New Delhi30 Nov 23 1 Traveller Economy
Showing International Flight from Mumbai
About Mumbai
Mumbai is to India is what New York is to America, a city of dreams. The place with its rich heritage and urbane culture has since forever brought forth people from all walks of life together. It is also recognised as the commercial capital of India with over millions of migrants flocking over from different parts of the country and even world! Mumbai is the second big city in India after Delhi and has a busy airport as well as an active lifestyle. The city has far too many beautiful places to visit and culture to take in. Mumbai has been named after Mumba Devi and is the state Maharashtra's capital. The flight connectivity of Mumbai is splendid with various major cities in the world, making it one of the most important cities.
Best time to visit Mumbai
Fixing an ideal season to visit Mumbai can be tricky as the city is always bustling with energy and travellers. The winters in Mumbai are pleasant as the temperatures drop, and the city's festive spirit takes over. Even though the atmosphere is humid during winter, the city life would not cease to amaze you. Mumbai's monsoon is legendary as everybody loves and hates the city's rains at the same time. From June to September, the city of Mumbai experiences heavy rain which could be cumbersome for travelling but beautiful nevertheless. Flight tickets to Mumbai are often a little pricey as the city is an important commercial hub. The living expenses and accommodation has a range from cheap to extravagant. You can book a hotel in Mumbai or pick the hostel life.
Places to visit in Mumbai
The city is full of vibrant places and heritages to explore. The top attractions of Mumbai include the Gateway of India. Located right at the Colaba bay is the beautiful gate-like structure build by the Britishers. The structure continues to attract tourists to this day as it faces the beautiful Arabian Sea on one side and the Taj Mahal hotel on the other. While you're exploring South Mumbai, you should check out the ancient Asian Library which is located at Horniman Circle. The steps of the library is a prime spot for concerts hosted by Kala Ghoda Festival. You should also visit the Taraporewala Aquarium which has some beautiful marine life, including the remains of an enormous whale. The Nehru Planetarium located in Worli is an interesting complex where you will be blessed with some fabulous mysteries of the universe.
Beaches
Located on the coast, Mumbai's shores touch the Arabian Sea. The crowded beaches might not be clean as compared to some of the pristine blue shores of Goa or Kerala, but the vibrant energy of people enjoying the sunset on the beach is a wholesome experience. You can check out beaches such as Juhu Beach, Versova Beach, Girgaum Chowpatty Beach, Gorai Beach and Aksa Beach, to name a few. A little away from the city centre lies this untouched beach called Rajodi Beach, where you can actually learn how to surf.
Pilgrimage
Mumbai is also famous for its love for Lord Ganesha. The famous Siddhivinayak Temple is interestingly located at the heart of the city, in Dadar. The temple sees a staggering footfall regularly as many devotees worship the power of Lord Ganesha. During Ganesh Chaturthi, the pandals built around the temple looks exquisite. Another important pilgrimage is the Haji Ali, located on the Arabian Sea and connected to the city by a narrow bridge. Close to the Haji Ali is the Mahalakshmi Temple, also nestled by the edge of the sea. You should also visit Mount Mary in Bandra. Other important temples include Mumba Devi and ISKCON.
Things to do in Mumbai
Walk on the promenade popularly known as Marine Drive
The much-hyped Marine Drive, also known as Queen's Necklace, is a promenade constructed by the city. Many movies have been shot with Marine Drive as the backdrop. There is literally no reason yet every reason to check out this place, sit over the promenade and stare at the wide sea.
Shop at Colaba Causeway Market
Colaba Causeway is another prominent marketplace in the city that is forever crowded. Causeway's collection of accessories, clothes, chappals and the area, everything is a vibe that you'd want to be a part of. Plus, famous cafes such as Mondegar and Leopold are also located here.
