airport

TRAVEL ALERT: Mumbai Airport To Remain Shut For 6 Hours Today!

AirWhizzOct 23, 2018 No Comments

TRAVEL ALERT: Mumbai Airport To Remain Shut For 6 Hours Today!

Aviation Insider

Are you flying in and out of Mumbai today (Tuesday, 23rd October 2018)?

If yes, then brace yourself for flight delays as both the main and the secondary runways of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport will remain shut for operations for six hours, i.e. from 11 am to 5 pm, for repair and maintenance work.

The runways of the Mumbai airport will undergo maintenance and repair in two phases between October and February-March period.

During the shutdown period, around 300 flights will be affected per day. Flights which are scheduled to either take off or arrive between 5 pm and 8 pm are likely to be the worst hit.

National carrier, Air India tweeted about this situation asking passengers to visit the website/app and to contact the call center for details on rescheduled and cancelled flights.

Budget airline, GoAir, also tweeted about the same. The flights of other carriers are also expected to be hit in a big way.

On 4Th October, Mumbai International Airport Limited(MIAL) had released a statement saying that due to the maintenance work, both the runways 09/27 and 14/32 will remain shut for operations between 11 am and 5 pm on October 23.

They have also said that in the second phase, the maintenance and repair work on the intersection will be carried out between February 7 and March 30 (except on March 21) from 11 am to 5 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

The primary runway of the airport has a capacity of 50 flight movements an hour against the declared capacity of 46, while the secondary one runway can handle up to 35 arrivals and departures in an hour. On an average, the airport handles around 1,000 flights a day.

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New International Terminal At Hyderabad Airport To Open On 23rd October!

AirWhizzOct 22, 2018 No Comments

New International Terminal At Hyderabad Airport To Open On 23rd October!

Aviation Insider

All international flight departures will take place from the Interim International Departures Terminal (IIDT) at Hyderabad Airport starting Tuesday, 10.30am onwards.

Airport authorities have released a press release , asking passengers to check with their respective airlines about their flight schedule, before they leave for the airport.

Passengers booked on Air India’s international flights AI 127, AI 952, AI 978, AI 988, AI 966 & AI 051 and travelling to domestic destinations ,also have to report to IIDT.

The IIDT is located adjacent to the Haj terminal and can be accessed from both Shamshabad and Srisailam sides of the airport’s main approach road.

Signage with directions to IIDT have been placed starting from the airport approach road. A dedicated free shuttle service has been arranged between the existing terminal and IIDT. It will be available at the arrivals ramp and will operate at regular intervals.

The IIDT is 2 km from the main terminal, and transit between the two takes about five minutes. Volunteers have been deployed at the parking spots and entrance to help the passengers for the first few days to avoid confusion.

The new terminal, which was launched on 10th October, is said to be equipped with new technologies including India’s first remote hand baggage screening facility.

Together with the new automatic tray retrieval system at hand baggage screening, will help security do conduct their baggage checks much faster, plus it will also help passengers since it will reduce their waiting time in the security line.

In case of any query, passengers have been advised to contact the following helpline numbers: 040-66546370; 040-66606660

 

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Airport Authorities To Set Up “DigiYatra” Kiosks At City Centers!

AirWhizzOct 19, 2018 No Comments

Airport Authorities To Set Up “DigiYatra” Kiosks At City Centers!

Aviation Insider

There is some good news for air travellers who want to make the use of Government’s “DigiYatra” initiative.

Air passengers who want to gain hassle-free and smooth access to airports will soon be able to verify their Digi Yatra ID at city centers & common marketplaces.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation is planning to set up kiosks at various city centers, Indian Railways stations and at other crowded places where passengers can verify the Digi Yatra ID.

These kiosks will help passengers verify their identity at the city centers and walk straight to the departure terminal.

To start using their DigiYatra ID at the kiosks, passengers will be required to undergo a one-time verification process to ensure that the ID is original.

According to an Airports Authority Of India (AAI) official, multiple checkpoints and separate facilities will be created by the AAI at crowded tourist areas, where the frequency of air travellers will be more.

