Changi Airport layovers for international transit passengers, especially between USA and India, are going to be a lot more exciting. Starting 1 August 2025, the airport is offering 2.5-hour guided trips to Sentosa Island for free – a new addition to the Singapore sightseeing tour under the Changi Transit Program. A trip to Sentosa Island near the southern coast of Singapore is not just scenic, it is enlightening because the island housed British military and served as a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp previously.

Eligibility requirements for free Sentosa Discovery Tour, Singapore 

Changi Airport’s free Sentosa Island Tour starting from 1 August 2025 is open to all transit and transfer passengers. Irrespective of your travel origin and final destination, you can book a 2.5-hour guided tour for Sentosa sightseeing from Changi Airport if the layover time and period in your itinerary align with the tour schedule. No matter you are flying from the US, India or any other country via Singapore, you need to fulfil the below eligibility criteria for free Sentosa Island trips during transit.

• You must have a Changi Airport layover of 5.5 hours and not exceeding 24 hours
• You must register yourself and book the free tour online in advance
• You must report 90 minutes prior to the tour schedule
• You must have a valid passport, boarding pass, and tour booking confirmation
• Your connecting flight must be scheduled after 11.30 pm SGT (Singapore Standard Time)
• You may need a Singapore transit or entry visa

Do Indians need a visa for Changi Airport’s Free Sentosa Island Tour?

Singapore is one of the visa-free countries for US visa holders. Since Singapore’s 96-hour visa-free transit facility is available for Indians with a valid visa from the US, the UK, Canada, Switzerland, Australia, Japan, Germany, or New Zealand, they don’t need to meet any visa requirement for free Singapore Sentosa Island tours. This is a great addition to the Free Singapore Tour for international transit passengers including Indians.

How to book free tours to Sentosa Island in advance?   

It is easy to book free Sentosa Island sightseeing tour, and you can pre-book online through the official Changi Airport website, up to 50 days before your travel date. If you don’t get a chance to pre-register, don’t worry, walk-in registration is also available. However, it operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s best to book online in advance.

Free Sentosa Discovery Tour: Timings and airport registration

Changi Airport’s Free Sentosa Island tour timing is 7 pm to 9:30 pm SGT. The tour is conducted once a day, in the late evening. The airport registration for the tour is available at Terminal 2 (transit area, near Gate F50) and Terminal 3 (transit area, near gates A1 to A8). For airport registration, you need to report at the Free Singapore Tour booth, at least, 90 minutes before the tour schedule.

Things to see on Free Sentosa Island Tour: Key attractions

One of the most visited tourist places in Singapore, Sentosa Island houses laid-back beaches, sensory gardens, swanky resorts, etc. Changi Airport’s free Sentosa Discovery tour itinerary begins with panoramic views of Singapore’s southern coastline before it takes you to Resorts World Sentosa, a 49-hectare premier resort with hotels. Here, you can spot the famous Universal Studios’ rotating globe, see Singapore Oceanarium, and explore Adventure Cove Waterpark.

The next stop on the itinerary is the stunning Sentosa Sensoryscape, an immersive 350-meter walking trail through six themed sensory gardens between Resorts World Sentosa and the beach-front area. it blends nature with light, sound, and technology to offer a unique, multi-sensory experience that Singapore is known for.

The 2.5-hour guided tour of Sentosa Island takes you to Siloso Beach, known for its tropical charm, beach clubs, water sports, and vibrant coastal life. Dotted with scenic spots for photography and Insta-worthy selfies, Siloso Beach makes you wonder how this island transformed into a British military outpost into a leisure destination.

If Changi Airport’s free Sentosa Island tour ends early, you can pay to experience Wings of Time: Fireworks Symphony – Singapore’s daily firework show at Siloso Beach. This night show is a mesmerizing spectacle of music, laser lights, fireworks, and water jets. This add-on to the free tour is optional and ticketed. You can buy the ticket during the tour.

FAQs: Free Sentosa Island Trips during a layover in Singapore

Can I book the Free Sentosa Tour if I’m not flying with Singapore Airlines?

Yes, you can. This Changi airport layover tour is not limited to transit passengers of Singapore Airlines flights, but open to all airlines flying to and from Singapore. As long as you meet the requirements for a free sightseeing trip to Sentosa Island, you’re welcome regardless of airlines.

Can I book this tour through Indian Eagle Travel while purchasing my international flight tickets?

Free Singapore layover tours, including the new Sentosa Island tour, can only be booked through the website of Changi Airport, though Indian Eagle books stopover packages for Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, and Bahrain at unbeatable rates. Exclusive phone-only flight deals and best stopover packages are just a call away (+1800-615-3969).

The post Changi Airport Launches Free Sentosa Island Tour: Indians with a Valid US Visa are Eligible for This first appeared on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

The post Changi Airport Launches Free Sentosa Island Tour: Indians with a Valid US Visa are Eligible for This appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Indian Passport’s ranking has improved on the Henley Passport Index 2025. It has moved up to the 77^th rank from the previous 85^th position, enabling Indians to visit 59 countries visa-free or with a visa on arrival. Certain countries offers visa on arrival or visa-free entry to Green Cardholders and valid US visa holders. Evidently, Indian Passport when backed with a valid US visa stamp or a Green Card exerts more power and influence at international levels.