Spend a day at Goregaon Film City
Mumbai's biggest highlight and gift to the world is Bollywood. Home to one of the biggest film industries in the world, the Goregaon Film City is one such place you simply cannot miss when in the city. Watch the actors play their roles in a make-believe set that you've always watched in the comfort of your couch at home.
Explore the Sanjay Gandhi National Park
A little away from the city centre is the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, also known as the city's lungs, is a vast expanse of lush green forest. You can rent cycles and explore the national park, opt for trekking and trek the trails leading to Kanheri Caves or simply just pack a lunch and indulge in some picnic at the park.
Food and Restaurants in Mumbai
The list of places with the best food in Mumbai is exhausting. The city, with its urban lifestyle, has a type of restaurant and food for every kind of crowd. For the ones who want to get their hands dirty (literally) with Mumbai's street food culture, Khao gallis is the place to be at. There are many Khao gallis in the city, starting from Churchgate to Ghatkopar. These lanes are dedicated spots for hawkers and street food owners to sell their speciality. You'll find vada pavs, pav bhaji stalls, chat corners, Anna with his slew of South Indian dishes like idli, vada, dosa, guys selling small street pizzas, frankie rolls, etc.
For the ones who wish to indulge in some pricey lounge setting, you should head to Masala Library, Gaylord, Hakkasan, The Bombay Canteen, Olive, The Clearing House, Bastian, Wasabi, to name a few. These places are celebrated and have been founded by renowned chefs from the culinary field. If you do not have any preferences as such, then you should visit some of the popular cafes and restaurants that have been part of Mumbai for a long time. These include Kyani's, Britannia & Co, Bademiya, Cafe Madras, Cafe Mondegar, Sardar Pav Bhaji, Cafe Gulshan, Cafe Leopold, O Pedro, Imbiss, to name a few.
How to reach Mumbai
By Air
Mumbai is one of the busiest cities in India, as is the city's domestic and international airport. As the commercial capital of the country, the city's domestic and international airports are admirably connected to big cities in the country and globally. Flights to and from Mumbai fly to various big cities in India such as Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Guwahati and basically most of the cities in the country. Formerly known by the name Sahar International Airport, the airport was re-christened to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Terminal 2) while the domestic airport has been named Santacruz Airport (Terminal 1). It is important for you to know from which terminal you'll be boarding the flight from Mumbai as they are located in two diverse sides of the city.
The airport has major Indian and international airlines stationed at the airport. These include IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Etihad Airways, Emirates and more. Mumbai's international routes are crowded too as there are multitudes of flights flying to global cities namely, New York, San Francisco, Dubai, Hong Kong, Beijing, London, Tokyo and more. Travelling from the airport within the city is quite convenient as there are taxi cabs, Ola and Uber services, rickshaws and buses that can be found right outside the airport. In fact, 1 km away from the airport is the Mumbai Metro which connects the city's varied geography.
By Rail
The railway network of Mumbai is touted to be one of the best in the city. It has direct train connections to various cities in India. These cities include Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad and more. The city has two main terminals namely Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Mumbai Central, from where you can take outstation trains. However, much recently, they opened the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, which also connects to various parts of the country. There are mail trains and express trains that travel from the Mumbai city, including Mumbai Rajdhani, Duronto, Konkan Kanya Express and more. The excellent connectivity of Mumbai with other cities makes it easy to traverse.
By Road
Major national highways connect Mumbai to various parts of India. You can literally take a road trip to anywhere you want from Mumbai without any hassle. In fact, you can travel from any part of the country and reach Mumbai with its impeccable roadway connections. Not to mention how there are several buses run by the state and private owners that travel from the city regularly. Many travellers often opt for road trips as the roads leading up to Mumbai are beautiful. Travelling by buses is quite economical as well.
