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Several Flights Delayed As Dust Storm Hits Delhi And Surrounding Areas!

AirWhizzMay 08, 2018 No Comments

Several Flights Delayed As Dust Storm Hits Delhi And Surrounding Areas!

Aviation Insider

A high-intensity dust storm hit New Delhi NCR, Chandigarh and parts of Punjab and Haryana last night.

The Indian Meteorological Department(IMD) has announced a mild thunderstorm and dust storm warning for the next 48 hours in New Delhi and its neighbouring states.

Several arrival and 1 departure flight got delayed at the Delhi airport due to bad weather.

Here are the details of the flights that got delayed –

Flight Number Airline From To
6E 2305 IndiGo Bengaluru Delhi
SG 198 SpiceJet Bengaluru Delhi
AI 854 Air India Pune Delhi
G8 714 GoAir Ahmedabad Delhi
I5* 786 AirAsia India Guwahati Delhi
6E 2405 IndiGo Bhubaneswar Delhi
AI 87 Air India Bengaluru Delhi
UK* 950 Vistara Mumbai Delhi
SQ 4766 Singapore Airlines Mumbai Delhi
6E 198 IndiGo Mumbai Delhi
6E 224 IndiGo Kolkata Delhi
6E 336 IndiGo Goa Delhi
9W 310 Jet Airways (India) Mumbai Delhi
6E 127 IndiGo Thiruvananthapuram Delhi
6E 2289 IndiGo Bengaluru Delhi
G8 345 GoAir Mumbai Delhi
I5* 547 AirAsia India Kolkata Delhi
G8 426 GoAir Hyderabad Delhi
I5* 774 AirAsia India Goa Delhi
UK* 820 Vistara Bengaluru Delhi
6E 2376 IndiGo Delhi Bengaluru

According to the IMD heavy rainfall will be expected in the next 24 hours. The temperatures will also drop in Delhi and its neighbouring areas.

Last week, thunderstorm wreaked havoc in west Rajasthan and parts of Uttar Pradesh, taking the lives of 124 people and injuring more than 300.

If you want to know whether your flight is affected by the dust storm, look no further. Simply download the AirWhizz App and get real-time flight updates, weather updates and track your flight on the move.

Stay safe and Fly Stress-Free!

 

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Why You Should Always Carry Lightweight Luggage When You Fly!

AirWhizzMay 07, 2018 No Comments

Why You Should Always Carry Lightweight Luggage When You Fly!

Travel Like a Pro

A suitcase is easily one of the most essential travel items that you can own. After all, you rely on it to pack all things you love.

Juggling between gifts for the family and airline Baggage Allowance can be a tough task.

And that is exactly why lightweight luggage is so essential.

So save on baggage fees without having to leave anything behind and invest in your luggage!

BENEFITS OF LIGHTWEIGHT LUGGAGE

1.MOBILITY

Greater mobility means it won’t slow you down as you rush through the airport.

The materials used to make your luggage lighter ensure that it is easier for you to carry them even when they are completely full.

It’s great not only when you need to carry your bag through the airport, but also when you have to stowe it in the overhead bin on the airplane or pick it up at luggage belt.

2.SAVE MONEY

Airlines are strict when it comes to baggage weight limits and charge an exorbitant fees if your luggage is over the limit.

And it would be such a waste to pay the extra fees because your bag itself is adding to the weight apart from your personal items.

Lightweight luggage can help you avoid additional charges and you can spend that money on just about anything else!

3.SPACIOUS INTERIORS

The design of modern lightweight suitcases is such that they are expandable. The structure of the bag isn’t bulky and there is a lot more space than conventional suitcases.

This means that you can pack a lot more stuff and it also has room for any shopping you may do on your trip.

4.EASY ON YOUR BODY

Heavy baggage requires some heavy lifting which may lead to injuries, like strained muscles and backaches. Not to mention it’s tiring when you travel.

Why make your body suffer?  Just do away with heavy bags!

