Global Pulse

分类： business

  • India to conduct high-level inquiry into IndiGo service disruption

    India to conduct high-level inquiry into IndiGo service disruption

    The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced a comprehensive high-level investigation into the operational collapse of IndiGo Airlines that resulted in massive flight disruptions across the country on December 5th, 2025. The unprecedented service failure led to the cancellation of over 500 flights, severely impacting both domestic arrivals and departures at multiple major airports.

    The ministerial inquiry will conduct a thorough examination of the systemic failures within India’s largest carrier, establish accountability where warranted, and develop concrete measures to prevent recurrence of such widespread travel disruptions. The investigation aims to ensure passenger rights are protected and that similar operational crises do not occur in the future.

    In response to the escalating situation, authorities established a 24/7 control room with dedicated hotlines (011-24610843, 011-24693963, 096503-91859) to monitor developments in real-time and facilitate immediate issue resolution. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation concurrently granted IndiGo a temporary, one-time exemption from specific crew duty regulations to assist in stabilizing operations.

    The airline has been mandated to implement immediate corrective measures with the Ministry projecting a gradual normalization of services beginning within 24 hours. ‘We anticipate that complete restoration of services will be achieved within the next three days,’ stated the Ministry, emphasizing their expectation of full operational recovery by December 8th, 2025.

  • Inside ‘Dream of the Desert’: Saudi Arabia unveils its ultra-luxury train

    Inside ‘Dream of the Desert’: Saudi Arabia unveils its ultra-luxury train

    Saudi Arabia has unveiled an ambitious entry into the luxury travel market with ‘Dream of the Desert,’ a 33-suite ultra-luxury train developed in partnership with Italian luxury hospitality group Arsenale. This groundbreaking project represents a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s tourism diversification strategy under Vision 2030, aiming to transform the nation into a premier global destination.

    The train, currently under construction in Italy and scheduled to commence operations in late 2026, will traverse approximately 1,300 kilometers through Saudi Arabia’s most dramatic landscapes, connecting Riyadh with the Hail region. Unlike conventional luxury travel, Dream of the Desert emphasizes immersive cultural experiences, craftsmanship, and environmental consciousness rather than mere opulence.

    Arsenale CEO Paolo Barletta describes the project as a ‘moving narrative’ that blends Italian design excellence with authentic Saudi heritage. The collaboration involves multiple Saudi entities including Saudi Arabia Railways, the Ministry of Transport, the Saudi Tourism Authority, and the Tourism Development Fund, creating a robust public-private partnership framework.

    Architect Aline Asmar d’Amman has conceived the train’s design, incorporating earthy tones, rich textiles, hand-carved woodwork, and intricate geometric patterns inspired by traditional majlis interiors. The 14 carriages feature gold-laden ceilings, velvet banquettes, and Art Deco touches, while décor elements reference UNESCO sites like Madain Saleh and historic cities such as Hail.

    Beyond the lavish interiors, the experience includes curated cultural programs, gourmet cuisine, guided excursions to remote historical sites, and exclusive performances. With fares starting at SAR 30,000 (approximately $8,000) per cabin per night, the service targets the premium segment of the luxury travel market.

    The launch coincides with substantial tourism growth in the GCC region, which recorded 68.1 million international tourist arrivals in 2023—a 43% increase over 2019 figures. The travel and tourism sector contributed $247.1 billion to GCC GDP in 2024, demonstrating the region’s expanding capacity for high-end experiential offerings.

    Arsenale plans to expand its luxury rail concept across the Middle East, with advanced discussions underway for similar projects in the UAE, Egypt, and Uzbekistan, signaling the Gulf’s emergence as a hub for experience-driven rail travel.

  • Shoppers loved the ‘fabric queen’. Then, order by order, her story fell apart

    Shoppers loved the ‘fabric queen’. Then, order by order, her story fell apart

    A burgeoning international scandal has rocked the global sewing community, centering on Australian fabric designer Nerida Hansen and her business practices. What began as individual customer complaints has evolved into a multinational investigation involving unpaid artists, frustrated suppliers, and regulatory intervention.

    The controversy emerged when Melbourne-based legal studies teacher Maree O’Connor established a Facebook group in October 2024 to investigate why her $600 fabric order remained undelivered months after purchase. The group rapidly expanded to include hundreds of members worldwide reporting similar experiences with Hansen’s companies.

    At the peak of her prominence, Hansen had been celebrated as Australia’s ‘queen of fabrics,’ renowned for her distinctive prints that gained popularity during the pandemic. Her designs frequently appeared in social media posts by sewing influencers and attracted international customers, including US-based Bergen Anderson who invested over $3,300 in anticipated orders that never materialized.

