As Maha Kumbh Mela, which is currently being held in India's Uttar Pradesh, is breaking several records, Prayagraj received its first international flight in 93 years after Steve Jobs's wife Laurene Powell Jobs landed at Prayagraj airport in a Bhutan Airways plane.&nbsp;
After attending the Maha Kumbh Mela, she flew back to Bhutan on the same plane.&nbsp;
This sets a new record as such a thing has not happened in the last 93 years.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maha-kumbh-2025-devotees-and-seers-from-russia-ukraine-pray-for-peace-in-prayagraj-8648648" rel="dofollow">Maha Kumbh 2025: Devotees and seers from Russia, Ukraine pray for peace in Prayagraj</a>
<h2>How is it record-breaking?</h2>
Prayagraj Airport was one of the first international airports in India. The first international flight flew to London until 1932, after which international flights were discontinued.&nbsp;
However, this year, the Maha Kumbh Mela saw an international flight again, carrying the American billionaire to the Prayagraj Airport.&nbsp;
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/never-been-to-such-crowded-place-steve-jobss-wife-laurene-powell-falls-ill-at-maha-kumbh-mela-8621510" rel="dofollow"> 'Never been to such crowded place', Steve Jobs' wife falls ill at Maha Kumbh</a>
Notably, in 1911, Henri Piquet initiated domestic commercial aviation in India by flying mail from Allahabad to Naini.
Powell's visit to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/maha-kumbh-2025" rel="dofollow">Maha Kumbh Mela </a>attracted significant attention. During her visit, she also adopted the name "Kamala" and participated in the traditional Kalpavas ritual, which includes daily baths in sacred rivers, meditation, and a strict vegetarian diet.&nbsp;
However, she fell ill on the second day of the Kumbh. Swami Kailashanand said that Powell Jobs developed allergies due to the crowded and unfamiliar environment.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/steve-jobs-wife-denied-permission-to-touch-shivling-at-kashi-vishwanath-temple-heres-why-8618375" rel="dofollow">Steve Jobs' wife denied permission to touch Shivling at Kashi Vishwanath Temple; Here's why</a>
She stayed in the camp of spiritual leader Swami Kailashanand Giri.&nbsp;
Maha Kumbh is one of the largest and most significant religious congregations in the world, held every 12 years at one of four locations in India. It began on January 13 and will continue until February 26.&nbsp;
Uttar Pradesh police deployed over 10,000 personnel, including local police and paramilitary forces, for the event's security. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed a "water ambulance" stationed at Sangam to ensure the safety of devotees.
(With inputs from agencies)

India news: Prayagraj Airport was one of the first international airports in India, and the first international flight flew to London in 1932, after which it got discontinued. 

As Maha Kumbh Mela, which is currently being held in India's Uttar Pradesh, is breaking several records, Prayagraj received its first international flight in 93 years after Steve Jobs's wife Laurene Powell Jobs landed at Prayagraj airport in a Bhutan Airways plane. After attending the Maha Kumbh Mela, she flew back to Bhutan on the same plane. This sets a new record as such a thing has not happened in the last 93 years. Also read: Maha Kumbh 2025: Devotees and seers from Russia, Ukraine pray for peace in Prayagraj How is it record-breaking? Prayagraj Airport was one of the first international airports in India. The first international flight flew to London until 1932, after which international flights were discontinued. However, this year, the Maha Kumbh Mela saw an international flight again, carrying the American billionaire to the Prayagraj Airport. Also read: 'Never been to such crowded place', Steve Jobs' wife falls ill at Maha Kumbh Notably, in 1911, Henri Piquet initiated domestic commercial aviation in India by flying mail from Allahabad to Naini. Powell's visit to the Maha Kumbh Mela attracted significant attention. During her visit, she also adopted the name "Kamala" and participated in the traditional Kalpavas ritual, which includes daily baths in sacred rivers, meditation, and a strict vegetarian diet. However, she fell ill on the second day of the Kumbh. Swami Kailashanand said that Powell Jobs developed allergies due to the crowded and unfamiliar environment. Also read: Steve Jobs' wife denied permission to touch Shivling at Kashi Vishwanath Temple; Here's why She stayed in the camp of spiritual leader Swami Kailashanand Giri. Maha Kumbh is one of the largest and most significant religious congregations in the world, held every 12 years at one of four locations in India. It began on January 13 and will continue until February 26. Uttar Pradesh police deployed over 10,000 personnel, including local police and paramilitary forces, for the event's security. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed a "water ambulance" stationed at Sangam to ensure the safety of devotees. (With inputs from agencies)

Maha Kumbh : Laurene Powell Jobs's flight at Prayagraj Airport breaks 93-year-old record. Here's why

On Tuesday, an unusual scene greeted the Syrians. There were tears of joy ...singing, dancing, clapping...and moments of celebration, much like one would do at a party. For the first time since the fall of the ousted president Bashar al-Assad last month, international flights resumed operations at the Damascus airport. Watch this video to find out more.

