airport

10 Best Airports In The World For Shopping!

AirWhizzSep 28, 2018 No Comments

10 Best Airports In The World For Shopping!

Aviation Insider

For some travellers airport shopping may mean discounted foreign liquor or high-end chocolates and sweets, but frequent international fliers know well that hubs around the globe are stepping up their retail game.

A little retail therapy can make hours spent waiting at an airport fly by.

Why waste valuable time dragging heavy bags around the city when all of your shopping needs can be fulfilled at the airport on your way home?

To intrigue the inner shopaholic in you, here are the 10 best airports in the world for shopping

1.London Heathrow Airport, England

Europe’s busiest airport boasts of a 42000 square feet shopping space which is spread over 4 terminals.

You will find everything from pocket-friendly goods to premium products from world-renowned brands.

Things like perfumes, skin care products, alcohol and chocolates are available at all terminals but if you’re looking for items from brands like Burberry, Dior, Gucci and Cartier visit the airport’s Terminal 3.

Terminal 5 of the airport showcases the best of British design and craftsmanship with brands like Mulberry, Paul Smith, Links of London, and Smythson showcasing their products to departing passengers.

2.Singapore Changi International Airport, Malaysia

Singapore’s Changi Airport has been awarded the best airport in the world for the past 6 consecutive years, thanks to its beautiful architecture, efficient operation, luxurious amenities, dining and shopping.

You’ll get to enjoy products with prices which are comparatively cheaper than most airports around the world.

If you have time to spare, you can indulge yourself at the duty-free shops which are located in Terminal 1.

It has the widest range of beauty and skincare products amongst Asia Pacific airports, with more than 190 international brands on display.

You can buy electronic items like printers, laptops ,computer accessories from renowned brands and is a paradise for gamers with an extensive range of software and hardware from Sony PlayStation on display.

A wide selection of the world’s most premium wines and spirits is available, with an alcohol sampling bar where you can taste and buy.

3.Hong Kong International Airport, China

The city has a culture of shopping, which you can experience at the airport as well.

‘SkyMart’ in Terminal 1 and ‘SkyPlaza’ in Terminal 2 have the kind of retail space which would make any shopaholic jump with joy.

SkyMart has a “Downtown Pricing Guarantee,” so the price you pay at the airport will not be higher than what you would pay in the city.

The airport is not only about high-end products either. There’s a good mix of both premium and locally branded products on display.

4.Hammad/Doha International Airport, Saudi Arabia

If you have a long-haul flight with a layover in Doha, time will fly by thanks to the wide array of restaurants and shops in ‘Qatar Duty-Free’ located inside the airport.

It consists of a shopping plaza spanning over 40.000 square meters and comprising more than 30 fine dining establishments and 70 luxury retail stores.

Products like leather goods, designer bags, watches, jewellery, perfumes, souvenirs, travel gifts etc are available apart from the usual tax-free tobacco and liquor.

Luxury brands like Burberry, Carolina Herrera, Giorgio Armani, Godiva, Harrods, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren & Rolex have their goods displayed for passengers.

It’s a bit on the expensive side but the experience is defiantly worth it!

5.Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Netherlands.

Schiphol airport in Amsterdam is the perfect paradise for shoppers on a tight budget.

It is regarded as one of the best airports for shopping because of its unique offers which run mostly round the year.

With discounts and promotions such as ‘Buy 2 Get 3 Free’ on premium products, it can make any passenger think twice before moving to the boarding gate.

You can check out the latest offers and discounts at Schiphol Airport’s Official Site.

6.Incheon International Airport, South Korea

South Korea’s main international gateway in Seoul, the Incheon International Airport, is most popular for items such as perfumes, cosmetics, alcohol and cigarettes.

It’s regarded as the best one-stop shopping place for world travellers.

The shopping plaza is located in Terminal 1 and has more than 200 popular brands located in one place.

It offers reliable products at reasonable prices and the best quality services.

7.Dubai International Airport, UAE

Dubai International Airport has been one of the top three (based on total sales) duty-free retailer for a couple of years now.