    The investigation revealed a complex web of financial difficulties extending beyond consumer complaints. Chinese supplier William Shan alleged his company was owed $52,000 for unpaid fabric shipments, while eleven artists and illustrators from multiple countries reported non-payment for their collaborative work. French artist Clémence Albertus discovered her design being sold through Hansen’s collaboration with European retailer Verhees without compensation or consultation.

    In September 2025, Consumer Affairs Victoria issued an official warning against Hansen and her various business entities after receiving more than 120 complaints totaling over $19,800 in alleged losses. The agency documented Hansen’s operation under multiple business names including Indigo Palm, The Kind Merch Co, and several variations of her own name.

    Hansen acknowledged making ‘very poor decisions’ and experiencing financial difficulties that led to company liquidation in 2022, followed by the establishment of a new entity. She attributed order fulfillment problems to supplier issues and business mismanagement but claimed the Facebook group’s coordinated refund requests overwhelmed her operations. Hansen additionally alleged she became the target of ‘horrific social media harassment’ and defamation, accusations that O’Connor strongly denies.

    The case continues to develop as affected customers and business partners seek resolution, highlighting the challenges of international e-commerce and the importance of consumer protection mechanisms in the digital marketplace.

  • The business of beauty: How art investing is flourishing in UAE

    The business of beauty: How art investing is flourishing in UAE

    The United Arab Emirates is rapidly transforming into a premier global destination for art investment, blending cultural appreciation with sophisticated wealth management strategies. According to the Art & Finance Report 2023 from Deloitte, the global value of art and collectibles on wealthy investors’ balance sheets is projected to reach approximately $2.861 trillion by 2026, with the UAE establishing itself as a crucial contributor to this expansion.

    This remarkable growth stems from the nation’s unique position as an international crossroads where Eastern and Western influences converge. The substantial expatriate community, particularly affluent individuals, has been instrumental in cultivating a vibrant art market. The Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2025 indicates the UAE will attract more millionaires than any other country for the third consecutive year, creating an ideal environment for art as both passion and investment.

    Smita Prabhakar, founder of Dubai’s Ishara Art Foundation, embodies the philosophical approach to collecting: “I consider myself a custodian of my artwork for the moment. I feel I have the privilege of being able to have in my custody works that represent artistic practices and thoughts.”

    Meanwhile, practical market dynamics are driving innovation. Norman Lowe, a British investment advisor based in the Emirates, notes: “Culture is a big thing here. With growing museums and galleries, plus supportive investment policies, the segment is getting a significant boost.”

    The digital revolution has democratized art commerce, enabling local artists to achieve international visibility without substantial exhibition costs. Guru, a UAE-based Indian artist, explains: “I’m moving my collection through Instagram and Facebook. Initially, my paintings weren’t selling quickly, but now they reach Sweden and Germany. As visibility increases, so do prices.”

    Market maturation continues with the development of a ‘middle market’ for reasonably priced artworks with appreciation potential. Fractional ownership platforms like 1001.art now offer shares in iconic works by Picasso, Warhol, and Banksy, making high-value art accessible to more investors.

    However, experts caution that art investment requires both passion and strategy. As Spanish collector Iñigo notes: “I concentrate on contemporary art not only as investment—most pieces I buy gain value over time, but I only acquire works I genuinely appreciate.”

    While blue-chip artists generally appreciate steadily, the market lacks liquidity compared to traditional assets. The intersection of emotional connection and financial calculation ultimately defines the UAE’s unique art investment landscape, where cultural sophistication meets economic opportunity.

  • Indigo apologises for flight chaos, pledges full refunds and hotel bookings

    Indigo apologises for flight chaos, pledges full refunds and hotel bookings

    Indian budget carrier IndiGo has issued a comprehensive public apology following four consecutive days of severe operational disruptions that resulted in hundreds of flight cancellations and extensive delays across its network.

    The airline addressed customers directly through social media platform X on Friday, acknowledging the profound inconvenience caused by the ongoing crisis. “We deeply apologize and understand how difficult the past few days have been for many of you,” the statement read. “While this situation cannot be resolved overnight, we assure you that we are mobilizing every available resource to provide immediate assistance and restore normal operations at the earliest opportunity.”

    IndiGo, traditionally recognized for its operational reliability, confronted what it described as a “serious operational crisis” that left numerous passengers with canceled journeys while others endured prolonged waits at airports with limited information. The airline indicated that Friday would mark the peak of cancellations as technical teams work to reboot systems and schedules for progressive improvement beginning Saturday.

    The carrier is coordinating closely with India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to reinstate regular flight operations. According to ministry statements, flight schedules were expected to stabilize beginning midnight Friday, with full service normalization anticipated within subsequent days.