Check out what countries Green Cardholders and Indians on US visas can visit in 2025 and 2026 without applying for a visa in advance:

Visa-free Countries for Green Cardholders and US Visa holders

Singapore: 96-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Among visa-free countries for US Green Cardholders and Indians with a valid US visa, Singapore offers 96-hour visa free transit for guided city sightseeing tours. Since the Free Singapore Tour is available only for passengers of Singapore Airlines flights, many US visa holders and Green cardholders among Indians take advantage of the visa-free transit facility while traveling between USA and India through Changi Airport. The US visa stamp on your Indian passport must be valid for 30 days or more from your arrival in Singapore.

Qatar: Visa-free Doha Stopovers

Among visa-free countries for Green Cardholders and US visa holders, Qatar offers visa-free Doha stopovers to passengers of Qatar Airways flights. Qatar’s visa waiver for Indian passport holders from India and the US is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance at Doha’s Hamad International Airport, given they have a passport with minimum 6-month validity, confirmed return flight tickets, and confirmed hotel booking in Doha.

You can call Indian Eagle’s customer helpline +1800-615-3969 for phone-only budget flight deals of Qatar Airways from USA to Doha, or US to India via Doha. You can call the same number to explore Doha stopover packages and the best deals available at Indian Eagle.

Mexico: Visa-Free for 180 Days

Mexico is one of the countries that offer visa-free entry to Indians with Green Card or a valid US visa. You can stay visa-free in Mexico for up to 180 days. Cancun in Mexico is a most popular beach getaway for Indians in the United States. Just make sure your US residency permit or visa is valid at the time of entry to explore Mexico cities and beaches without any visa hassles.

Peru: Visa-Free for 180 Days

Peru is among the visa-free countries for Green Cardholders and US visa holders with Indian passports. You can stay in this South American country for up to 180 days in a calendar year. Minimum 6-month validity of your US visa is a must for visa-free entry to Peru from the time of arrival. Whether hiking to Machu Picchu or soaking in the charm of Lima is your travel goal, the US visa or Green Card makes it easier for Indians to visit Peru without a visa.

Philippines: Visa-Free for 14 Days

The Philippines offers visa-free entry to US Green Cardholders and US work visa holders among Indians. In addition to visa-free entry to Manila, you can holiday for up to 14 days. Your visa-free stay in the Philippines can be extended once for another 7 days. In certain cases, Indian passport holders don’t need a US visa to travel visa-free to Philippines, but they must present confirm return flight tickets, proof of accommodation, and financial documents.

Thailand: Visa-free Entry

Among visa-free countries for Indian passport holders, Thailand is the most welcoming destination in Asia. Irrespective of your US visa status or validity, you can visit Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days. Starting May 2025, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is mandatory for all inbound foreign travelers for legal entry into the country. to be filled online at least 3 days prior to your scheduled arrival in Thailand, the digital form replaced the old paper form and includes a healthy declaration too.

Bahamas – Visa-Free for 30 Days

Bahamas makes island travel easy for Indian passport holders with a valid US visa or Green Card. You don’t need a separate visa to enter, as long as your US visa is multiple-entry and has been used at least once to travel to the US. You can stay up to 30 days in the Bahamas visa-free, soaking in its beaches and clear blue waters. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months at the time of entry.

Visa-on-arrival Countries for Green Cardholders and US Visa Holders

UAE Visa-on-Arrival for Dubai and Abu Dhabi Stopovers

The United Arab Emirates tops the list of countries that offer visa on arrival to US Green Cardholders and Indians with a valid US visa. The UAE visa on arrival for eligible Indians is issued for 14 days of stay, which is extendable for additional 14 days for a nominal fee. The visa-on-arrival entry to the UAE has been expanded to Indians holding valid visas or legal residency permits from not only USA and Canada, but also Singapore, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and New Zealand. Your Indian passport and Green Card or US visa must be valid for 6 months from the date of arrival at Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

Indian Eagle, the most trusted travel-booking partner for Indians in the US, has the best deals for Dubai tour packages and ‘Visit Abu Dhabi’ tour packages, in addition to exclusive phone-only flight deals from Emirates and Etihad Airways. Indian Eagle’s air-ticketing and tour-planning team is available at +1800-615-3969 (24/7).

Oman: Visa-on-arrival/e-Visa for 30 days

The Oman visa on arrival for Green Card holders and eligible Indian citizens come for 30 days. Like other visa-on-arrival countries, Oman requires Indian citizens to hold a valid visa from the UK, Canada, the UK, Japan, or Schengen countries. Return flight confirmation and hotel reservation are pre-requisites for visa-on-arrival entry to Oman.

Sri Lanka: Visa on Arrival with ETA for 30 Days 

Among the visa-on-arrival countries for US Green Cardholders and Indian citizens without a US visa, Sri Lanka grants 30-day visa on arrival through an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online. It is simple and hassle-free. Sri Lanka’s visa-on-arrival requirements include your passport with 6-month validity, return or onward flight tickets, proof of accommodation, and financial support documents.

Bahrain: Visa on Arrival for 30 Days

In the Gulf region, Bahrain is on the list of countries offering visa on arrival to Indians with a US Green Card or visa. You can stay in this beautiful island country for up to 14 days on a single-entry visa or up to 30 days on a multiple-entry visa. Starting October 2025, Gulf Air flights from New York to India will make it easier for US visa holders and Green Cardholders to get Bahrain’s visa on arrival for a stopover. A 6-month valid passport, return or onward travel booking confirmation, accommodation proof and sufficient funds are mandatory.

The booking of customized tour packages in all these visa-free countries for Green Cardholders and Indians on US Visas is just a call away at Indian Eagle! Call our trusted travel advisors at +1800-615-3969 for budget-friendly stopover tour packages for family and individuals, as well as discounted phone-only flight deals.