About Vietnam Airlines
Vietnam Airlines is the official national flag carrier of Vietnam. The airline came into existence in 1956 as an independent entity which was later established by the government in 1989 to become a state-owned enterprise. The airline's headquarters is located in Long Biên District, Hanoi and its hubs are at Noi Bai International Airport and Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Vietnam Airlines currently caters to about 64 destinations spread across 17 countries. These exclude the services that fall under codeshare agreements. Ever since its genesis right up to the early 1990s, the airline was a minor carrier that catered within the aviation industry. Various factors, such as the socio-economic conditions and the political situation of Vietnam, obstructed the airline's capabilities to charter more flights. However, eventually, as the government of Vietnam normalised its ties with the United States following the Vietnam War, the airline was finally able to expand its operations and improve a slew of its facilities. They further worked on modernising its fleet too and cater to more international routes and domestic routes.
In 1996, the government of Vietnam accumulated 20 service companies to form the Vietnam Airlines Corporation. Vietnam Airlines became the focal point for the airline corporation with a majority of expansion plans centred around it. In 2010, the Airlines Corporation underwent a restructuring as a limited liability company with it being rebranded as Vietnam Airlines Company Limited. Currently, the operations and management are taken care of by a group of board members appointed by the Vietnamese Prime Minister to oversee the company. Vietnam Airlines has played a pivotal role in contributing to the economic development of the country. The airline corporation owns 100 per cent of Vietnam Air Service Company, a regional airline that is based out of southern Vietnam. Simultaneously, the airline also owns 70 per cent of the shares in Jetstar Pacific Airlines, a low-cost carrier. Additionally, the corporation also makes its revenue from other subsidiaries. These include airline catering business as well as the maintenance, repair and overhauling of aircraft called Vietnam Airlines Caterers and Vietnam Airlines Engineering Company, respectively.
Vietnam Airlines has diversified its investment portfolios into a number of aircraft-leasing and airport ground-servicing industries. The airline also has a cargo division called Vietnam Airlines Cargo. In 2010, the airline became a member of the SkyTeam, making it Southeast Asian's first carrier to have joined the massive alliance airline. As of 2016, the State owns 86.16 per cent of stakes while All Nippon Airways has 8.77 per cent stakes. Over the years, the airline has also been recognised worldwide for its remarkable milestones and even services that have brought it honour and accolades. In 2016, Vietnam Airlines received a four-star rating from Skytrax for its warm hospitality and exquisite services. The airline received this honour for three years in a row. At the International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City in 2016, Vietnam Airlines also received Best Airline of the year as per the Mekong region. Further, in 2016, the airline was also acknowledged by Skytrax as the World's Most Improved Airlines. It has been a fast-growing airline that continues to rake in more praise and reception.
Fleet size of Vietnam Airlines
As of 2020, Vietnam Airlines' fleet size stands at 102 aircraft. As of 2020, the airline operates a mixed fleet of Airbus, Boeing and ATRs. Presently, the airline has 51 Airbus A321-200s, 20 Airbus A321neos, 14 Airbus A350-900s, 11 Boeing 787-9s, 3 Boeing 787-10 and 3 ATR 72-500s. In the past, ever since the airline's genesis, it has worked with a slew of aircraft that include manufactured products from American, Soviet and European companies. Having retired all of its Russian-made aircraft, the airline currently accommodates Boeing, Airbus and ATR aircraft. Some of the aircraft that the airline had as part of its fleet include Aero Ae-45, Antonov An-2, Antonov An-24, Douglas DC-3, Tupolev Tu-134A, Yakovlev Yak-40, Ilyushin II-14G, Ilyushin IL-18D, Fokker 70, to name a few. These aircraft do not function under the Vietnam Airlines banner anymore. Along with them, there are a few Airbus and Boeing aircraft too that have been retired. They are Airbus A300-600, Airbus A310-200, Airbus A321-100, Airbus A330-300, Boeing 707-320, Boeing 727-200, Boeing 767-200ER, Boeing 767-300ER, Boeing 777-200ER and more. The present fleet helps the airline's operations catering to its domestic routes and international routes as well.