    Affected passengers will receive automatic full refunds for canceled flights processed through their original payment methods. The airline has implemented a complete waiver on cancellation and rescheduling fees for travel between December 5-15, 2025. Additional support measures include thousands of pre-arranged hotel rooms and ground transportation options across multiple cities, complimentary airport meals and snacks, and prioritized lounge access for senior citizens where available.

    The airline urged passengers to verify flight status online before proceeding to airports and avoid travel if their flight has been canceled. A 24/7 control room established by the Ministry of Civil Aviation is continuously monitoring the situation in real-time.

    IndiGo’s statement concluded with a commitment to rebuilding customer trust: “We will do everything to earn back your trust and the love you’ve shown us over the past 19 years. Our frontline staff remains dedicated to restoring normal operations and assisting every customer with care and respect.”

  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport’s passenger trips exceed 2024 total

    Guangzhou Baiyun Airport’s passenger trips exceed 2024 total

    Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport has achieved a significant milestone by handling 76.52 million passenger trips as of Tuesday, December 3rd, 2025, already exceeding its entire 2024 total of 76.37 million passengers. This remarkable growth demonstrates the airport’s accelerating recovery and expansion in the post-pandemic aviation market.

    The airport’s international segment has been particularly robust, recording 15.84 million passenger journeys—representing approximately one-fifth of total traffic and a substantial 19.01% year-over-year increase. Airport authorities attribute this international growth primarily to China’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy, which has made the airport an increasingly attractive hub for global travelers.

    A key driver in this growth has been the operational launch of Terminal 3 on October 30th, which has significantly expanded the airport’s capacity. The terminal’s impact was immediately felt, with November alone witnessing 7.32 million passenger trips—a 12.56% increase compared to the same period last year. The new facility has already accommodated twenty-one domestic flights operated by six major Chinese carriers including China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, and Juneyao Airlines.

    Route expansion has been another critical factor in the airport’s success. Since January, Baiyun Airport has launched, resumed, or increased frequency on more than 30 international routes. New destinations include Surabaya (Indonesia), Almaty (Kazakhstan), Algiers (Algeria), Madrid (Spain), and Darwin (Australia). Additionally, services to Vancouver (Canada), Kolkata, and Delhi (India) have been reinstated.

    The airport now connects to over 100 international and regional destinations, with several new international carriers commencing operations, including Air Astana, Vietjet Air, Eastar Jet, Nepal Airlines, Air Algerie, and IndiGo.

    Leveraging its massive ‘five runways and three terminals’ infrastructure, Baiyun Airport has achieved transformative improvements in international route density and intercontinental connectivity. This strategic expansion has further solidified its position as Southern China’s primary aviation gateway to Africa and the Middle East.

    Looking ahead, airport officials announced plans to further expand their network across Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, Australia-New Zealand, and African markets. The airport will prioritize new routes and increased frequencies to countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative and RCEP member nations, while simultaneously extending coverage to destinations throughout Europe, North America, and South America.

  • India aviation regulator eases some pilot duty rules post IndiGo cancellations

    India aviation regulator eases some pilot duty rules post IndiGo cancellations

    India’s aviation sector is implementing emergency operational adjustments following widespread flight disruptions that plagued the country’s largest carrier. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced regulatory modifications on Friday, December 5th, 2025, to address critical staffing challenges that have crippled IndiGo’s operations throughout the week.

    The regulatory intervention comes after IndiGo canceled hundreds of domestic flights across major Indian airports for four consecutive days, primarily due to rostering complications and crew availability issues. The mass cancellations created significant travel chaos during a peak travel period, stranding thousands of passengers and disrupting connectivity between major metropolitan centers including Delhi and Mumbai.

    Aviation authorities have temporarily relaxed certain duty time limitations for pilots, providing airlines with increased operational flexibility during crew shortage emergencies. The measured adjustments aim to balance flight schedule stability with stringent safety protocols that remain paramount in Indian aviation oversight.

    IndiGo, which commands the largest market share in India’s domestic aviation sector, issued formal apologies to affected passengers following what the airline described as ‘widespread disruptions’ across its network. The carrier has been working to normalize operations while implementing contingency plans to minimize further passenger inconvenience.

    The situation highlights broader challenges within India’s rapidly expanding aviation industry, including crew management complexities and the balancing act between operational demands and regulatory compliance. Industry analysts are monitoring whether these adjustments might signal longer-term regulatory evolution in one of the world’s fastest-growing air travel markets.

  • IndiGo cancels all domestic flights at Delhi, 104 at Mumbai Airports till midnight Dec 5

    IndiGo cancels all domestic flights at Delhi, 104 at Mumbai Airports till midnight Dec 5

    India’s aviation sector experienced severe disruption on Friday, December 5, 2025, as budget carrier IndiGo implemented widespread flight cancellations affecting thousands of passengers nationwide. The unprecedented operational crisis resulted in the cancellation of all domestic departures from Delhi International Airport until midnight, while Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport reported 104 cancelled IndiGo services.