Passengers travelling via air can get themselves an ID under the DigiYatra by providing details like their name, e-mail ID, mobile number and details of one approved identity proof. This ID can be then shared by the travellers while booking tickets. The airline company will then share the information, along with the Digi Yatra ID.

Passengers with a DigiYatra ID will have to undergo a one-time facial verification during his/her first travel. This verification will take place at the departure terminal of the airport. A security official or an airport authority will be present during the verification, in order to ensure that the traveller is not using a fake ID.

One the verification is completed successfully, the passenger’s facial biometric will be captured and stored in his/her DigiYatra ID profile. So the next time the passenger travels, their face will act as a boarding pass and they can complete their airport journey without ever taking out a ticket or ID proof.

If the passenger has chosen Aadhaar as an ID proof for creating the Digi Yatra ID, their verification will be valid for five years, else it will be valid for one year only.

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South India’s 1st “Airport Radio” Launched At Hyderabad Airport!

AirWhizzOct 17, 2018 No Comments

South India’s 1st “Airport Radio” Launched At Hyderabad Airport!

Aviation Insider

Passengers flying to/from Hyderabad Airport will now be greeted with music!

GMR  Hyderabad International Airport Ltd(GHAIL), the operator of the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, has launched an Airport Radio in collaboration with Radio Mirchi.

‘Mirchi Airport Radio’, which is South India’s first Airport Radio, has been launched under GHIAL’s signature #PassengerIsPrime programme.

According to a press release by GHIAL, Mirchi Airport Radio is a 24×7 custom-produced, exclusive airport radio, creating a melodious theme to enhance the travel experience of the passengers at the airport.

According to the CEO of GHAIL, Mr. S.G.K Kishore, the concept of airport radio is one of GHIAL’s many initiatives to improve the passenger experience. He hopes that the passengers will enjoy this welcoming and melodious feature that the Airport offers during their travel.

The airport and Radio Mirchi have co-curated the popular and chart-busting musical numbers with a mix of film and non-film (albums) in Telugu and Hindi languages.

Hyderabad International Airport handles over 55,000 passengers on a daily basis. Typically a passenger stays at the airport from 15 minutes to 3 hours depending on his/her travel.

Airport radio – Mirchi Hyd will offer the passengers a musical treat across the 1.2 lakh square metre expanse of the terminal building and delight them.

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4-Day Dussehra Festivities Kick-Start At Bengaluru Airport!

AirWhizzOct 16, 2018 No Comments

4-Day Dussehra Festivities Kick-Start At Bengaluru Airport!

Aviation Insider

Bengaluru Airport is all set to dazzle passengers this festive season!

Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru kickstarted its four-day cultural extravaganza to celebrate the spirit of Dussehra on Monday.

Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL), who operate KIA, in association with the Department of Kannada and Culture as well as the government of Karnataka, are organizing this event.

They have organized this gala event to showcase the rich cultural heritage of South India, with music and dance performances. It was a treat for the global audience transiting through the Airport.

Here are all the details about the event:

  • TM Vijay Bhaskar, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka, inaugurated the show.
  • The festivities kicked off with a stimulating performance by award-winning Hindustani Classical vocalist Smt. Sangeeta Katti.
  • This was followed by a dazzling ‘Mohiniattam’ performance by Smt. Sreelekha, one of the earliest employees of BIAL.
  • The final show of the day was a one-hour classical dance performance by Vidhwan Ashok and his team.

During the course of these 4 days, a special Dussehra/Dasara food menu will be available inside the Terminal for passengers, to add flavour to the festivities.

Passengers can also experience a Dasara-themed virtual reality game with Ravana as the main protagonist. Passengers, who play the game and win, will be given gift vouchers that can be redeemed at select outlets at the Airport. A crystal ‘Rangoli’ has been created especially for the festivities.

The next three days promise to be exciting, as several renowned classical and folk artists will captivate the visitors and passengers at the Bengaluru Airport between 6.00 pm and 8.30 pm.

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Top 10 Airports In The World For A Foodie!

AirWhizzOct 12, 2018 No Comments

Top 10 Airports In The World For A Foodie!

Travel Like a Pro

Stuck with a long layover at the airport and a hungry tummy?

