of the plane, as well as being among the last passengers to board, she said.
“Just hope by the time you board there’s space in the overhead bin,” said Harteveldt.
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