The post List of Visa-on-Arrival or Visa-free Countries for Green Cardholders and Indians with valid US Visas first appeared on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

The post List of Visa-on-Arrival or Visa-free Countries for Green Cardholders and Indians with valid US Visas appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

You can now earn $50 discount on flight tickets from USA to India for your winter holiday travel. Indian Eagle, the most trusted air-ticketing partner for Indians and Americans for 18 years, is up with a flight discount giveaway contest on social media. It is simple and interesting! Just play and win Indian Eagle coupon code for airfare discounts.

The Indian Eagle flights discount coupon giveaway is basically a fun quiz that we will hold on Instagram for 10 days and Facebook for the next 10 days in August 2025. Interested participants from the US need to answer simple questions, like “Which US airport is the busiest in the world?” in few words. One winner will be selected every day; it means 20 winners in 20 days. They can redeem $50 discount coupons to save more on cheap Indian Eagle tickets from major airlines.

Indian Eagle discount giveaway participation rules: 

• You must reside in the US
• You must have minimum 150 followers on Instagram (if you chose to participate on Instagram)
• You must have minimum 150 friends/followers on Facebook (if you choose to participate on FB)
• You must follow Indian Eagle on Instagram or Facebook
• You must comment ‘I am in’ on the giveaway post pinned on our Instagram page
• You must tag at least one friend in the comments section of the giveaway post 

$50 Discount Giveaway winner selection criteria 

The first respondent to the quiz will be selected as winner of the day only if his/her answer is correct and complete. For instance, Atlanta/ATL airport/Hartsfield is incorrect and incomplete answer to “Which US airport is the busiest in the world?” The complete and correct answer is Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport.

In case the first respondent’s answer is incorrect and/or incomplete, the second respondent will be declared winner based on the same criteria. We will directly message the winner on social media and the winner must respond to our direct message.

The next day we will officially announce the winner on Instagram and Facebook. The winner is required to share the post on their social media pages to claim Indian Eagle’s discount coupon code.

What is the timeline for the US-India flights discount giveaway?

The giveaway would run on Instagram from 4 to 13 August 2025, and on Facebook from 15 to 24 August 2025.

Can you participate in the travel discount giveaway more than once?

Yes, you can do until you become a winner during the 10-day quiz on Instagram and the next 10-day quiz on Facebook. If you happen to win the quiz once in the 10-day period on Instagram, you won’t be able to participate again on Instagram or Facebook.

Can your family member participate in the giveaway if you win the quiz on Instagram or Facebook?

Yes, a family member of yours can do only if he/she meets the above-mentioned participation criteria. But more than one discount coupon worth $50 won’t be redeemed on one travel booking, either one-way travel or round trip. To redeem two flight discount coupons, you must make two reservations separately on IndianEagle.com. or, you can redeem one coupon and your family member (the other member) can redeem the other coupon awarded to him/her.

What other terms of use apply to redeeming Indian Eagle’s flight discount coupons online?

The other ‘terms of use’ applicable to redeeming the $50 discount coupons will be officially communicated to the winners via an email.

The post US-India Flights Discount Giveaway: Grab $50 Coupons to Save More on Your Travel first appeared on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

The post US-India Flights Discount Giveaway: Grab $50 Coupons to Save More on Your Travel appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

After the tragic Ahmedabad plane crash in June, netizens are googling – what is the best and safest aircraft in the fleet of Air India? The Tata airline placed multibillion-dollar orders for 570 new aircraft from both Airbus and Boeing. Only six brand-new A350-900 planes have joined the fleet so far, while the first B787-9 from the Boeing order will be delivered soon. Since December 2024, Air India has been operating A350-900 flights without complaints. Our customers’ reviews on Air India’s A350 travel experience adjudge this aircraft as the best and safest in the fleet.

A350-900: Best and Safest Aircraft in Air India Fleet

Currently, A350-900 is not just the newest but also the best and safest aircraft in Air India fleet for long-haul flights, to say between USA and India. Few aircraft can rival Airbus A350, a most advanced, widebody jet which is even bigger than Boeing 787 Dreamliner. A350-1000 is longer than the latest Dreamliner variant, B787-10. At present, six A350-900s are operational for Air India flights from New Delhi to New York JFK, Newark EWR, and London Heathrow.

Not only Air India, but also its partners and rivals are cashing in on either or both variants – A350-900 and A350-1000. Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways are leading operators of A350 flights. Among top 10 airlines that fly from USA to India, Emirates received its first A350-900 in January 2025, with more 64 A350-900 planes to be delivered. 47 A350-900 and 1000s will be delivered to Lufthansa Group Airlines by 2031. Air India’s domestic rival IndiGo is expecting delivery of 40 Airbus A350 planes starting mid-2027 for its international expansion plans.

What makes A350 the best aircraft in Air India fleet

• Lightweight Structure: Over 70% of its airframe is made from titanium, aluminum, and composite materials, making the aircraft lighter and stronger.
• Fuel Efficiency: Uses up to 25% less fuel than older wide-body aircraft, reducing emissions and operating costs.
• Sleek Aerodynamics: The 64.75 m wings with morphing technology improves lift and lowers drag during flight.
• Engine: Equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB, the most efficient large aero-engine today, delivering high reliability, modular maintenance, and fuel savings.
• Airspace Cabin: Features the quietest twin-aisle cabin in its class, wide seats, larger windows, straight sidewalls, high ceilings, and spacious overhead bins for enhanced comfort.
• Optimized Cabin Environment: Maintains a comfortable cabin altitude of 6,000 feet with air renewed every 2–3 minutes through HEPA filtering.
• Advanced Lighting: Full LED ambient lighting supports customized lighting scenarios (e.g., sunrise/sunset), which help reduce passenger fatigue and jet lag.
• Connectivity & Entertainment: A350 was the first aircraft delivered with in-flight connectivity, offering high-speed satellite Wi-Fi, plus high-definition IFE, with screens up to 13″ in economy—on entry into service.