Alcohol, perfumes and gold are the must-buys in the Sheikh Rashid Terminal (also known as the Concourse) which is home to majority of the shops.

Open 24/7, there’s 58,125 square feet of retail heaven with products from premium brands up for grabs.

8.Zurich International Airport, Switzerland

Zurich Airport calls its shopping area ‘Paradise’, and it might well be, based on the reviews from frequent flyers around the world.

Switzerland is one of the last places in Europe where fliers can still buy duty-free goods.

Perfumes, cosmetics, alcohol, tobacco and, of course, fine Swiss chocolates can all be pre-ordered via their website if you’re all about the bargains.

If you’re in the mood for browsing, you’ll be in for a treat, with various Swiss brands displaying their products.

Also, if you purchase stuff worth 250 Swizz Franc or more, you can check-in through their ‘Fast Track’ security queue.

9.Vancouver International Airport, Canada

Vancouver International Airport has often been voted the best airport in North America.

And one of the main reasons the airport is so highly regarded is the nearby designer outlet mall – McArthurGlen Designer Outlet.

Fashion savvy travellers can browse designer names like Armani, Coach and Banana Republic along with world-famous brands which are situated alongside top-notch restaurants and stylish coffee houses.

Prices are also reduced (up to 70%), making Vancouver Airport all the more attractive to the savvy spender. The outlet is currently being expanded to house another 35 new premium lifestyle brands.

10.Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, France

Being one of the largest airports in Europe, Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport may not be the most attractive, but it does house a sea of shops.

And this being Paris, the fashion capital of the world, exclusive brand names and designer boutiques that can be seen on the streets can also be found on the airport’s three terminals.

However, Terminal 2 is perhaps best if it’s luxury you’re after. It is home to upmarket brands such as Hermès, Salvatore Ferragamo and Longchamp.

Now that we’ve got you excited about shopping at the airport, why not install the AirWhizz App. Get all the information about different airport shops along with real-time flight updates, airline information and much more on your fingertips and Fly Stress-Free!

 

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Cochin International Airport Bags UN’s Environment Award!

AirWhizzSep 28, 2018 No Comments

Cochin International Airport Bags UN’s Environment Award!

Aviation Insider

Cochin International Airport has once again made India proud!

Indian airports have been bagging international awards for the past few years and the latest to join that list is Kerala’s Cochin International Airport.

The Airport has been awarded for Entrepreneurial Vision by United Nations (UN) at the “Champions Of Earth” award ceremony for its leadership in the use of sustainable energy.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Cochin International Airport is showing rest of the world that the ever-expanding network of global travel does not have to harm the environment. UNEP further stated that the first fully solar-powered airport of the world is proof that green business is good business.

UN environment Executive Director Erik Solheim along with his team had visited the international airport and seen the solar power plant and called it a leading example among global airports.

In 2015, CIAL became the first airport in the world to be completely powered by solar energy. They started with a 100 kilowatts pilot project in 2012. Today, the capacity of CIAL is 29.5 megawatts of solar energy, providing 120,000 units of power every day.

The airport is 100 % reliant on solar energy, from powering conveyor baggage belts to digital systems installed at the airport.

Kochi airport is the biggest and busiest airport of Kerala and the fourth busiest airport in India in terms of international traffic.

A lot of its international passengers come from the Gulf countries. Around 10 million people passed through Kochi airport last year. Of these, 5.5 million were international passengers.

The Champions of the Earth award is the highest environmental recognition of United Nations, celebrating exceptional figures from the public sectors as well as private sectors and also from civil society, whose actions have had a positive impact on the environment.

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Quick Baggage Scanning Will Soon Be Implemented At Chennai Airport!

AirWhizzSep 25, 2018 No Comments

Quick Baggage Scanning Will Soon Be Implemented At Chennai Airport!

Aviation Insider

Passengers flying out of the domestic terminal at the Chennai Airport will soon be relieved of the tiring task of scanning their baggage through standalone machines.