Baggage Allowance
Vietnam Airlines' baggage allowance for hand luggage is quite generous. The airline allows about 18 kg of weight for business class passengers, who are allowed to carry two pieces of baggage on board along with an accessory bag. The total weight of all the bags should not exceed 18 kg, as mentioned. Meanwhile, passengers of the premium economy class are also given the same benefits as that of the business class. The bags allowed are two pieces along with an accessory bag, and the whole hand baggage collectively should weigh not more than 18 kg. Economy class passengers are allowed to carry one piece of baggage along with an accessory bag, and the collective weight of the onboard luggage should be under 12 kg. The dimension for the baggage should fall within the limits of 56 X 23 X 36cm for the overhead bin bag while the accessory bag should be within 30 X 15 X 40cm. As for checked baggage, the airline permits a maximum of 32 kg for business class passengers. The premium economy and economy class baggage weight should not exceed 23 kg. The dimension that the passenger should adhere to should be less than a total of 158 cm.
In-flight services
Vietnam Airlines has enhanced its in-flight services to ensure that the passengers onboard receive the best treatment and enjoy a wholesome trip. For the same, the aircraft seating has been designed with the best and most comfortable products. The seats have decent legroom with the option to upgrade depending on the ticket type. The in-flight services also include phenomenal in-flight meal service. You can get the best of Vietnamese food onboard even before you reach the country.
Popular routes and top cities for Vietnam Airlines
Vietnam Airlines has an extensive network of flights connecting to domestic routes and international routes. The airline has dedicated flights to Southeast Asia, Oceania, Europe and East Asia. On a daily basis, Vietnam Airlines deploys 300 flights that fly to over 21 domestic route destinations and 43 international route cities. The airline has traditionally increased its flights within the Vietnam borders thanks to the heavy demands that the airline has witnessed for domestic routes. It is especially on high demand during the T?t celebration. The period between late January and mid-February witnesses tremendous passenger footfall in Vietnam as celebrations commence.
In fact, during the celebratory days of T?t celebration, the airline witnessed a 41 per cent growth in-flight demands. Additionally, the airline also has codeshare agreements with multitudes of airlines to connect to other routes, some including cities in North America. Some of the airlines include Aeroflot, Air France, Air Europa, All Nippon Airways, Bangkok Airways, Cambodia Angkor Air, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Etihad Airways, Finnair, Jetstar Pacific, Kenya Airways, China Southern Airlines, El Al, Alitalia, KLM, Middle East Airlines, Philippines, Korean Air, Garuda Indonesia, Qantas, Saudia, XiamenAir and Lao Airlines.
Why travel by Vietnam Airlines?
Vietnam Airlines has expanded tremendously since its inception. While it does have a few decent domestic route connectivity, it's expansion plans to become a popular airline in the Southeast Asian space has worked in its favour. Although Vietnam Airlines' fleet mostly comprises narrow-body aircraft, they do have a few Airbus A350-900s that aim to add to the comfortable experience of the passengers on board. The airline codeshare agreements with multiple major airlines in the world has further made it easy for passengers to opt for Vietnam Airlines for travelling. With the extensive number of important airlines in the codeshare agreements, Vietnam Airlines is able to connect with a slew of international route destinations automatically. This only adds to its benefits and gives prospective passengers a reason to choose the airline.
Further, intending to add to the convenience of the passengers, the airline has made much of its available facilities online. These include booking a Vietnam Airlines flight ticket on their website without any hassle. Passengers might receive some discounts and combo deals too depending on their travel route and peak season. Simultaneously, the airline also has other details such as flight status and Vietnam Airlines' flight schedules available on the website. Passengers can do web check-ins and reduce their time in the airport. The airline's lounge facilities are also quite top-notch and perfect. However, accessibility to these lounges is only possible for a handful of passengers who are premium flyers or are part of their miles club.
With such extensive facilities along with immaculate in-flight services, the airline is easily one of the best to pick for passengers. The airline is especially perfect for those who are visiting within the domestic routes during the T?t celebration.