    According to official airport advisories published on social media platform X, Delhi Airport authorities confirmed the complete suspension of IndiGo’s domestic operations until 23:59 hours local time. The airport management emphasized that operations for all other carriers remained unaffected and according to schedule. Ground teams were reportedly mobilized to assist stranded passengers and minimize inconvenience, with special attention given to travelers requiring medical assistance.

    The disruption extended beyond Delhi, with Chennai International Airport reporting cancellations of all IndiGo departures until 6:00 PM Friday. Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru also experienced significant schedule modifications. Preliminary data from news agency ANI indicated that over 500 IndiGo flights were cancelled across India throughout the day, representing one of the most substantial operational failures in recent Indian aviation history.

    Airport authorities nationwide have advised passengers to verify their flight status directly with airlines before departing for airports. While the specific cause of the mass cancellations remains officially unconfirmed, the scale suggests potential systemic issues within IndiGo’s operations. The airline, which commands approximately 60% of India’s domestic aviation market, has not released a comprehensive statement detailing the reasons behind the operational collapse or its recovery timeline.

  • ‘Air China+’ platform launches cross-industry ecosystem

    ‘Air China+’ platform launches cross-industry ecosystem

    BEIJING – Air China unveiled its groundbreaking ‘Air China+’ partnership platform on December 5, 2025, establishing an innovative cross-industry ecosystem that integrates aviation services with digital technology, mobility solutions, and cultural experiences. The national carrier characterizes this initiative as a comprehensive service network developed through collaborations with multiple sector leaders.

    The launch event showcased several strategic partnerships across diverse industries. In the digital realm, Air China introduced its inaugural collection of ‘PhoenixMiles’ digital assets commemorating the program’s 31st anniversary, transforming core membership benefits into collectible, usable, and tradable digital offerings. Members flying on specified routes and cabin classes during December 2025 Saturdays will receive enhanced rewards including status-qualifying segments, bonus miles, and commemorative gifts.

    For mobility integration, Air China established ‘aviation + automotive’ alliances with FAW-Volkswagen and Li Auto, enabling PhoenixMiles rewards for customers purchasing vehicles through the airline’s application. Selected buyers will additionally receive Gold-tier membership privileges.

    The cultural dimension features partnerships with China Central Television for in-flight ‘roadshow studio’ programming, a collaboratively produced safety video with the Palace Museum, and a co-branded coffee experience with Luckin Coffee.

    Air China emphasized that the platform strategically utilizes mileage points as connective currency across finance, tourism, e-commerce, mobility, and hospitality sectors, with over 100 partners already participating in the ecosystem.

    The airline concurrently highlighted its operational capabilities, noting that parent company China National Aviation Holding Corporation maintains a fleet of 983 aircraft, including 154 wide-body jets and 42 domestically manufactured planes. Air China’s global network encompasses more than 1,150 destinations, featuring 73 routes associated with the Belt and Road Initiative.

    Since January 2025, the carrier has launched or resumed 12 international routes, with plans to inaugurate new services from Beijing and Chengdu to Brussels during the 2025 winter-spring season while continuing to expand international and regional flight frequencies.

  • IndiGo cancels 225 flights Friday morning; Delhi Airport issues travel advisory

    IndiGo cancels 225 flights Friday morning; Delhi Airport issues travel advisory

    India’s aviation sector faced significant disruption on Friday, December 5, 2025, as budget carrier IndiGo cancelled 225 flights from Delhi’s primary airport hub. The widespread cancellations, affecting both arrivals and departures, created substantial travel chaos for thousands of passengers during the morning operational window.

    Delhi International Airport promptly issued an official travel advisory through social media platform X, alerting travelers to ongoing operational challenges impacting domestic services. The airport authority strongly recommended that passengers verify their flight status directly with airlines before departing for the airport to avoid unnecessary congestion.

    Despite the domestic turmoil, aviation experts confirmed minimal impact on international routes to destinations including the UAE. Mohammed Safeer, General Manager of Smart Travels, clarified following direct communication with IndiGo that “none of the international flights have been impacted” and that scheduled international services would continue uninterrupted.

    The crisis follows emergency discussions between IndiGo’s senior leadership and India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Thursday. The airline has formally requested temporary operational exemptions from specific Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) provisions for its A320 fleet until February 10, 2026. The DGCA stated that IndiGo has committed to implementing corrective measures to restore normalized operations by this deadline.

    Current cancellation rates have surged to approximately 170-200 flights daily, markedly exceeding the airline’s typical operational disruption levels. Airport authorities have deployed dedicated ground teams working collaboratively with airline partners to mitigate passenger inconvenience and maintain safety standards throughout the operational challenge.