From December 2018, a passenger entering the domestic terminal will have to just drop off their baggage at the airline check-in counters and the ‘Inline Baggage Scanner’ will examine them.

According to Airports Authority Of India (AAI), they will do away with the existing standalone machines in three months as the installation of four new inline scanners has begun.

For now, passengers at the domestic terminal have to stand in queues, carry their suitcase and put them in the standalone baggage scanners, after which they are allowed to go in the Check-in queue. However, with the new system in place they can directly go to the counter and drop of their bags.

The new inline scanners have a capacity to scan 1,200 bags an hour. Also, they are the latest ones, which are equipped with CT X-ray and CT Scan systems which can easily detect explosives. There will be various levels of scanning in these new machines, which will ensure better security.

There are 14 screeners certified by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) who will monitor the screening of baggage.

The four inline scanners in the international terminal will also be upgraded in the next three months, as per the latest requirements by the BCAS.

AAI officials expect the new system to ease operations at Chennai Airport’s domestic terminal that chokes with thousands of passengers, especially during peak hours.

Chennai Airport handles nearly 33,000 people and about 500 aircraft movements on a daily basis.

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New Visa Rules Every Indian Passport Holder Must Know!

AirWhizzSep 24, 2018 No Comments

New Visa Rules Every Indian Passport Holder Must Know!

Travel Like a Pro

If you have an Indian Passport and travel abroad frequently, chances are that you’ve had to go through the, troublesome but compulsory, visa process for more than once.

As of 2018, 59 countries offer visa on arrival or visa-free travel to Indian passport holders. But that is hardly any consolation, given that most countries in Europe and North/South America still require you to get that visa stamped on your passport.

However, in what comes as slight relief, visa rules have been relaxed for some major countries where many Indians often like to travel to or live.

There is a new set of visa rules in place and if you hold an Indian passport, this might ease your travel a bit.

Let’s Take A Look At The New Rules:

1.Japan

Japan is one of those Asian countries whose visa rules for Indians used to be at par with probably the US or European countries.

But Japan has now relatively eased travel to the country for holders of Indian passport.

Travellers who want to visit ‘The Land Of The Rising Sun’ for a short while or are applying for a multiple-entry visa, you don’t need to show an employment certificate or explanation letter stating the reason for your visit.

You need your visa application form along with a valid/recent photograph and proof of your financial stability if you are travelling for tourism.

If your trip to Japan is business-related, you need documents to prove your affiliation to the enterprise.

2.France

You do not need to apply for an airport transit visa if you’re travelling through any of the international airports in France.

What this means is that if you have a connecting flight from India to somewhere via an airport in France, you do not need to apply separately for a French visa.

3.Oman

If you are travelling to Oman, you can now get a month-long tourist visa on arrival in the country for an amount of 20 Omani Riyal (Rs 3,700).

However, this rule holds only if you reside or hold an entry visa to the US, Canada, Australia, UK, Japan or Schengen states.

Your spouse and children accompanying you can also get a visa on arrival.

4.United Arab Emirates (UAE)

If you are a specialist in medicine, science and research, or even an exceptional student or investor, the UAE will grant you a 10-year-long work visa if you want to visit the country.

UAE wants to encourage highly skilled professionals and potential investors to visit them so that they can boost their economy.

Travellers will also be allowed to fly between India and the rest of the world through Dubai and Abu Dhabi on a free transit visa valid for 48 hours. This validity can be extended up to 96 hours by paying a small fee.

Another ruling is, that between July 15th and September 15th every year, dependents under the age of 18 can get free visas.

5.Myanmar

You can now drive into Myanmar without any hassle, as Indian travellers don’t need a special land route permit to enter into the country.

You can apply for an e-visa prior to your departure and present it at the check-post, which you will receive, in less than 24 hours and is valid for 28 days after your entry.

6.Kazakhstan

Travelling to a country on Kazakhstan‘s national carrier Air Astana or any other Kazakh airline?