Air India A350 Economy Class

The A350-900 has improved the way Indians from the US used to travel in Air India’s Economy cabins until December 2023. The aircraft ticks all the boxes for your elevated comfort on Air India’s economy class flights to Delhi from New York, Newark, and London. The A350-900 economy cabins feature 264 cushioned seats in a 3-3-3- configuration, each offering 31-inch pitch, 17.5-inch width, 6-inch recline, and adjustable headrests for added support during long journeys.

Air India’s A350 economy class has seats equipped with a 12-inch HD touchscreen featuring the Panasonic eX3 entertainment system, loaded with over 2,200 hours of content. The airline provides screen-free audio content for kids on A350 flights. It has increased the comfort quotient for economy class passengers seeking Indian Eagle flight deals.

Air India A350 Premium Economy

Air India’s Premium Economy cabins on A350-900 planes offer a value-for-money experience. If sophistication of flying, comfort at 40,000 feet, and budget flight deals are your priority, the A350 Premium Economy is the best bet for your intercontinental travel. It has 24 super cozy seats with 38-inch pitch, 18.5-inch width, 8-inch recline, and four-way adjustable headrests for customized comfort. Arranged in a 2-4-2 layout, the seats have comfortable leg rest with a foot paddle.

The above is why Air India’s A350 Premium Economy is a preferred choice for elderly parents’ travel from India to USA for much less than business class tickets. The seats come with a 13.3-inch HD touchscreen, USB-A charging, universal power outlets, and personal reading lights. Priority check-in and early boarding are among the perks, in addition to TUMI amenity kits and upgraded dining on premium tableware.

Air India A350 Business Class: Luxurious Private Suites

What makes A350-900 is the best aircraft in Air India fleet is the new-age business class with luxurious suites, full-flat beds, sliding doors, personal wardrobes, and under-seat storage. Flying in Air India’s Business class on A350-900 gives a glimpse into the airline’s ongoing transformation. It has 28 suites in a 1-2-1 configuration offering direct aisle access to all passengers. Each suite has a convertible 79-inch full-flat bed built on the Collins Aerospace Horizon platform.

The perks of booking business class flights on Air India’s A350-900 include gourmet meals served on bespoke Ferragamo-designed tableware, a 21-inch HD Panasonic eX3 screen with noise-cancelling headphones, and an in-cabin humidifier. Everything from a vanity mirror to universal power outlets, tail-camera views, and top-notch Ferragamo amenity kits are meticulous additions to your luxury and comfort above the clouds.

The post What is Best and Safest Aircraft in Air India Fleet for USA to India Flights? first appeared on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

The post What is Best and Safest Aircraft in Air India Fleet for USA to India Flights? appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

To be inaugurated in August or September 2025, Navi Mumbai International Airport is a most ambitious aviation project for Rs 16,700 crore (around $2 billion). Flying through this airport would a unique experience unlike traveling through New Delhi or Mumbai CSMI Airport. Everything about the Navi Mumbai Airport project, from lotus-like design to water terminal to traffic-handling capacity is a wonder.

Navi Mumbai Airport – Local Sightseeing for Connecting Passengers

Connecting passengers with significant layovers at Navi Mumbai Airport would get to visit Lonavala, a most scenic hill station among the weekend getaways between Mumbai and Pune. NMIAL is planning to offer short sightseeing trips to Lonavala and other nearby tourist sites for travelers during long wait hours before connecting flights. If you have 6 hours or more to the next flight or international boarding, you can go for Lonavala sightseeing and come back to the airport.

The first Indian airport to offer local sightseeing tours, Navi Mumbai Airport would join the ranks of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Egypt, Singapore Changi, and Istanbul airports with stopover programs and sightseeing tours. Lonavala sightseeing experiences are being anticipated to be guided tours like Changi Airport’s free Singapore tours for transit travelers. “We are also looking at many options from among the must-visit places in Mumbai which could be explored with the help of Atal Setu,” said an official from NMIAL.

Since this initiative is in the works, we are waiting for more information, like sightseeing trips to Lonavala and other places from D B Patil Airport in Navi Mumbai would be complimentary or payable, whether this would be extended to inbound international arrivals,” said the chief travel economist of IndianEagle.com.

Navi Mumbai Airport to have Water Taxis

Water taxi rides between South Mumbai and DB Patil Airport in Navi Mumbai would be an altogether different experience for travelers, starting in 2026. Yes, among the existing and new airports in India, NMIA is the first to get water transportation on 8 routes to major points along the coast of Mumbai, like Colaba. A road trip to the airport from the mainland via the Mumbai Trans Harbor Link would take more than 60 minutes, whereas a water taxi ride would cut it to a mere 30 minutes. Part of the multimodal connectivity among Navi Mumbai Airport’s facilities, electric water taxis would make commuting to the airport smooth, scenic, and of course, Instagram worthy.

NMIA Food Hall: A Taste of Mumbai Inside the Terminal

Among Navi Mumbai Airport’s facilities, a curated Food Hall is all set to redefine airport dining for travelers. Designed by top chefs, this Food Hall brings together the flavors of Mumbai, from street-style vada pav to pav bhaji and fulfilling meals that reflect the City of Dreams’ culinary depth. It would be very unlike a typical food court at other airports where brand franchisees and quick-service restaurants charge a premium.

