KOHIMA : The Nagaland Government has named Air India Express as the Official Travel Partner for the Hornbill Festival 2025, a partnership aimed at strengthening air connectivity to the state during its flagship cultural extravaganza while advancing the airline’s ‘Tales of India’ cultural engagement campaign.

The announcement was made on Monday at the airline’s headquarters in Gurugram 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 state officials, including Theja Meru, Chairman of the Task Force for Music and Arts, and Ababe Ezung, OSD, Transport Department, also attended the event.

Welcoming the collaboration, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said the partnership would enhance visitor experience and expand Nagaland’s cultural outreach. “This engagement strengthens our collective vision of nation building and creates greater opportunities for tourism, cultural exchange, and economic progress in the Land of Festivals,” Rio said.

As part of the initiative, Air India Express unveiled a Tsüngkotepsü-themed livery on one of its newly inducted Boeing 737-8 aircraft. The design, inspired by the traditional Ao Naga warrior shawl, is both a tribute to Nagaland’s artistic heritage and the first in the airline’s fleet to feature its retrofitted cabin. The aircraft, registered as VT-BWD, will be formally received by Chief Minister Rio at Dimapur Airport on November 22.

The airline has also announced a 15% fare discount on direct and one-stop flights to Dimapur for bookings made between November 20 and 30, valid for travel until December 15, using the promo code HORNBILL. In addition, Air India Express will facilitate travel for festival performers and organisers, and set up a dedicated Hornbill Experience Kiosk at Dimapur Airport to welcome incoming passengers.

Air India Express Managing Director Aloke Singh said the partnership underscores the airline’s commitment to celebrating India’s cultural mosaic. “The Hornbill Festival exemplifies the vibrancy and artistic richness of Nagaland. Through our ‘Tales of India’ initiative, we aim to showcase indigenous art forms and elevate the overall travel experience,” he said.

Air India Express currently operates a daily Dimapur-Guwahati service with one-stop connections to major cities such as Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, and Patna. The same aircraft operates through the Dimapur-Guwahati-Delhi route, allowing passengers to travel without changing planes. Across the Northeast, the carrier maintains strong connectivity with 126 weekly flights from Guwahati, 21 each from Agartala and Imphal, and 14 from Dibrugarh.

The airline, known for highlighting regional traditions through its service offerings, continues to integrate Indian cultural motifs into aircraft tails and onboard experiences. Alongside the new Tsüngkotepsü livery, its fleet features designs inspired by art forms such as Manipur’s Akyobi, Moirang Phee, and Saphee Lanphee; Assam’s Gamosa and Jaapi; Arunachal Pradesh’s Idu Mishmi; Meghalaya’s Khneng embroidery; and Mizoram’s Puanchei textile.

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