You can get a 72-hour transit visa for Kazakhstan, that too for free. If you plan to stay in Astana or Almaty, book your hotel in advance and make sure to inform the airline before departure.

They have also started issuing 30-day e-visas to Indian travellers.

7.Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia will issue tourist visas to women aged 25 and above, even if they visit the country without being accompanied by a man.

This is thanks to Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, who wants a ‘moderate, open Islam’ system in his country.

This is the first time Saudi Arabia has relaxed visa rules on this front.

Other New Visa Rules You Should Know About:
  • Israel has now cut down its visa fee for Indian passport holders from Rs 1,700 to Rs 1,100. You need to apply for a visa in the B2 visa (business, tourism or meeting or conference) category in order to avail the new price.
  • Travelling to Uzbekistan from India is also easier now. Submit your e-visa application three days before your trip. You can get a single-entry e-visa for a 30-day period.
  • Indian passport holders can now get a visa on arrival in Zimbabwe. India is among the 28 countries that Zimbabwe has relaxed visa rules for.

*The next time you’re travelling abroad, Download the AirWhizz App! Upload your flight details within the app itself and get Flight Information, Airport & Airline Information, Purchase Travel Insurance And Much More!

It is the only App you need when you Fly!

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Sikkim’s 1st Airport To Be Inaugurated Today!

AirWhizzSep 24, 2018 No Comments

Sikkim’s 1st Airport To Be Inaugurated Today!

Aviation Insider

Pakyong Airport In Sikkim is all set to open today, nine years after the foundation stone was laid.

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, will be present to inaugurate the airport which is Sikkim’s, first and only aerodrome.

He took to social media and tweeted saying that after Jharkhand he will be leaving for Sikkim to inaugurate the Pakyong Airport. The tweet also mentioned that the airport will improve connectivity and benefit the people of Sikkim.

Here are a few interesting facts about Sikkim’s new airport :

  • The airport is spread over 201 acres and is located on top of a hill about two km from Pakyong village at 4,500 feet above sea level.
  • It is constructed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) at an estimated cost of Rs 605 crore.
  • the airport is seen as an engineering marvel for its soil reinforcement and slope stabilisation techniques, keeping in view the altitude it was built at.
  • The airport comprises of an ATC tower-cum-fire station, a terminal building for passengers, high-intensity runway lights and parking for over 50 vehicles.
  • Apart from this, the reinforcement wall of the project is 80-meter-high and is one of the tallest in the world.
  • The airport has a 1.75 km runway with a width of 30 meters. It has a 116-meter-long taxiway connecting it to a parking bay that can accommodate 2 ATR (Regional) Aircraft.
  • The airport has a 3,000 sq meter terminal building and has a capacity to handle 50 inbound and outbound passengers.
  • The first commercial flight from Pakyong would begin from October 4.
  • Initially, the airport would only cater to domestic flights, but later it will also provide international flight services connecting Sikkim with other countries like Paro in Bhutan, Kathmandu in Nepal and Dhaka in Bangladesh.
  • There is also plan to construct another 75-meter stretch adjacent to the main runway in the coming days, which would allow the Indian Air Force (IAF) to land various types of aircraft on the airport’s runway
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Kannur International Airport In Kerala Is Set To Open This Month!

AirWhizzSep 22, 2018 No Comments

Kannur International Airport In Kerala Is Set To Open This Month!

Aviation Insider

Kannur International Airport in Kerala is all set to become operational from this month after Air India successfully conducted a test flight to what is to be, Kerala’s 4th airport.

The announcement was made via a tweet by the Chief Minister Of Kerala, Mr. Pinarayi Vijayan, which stated that the trial was carried out by Air India Express aircraft IX 555. The tweet also said that it is part of the final procedures for getting clearance in order to commence commercial operations.

He further informed that the operations on the Kannur International Airport would begin this month.

The test flight took-off at 9.45 AM from Thiruvananthapuram and landed at 11.38 AM at Kannur. Apart from the aircraft, the aerobridge and other airport facilities for passengers were also tested.