At NMIA Food Hall, you would get vegan, Jain, and diabetic-friendly food options, alongside a wide selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. And the best part? Prices would be in line with that of normal city restaurants, not the highly inflated rates at most airports. Navi Mumbai Airport will also have a food court outside the terminal building for non-passengers who come to see off or receive travelers.

Navi Mumbai Airport’s Experiential Zones Facility

After clearing security at Navi Mumbai DB Patil Airport, passengers would step into a special experiential zone designed to ease pre-flight stress. This in-terminal area will feature interactive displays, digital projections, and cultural artifacts showcasing the iconic landmarks of Mumbai, Maharashtra, and India at large. The experiential zone will have a calm ambience and a culturally rich space where passengers can relax and explore a bit of the local culture before boarding. Plus, a gaming area is coming up at the airport for families and children.

The post Navi Mumbai Airport to Offer Mumbai Street Food, Local Sightseeing Tours, Other Cultural Experiences first appeared on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

The post Navi Mumbai Airport to Offer Mumbai Street Food, Local Sightseeing Tours, Other Cultural Experiences appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Come 2026, India will welcome one more airline with one-stop flights between USA and Mumbai. While the anticipation for Delta Airlines’ comeback to India with nonstop flights to Delhi is building up, Scandinavian Airlines officially announced its return to India after 17 long years. Initially, SAS – the national airline of Denmark, Sweden and Norway – will cater to Mumbai from and via Copenhagen, thereby connecting Mumbai to its US gateways. Mumbai-bound travelers from the US will get a new route through Europe.

SAS Airlines to India: Flight Schedule and Frequency

Scandinavian Airlines flights to Mumbai will take off on 2 June 2026, with a frequency of five times a week. SAS’s Copenhagen to Mumbai flight SK969 schedule includes Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Arrival in Mumbai is scheduled past midnight (01:30 AM IST) the following day. Mumbai-Copenhagen flights SK970 are scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with departure at 6 AM IST and arrival in Copenhagen at 11:45 local time.

The upcoming flights between Copenhagen and Mumbai are carefully timed to provide smooth connection on SAS flights to and from the United States. New York, Newark, Boston, Washington DC, Atlanta, Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francsico and Miami (seasonal) are Scandinavian Airlines destinations in the US. Scandinavian Airlines will seamlessly connect travelers from the US to Mumbai, India via its principal hub, Copenhagen.

If Mumbai is your final destination, you may consider SAS Airlines for your summer travel to India from those US cities in 2026 and compare SAS fares with Indian Eagle deals from major airlines.

Scandinavian Airlines’ Airbus A330-300 Features

Reportedly, Airbus A330-300 with premium economy seats will be deployed for Scandinavian Airline flights to India. A330‑300 is a modern, fuel-efficient, wide-body aircraft that seats approximately 266 passengers across three cabins, making it well-suited for long-haul routes like Mumbai-Copenhagen-US. The aircraft is known for its reliability, comfort, and long-range capability. Its Economy travel cabin has 174 seats in a 2‑4‑2 layout, each offering around 31 to 32 inches of pitch along with personal in-flight entertainment.

One step up is SAS Plus, the airline’s premium economy cabin, which includes 56 seats in a 2‑3‑2 configuration with 38 inches of pitch and a 12-to-13-inch screen featuring an upgraded entertainment system. At the front, business class offers 32 lie-flat seats in a 1‑2‑1 arrangement, each 23 to 24 inches wide with a pitch of 77 to 78 inches, along with Zodiac RAVE in-flight entertainment.

Do Indians need transit visa at Copenhagen Airport for connecting flights?

If a SAS Airline flight itinerary, USA to India, does not require you to exit the international transit area during a layover at Copenhagen Airport, you don’t need a transit visa. As long as you stay within the international transit zone and your bags are checked all the way to India or USA, you are good to go. However, landside transit involving immigration at Copenhagen Airport requires a transit visa or short-stay Schengen Visa for Indians.

It would be better to check your flight PNR and confirm with Scandinavian Airlines SAS the latest visa rules for transit at Copenhagen Airport. First, let the airline open bookings for summer 2026. Meanwhile, you can check out IndianEagle.com for cheap flight tickets to India or call us at +1800-615-3969 for exclusive phone-only deals from our airline partners.

The post With Its Return to India in 2026, Scandinavian Airlines will Connect USA and Mumbai; All You Need to Know first appeared on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

The post With Its Return to India in 2026, Scandinavian Airlines will Connect USA and Mumbai; All You Need to Know appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

No extra padding. No additional entertainment hours. No new upholstery. Emirates Airlines is working brand new economy class seats – bold, better and beyond those usual improvements. Emirates’ next-gen economy seat design, the first of its kind in the industry, will take the aviation world by storm, according to the airline’s president Sir Tim Clark, who describes it as a “game changer” for economy class travelers.

Emirates Airline News: New Economy Seat Features

The new seat design for economy travel cabins on Emirates flights to India, USA, China, and other countries will leverage vertical space to enhance comfort. Seat height – neither seat width nor seat pitch – is the focus of unusual seating improvement for the Dubai-based airline this time. The design has already been prototyped for seat manufacturers and aviation regulators.

Vertical enhancement of economy class seats is a signature innovation, like Emirates’ virtual windows in the first class cabins of B777-300ER planes. The new seats will be taller by 4 to 5 inches to improve the way the seat height supports our body posture and contour, according to Tim Clark, one of the most revered leaders in aviation, who is credited with driving the growth of Emirates Airlines from a two-plane startup in 1985 to one of the best international airlines in the world.