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING LIGHTWEIGHT LUGGAGE

Now that you know a bit about the benefits of lightweight luggage, There are a few things you should consider while buying a lightweight bag that suits your needs.

1.DURATION OF THE TRIP

The duration of your trip is an important thing to consider when you buy a lightweight suitcase or bag.

Whether you are going for a weekend trip with your friends or planning a couple months of adventuring, you’ll need to decide on the size of the suitcase.

You don’t necessarily need the biggest bag available even for a long trip, think about what you want to take with you.

2. ENVIRONMENT

Your travel destination’s environment plays a big role in finding the best lightweight luggage for you.

For starters, ask yourself what kind of climate you’ll be in. Then, think about the types of activities you’ll be engaging in and how it’ll affect your suitcase if you bring it along.

For example, if you are taking a trip to somewhere cold, a hard shell suitcase is better suited for the trip. Even if you’re just walking with it in your hotel, it will hold up better against the cold or wet weather of the location.

3.PRIORITY

Ask yourself what is the most important feature you look for in a suitcase. If your priority is finding a bag within a specific price range, you’ll shorten the list with ease. If durability is your focus, digging into reviews for individual bags and their specs will be a necessity.

If style is your main priority, then you can only search for lightweight luggage from the brands that suit your flavour.

There are a number of benefits to using lightweight luggage, just remember to choose a brand that is durable and reflects your personal style!

If you are looking to buy lightweight luggage that is affordable, durable and available at great prices we might have just the right thing for you. Simply download the AirWhizz app, add your upcoming flight(s) and get up to 25% discount on Swiss Military Lightweight Luggage and other products from the brand.

Travel Light and Fly Stress-Free!

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Expansion Of Pune Airport To Start From July 2018!

AirWhizzMay 07, 2018 No Comments

Expansion Of Pune Airport To Start From July 2018!

Aviation Insider

As part of the expansion plan, a new terminal building will be constructed at the Pune airport.

With 20.6 percent growth in the number of passengers in 2017-18, the Pune airport was ranked third in the list of fastest-growing Indian airports.

To handle this rise in passenger traffic, Airports Authority Of India(AAI) will expand the Pune Airport.

Here are the details of the expansion plan –

  • The Design of the new terminal building has been approved
  • The Construction work will start by end of July
  • The new terminal building will be ready for operation by 2020-21
  • More facilities for passenger comfort will be added
  • The current terminal building will be expanded as well

Apart from the new building, the airport’s expansion plan includes an integrated cargo hub, a multi-storeyed parking facility, more aircraft parking bays and additional aerobridges, among other facilities.

A graphic design of the airport’s new building is being prepared and will be made public soon. This walkthrough will enable people to experience what is in store at the airport.

Passengers and airlines at the Pune airport have faced a lot of issues in the past. A space crunch led to unnecessary delays of flights, lack of facilities for passengers within the airport, people being made to sit on a flight even after landing and many other issues which will be solved once the airport is expanded.

The expansion will be done using modern civil engineering techniques to ensure that the work is completed on time.

On May 3, Jayant Sinha, the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, had approved the development of airport infrastructure in the county to accommodate the increasing air passenger traffic. AAI Airports such as Pune, Guwahati, Lucknow and Goa amongst others will be expanded in the next 4 to 5 years.

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In-Flight Wi-Fi & Calls May Cost More Than Your Flight Ticket!

AirWhizzMay 05, 2018 No Comments

In-Flight Wi-Fi & Calls May Cost More Than Your Flight Ticket!

Aviation Insider

The Telecom Commission on Wednesday approved the decision to allow in-flight wi-fi And Calling services on international and domestic flights.

Passengers will now be able to better utilize their time spent travelling. They will be able to stream videos online, answer E-mails, catch up on pending work and make calls at 30000 feet in the air.

But at what cost?

According to the proposal approved by the Telecom Commission, the prices of these services will be decided by the airlines and the service provider.