Syrians celebrate as first International flight since fall of Assad lands at Damascus Airport

Prime Minister on Saturday asked officials to reconsider plans on easing international travel restrictions in the light of the new coronavirus variant, Omircron, which has been classified as a variant of concern by the WHO.

On Friday, India had decided to resume international passenger flights from countries deemed "at risk" of the coronavirus, while ordering tightened border screening on the account of lower reported cases.

At a meeting to review the Covid situation, Modi “highlighted the need for monitoring all international arrivals, their testing as per guidelines, with a specific focus on countries identified ‘at risk’, after the WHO warned about “increased risk of reinfection with this variant”&nbsp;

So far, the United States, Canada, Russia, Britain, Israel, the Philippines and EU states have banned all travel from the southern African countries, where the new cases have been reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-what-does-variant-of-concern-mean-432361">Omicron: What does variant of concern mean?</a>

“Modi was briefed about the global trends on coronavirus cases and officials highlighted that countries across the world have experienced multiple COVID-19 surges since the onset of the pandemic,” a Prime Minister's Office (PMO) statement said.

Modi spoke about the need to be proactive in light of the new variant and said that people need to be more cautious and take proper precautions like masking up and maintaining social distance, according to the PMO.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/neither-nu-nor-xi-who-skips-two-greek-letters-for-naming-new-covid-variant-omicron-432328">Neither Nu nor Xi: WHO skips two Greek letters for naming new Covid variant Omicron &nbsp;</a>

“He directed that intensive containment and active surveillance should continue in clusters reporting higher cases and required technical support be provided to states which are reporting higher cases presently,” the statement said.

Modi told officials to accelerate second-dose coverage, it said.

Also Read |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-warns-against-travel-curbs-due-to-new-variant-says-closely-monitoring-432286" hreflang="en">WHO warns against travel curbs due to new variant, says 'closely monitoring'</a>

The prime minister highlighted the need for monitoring all international arrivals, their testing as per guidelines, with a specific focus on countries identified as 'at risk'.

The meeting was attended by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan and NITI Aayog member (health) Dr V K Paul, among others.

So far now, no cases of infection with the new variant have been reported in India.

The country has been witnessing a dip in new cases every day, as only 8,318 new Covid cases have been recorded on Saturday—a drop of 21% than Friday.,

The daily rise in new coronavirus infections has been below 20,000 for 50 continuous days and less than 50,000 daily new cases have been reported for 153 consecutive days now.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister on Saturday asked officials to reconsider plans on easing international travel restrictions in the light of the new coronavirus variant, Omircron, which has been classified as a variant of concern by the WHO.

Prime Minister on Saturday asked officials to reconsider plans on easing international travel restrictions in the light of the new coronavirus variant, Omircron, which has been classified as a variant of concern by the WHO. On Friday, India had decided to resume international passenger flights from countries deemed "at risk" of the coronavirus, while ordering tightened border screening on the account of lower reported cases. At a meeting to review the Covid situation, Modi “highlighted the need for monitoring all international arrivals, their testing as per guidelines, with a specific focus on countries identified ‘at risk’, after the WHO warned about “increased risk of reinfection with this variant” So far, the United States, Canada, Russia, Britain, Israel, the Philippines and EU states have banned all travel from the southern African countries, where the new cases have been reported. Also read | Omicron: What does variant of concern mean? “Modi was briefed about the global trends on coronavirus cases and officials highlighted that countries across the world have experienced multiple COVID-19 surges since the onset of the pandemic,” a Prime Minister's Office (PMO) statement said. Modi spoke about the need to be proactive in light of the new variant and said that people need to be more cautious and take proper precautions like masking up and maintaining social distance, according to the PMO. Also read | Neither Nu nor Xi: WHO skips two Greek letters for naming new Covid variant Omicron “He directed that intensive containment and active surveillance should continue in clusters reporting higher cases and required technical support be provided to states which are reporting higher cases presently,” the statement said. Modi told officials to accelerate second-dose coverage, it said. Also Read | WHO warns against travel curbs due to new variant, says 'closely monitoring' The prime minister highlighted the need for monitoring all international arrivals, their testing as per guidelines, with a specific focus on countries identified as 'at risk'. The meeting was attended by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan and NITI Aayog member (health) Dr V K Paul, among others. So far now, no cases of infection with the new variant have been reported in India. The country has been witnessing a dip in new cases every day, as only 8,318 new Covid cases have been recorded on Saturday—a drop of 21% than Friday., The daily rise in new coronavirus infections has been below 20,000 for 50 continuous days and less than 50,000 daily new cases have been reported for 153 consecutive days now. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian PM Modi calls for review on easing international travel plans amid Omicron variant concerns