The more legroom, the more premium fare. In Economy Class, the wider the seats, the higher the ticket prices. By utilizing the vertical cabin space, Emirates Airlines aims to elevate your seating comfort in Economy without charging a premium. Usually, Emirates’ economy flight seats are wider and more spacious than Air India’s and other airlines’. Currently, seat height is the only area wherein the airline has some room for improvement without reducing cabin density.

Emirates’ new economy seats height has challenges

“The more height a seat has, the more space it needs to recline back. The reclining of one’s seat causing discomfort to the other behind is often the reason for inflight scuffles among economy class passengers. Given the cases of passengers getting into an argument over unfair reclining of seats, Emirates’ tall seat design for Economy travel cabins seems to be a move against basic air travel etiquette,” said Sourav Agarwal, Senior Editor of Travel Beats.

A more serious concern than the above is obstructed viewing of passengers for the cabin crew. Emirates’ new economy seats height (to be increased by 4 to 5 inches) could block the line of sight, one of the inflight safety requirements for the cabin crew. However, President Tim Clark shrugged off this concern by saying that cameras are installed inside Economy Class cabins of modern aircraft like A380s in the fleet of Emirates Airlines. Passengers activity and safety can be monitored through inflight cameras.

On one hand, Sir Tim Clark is sanguine about the pragmatism of increasing the height of seats for international economy travelers. On the other hand, he says, “It’s not an easy process” to get approval from aviation regulators. He is trying to connect dots between inflight seating innovation and aviation safety compliance.

Better seat height or better seat width – what is your preference for comfort on economy flights between USA and India?

Subscribe to Travel Beats, a leading aviation news portal for US-India airline news, travel tips, travel FAQs, visa guides, checked baggage allowance, and a lot more. Also, check out Indian Eagle flight tickets for USA to India budget travel and beyond with Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, Air India, United, British Airways, Cathay Pacific…You can call +1800-615-3969 for unpublished phone-only deals.

The post Emirates Airlines is Working on New Economy Class Seats with Better Height for Long-Haul Flights first appeared on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

The post Emirates Airlines is Working on New Economy Class Seats with Better Height for Long-Haul Flights appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

The skies for flights between North America and India have become more turbulent through the Middle East. Since the closure of Pakistan’s airspace in April 2025, Air India flights have been taking longer routes with refueling pitstops in Vienna (Europe), Kolkata, and Bengaluru at the cost of additional travel hours. Now the unprecedented airspace closure by several Middle East countries, in the view of the escalating Israel-Iran-USA tensions, is impacting passenger flights between US and India, North America to South Asia at large.

Air India news amidst the Middle East tensions

In response to the Israel-Iran-US tensions, Air India suspended flights to and from New York JFK, Newark EWR, Washington DC, and Chicago ORD, until further notice, affecting travel during the summer holiday season. Below is an excerpt from Air India’s message:

“Amid the developing situation in the Middle East, Air India has ceased all operations to the region as well as to and from the East Coast of North America and Europe with immediate effect, until further notice. Our India-bound flights from North America are diverting back to their respective origins and others are being diverted back to India or re-routed away from the closed airspaces.”

After a few hours of shutdown, Qatar reopened its airspace for safe departure of international transit passengers stranded at Doha Hamad Airport. In a communication to IndianEagle.com, Qatar Airways offers to rebook cancelled flights and reschedule travel for the passengers who wish to change their travel plans under amidst the Middle East crisis. Qatar Airways flights booked on or before 23 June for travel on or before 30 June 2025 are eligible for a waiver on the airline’s rebooking fee.

In addition to Air India flight cancelation, other airlines highly anticipate flight delays and diversions through the Middle East airspace, a vital corridor between North America and South Asia. With Iran, Israel, Iraq, and Pakistan continuing to keep their airspace restricted, longer flight paths and additional flying hours are expected in the coming days. However, the situation is volatile and unpredictable, thereby making civil aviation safety considerably important though inconvenience is inevitable to some extent.

Passengers scheduled to travel to India or USA are strongly advised to watch out for airlines’ alerts and advisories. Save airlines’ customer helpline and emergency contact numbers for updates on your upcoming trip. Check your flight status on the day of travel and before leaving for the airport. If you booked Indian Eagle USA to India flights for your travel in the last week of June 2025, contact our 24/7 customer support for rescheduling and alternate options.

The post Here’s How Middle East Conflict Impacts Travel between USA and India: Flight Delays, Diversions, Cancelation first appeared on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

The post Here’s How Middle East Conflict Impacts Travel between USA and India: Flight Delays, Diversions, Cancelation appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Few airports in the United States, including Detroit International Airport, are no longer only for travelers with flight tickets. Non-flyers without boarding passes can enter those airport terminals and go past security to see off their family members or hang out in the retail area. Detroit Metropolitan Airport has a visitor pass program for non-ticketed guests to access areas beyond in-terminal security checkpoints. With a DTW Airport visitor pass, you can bid goodbye to your family from the boarding gate.

Detroit Metro Airport launched its visitor pass known as DTW Destination Pass in 2019 after the Seattle Airport visitor pass was introduced in 2018. Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Orlando, Ontario, New Orleans, and San Antonio airports have similar programs for non-travelers. Detroit Airport is the origin of flights to India via Europe and the Middle East for Indians in Michigan. They will benefit from this guide on how to get a DTW Airport visitor pass online.

How to Get a Detroit Airport Visitor Pass Online

It is easy to get a DTW Destination Pass, but you cannot apply for it online or in advance. The process to get a visitor pass for Detroit Metro Wayne Airport is completely offline. If your family or parents are scheduled to travel on flights from Detroit to India, you can head to the ‘Destination Pass Kiosk’ on the Departures Level of either the McNamara or Evans Terminal on the day of travel.

