The Government of Nagaland has named Air India Express as the official travel partner for the Hornbill Festival 2025, one of India’s most iconic celebrations of tribal heritage, music, food, and traditions. The announcement underscores the airline’s commitment to create meaningful connections rooted in people, places, and stories, and celebrate India’s rich cultural tapestry through its ‘Tales of India’ initiative.
The announcement was made jointly by Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, along with Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, at the airline’s headquarters in Gurugram, NCR. The announcement was made in the presence of Govt. of Nagaland officials, including Theja Meru, Chairman, Task Force for Music & Arts, and Ababe Ezung, OSD, Transport Department, as well as senior leaders of the airline.
As Nagaland prepares to welcome visitors from across India and around the world, Air India Express is bringing the celebrations closer with the arrival of its new Boeing 737- 8 aircraft, VT-BWD, featuring a striking livery inspired by the Tsüngkotepsü design, a powerful symbol of identity and heritage, worn as a marker of great honour in Ao tribe of Nagaland. The aircraft will be received by the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, at Dimapur Airport on Nov 22nd. The airline will also facilitate travel for artists and organisers for the festival, along with a dedicated Hornbill experience kiosk at Dimapur Airport to welcome travellers to the colours and character of Nagaland from the moment they arrive.
Welcoming Air India Express as the official travel partner, Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland, said, “Nagaland is pleased to welcome Air India Express as the travel partner for Nagaland Tourism and the Hornbill Festival. This collaboration marks an important step in strengthening connectivity, enhancing visitor experiences, and showcasing Nagaland to the rest of the country and the world. It is a welcome corporate partnership, and we look forward to the contributions of Air India Express towards our collective vision of nation building. Together, we aim to create greater opportunities for tourism, cultural exchange, and economic growth in the Land of Festivals.”
Speaking about the association, Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, said, “We are delighted to partner with the Govt. of Nagaland for this year’s Hornbill Festival, a vibrant celebration of culture, music, and heritage. Under our overarching ‘Tales of India’ initiative, we celebrate the diverse cultural heritage and indigenous arts of our country. The Hornbill Festival reflects the spirit, artistry, and colours of the region like no other. The Tsüngkotepsü livery on our new Boeing 737-8 is a tribute to the rich artistic legacy of Nagaland, while also marking the first aircraft in our fleet to feature our newly retrofitted cabin. We look forward to welcoming guests to the Land of Festivals and supporting Nagaland’s growth as a cultural and tourism destination.”