Industry body Assoc ham today alleged that unfriendly behavior by visa officials in Indian missions abroad, coupled with outdated norms, are preventing investors from coming to India thus “killing” the country’s prospects of attracting foreign direct investment.

Qatar Airways, the Doha-based full service airline, announced the launch of its flights to Goa and Monday.

Hong Kong-based airline Dragonair says it has started seeing a small uptick in traffic at its lone Indian port of call Bangalore and plans to capture a wide variety of travellers to and from the city, Hong Kong and mainland China.

India will soon sign a framework agreement on trade and investments with United States, its second biggest export destination. However, this treaty will not include issues on H1B visas, market access to Harley Davidson bikes and intellectual property rights enforcements. The pact will also not encompass duty free trade of goods.

India’s private airlines as well as state-owned Air India (which incorporates what earlier used to be Indian Airlines )are justifiably aggrieved at the way foreign carriers – many barely a year of more old – are allowed landing rights at 10 to 12 destinations in this country.

To bring down its aircraft strength of 133 to 95, National Aviation Company Ltd (Nacil), which runs Air India, has worked out a combination of leasing, selling and phasing out of its existing fleet.

Come January and a heady blend of adventure , wildlife and heritage is set to unfold on the waters of the mighty Brahamaputra with MV Mahabaahu, a four –storied luxury liner taking travel – buffs along an exotic long-distance river cruise touching attractions like Kaziranga and Majuli.

Chennai-based Paramount Airlines has sent feelers to a south-based regional carrier, Star Aviation, for a possible acquisition of the airline. Star Aviation got an operating licence in 2007, but has yet to start any flights.

Two and a half years after the chief of the low-fare airline Ryanair first RELATED ARTICLES Airlines seek growth in global partnerships Another factor to raise flying costs AI cancels over 20 flights as agitation by pilots continues Airline called ‘Japan’s GM.’ asks government for a bailout Airlines dole out schemes to woo biz travellers dangled the idea of cheap flights between London and New York — with some tickets selling for as little as $10— no viable low-cost airline has taken wing across the Atlantic.

Louis Cruises India, a subsidiary of Cyprus-based 12-ship Louis Cruises, will operate its cruising activities from December 2 to April 25, 2010 from Kochi, Kerela.