All you need to do is to scan your valid US government-issued photo ID at the kiosk. Foreign passports are also accepted. Once your ID is verified, the kiosk will print a visitor pass that allows you to go through TSA screening, just like regular passengers.

Is DTW Destination Pass free?

Yes, the visitor pass for non-travelers to Detroit Metropolitan Airport is free and valid only for the day of its issuance.

What IDs are eligible for Detroit Metro Airport Visitor Pass?

To get a DTW Visitor Pass, you must be 18 years or older. Your government-issued photo ID could be your US passport or Indian passport or Green Card or US work authorization card or DHS Trusted Traveler Card. Other acceptable forms of identification include state-issued IDs like driver’s license.

For minors under 18, a government-issued photo ID is not required. They can still receive a Visitor Pass as long as they are accompanied by an adult, and their full legal name is manually entered on DTW Destination Pass kiosks at Detroit Airport.

What are valid hours for DTW Visitor Pass holders?

DTW Destination Pass is available daily from 5am to 9pm at both McNamara and Evans terminals of Detroit International Airport. This means you can arrive as early as 5 am, get a visitor pass, go through security, and explore the terminal, or spend time with loved ones, until the 9 pm cutoff. If you exit the terminal, re-entry is allowed, but you’ll need to rescan your pass and ID. All visitor pass holders are subject to the same TSA security procedures as those boarding flights from Detroit to Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, or Kolkata.

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India’s Vision 2040 for civil aviation is full of positive facts and practical figures. The phenomenal increase in the total number of India’s inbound and outbound air travelers from 184 million in 2017-18 to 97 million in the first quarter of 2024 is the foundation of India’s aviation vision 2040 for 1.1 billion passengers. The Civil Aviation Ministry’s report states that there will be approximately 200 functional airports in India by 2040, including 50 new airports set to be built in the next 5 years. Delhi and Mumbai will have three international airports each, while other 31 Indian cities will have two operational airports each.

Travel Beats, an overseas Indian community portal by Indian Eagle Travel, curated details of India’s upcoming international airports, which are expected to cost around $40-50 billion (excluding land acquisition costs), as per India’s Vision 2040 report. Most of the new and upcoming airports in India will have international connectivity for flights to and from the US, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific countries.

Dholera International Airport, Gujarat

Gujarat’s third international airport is under construction in the ancient Harappan city of Dholavira. To be constructed in multiple phases with a 2025-26 deadline for its first phase completion, this greenfield airport will initially be able to handle 3.5 million passengers a year and its capacity will be gradually expanded to a whopping 50 million annual passengers in future phases. As a second gateway to Ahmedabad, Dholera International Airport will share the increasing passenger load on Ahmedabad International Airport. Moreover, the airport being developed as a part of the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) will also serve the industrial region as a major cargo hub.

Location: Navagam village, Dholera, around 100 km from Ahmedabad

Visakhapatnam International Airport, Andhra Pradesh

The upcoming greenfield airport in Bhogapuram will be Andhra Pradesh’s first international airport near Visakhapatnam. Bhogapuram Airport is being developed in three phases by the prestigious GMR Group, the Delhi IGI Airport operator, Hyderabad RGI Airport, and Goa’s Mopa Airport. Also known as GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport, it had its foundation stone laid in May 2023. The first phase is scheduled for completion in the next three years at an estimated cost of INR 4,592 crore. The airport, to be developed across 2,200-acre, will handle 6 million annual passengers in its first phase, and this capacity will be increased to 18 million passengers based on for international flights to Vizag, India.

Location: Bhogapuram, approximately 45km from Visakhapatnam

Sabarimala International Airport, Kerala

Good news for Sabarimala pilgrims from across the world! The proposed Sabarimala International Airport project on 2570 acres of land at Cheruvally Estate near Erumely in Kottayam district has made significant progress. It has gained momentum with the Union Environment Ministry Panel’s approval and the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s approval in 2023. In February 2024, the Central government gave site and defense clearance for the airport construction. If things fall in place as per Kerala government’s plan, Sabarimala International Airport will be the nearest airport to Sabarimala Ayyappa Swamy Temple. Currently, Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to Sabarimala at a distance of 155 km.

Location: Erumeli, approximately 40 km from Kottayam

Navi Mumbai International Airport

The costliest and biggest of all the upcoming international airports in India is Navi Mumbai Airport, which will become operational once the first phase of construction is completed as planned by December 2024. The airport – officially named D. B. Patil International Airport – will handle 10 million passengers a year initially and more than 90 million annual passenger traffic upon completion of its all four phases by 2032. Reportedly, the NMI airport will handle 80 flights an hour and some 1900 flights in 24 hours. 

The Navi Mumbai International Airport project cost is estimated at Rs.16, 700 crore, as per the report on India’s Aviation Vision 2040. Read more about the second Mumbai international airport designed like a lotus, India’s national flower, and its topnotch facilities.

Ludhiana’s Halwara Airport, Punjab

Ludhiana, Punjab’s largest city and industrial hub, is the location of one of the upcoming international airports in India. Halwara Airport, officially named Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha International Airport, is being developed by the Punjab government and the Airports Authority of India in collaboration. Ludhiana’s Halwara Airport will be able to accommodate and handle Code 4C-type aircraft such as Boeing 737-700 and Airbus A-320.

