In a major boost to the upcoming Hornbill Festival 2025, the Nagaland government has formalised two key partnerships– naming Air India Express as the ‘Official Travel Partner’ and renewing its cultural collaboration with the British Council, which confirms the United Kingdom (UK) as a Country Partner for the 10-day event.
These agreements, signed in Gurugram and New Delhi respectively, aim to strengthen connectivity, expand cultural exchange and enhance international visibility for Nagaland’s flagship festival.
UK-Nagaland renew cultural partnership: Nagaland chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio and British Council’s Alison Barrett MBE signed an agreement formalising the United Kingdom as a Country Partner for Hornbill Festival 2025. British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron was also present.
Under this partnership, the British Council, in close coordination with the British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, will curate festival programmes and continue its tradition of bringing UK artists to the event. This year, Scottish musician Ruairidh Maclean (RuMac) will perform on December 2.
Rio said the UK’s participation reflected shared values of cultural exchange and strengthened people-to-people ties. He added that the collaboration would enrich the festival and pave the way for cooperation in culture, tourism and education.
High Commissioner Cameron described the partnership as part of the “living bridge” of UK–India cultural ties, recalling last year’s Welsh-Naga-Khasi collaboration.
Barrett said the partnership would enable UK artists and experts to understand the remarkable diversity of India and continue engaging meaningfully with audiences in Nagaland.
Maclean expressed excitement about performing at Hornbill 2025, saying he looked forward to experiencing Nagaland’s cultural showcase and sharing “a little bit of The Highlands of Scotland” with festival audiences.
AI Express official travel partner: Meanwhile, Air India Express was officially announced as the Travel Partner at the airline’s headquarters in Gurugram on November 17, in the presence of advisor to CM and IDAN chairman Abu Metha and the airline’s managing director Aloke Singh, along with senior state officials.
As part of the collaboration, Air India Express unveiled a Tsüngkotepsü-themed livery on one of its new Boeing 737-8 aircraft. The livery, inspired by the Ao tribe’s traditional warrior shawl, is part of the airline’s ‘Tales of India’ initiative that highlights regional art and culture across its fleet.
The aircraft, VT-BWD, will arrive at Dimapur Airport on November 22, where it will be received by the chief minister Neiphiu Rio.
Air India Express will assist festival artists and organisers with travel arrangements and set up a dedicated Hornbill kiosk at Dimapur airport. To boost festival footfall, it has also announced a 15% discount on direct and one-stop flights to Dimapur for bookings made between November 20–30, applicable for travel from November 20 to December 15, with promo code “HORNBILL”.
Rio welcomed the partnership, terming it a positive corporate collaboration that would enhance connectivity and promote tourism, cultural exchange and economic growth. MD Aloke Singh said the partnership celebrated the cultural vibrancy of Nagaland and paid tribute to the state’s artistic legacy.
Air India Express ‘Tales of India’ series also features traditional designs such as Moirang Phee, Saphee Lanphee and Akyobi from Manipur; Gamosa and Jaapi from Assam; Idu Mishmi from Arunachal Pradesh; Khneng embroidery from Meghalaya; and Puanchei from Mizoram.
Others present included Theja Meru, chairman Task Force for Music and Arts, and Ababe Ezung, OSD, Transport department, and senior leaders of the airline.