The Week In Travel

India’s domestic air passenger numbers soared to over 13.8 million in December 2023, marking a record and surpassing pre-Covid levels by 6.1%, it has been revealed this week. The daily average of 445,645 passengers marked a robust recovery, exceeding November’s figures by 21,000. The achievement precedes IATA’s 2024 forecast, signalling a quicker than expected resurgence in the country.

Staying in Asia, Qatar Airways plans to launch flights from Doha to Hamburg in July 2024 and resume services to Venice in June. The Hamburg route will operate seven times a week, with convenient schedules for connecting flights to South Africa, Thailand, and the Philippines. The airline has also increased frequencies to various destinations in its current winter schedule.

Over in the UK, British airports are set to introduce smart eGates with advanced facial recognition, eliminating the need for passport presentation at the border. The technology aims to create a more seamless entry process, similar to systems deployed in Dubai and Australia. Trials will precede a full procurement process for the installation of these gates, starting as early as this year.

In sustainability news, Brussels Airport is launching a SAF incentive program in 2024 to encourage airlines, covering up to 80% of the additional cost of SAF. The initiative, part of a €2 million government scheme, offers a maximum of €200,000 per airline and is designed to enhance sustainability in aviation.

And finally, there was almost a cat-astrophe at Tampa International Airport this week. Sai the cat embarked on an unscheduled trip, hitching a ride with owner Karen as she headed to the airport to catch a flight. Unaware of her feline stowaway, Karen opened her car door at the airport, and Sai made a swift escape. Airport staff and police launched a search operation and Sai was eventually located in the parking garage and taken to a family friend, where he awaits a reunion with a very relieved Karen.