Halwara International Airport is still under construction, though the civil terminal is complete. While clearance from the Air Force and other regulatory authorities is still pending, commercial operations are anticipated to begin in 2026. The handover of the new Ludhiana airport, Halwara to the Airports Authority of India is underway. Qatar Airways is the only major international carrier operating flights to Amritsar from USA and other countries.

Location: Halwara, nearly 40 km from Ludhiana

Second International Airport, Chennai

Like Delhi and Mumbai, Chennai is paving the way for a second international airport in line with India’s Vision 2040 for aviation. Intended to decongest Chennai International Airport (MAA), the second facility is proposed to be built across 5000 acres of land spanning 13 villages in Parandur, situated nearly 15 km from Kanchipuram. This 20,000 crore project is planned with 100 million passenger handling capacity and the tentative deadline for completion of the airport’s construction is 2028. Reportedly, Chennai’s Parandur Airport will feature two long runways that can hold huge 600-seat aircraft. An extension of Chennai Metro will connect Parandur airport with the city, and a road link with the Bangalore–Chennai Expressway is under consideration. 

Location: Parandur, nearly 70km from Chennai

Kalyani Airport, Kolkata

Among the major new airports in India, a new airport is coming up 53 km away from Kolkata and some 82 km from India’s biggest ISCKON temple to ease the burden on Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport – the biggest hub for air travel in east India and also one of the 10 busiest airports in the country. Kalyani Airport will be developed across 1500 acres of land and the airport will have a capacity to handle around 8.5 million passengers annually. The Airport Authority of India (AAI) set a 2030 deadline for Kolkata’s second airport to become operational.

Jewar International Airport, Noida

A wing of India’s Vision 2040 for aviation is Noida International Airport at Jewar, which will be catering to the catchment areas of Delhi NCR. Expected to ease the air traffic load on Indira Gandhi International Airport, the new facility will increase passenger-handling capacity up to 70 million per year over the next 30 years. INR 10,000 crore is the estimated cost of constructing the airport’s first phase, which is likely to open for commercial flight operations by the end of 2024. In the first phase, Noida International Airport will handle 12 million passengers. Much like Delhi IGI Airport, Noida International Airport will have international connectivity for USA to India flights, and flights from the UK, Singapore, Australia, as well as the Middle East.

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje International Airport, Pune

Pune’s second international airport at Purandar will be named after Maratha King Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje. To be built on 2400 hectares of land, the proposed Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje Airport may replace Lohegaon Air Force Station, the current international airport in Pune, which cannot accommodate more than 4 to 6 international flights to and from Pune due to restrictions on the air force base. Though approved in 2016, Pune’s Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje Airport project didn’t take shape due to land acquisition and other issues. Its fate now rests on the upcoming general elections in India in 2024.

Location: Purandar, nearly 40 to 45 km from Pune

Warangal Airport, Telangana

Warangal’s Mamnoor Airport, once the largest airport in India before independence, is finally set for revival after 40+ years. Built by the British and the last Nizam of Hyderabad, it was a major aviation hub in South Asia. The Government of India has approved the revival and expansion plans, bypassing the 2004 exclusivity clause that restricted the construction of new airports near Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad.

With ₹205 crores allocated, the airport will be upgraded to handle aircraft like Boeing 737, making it future-ready for international operations. This marks a major milestone for Telangana’s aviation sector, positioning Warangal as a key regional hub under the UDAN scheme. As Telangana’s second operational airport, it is planned to be reopened by 2030.

Location: Located around 150 km from Hyderabad City

Hisar International Airport, Haryana  

Among the new major airports in India, Hisar Airport is all set to be transformed into an international airport over 10,000 acres of land. By 2030, Hisar Airport, which is officially named Maharaja Agrasen Airport in Haryana, will be incorporated into Delhi NCR. With an investment of around ₹5,200 crore in three phases, the expansion of Hisar Airport promises to bring a lot of opportunities and growth to the region. Haryana’s Maharaja Agrasen Airport will also serve as an alternative to the country’s busiest Indira Gandhi Airport in Delhi, offering more convenience for travelers in the NCR.

Location: Nearly 165km from New Delhi IGI airport.

International Greenfield Airport near Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

Among the upcoming international airports in India is the one to be developed near Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, where the 108-ft Statue of Oneness dedicated to Adi Shankaracharya is a must visit. 10,000 acres of land has been earmarked for the greenfield airport that aims to be as big as New Delhi International Airport. A pre-construction feasibility study by the Airports Authority of India supports the development of an international airport near Ujjain over the likelihood of expanding the existing Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore.

Kota Airport, Rajasthan 

Kota Airport, which the royal family of Kota – an erstwhile princely state in Rajasthan – had developed during the British Raj, has remained shut since 1997. The state government’s plans to develop it newly as a greenfield airport are in the works. To be developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) on 1250 acres of land, the upcoming Kota Greenfield Airport will facilitate the growth of Kota City as the coaching capital of India and a trade hub. An official date is yet to be announced for the completion of Kota Airport.

Minicoy Airport in Lakshadweep

India is planning to develop a new airport on Minicoy Island in Lakshadweep, aiming to promote its potential as a leisure tourist destination. This new airport will accommodate both military and civilian aircraft, expanding the region’s connectivity and strengthening surveillance over the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. Currently, Lakshadweep has an airstrip on Agatti Island, which limits the types of aircraft that can operate there. This initiative is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to promote tourism in Lakshadweep. However, there is yet no tentative date for completion of the project.

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The post Indian Aviation Vision 2040 for 1bn Flyers: What are Major New Airports Coming up in India in 2025 and 2026 first appeared on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

The post Indian Aviation Vision 2040 for 1bn Flyers: What are Major New Airports Coming up in India in 2025 and 2026 appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.