Figuring out what to eat is often a dreaded task for many air travellers. Between the salty fast food, stress and struggle to find a seat, airport dining isn’t typically known for its desirability.

Thankfully, airports around the world are changing this and adding more world-class restaurants to cater to all types of foodies and weary flyers.

To give you some idea about how far good airport dining has come, here are the top 10 airports in the world to satisfy the foodie in you while you travel

1.Hong Kong International Airport

The third busiest international airport in the world has some amazing food to offer to its guests!

Hong Kong International Airport has won many awards for giving travellers a dining experience that they never forget.

From “Caviar House & Prunier” to “Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao”  the consistently positive dining reviews here speak for themselves.

And if you’re craving for some delicious dumplings/authentic street food and are on a budget, try Tian Xia Dumplings which is located in Terminal 2.

2.Singapore Changi International Airport

The world’s best airport offers a number of authentic and quality dining options to travellers from around the world.

The rows of street food stalls on your way to the boarding gate will surely stop you in your tracks by offering you authentic dishes like fish-head curry, spiced pork-rib soup and mutton noodles.

The best part about this airport is that it offers a variety of different cuisines which are delicious and not very expensive.

Do visit “Imperial Treasure” for some lip-smacking Cantonese food, which is located at the airport’s Terminal 3

3.Seoul-Incheon International Airport

This South Korean airport has a lot to offer to its travellers. Casinos, spas, a premier golf course, museum and of course, authentic food.

The airport has many options for foodies but it is particularly famous for ‘Bon Bibimbap’ which is located at Terminal 1 F.

Bibimbap is a warm Korean dish that mixes rice with mixed vegetables and seafood, beef or chicken which is pretty spicy but soul fulfilling.

A comforting bowl of bibimbap is the best way to prep for a long-haul international flight.

4.Tokyo Narita International Airport

Even though Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport is one of the more famous airports from Japan, Narita International Airport is known for its fantastic selection of Japanese food all around the world.

Yakitori, sushi, udon, tonkatsu, you name it! The high-quality dining experience at Narita makes it one of the best airports in the world for authentic food.

And the best part, it suit’s every travellers budget!

5.Taoyuan International Airport

This Taiwanese airport lacks in choice when it comes to food but, more than makes up for it with food quality and price.

Even if you’re here in transit, you’ll get to try a number of local Taiwanese dishes that are quick and delicious such as bubble tea and handmade noodles.

You should surely visit the “Chun Shui Tang” café which is famous for its Chinese and Taiwanese food.

6.Munich Airport

Like the country itself, Munich Airport is very famous for its in-house breweries and authentic Bavarian delicacies.

The only shortcoming for a foodie travelling through this airport is that restaurants offer food almost 40 % above the average rate. But if you have no budget restrictions then there shouldn’t be a problem.

Plus passengers are spoilt for choice for restaurants which offer high-quality food.

Visit  “Airbräu”, a Bavarian restaurant that has a large indoor beer garden, live music, and its own on-site brewery. Enjoy a glass of their house-made beer alongside a selection of tasty Bavarian treats.

7.Hamad-Doha International Airport

Apart from an amazing shopping experience, Hamad Airport in Doha has a lot to offer when it comes to food.

You can find both gourmet and on-the-go bites at the airport.

Its food court has everything from Indian and Arabic cuisine, pasta/pizza to organic sandwiches on display for passengers to eat.

If you’re looking to indulge in some hearty Italian dishes visit celebrity chef, Massimo Capra’s restaurant, “Soprafino”.

8.Vienna International Airport

The city of Vienna is famous for its coffee houses and its airport is the perfect representation of this.

The airport has different cafes and restaurants that offer a wide selection of delicious tortes, cakes, strudels along with some coffee at an affordable rate.

These hand-made delicacies are the perfect pre-flight snack for those with a sweet tooth.

9.London Heathrow Airport

More than 75 million hungry travellers have passed through Heathrow’s gates, making it the second-most travelled international airport.

Its one of the most top rated airport in terms of food quality, thanks to restaurants owned by celebrity chefs such as Gordon Ramsey’s “Plane Food”.

