Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, one of the most famous annual cultural events in India, has got Air India Express as its official travel partner this year.
Marking the partnership, Air India Express celebrates the spirit of Nagaland with a Tsüngkotepsü-themed livery on one of its 50 new Boeing 737-8 aircraft and announces a flat 15 per cent discount on flights to and from Nagaland for the Hornbill Festival. Tsüngkotepsü is a shawl worn by Naga warriors from the Ao tribe, symbolising success.
A media release announced: “The Government of Nagaland has named Air India Express, India’s first international value carrier, as the Official Travel Partner for the Hornbill Festival 2025, one of India’s most iconic celebrations of tribal heritage, music, food, and traditions.”
It added that this partnership “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, and Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, at the airline’s headquarters in Gurugram, National Capital Region.
The announcement was made in the presence of Government of Nagaland officials, including Theja Meru, Chairman, Task Force for Music and Arts, and Ababe Ezung, OSD, Transport Department, and senior leaders of the airline.
Welcoming Air India Express as the official Travel Partner, Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio 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 said, “We are delighted to partner with the Government 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.”
Singh said, “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.”
The new Boeing 737-8 aircraft, VT-BWD, featuring the striking livery inspired by the Tsüngkotepsü design, a powerful symbol of identity and heritage, will be received by Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio at Dimapur Airport on November 22.
The airline will also facilitate the travel of artistes 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.
To enhance accessibility and drive tourism and footfalls, Air India Express is offering a flat 15 per cent discount on direct and one-stop flights to Dimapur for bookings made between 20 and 30 November 2025, for travel from 20 November to 15 December 2025, using the promo code HORNBILL on the airline’s website and mobile app.
Air India Express operates daily flights connecting Dimapur to Guwahati, with convenient one-stop onward connectivity from Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, and Patna.
The airline utilises the same aircraft from Dimapur to Guwahati and onward to Delhi, allowing guests to continue their journey to the national capital without a change of aircraft, ensuring a smoother and more seamless travel experience.
Across the Northeast region, the airline connects Guwahati with 126 weekly flights; Agartala with 21 weekly flights; Imphal with 21 weekly flights; and Dibrugarh with 14 weekly flights, strengthening mobility and access in the region.
As part of its ‘Tales of India’ initiative, Air India Express showcases unique art and designs on its aircraft tails, representing the stories of India’s many regions. Alongside the Tsüngkotepsü design from Nagaland, the airline’s fleet features Akyobi, Moirang Phee, and Saphee Lanphee from Manipur; Gamosa and Jaapi from Assam; Idu Mishmi from Arunachal Pradesh; Khneng from Meghalaya; and Puanchei from Mizoram, honouring the artistic traditions of the Northeast and celebrating the spirit of India in flight.