The international airport has been built at a cost of Rs 2,292 crore and is spread over 2,300 acres of land. It is expected that the airport is likely to serve over one million passengers annually and authorities estimate the number will increase to five million by 2025.

Kannur International Airport has a runway that is suitable for aircraft, like the Boeing B-777 as well as Airbus A-330.The airport runway will be later expanded so that it can handle bigger aircraft like the Airbus A-380 (The largest passenger aircraft in the world).

The terminal building of the airport is spread across 95,000 sq.m and is said to be the 8th largest terminal in India. It has all state of the art facilities installed for passenger’s convenience.

The domestic destinations will be connected by SpiceJet & IndiGo Airlines. These destinations include  Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Goa, Hubballi, Solapur as well as Hindon in Ghaziabad.

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Chennai Airport To Introduce ‘E-Gates’ From 2020!

AirWhizzSep 20, 2018 No Comments

Chennai Airport To Introduce ‘E-Gates’ From 2020!

Aviation Insider

In the near future, air passengers flying out of the Chennai airport may not have to stand in long queues at the entrance to get their tickets and ID proof checked to enter the terminal.

Airport authorities are all set to introduce camera-enabled ‘E-Gates’ which use facial recognition technology to verify a passenger’s identity.

As part of the government’s “DigiYatra” initiative, Chennai airport will have these gates from the entrance of the terminal to the boarding gate. The scheme aims to develop a digital ecosystem that will offer a seamless, consistent and paperless service experience at airports.

Here are all the details about it:

  • E-gates with cameras and scanners will be installed at entry gates of the terminals, check-in area, security check gates and boarding gates where passengers will be allowed, based on face recognition technology.
  • The e-gate at the entry gate of the terminal will capture the QR code of tickets and face of the passengers.
  • It will then match it with the database to allow entry through the gates at check-in, security and boarding.
  • Passengers will have to register in DigiYatra to use these gates.
  • They will get an ID number, which they have to submit when they travel for the first time through these e-gates.
  • Passengers can then travel paperless through the airport after that.
  • The system should be in place and ready to use by end of 2019.

According to a senior official at Airports Authority Of India (AAI), the technology will be introduced in two phases at various airports and Chennai will get it in the second phase. A tender will be floated in a month to install this technology at airports in Pune, Varanasi, Kolkata and Vijayawada as a pilot project.

If the trial run is successful, this technology will be implemented at other airports across India.

This system has many benefits. Passengers can beat the queue and it will be easy for airline authorities to locate passengers inside the terminal. It will also improve the security system at the Chennai airport.

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Delhi Airport Bags Top Honour At ‘Airport Service Quality’ Awards!

AirWhizzSep 18, 2018 No Comments

Delhi Airport Bags Top Honour At ‘Airport Service Quality’ Awards!

Aviation Insider

Delhi Airport has bagged the title of ‘Best Airport to handle over 40 million passengers per annum (MPPA)’ at the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards 2017.

The Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), which operates and manages the Indra Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) announced this good news on Monday. The award was given by the Airports Council International (ACI).

Delhi Airport has seen a tremendous growth in air passenger traffic in the past few years. It handled 63.5 million passengers, which was more than Singapore’s Changi Airport, Seoul’s Incheon Airport and Bangkok airport in terms of passenger growth. This was one of the main reasons why IGIA has won this award.

Mr. I. Prabhakara Rao, Executive Director Of GMR Airports, released a statement saying that as the airport witness’s robust growth, GMR looks forward to a strong collaboration and support of all airport stakeholders and their esteemed passengers.

Delhi airport is now officially the 7th busiest airport in Asia and among the top 20 busiest airports in the world.

This is very good news for Indian Aviation especially after Hyderabad Airport was ranked No.1 in terms of Service Quality at the ASQ awards in the 20 MPPA category.

ASQ is a worldwide programme to survey passengers at the airport on their day of travel. Every year the programme delivers around 600,000 individual surveys in 41 languages in 84 countries.

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