“Wagamama” is also another crowd attractor which offers Asian comfort food like gyoza, soba, udon and ramen.

The only drawback of this airport is that even though the quality of food is top-notch at its restaurants, it is pretty expensive.

10.Amsterdam -Schiphol Airport

Schipol Airport has a bit of everything, from fine dining to more budgeted options, for different travellers.

Price and choice wise, food at the airport is very traveller friendly, however, when it comes to quality it’s not as good as London Heathrow or Singapore Changi.

Schiphol has “Bubbles Seafood & Wine Bar”, the best airport bar in the world. It offers a wide selection of bubbly Champagne, plus dozens of other wines along with tasty and fresh seafood.

Want to Grab A Bite Before Your Flight? Simply download the AirWhizz App and get information about airport eateries & lounges along with real-time updates for your flight on the move. Fly Stress-Free!

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Hyderabad Airport Gets A Brand New International Terminal!

AirWhizzOct 11, 2018 No Comments

Hyderabad Airport Gets A Brand New International Terminal!

Aviation Insider

Hyderabad Airport is all set to handle the demands of its increasing passenger traffic!

In a move to decongest the airport, a new international terminal will be opened on 23rd October 2018. Spread over an area of 1 lakh square feet, the temporary terminal will exclusively cater to international passengers.

Due to the ongoing expansion work at Hyderabad Airport, which will take about three years to be completed, this interim terminal will be operational.

According to the  CEO of Hyderabad International Airport Limited, Mr. S.G.K Kishore, this arrangement has been done keeping the growth of passenger traffic in mind. It has spiked from 10 million in 2015 to  20 million passengers in 2018.

He expects that this traffic will further increase to 40 million in the next three years. This interim terminal will reduce inconvenience to passengers due to increase in volume.

Here are a few interesting facts about the new international terminal:

  • With a total budget of Rs 50 crore, the interim facility was built within just six months.
  • It has 40 check-in counters, 30 immigration points and an exclusive checkpoint for business class passengers.
  • It will also have India’s first remote hand baggage screening facility
  • The terminal is also unique in a way that it uses Pre Engineering Building Technology, which means it can be dismantled and taken elsewhere.
  • A total of 22 airlines will operate from the terminal
  • The terminal will have 32 international flights daily which will connect the city to 29 different global destinations.

The new terminal which is adjoining the existing airport was built in place of the Aerobridge that was present there.

Mr. Kishore has also said that once the main airport’s expansion is over, this terminal will be used as a Haj Terminal, a VIP terminal or may be dismantled altogether.

The exclusive interim international departure terminal facility is located close to the Haj Terminal facility and is adjacent to the international section of the main passenger terminal building.

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Delhi Airport Plans To Become Plastic Free By 2019!

AirWhizzOct 10, 2018 No Comments

Delhi Airport Plans To Become Plastic Free By 2019!

Aviation Insider

Single-use plastic items, like straws and containers, may soon become a thing of the past at Delhi airport.

Delhi International Airport Limited(DIAL) has decided to make India’s busiest airport plastic free by the end of 2019

DIAL, which operates the Indira Gandhi International Airport has said that it has they have taken steps to eliminate the possible use of single-use plastic. This includes creating awareness, enhancing waste management systems and promoting the use of eco-friendly sustainable alternatives

They have also said that they are collectively working with all the stakeholders to put a ban on single-use plastic at the airport.

Single-use plastic, also called disposable plastics, including grocery bags, food packaging, bottles, straws, containers, cups and cutlery.

In place of plastic, DIAL is planning to use smart and bio-friendly packaging for food takeaways & beverages as well as paper or environmentally friendly bags for retail shopping.

Among other efforts, DIAL will also look to minimise generation of wastes by way of recycling opportunities and enhance segregation and collection of waste at sources.

A few months back, due to ban of plastic in Maharashtra, airports across the state stopped using single-use plastic, which has benefitted both the environment and the airport operators.

Plastic and garbage dumped around the airport is the major cause for attracting animals and birds. There have recently been a lot of complaints at many Airport about the growing number of stray dogs in the airport vicinity.

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