Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio with Air India Express officials and others at Dimapur Airport during 2025 (Air India Express/File Photo)
Kohima, November 13 (MExN): The Government of Nagaland has named Air India Express as the official airline partner for Hornbill Festival 2026, one of India’s most iconic celebrations of tribal heritage, music, food, and traditions.
This partnership reflects the airline’s commitment to connecting people and places while celebrating India’s cultural diversity through its ‘Tales of India’ initiative.
Welcoming Air India Express as the official Travel Partner, Nagaland’s Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, said, “I am delighted to welcome Air India Express once again as the Official Airline Partner of the Hornbill Festival. This continued association reflects our shared commitment to showcasing Nagaland’s rich cultural heritage and creating greater opportunities for tourism and cultural exchange.”
Expressing happiness about Air India Express’s investments in celebrating India’s diverse cultures, he said “It is encouraging to see an airline go beyond connecting places to connecting people and cultures, giving our traditions a wider platform and bringing Nagaland closer to the rest of the country and the world. We look forward to further strengthening this meaningful partnership.”
Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland and Chairman of the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland, stated “The Hornbill Festival has grown into a vibrant celebration of Nagaland’s identity, drawing visitors from across India and beyond. Partnerships with organisations like Air India Express play an important role in building on this momentum, encouraging more travellers to discover Nagaland and experience the warmth, traditions and hospitality of our people.”
Air India Express will operate special flights on the Guwahati-Dimapur route from 28 November 2026, enabling convenient one-stop connectivity from key cities including Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
Travellers can enjoy savings of up to 15% on bookings made through the airline’s website and mobile app using the promo code HORNBILL.
Bookings for these flights are now open on the airline’s website, airindiaexpress.com, mobile app, and other major booking channels.
Air India Express continues to strengthen connectivity across the Northeast with over 350 weekly flights linking the region with destinations across India and West Asia. The airline operates services from Agartala, Dibrugarh, Dimapur, Guwahati, and Imphal, enabling convenient travel within the region and beyond.
Air India Express’ Tales of India initiative celebrates India’s artistic and cultural heritage through distinctive motifs showcased on its aircraft tails. Alongside Nagaland’s Tsüngkotepsü, the airline’s fleet features cultural symbols including Akyobi, Moirang Phee and Saphee Lanphee from Manipur, Gamosa and Jaapi from Assam, Khneng from Meghalaya, and Puanchei from Mizoram, bringing stories from the Northeast to travellers across its network.