International flight services, which were suspended owing to the Covid pandemic, could resume operations in India towards the year-end, government officials said on Wednesday.

The Indian government has been allowing commercial flights on a case-to-case basis till now.

Civil Aviation Secretary Rajiv Bansal said that international flight services are expected to be normalised “very soon” and “by the end of this year”.

All scheduled international flights were suspended since March 2020 during the pandemic. The suspension was then extended till November 30.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/flights-suspension-from-india-pak-bangladesh-and-lanka-to-uae-extended-till-aug-7-402535">Flights’ suspension from India, Pak, Bangladesh and Lanka to UAE extended till Aug 7&nbsp;</a>

Recently, civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia had said that the government was keen to resume normal international travel operations, but in a safe environment.

“I am all for regaining our space in the civil aviation arena in the world and making a hub in India and for more wide body aircraft. We will get there but bear with me and trust me, I am on your side. We will work together but in a safe environment," he had said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-canada-direct-flights-to-resume-from-monday-416088">India-Canada direct flights to resume from Monday</a>

India has formed air-bubble pacts with around 28 countries, including the US, the UK, the UAE, Kenya, Bhutan and France.

Under an air-bubble pact between two countries, special international flights can be operated by their airlines between their territories with specific restriction.

Earlier this month,&nbsp;India and Singapore&nbsp;agreed to resume commercial flights. The Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) programme between the countries will allow quarantine-free travel. Six flights from Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai are scheduled to resume from November 29.

(With inputs from agencies)

International flight services, which were suspended owing to the Covid pandemic, could resume operations in India towards the year-end, government officials said on Wednesday.

International flight services, which were suspended owing to the Covid pandemic, could resume operations in India towards the year-end, government officials said on Wednesday. The Indian government has been allowing commercial flights on a case-to-case basis till now. Civil Aviation Secretary Rajiv Bansal said that international flight services are expected to be normalised “very soon” and “by the end of this year”. All scheduled international flights were suspended since March 2020 during the pandemic. The suspension was then extended till November 30. Also read | Flights’ suspension from India, Pak, Bangladesh and Lanka to UAE extended till Aug 7 Recently, civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia had said that the government was keen to resume normal international travel operations, but in a safe environment. “I am all for regaining our space in the civil aviation arena in the world and making a hub in India and for more wide body aircraft. We will get there but bear with me and trust me, I am on your side. We will work together but in a safe environment," he had said. Also read | India-Canada direct flights to resume from Monday India has formed air-bubble pacts with around 28 countries, including the US, the UK, the UAE, Kenya, Bhutan and France. Under an air-bubble pact between two countries, special international flights can be operated by their airlines between their territories with specific restriction. Earlier this month, India and Singapore agreed to resume commercial flights. The Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) programme between the countries will allow quarantine-free travel. Six flights from Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai are scheduled to resume from November 29. (With inputs from agencies)

International flight services may resume by end of this year: Indian government

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>-induced suspension of scheduled international passenger flights has been extended till June 30, aviation regulator DGCA said on Friday.

"However, international scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on a case-to-case basis," the Directorate General of Civil Aviation added.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-india-extends-ban-on-international-passenger-flights-till-april-14-288738">Coronavirus: India extends ban on international passenger flights till April 14</a>

Scheduled international passenger services have been suspended in India since March 23, 2020, due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus pandemic</a>. But special international flights have been operating under the Vande Bharat Mission since May 2020, and under bilateral "air bubble" arrangements with select countries since July 2020.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-establishes-air-bubbles-with-us-france-international-flights-from-july-17-313898">India establishes 'air bubbles' with US, France; international flights from July 17</a>

India has formed air bubble pacts with around 27 countries including the US, the UAE, Kenya, Bhutan and France. Under an air bubble pact between two countries, special international flights can be operated by their airlines between their territories.