Countries that have allowed airlines to use these services charge around $4.5 for using 10 MB internet data. Domestic airlines expect that passengers using internet services on flights will most likely have to pay between Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 on a 60-minute flight.

Below are some of the reasons why In-Flight internet and Calling services will be expensive –

  • Unique antennas will be installed on the airplane which will increase the drag of the aircraft. This will mean that the aircraft will consume more fuel and add to the fuel costs.
  • Installing this equipment on every plane will be a costly affair for airlines and they will have to spend between $400,000 to $600,000.
  • Engineering and Maintenance of equipment will also add to the cost

The airlines will pass on all this cost to the passengers. This means that travellers will have to pay much more for in-flight wifi services as compared to what they have to pay for data on their mobiles and public Wi-Fi networks on the ground.

In fact, in some cases, the use of in-flight Wi-Fi and calling services may cost more than your flight ticket.

Airlines like Air France, British Airways, American Airlines, Aeroflot, Air Asia and Emirates provide in-flight Wi-Fi services, but they charge handsomely.

According to eDreams, an online travel agency, the charges for In-Flight Wi-Fi usage may cost Rs 3350 for 150 MB on Aeroflot, Rs 302 for 10 MB on Air Asia, Rs 2412 for 200 MB on Air France, Rs 2144 for whole journey on British Airways, and Rs 1071 for 500 MB on Emirates.

Will it burn a hole in your pocket? Probably!

Is it worth it? You decide!

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10 Pro Tips To Fly With Your Guitar!

AirWhizzMay 04, 2018 No Comments

10 Pro Tips To Fly With Your Guitar!

Travel Like a Pro

For a guitarist, their guitar is the most precious thing in the world.

They use it to woo thousands of people at a gig and for jamming along with their band mates and friends.

No wonder, when you ask a guitarist how they are going to carry their guitar on the flight for their next big concert, they become nervous.

Most people tend to cross their fingers and just hope for the best when it comes to safely storing their guitar on the airplane

However, with a bit of planning it is possible to make sure that you can get your guitar safely through the flight.

We have compiled a list of travel hacks that will help you fly stress-free the next time you bring a guitar along with you on your flight!

1.CHECK THE AIRLINE INSTRUMENT POLICY

You can save yourself a lot of anxiety if you check with the airline before booking your ticket.

Most of the airlines in India are generally friendly to musicians and allow guitars as ‘Carry-On’ baggage which can be kept in the overhead bin.

In case you are flying on a small commuter aircraft, be prepared that your airline will check-in your guitar as there is less cabin room as compared to larger aircrafts.

2.INVEST IN A GUITAR CASE

Based on your airline’s policy, decide whether you are going to carry your guitar with you or get it checked-in on the flight.

If you are bringing the guitar on your flight, carry a soft well-cushioned case so that it is portable and well protected in the overhead bin.

If you are getting your guitar checked-in, invest in a hard case. Sturdy cases will last you a long time and your guitar will make it out alive from the wilderness of the airport luggage bay.

3.LOOSEN THE STRINGS

Prepare your guitar for travel!

Temperature and pressure changes in-flight can put enough strain on your instrument. This can cause the guitar’s neck to break, unless your strings are loose.

Also, while putting the guitar in the case, make sure it rests tightly so that there’s no room for bumps and damages.

4.STUFF YOUR GUITAR CASE

Guitars are fragile. But a lot of people don’t know this.

It’s a good idea to give your guitar some extra padding and support by stuffing t-shirts, socks, towels or bubble wrap in your guitar case.

This will minimise the movement of your guitar within the case and provide a cushion to your guitar during take-off and landing.

5.CONSIDER BUYING A TRAVEL GUITAR

If you are going on a vacation and are looking for a convenient travelling option, buy a travel guitar.
They are much smaller and some guitars even fold in half which can fit into specially designed backpacks.

However, if you are a professional musician you will need to carry a proper guitar to perform since these guitars are not gig friendly.

