Travel News Page 255
IndiGo Reflects on a Year of Progress and Learnings; Looking Ahead to the Next Chapter
IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, concludes 2025 as a landmark year in its journey towards becoming a truly global carrier. The year saw accelerated network expansion, the launch of long-haul service, consistent passenger growth, international recognition and important operational learnings for IndiGo. The airline aims to focus on building on the momentum and continuing its growth path as it enters the new year. Guided by IndiGo’s customer promises of on-time performance, courteous and hassle-free service, affordable fares, unparalleled network, and unwavering commitment to safety, the airline expects to close the calendar year 2025 by welcoming over 123mn customers, an addition of over 10mn compared to 113 million customers in calendar year 2024, reinforcing its position in the Top 10 global airlines.
Air New Zealand connects nearly 16 million people across Aotearoa and around the world in 2025
Over the last 12 months, the airline has carried nearly 16 million passengers across its domestic and international network – helping connect New Zealanders with each other and the world and welcoming nearly one million visitors to our shores. Air New Zealand Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer Kiri Hannifin says the airline’s 11,500 team members take great pride and responsibility in the role they play connecting people with one another.
ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES ANNOUNCES ENHANCED EXPLORER’S CHOICE OFFER
Atlas Ocean Voyages unveils a new Enhanced Explorer’s Choice offer, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy Double the Amenities on a limited selection of 2026 voyages. Available for bookings made January 2 through March 31, this enhanced promotion allows all guests on these select itineraries, regardless of stateroom category, to choose two complimentary amenities from a curated menu of premium enhancements, elevating the expedition experience even further.
Aeromexico Repeats as Most On-Time Global Airline
Aeromexico maintained a 90.02% on-time performance to claim the world’s most on-time global airline title for the second consecutive year, according to Cirium’s 2025 On-Time Performance Review released today. The Mexican carrier becomes only the second airline to achieve consecutive global wins since Cirium launched the program in 2009, operating 188,859 flights across 23 countries while maintaining industry-leading schedule reliability.
RYANAIR REVEALS TOP 5 DESTINATIONS FOR 2026
As the year closes, a new year begins – which means it’s time to start planning your 2026 getaways. To help inspire your New Year travel plans, Ryanair, Europe’s No.1 airline, today (Wed, 31 Dec) revealed the top 5 destinations across its industry-leading network of over 235 destinations that passengers are flocking to in 2026:
JetBlue Set to Launch New Nonstop Service Between New York and Cleveland
JetBlue has announced plans to launch new daily nonstop service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), expanding travel options for customers in Northeast Ohio with access to JetBlue’s New York focus city. The new route begins March 30, 2026, with tickets on sale today.
CALC orders 30 additional Airbus A320neo Family aircraft
China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited (CALC) has signed a firm order with Airbus for 30 A320neo Family aircraft to satisfy strong demand for the aircraft from its customer base. The agreement is the fifth order with Airbus, bringing the total number of Airbus aircraft ordered by CALC to 282, of which 203 are A320neo Family aircraft.
ICYMI! Emirates’ 2025 year in review: Top 10 things to know
This year, Emirates moved 55.6 million customers, circled Earth 29,290 times on nearly 180,580 flights, and placed orders for 73 new aircraft. The airline celebrated its 40th year of operations in October, but the real story of 2025 goes beyond that anniversary milestone, as Emirates plots what the future of flying better really means. Whether you’ve been following Emirates all year or just tuning in now, here are the top 10 highlights that defined 2025 for the world’s largest international airline:
American takes Chicago expansion up a notch with 100 new daily departures this spring
American Airlines is taking its ongoing expansion in Chicago to the next level with 100 new daily departures from O’Hare International Airport (ORD) — bolstering its schedule with additional flights to more than 75 popular destinations just in time for spring break. The airline’s largest ORD spring schedule on record enhances the strongest network in the U.S. and means more for American’s customers: more flights, more choices, more popular destinations and more opportunities to see the world. Additionally, the airline is expanding its summer seasonal service from ORD to two sought-after European destinations: Paris and Dublin. It’s the latest in American’s comprehensive expansion plan that has already enhanced the customer experience, improved operational reliability and deepened its century-long roots in the Chicago community.
iQIYI LAND Yangzhou to Open on February 8, Marking New Chapter in China’s Immersive Entertainment
Today, iQIYI, China’s leading online entertainment platform, announced that iQIYI LAND – its first global offline entertainment park – will open in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province on February 8, 2026. As a highly interactive, next-generation indoor theme park, iQIYI LAND is designed to bring beloved Chinese stories to life through technology, creating an immersive entertainment space that combines innovation with iconic Chinese IP.
China Daily Launches “China Bound”—An English-Language Smart-Tourism Service Platform
Enjoy a smart journey, and discover China! On Jan 1, China Daily officially launched “China Bound,” an English-language smart-tourism service platform for international tourists. It offers one-stop services from “travel inspiration” to “personalized itineraries, enjoying intelligent Q&A, convenient ticket booking, and sharing travel stories.” With just one click, travelers can unlock the wonders of China. It’s an invitation to friends from all over the world to better “see China, feel China, and fall in love with China.”
LAS VEGAS RINGS IN 2026 WITH EXOSPHERE COUNTDOWN, FIREWORKS, AND FIRST-EVER DRONE SHOW
Las Vegas welcomed 2026 in spectacular fashion with the 25th edition of “America’s Party,” lighting up the Strip with a synchronized Drone Light Spectacular and an eight-minute rooftop fireworks display by Fireworks by Grucci. Pyrotechnics launched simultaneously from the rooftops of 10 resorts: