BOTT SHOTS: July 22, 2026. Your Story Starts Here

Air India to shift JFK operations to Terminal 6

Air India will shift its New York operations to JFK Airport’s new Terminal 6 from 2028, joining several Star Alliance carriers and improving same-terminal connections across the Americas. The airline will also open its first flagship Maharaja Lounge at JFK, spanning 9,100 sq ft. Terminal 6, part of JFK’s $19-billion redevelopment, will open in phases, with full completion expected in 2028. The terminal has been selected by 16 international airlines.

Antara Cruises plans ₹500-Crore Assam expansion

Antara Cruises will invest over ₹500 crore during the next five years to strengthen luxury river cruising on the Brahmaputra. The plan includes four purpose-built vessels, fleet expansion and tourism infrastructure development in Assam. Founder and Managing Director Raj Singh shared the roadmap with Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota. Each new vessel will accommodate 80 guests and feature shallow-draft technology suited to the river’s navigational conditions.

Global Destinations to represent Wildflower Goa

Wildflower Goa has appointed Global Destinations as its exclusive sales, marketing, public relations and trade representation partner in India. Located across eight acres in Saipem, North Goa, the family-owned luxury retreat features only seven villas and focuses on sustainability, personalised service and farm-to-plate dining. Global Destinations will drive trade engagement, familiarisation trips, media outreach, digital campaigns, partnerships and more.

Lords Hotels launches Monsoon Stay Experience

Lords Hotels & Resorts has introduced a special monsoon stay experience across select properties in India and Nepal. The initiative encourages travellers to enjoy longer seasonal escapes amid scenic landscapes, comfortable stays and local experiences. Participating destinations include Dirang, Dehradun, Belagavi, Guwahati, Shivamogga, Shrivardhan, Sumerpur, Kathmandu and Katra. Sudhir Jena, VP Corporate, said the offering was designed to help guests relax, explore and reconnect with nature.

“It is disheartening to see families facing a serious challenge while flying with infants on short- and medium-haul international routes operated by Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Akasa Air. Parents frequently report that bassinets are unavailable because many aircraft lack compatible bulkhead seating. On four- to six-hour, often overnight flights, holding an infant throughout the journey is exhausting and potentially unsafe. I believe bassinets are not a luxury but an essential welfare and safety facility. Airlines must urgently review aircraft deployment and ensure families with children are not denied a safe, humane and comfortable travel experience.”