6.PUT ‘FRAGILE’ STICKERS ON THE CASE

Ensure that there are plenty of ‘Fragile’ stickers on the case

There are high chances your guitar will get pushed around by the baggage handling crew. So make sure you cover it with bright red fragile stickers so that they take it easy.

Also, attach a label with your personal contact details to your guitar case.

7.PHOTOGRAPH EVERYTHING

There have been incidents in the past where airlines have returned broken or damaged guitars to their customers.

In the (very) unfortunate circumstance that your instrument does get damaged, make sure you have lots of photos of it in its pre-flight state.

It will help prove your case if airlines deny damaging your instrument.

8. BOARD THE AIRPLANE FIRST

The nicest flight attendants in the world can’t help, if there isn’t any room on the airplane for your guitar.

There’s one fool-proof way to fix this though. BOARD FIRST!

If you are the first one to board the airplane you will get an empty overhead bin to store it and won’t have to worry about space later.

9.CHOOSE YOUR SEAT WISELY

Book your seat in the front or rear of the airplane.

You won’t have to walk through the whole cabin with your guitar and you can directly go and grab your seat.

Also, there are closets in the front and rear of the airplane, so you can ask the flight crew to place it in the closet. This will make it easier for you to keep a check on it.

10.CONSIDER SHIPPING YOUR GUITAR

Shipping is not always ideal because it’s expensive.

But it’s safe and convenient when flying with a guitar is not an option.

You won’t have to carry it around on the airplane and worry about it getting damaged. In addition, you get the added security of insurance.

If you want to know whether you can carry your guitar on the flight, look no further. Simply download the AirWhizz app and get information about airline policies on your phone.

Have a great gig and Fly Stress-Free!

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IndiGo Flight Delayed by 5 Hours, Passengers Protest At Delhi Airport!

AirWhizzMay 04, 2018 No Comments

IndiGo Flight Delayed by 5 Hours, Passengers Protest At Delhi Airport!

Aviation Insider

Passengers took matters into their own hands at the Delhi Airport, after a Guwahati bound IndiGo flight was delayed by 5 hours on Wednesday.

A group of passengers left the IndiGo flight and started protesting against the delay and mismanagement on part of the airline. They were standing meters away from the active runway while protesting.

The Delhi to Guwahati flight, which was carrying 177 passengers, was delayed due to a sudden change in weather on Wednesday night.

Here are the details of the incident –

  • Flight operations were partially affected last evening as a thunderstorm hit Delhi and its surrounding areas, causing 21 flights to divert from the IGI Airport.
  • The IndiGo aircraft (6E-694) which was scheduled for Guwahati arrived late because of the weather conditions.
  • The airline started the boarding process at 8.15 p.m. But with the weather intensifying, the aircraft could not depart and had to wait for a “respective departure slot”.
  • The departure was further delayed as the pilot’s flight duty time was over and a new crew was arranged.
  • Passengers on the flight were agitated over the delay. There was no communication from the airlines about the cause.
  • A group of angry passengers de-boarded the flight at around 10 p.m. and tried to block the taxiway.
  • CISF had to be called in to contain the ruckus and force passengers back into the plane.
  • The flight, which was to depart at 6:30 p.m. finally took off at 11:45 p.m.

The passengers were provided accommodation and ground transportation by the airline at Guwahati after landing.

IndiGo stated they were not aware of passengers getting down from the aircraft. In a statement released by the airline, they said that they regretted the “inconvenience caused to the passengers” and stated the reasons for the delay.

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Government Set To Improve Airport Infrastructure In India!

AirWhizzMay 03, 2018 No Comments

Government Set To Improve Airport Infrastructure In India!

Aviation Insider

Airports in India handled almost 300 million passengers last year which was 16.5 % more than the passengers handled in 2016.

With India set to be the 3rd largest aviation market in the world, the government has planned to grow and improve the infrastructure of airports to handle the increasing air passenger traffic.