About Mumbai Airport
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, which was acknowledged as Sahar International Airport, is a prominent international airport that serves the Mumbai metropolis. It is deemed to be the second busiest airport in India, after Delhi, with respect to international passenger traffic and cargo traffic. Recently, the airport crossed London's Gatwick Airport to become the world's busiest airports to operate a single runway at a time. The airport is sprawled across 1,850 acres and takes care of about 950 aircraft movements in a day. The airport has been awarded various titles including, "Best Airport in India and Central Asia". Mumbai airport is also recognised as one of the three airports to implement Airport Collaborative Decision Making in India. A-CDM has been implemented to ensure that the efficiency in terms of takeoffs and landings, along with other necessary facilities.
About Mumbai Airport Terminals
Initially, the Mumbai Airport, also previously known as Sahar International Airport, had both the international and domestic terminals located in the same airport. With the introduction of T2, the terminals were divided into dedicated domestic and international airports, sharing the same runway and airport complex. The domestic airport, also called the Santacruz Airport, served flights to primarily operate domestic airlines and low-cost carriers. Meanwhile, the international airport focussed on international airlines and flights flying out of the city. However, much recently, all the domestic and international flight activities have been shifted to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Terminal 2 has many provisions, including multi-level parking for 5,000 cars, 192 check-in counters, 60 immigration counters for departure, 14 baggage carousels and 76 immigration booths for arrival. There are many numerous lounges, including the GVK lounge, which is a luxury lounge. There are lounges for Business class travellers and first-class passengers as well.
About airport authority
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is owned and served by MIAL (Mumbai International Airport Private Limited). MIAL is a consortium of GVK Industries Ltd., Bidvest, Airports Company South Africa and Airports Authority of India. While the consortium holds 74 per cent ownership, the other 26 per cent is owned by the Airports Authority of India. Ever since the MIAL venture has come into existence, the international airport has witnessed tremendous infrastructural growth. There are tremendous improvements in terms of the aesthetics, passenger convenience, design and refurbishing of the domestic terminals 1A&1B as well as the international terminals 2B & 2C. A new domestic terminal 1C has also been introduced in Terminal 2. MIAL has also undertaken projects to improve the taxiways, aprons and rehabilitation of both the runways.
Facilities at the Mumbai Airport
Child care centres: To make travelling with young ones easier and convenient, special child care rooms have been created at the Mumbai Airport. The room is reserved to cater to the needs of young kids ranging from changing diapers to feeding and many such necessities. It is well-sanitised and is well-maintained to ensure that the mother feels safe. Baby strollers have also been made available at the airport
Smoking zones: Enclosed smoking rooms have been arranged for at the Mumbai Airport. The smoking lounges are facilitated to ensure that the atmosphere of the airport is smoke-free. You can also purchase packets at the airport.
WiFi and Telecommunication Services: WiFi and telecommunication services are also available at the Mumbai Airport. There are free WiFis and Premium WiFis available. This way, you wouldn't have to compromise on your business and professional obligations. You can also find SIM card facilities at the airport for a temporary SIM if you have come for a short period of time.
Medical Centre: The Mumbai Airport is well-equipped with medical services to cater to emergencies. There are ICU ambulances and medical centres catering to medical emergencies 24/7. They are spread out in the airport's vicinity.
Luggage services, cloak room and baggage trolleys: Special storage services have been accommodated where you can keep your luggage and other items. Other luggage facilities include depositing of the baggage at the domestic terminal and receiving them at the international terminal. You can also find baggage trolleys outside the airport as well as in the terminal.
ATMs and Currency exchange: The airport also has provisions for foreign exchange. The airport also has ATMs and other money-related facilities to make travelling more convenient for passengers. The airport has a bevy of foreign exchange counters, ATMs and banks.
