The Government of Nagaland has named Air India Express as the Official Travel Partner for the Hornbill Festival 2025, a move aimed at strengthening tourism connectivity and promoting the cultural vibrancy of the state. The partnership also aligns with the airline’s ‘Tales of India’ initiative, which highlights India’s diverse artistic traditions.
The announcement was made on Monday at the airline’s Gurugram headquarters by Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), along with Air India Express Managing Director Aloke Singh. Senior officials including Theja Meru, Chairman of the Task Force for Music and Arts, and Ababe Ezung, OSD, Transport Department, attended the event.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio welcomed the collaboration, stating that the partnership would enhance visitor experience, boost connectivity, and help present Nagaland’s cultural heritage to audiences worldwide. He said the engagement supports a shared vision of nation-building while opening new opportunities for tourism growth and cultural exchange in the “Land of Festivals.”
As part of the initiative, Air India Express introduced a Tsüngkotepsü-themed livery on one of its new Boeing 737-8 aircraft, inspired by the Ao Naga tribe. The aircraft, VT-BWD, also features the airline’s newly retrofitted cabin and will be formally received by the Chief Minister at Dimapur Airport on November 22.
The airline has announced a 15% discount on direct and one-stop flights to Dimapur for bookings made between 20 and 30 November, applicable for travel until 15 December, using the promo code HORNBILL. In addition, Air India Express will support festival artists and organisers and set up a Hornbill Experience Kiosk at Dimapur Airport to welcome passengers.
Managing Director Aloke Singh said the partnership reflects the airline’s commitment to promoting India’s cultural identity. He noted that the Hornbill Festival showcases Nagaland’s artistic richness, and the ‘Tales of India’ programme aims to celebrate indigenous art forms while elevating the travel experience.
Air India Express currently operates a daily Dimapur–Guwahati flight with through-connectivity to cities including Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, and Patna. The airline also maintains extensive services across the Northeast, with 126 weekly flights from Guwahati, 21 each from Agartala and Imphal, and 14 weekly flights from Dibrugarh.
Known for incorporating regional culture into its fleet design and services, the airline continues to spotlight traditional art through its aircraft tails. Alongside the new Tsüngkotepsü-inspired livery, its designs feature Akyobi, Moirang Phee, and Saphee Lanphee from Manipur; Gamosa and Jaapi from Assam; Idu Mishmi from Arunachal Pradesh; Khneng from Meghalaya; and Puanchei from Mizoram.