The DGCA's Friday circular also said that the suspension does not affect international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by it.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-government-announces-graded-relaxation-on-international-travel-337089">Indian government announces graded relaxation on international travel</a>

The decision to extend the suspension on scheduled international passenger flights comes as India battles a second wave of coronavirus, even though daily cases have seen a steady decline over the past several days.

The coronavirus-induced suspension of scheduled international passenger flights has been extended till June 30, aviation regulator DGCA said on Friday. "However, international scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on a case-to-case basis," the Directorate General of Civil Aviation added.

The coronavirus-induced suspension of scheduled international passenger flights has been extended till June 30, aviation regulator DGCA said on Friday. "However, international scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on a case-to-case basis," the Directorate General of Civil Aviation added. Also Read | Coronavirus: India extends ban on international passenger flights till April 14 Scheduled international passenger services have been suspended in India since March 23, 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic. But special international flights have been operating under the Vande Bharat Mission since May 2020, and under bilateral "air bubble" arrangements with select countries since July 2020. Also Read | India establishes 'air bubbles' with US, France; international flights from July 17 India has formed air bubble pacts with around 27 countries including the US, the UAE, Kenya, Bhutan and France. Under an air bubble pact between two countries, special international flights can be operated by their airlines between their territories. The DGCA's Friday circular also said that the suspension does not affect international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by it. Also Read | Indian government announces graded relaxation on international travel The decision to extend the suspension on scheduled international passenger flights comes as India battles a second wave of coronavirus, even though daily cases have seen a steady decline over the past several days.

International flights suspension extended till June 30: Indian aviation body

After almost three months, Bangladesh's national carrier&nbsp;Biman Bangladesh Airlines has resumed its international flights on Sunday.

Bangladesh had temporarily halted all international flights three months back as the country closed its international borders to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The first flight, BG001 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, took off from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for London with 187 passengers on board.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-crew-stranded-on-cruise-ships-in-uk-appeal-for-repatriation-307303">Also read:&nbsp;Indian crew stranded on cruise ships in UK appeal for repatriation</a>

Passengers from Dhaka to London route do not require health certificates declaring that they are not infected with COVID-19, said Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman, chairman of Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).

But they will have to fill-up a health declaration form as per the International Civil Aviation Organization's guidelines, he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hardeep-singh-puri-confident-and-hopeful-about-air-indias-divestment-disinvestment-plans-307332">Also read:&nbsp;Hardeep Singh Puri 'confident and hopeful' about Air India's divestment, disinvestment plans</a>

As per the rules of the UK, the&nbsp;passengers will have to, however, quarantine themselves for 14 days.

The service has only resumed for the&nbsp;Dhaka-London-Dhaka route, and will operate only on Sundays.

The passengers were provided hand sanitizers,&nbsp;gloves and masks. The in-flight meal was also converted to&nbsp;dry meals in food boxes, in line with guidelines provided by the International Civil Aviation Organization following the global COVID-19 pandemic, with a miss of any cold beverages.

(With inputs from PTI)

After almost three months, Bangladesh's national carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines has resumed its international flights on Sunday. Bangladesh had temporarily halted all international flights three months back as the country closed its international borders to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

After almost three months, Bangladesh's national carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines has resumed its international flights on Sunday. Bangladesh had temporarily halted all international flights three months back as the country closed its international borders to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. The first flight, BG001 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, took off from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for London with 187 passengers on board. Also read: Indian crew stranded on cruise ships in UK appeal for repatriation Passengers from Dhaka to London route do not require health certificates declaring that they are not infected with COVID-19, said Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman, chairman of Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB). But they will have to fill-up a health declaration form as per the International Civil Aviation Organization's guidelines, he added. Also read: Hardeep Singh Puri 'confident and hopeful' about Air India's divestment, disinvestment plans As per the rules of the UK, the passengers will have to, however, quarantine themselves for 14 days. The service has only resumed for the Dhaka-London-Dhaka route, and will operate only on Sundays. The passengers were provided hand sanitizers, gloves and masks. The in-flight meal was also converted to dry meals in food boxes, in line with guidelines provided by the International Civil Aviation Organization following the global COVID-19 pandemic, with a miss of any cold beverages. (With inputs from PTI)

COVID 19: Bangladesh resumes international flights

It's been 8 years when Aleppo welcomed first flight, the flight carried Syrian and International Journalists. Now Syria is hoping to resume regular flights to Aleppo.

Flight lands in Aleppo after 8 years

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