Here are the details of what the government is doing to improve this infrastructure.

NEW TERMINALS AT CHENNAI, GUWAHATI & LUCKNOW AIRPORTS

On Wednesday, The Union Cabinet approved the proposal to upgrade airports located in Chennai, Lucknow and Guwahati.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), has given approval for new terminals at Chennai, Guwahati and Lucknow airports at a cost of Rs 2,467 crore, Rs 1,383 crore and Rs 1,232 crore, respectively.

Here are the expansion details and how it will help the respective airports –

Chennai Airport – The new terminal building at the airport will expand across 3,36,000 sq.m. The terminal will also incorporate green building features. With this expansion, the airport will be able to handle 35 million passengers annually.

Lucknow Airport – The terminal building at the airport will have a capacity to handle 13.6 million passengers annually. The New Terminal building will have an area of 88,000 sq.m.

Guwahati Airport – The new terminal building at the Guwahati airport will have an area of 1,02,500 sq.m. This will help the airport to handle 9 million passengers annually.

2ND BIGGEST AIRPORT OF INDIA WILL BE CONSTRUCTED IN MOPA, GOA

A joint team of Airports Authority Of India(AAI) and Commerce Logistics Department will be visiting Goa to facilitate the development of the new airport in Mopa.

Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, and Goa will benefit greatly from this airport as it will improve connectivity on the coastal belt of western India.

Mopa airport will have the capacity to handle 30 million passengers annually as well as cargo. The airport will be functional by 2020. Dabolim airport will also be upgraded with an investment of about 600 crores.

The airport in Mopa along with the Dabolim Airport, will make goa the logistics hub of India.

In the last three years, there has been a growth of 18 to 20 percent in the aviation sector. These initiatives by the government will surely help airports in India to handle this huge growth and will help position India as one of the top players in the Global aviation market.

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Telecom Commission Permits Use of Mobile Phones To Make Calls On Flights!

AirWhizzMay 02, 2018 No Comments

Telecom Commission Permits Use of Mobile Phones To Make Calls On Flights!

Aviation Insider

Air travellers in India will now be able to use the internet and make calls on the flight. This is due to the Telecom Commission approving the proposal for In-flight connectivity on Tuesday.

While mobile phone usage will still be restricted during take-off and landing, the Telecom Commission has lifted the ban on the use mobile phones and internet services on the airplane while cruising in the sky.

The in-flight connectivity facility is expected to be rolled out in 3-4 months, once the licenses and back-end agreements are worked out. The telecom department will now have to create a separate category of licensees called In-Flight Connectivity(IFC) provider.

In an article published by us last month, we mentioned how Telecom Regulatory Authority Of India(TRAI) had recommended to the government that in-flight mobile usage and internet services should be allowed under certain conditions.

Here are the highlights of the conditions sent by TRAI –

  • Wi-fi onboard should be provided once boarding is complete.
  • Mobile communication on aircraft be allowed at a minimum altitude of 3,000 metres.
  • Passengers should use internet services in airplane mode.
  • Foreign satellites and gateways should be permitted for IFC providers to operate in-flight wi-fi.

Telecom Commission has accepted all recommendations of TRAI except the use of foreign satellites and gateways because the telecom department wants IFC providers to use Indian satellites for In-flight services and the gateway to be in India.

The prices on which in-flight Wi-Fi will be provided to the passengers will be worked out on a mutual agreement between the service provider and the airline. Passengers may have to pay Rs 200-300 for a 2-3 hour flight and more for international flights.

Major airlines, including Air India and Vistara welcomed the Telecom Commission’s decision, with Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu saying he will ensure “earliest implementation” of the proposal.

Globally, many airlines are already offering wi-fi for passengers, but they currently have to switch off the facility when they enter the Indian airspace.

AirAsia, Air France, British Airways, Egypt Air, Emirates, Air New Zealand, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways and Virgin Atlantic are amongst 30 airlines that allow mobile phone use on the aircraft.

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