Valet parking and other parking facilities: Mumbai airport also has valet parking and other parking services. You can pay a nominal fee and keep your car at the airport's parking zone. You can also avail from their valet parking services.
Play zone, prayer and meditation rooms: If you are travelling with kids, you can actually take them to the play area that has been reserved for kids. They are safe and child-friendly. The airport also has special rooms for multi-faith prayer rooms as well as meditation halls. While you wait for your flight and are nervous, you can use this time to relax and calm your nerves.
Restaurants and cafes: The airport has a slew of restaurants and cafes that you can check out. From classic local establishments such as Shiv Sagar to globally recognised joints such as Burger King, McDonald's and KFC, you can find them at the airport. There are provisions for restaurants serving liquor as well.
Automated buggies: To make commute within the airport convenient, you can also take the buggy services. They will pick you up from the security check and drop you at the boarding area. The services are especially recommended for people with medical conditions and disabilities. The airport also has wheelchairs and other services to commute within the terminal.
Postal services: The Mumbai airport also has provision for postal services. Postal services are located at the exit of both the terminals of Mumbai airport. If you have any last-minute document that needs to be mailed, you wouldn't need to worry about it.
VIP lounge: The airport is also host to many VIP lounges and upscaled restaurants and food establishments. If you are a premium member at any of the airlines with airport lounge as one of the perks, you will be able to benefit the privileges of the VIP lounge as well as the services provided by them.
Top airlines flying from the Mumbai Airport
Mumbai airport is excellently connected to major domestic and international cities. Unsurprisingly, it is known to be the second busiest airport in the country due to its phenomenal ability to accommodate a slew of international and domestic airlines. In fact, the airport witnesses approximately 950 aircraft activities on a daily basis. Mumbai airport connects domestic cities such as Rajkot, Dehradun, Madurai, Lucknow, Kannur, Leh, Ranchi, Jabalpur and more. Thanks to the brilliant connectivity Mumbai has with other cities in the country, it doesn't require any connecting flights too. In fact, the Mumbai airport has a majority of airlines operating from the city. Airlines such as Alliance Air, Air India, Air India Express, GoAir, IndiGo, SpiceJet, TruJet and Vistara operate from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
The city also harbours a plethora of international cities and flights. The international airlines operating from Mumbai airport are quite similar to the ones that operate from the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. International airlines such as Air Asia, Air Arabia, Air Canada, Air China, Air France, Air Mauritius, Air Seychelles, Air Tanzania, Bangkok Airways, Bhutan Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta Air Lines, EgyptAir, Etihad Airways, Emirates, Ethiopian Airways, flydubai, Gulf Air, IranAir, Kenya Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airways, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air, Nepal Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, RwandAir, Singapore Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Swiss, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Uzbekistan Airways, operate from Mumbai airport. Thanks to the immaculate connectivity, the city sees a lot of crowd flocking over from various other cities and towns to take international flights.
How to reach the Mumbai Airport
The domestic and the international airport of Mumbai have separate gateways to enter. While the domestic airport, Terminal 1, also known as Santacruz Airport, is located in Santacruz, the international airport, T2, is located in Andheri. To reach Mumbai airport, it is imperative that you know which terminal you need to catch your flight from. Depending on the same, you can travel to the airport.
By Rail
To reach Mumbai airport Terminal 1, the closest railway station is Ville Parle railway station which falls on the Western and Harbour Line of the Mumbai railway network. Meanwhile, to reach the international Mumbai airport, Terminal 2, you should get down at the Andheri station lying on the Mumbai railway network. From here, you can take a rickshaw and reach the city. Mumbai's metro line is perfectly connected with Airport Road and Marol Naka stations while T1 is close to the Western Express Highway station. Both the terminals are very close to the Mumbai Metro. The city is currently expanding the Mumbai metro line further by adding more lines to connect to the airport. An underground network from Cuffe Parade to SEEPZ is in the works which have one stop at the Santacruz airport and the other close to the GVK SkyCity terminal.
