The launch of this new service to Shanghai, China’s largest and most commercially dynamic city, is a major step forward in Air Astana’s ongoing network expansion across the country.

The new Almaty to Shanghai route, introduced at the end of March, operates three times weekly and complements Air Astana’s existing network of services to Beijing, Guangzhou, Sanya, Ürümqi and Yining. 

The addition of Shanghai strengthens the airline’s long-term commitment to developing connectivity between Kazakhstan and China, which began with its first flight between Almaty and Beijing in December 2002.

With Shanghai now part of the network, the Air Astana Group offers up to 32 weekly services between Kazakhstan and six Chinese cities, providing passengers with increased travel options and supporting both point-to-point and transit flows across Central Asia, the Caucasus, Europe and Asia. 

In 2025, the airline group carried more than 250,000 passengers between Kazakhstan and China, a 96% increase over 2024.

Commenting at the event,  Air Astana Group Chief Executive Officer Ibrahim Canliel said: “The launch of our Shanghai service is an important milestone in the development of our network and reflects the growing strength of ties between Kazakhstan and China. We see strong and accelerating demand across both business and leisure segments, supported by visa-free travel. Shanghai is a key global city, and this route, our sixth destination in China, will further enhance connectivity not only between our two countries, but also for passengers travelling onwards across our network.”

About Air Astana Group
Air Astana Group is the largest airline group in Central Asia and the Caucasus regions by revenue and fleet size. The group operates a fleet of 63 aircraft, split between Air Astana, its full-service airline, which began operations in 2002, and FlyArystan, its low-cost airline established in 2019. 

(Source: Air Astana)

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Based on a survey of Global Traveller’s luxury readers, the award underscores the airline’s ongoing commitment to elevating the in-flight dining experience.

Korean Air’s premium catering blends traditional Korean flavours and modern culinary refinement. Building on a comprehensive overhaul of its in-flight dining programme last year — the first major refresh in over a decade — the airline introduced menus developed in collaboration with Chef Seakyeong Kim, owner of Cesta in Seoul. Featuring seasonal ingredients and innovative techniques, these new dishes bring a true gourmet experience to the skies. 

First class passengers enjoy a menu featuring an expanded selection of amuse-bouches and appetisers, alongside new main courses and desserts, such as papillote and petit fours. These additions complement signature Korean dishes, such as bibimbap, and an exclusive sommelier-curated wine programme.

“Being recognised for the third consecutive year at the Leisure Lifestyle Awards is a testament to Korean Air’s unwavering commitment to service innovation,” said Korean Air Executive Vice President and Chief of In-flight Service and Lounges David Pacey.

This latest accolade adds to Korean Air’s growing list of global honours. The airline was named Best Cabin Service at the APEX Best Awards 2026, earned the APEX Five Star Global Airline rating for the ninth consecutive year in 2025 and was named Airline of the Year 2025 by Airlineratings.com. Korean Air also holds a SKYTRAX 5-star Airline rating for the fifth consecutive year.

(Source: Korean Air)

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Bhutan’s national carrier will fly three times weekly from Singapore to Paro on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, starting 16 May 2026, expanding capacity from the previous schedule of two departures on Thursday and Sunday.

Druk Asia, based in Singapore, is one of Asia’s pioneering Bhutan travel specialists. Since its inception in 2009 as Drukair’s local representative, the company has evolved into a trusted leader in curating journeys to Bhutan with a strong focus on social impact and wellness-centred travel. 

In October 2024, Druk Asia reinforced its commitment to protecting Bhutan’s cultural heritage and to a broader social Impact with its appointment by the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Royal Government of Bhutan as the official marketing representative for the Museums of Bhutan Building Fund. 

Flight schedule

Under the enhanced schedule, Drukair will operate interim* flights between Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) and Paro International Airport (PBH) on the following days in April:

Singapore → Paro: Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday
Paro → Singapore: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday

*subject to schedule changes and adjustments

Seasonal adjustment after 16 May 2026

Drukair will implement a seasonal adjustment to the schedule. From this date, flight operations will shift to the following days:

Singapore → Paro: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday
Paro → Singapore: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday

Expanded connectivity to Bhutan 

Singapore serves as the vital link for Bhutan’s fastest-growing visitor markets. By adding a third weekly service, Drukair is simplifying the journey for long-haul visitors, particularly from the South Pacific and North America. 

In 2025, Singapore Changi Airport recorded an all-time high of 69.98 million passenger movements, with Australia ranking among its top four markets. 

Changi gateway

China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Australia were Changi’s top four passenger markets in 2025, with North America registering some of the highest regional growth at 15.8%.

Australian connection

Australia is now home to Bhutan’s largest community abroad, approximately 37,500 residents. Daily, over 30 flights arrive in Singapore from Australia, operated by multiple carriers, including Scoot, Singapore Airlines, and Qantas. The enhanced Drukair schedule ensures seamless connectivity for both the Bhutanese diaspora visiting home and Australian travellers eager to check Bhutan off their bucket list. 

North American growth 

In 2025, visitors to Bhutan from the US rose by 20% while arrivals from Canada increased by 22%. For these travellers, Singapore offers the most efficient one-stop gateway via daily non-stop flights from New York (JFK and Newark), San Francisco, Los Angeles, and five flights a week from Vancouver with Air Canada.

This expansion reflects a growing demand for Bhutan’s “High Value, Low Volume” tourism model. By increasing frequency rather than just capacity, Drukair ensures that the journey remains exclusive and meaningful while improving access via Changi Airport, one of the world’s best-connected aviation hubs.

(Source: Drukair)

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It represents the inaugural consolidated report for the airline group following the successful acquisition of the AirAsia aviation assets, bringing together all AirAsia-branded airlines under a single listed entity.

The performance indicates sustained demand across the network, with passenger growth aligned with a 10% YoY increase in capacity to 22.1 million seats. The Consolidated Air Operating Certificates (AOCs) have now recovered capacity to 98% of pre-pandemic levels, with a robust load factor of 85%. 

(The AOCs comprise AirAsia Malaysia, AirAsia Thailand, AirAsia Indonesia, AirAsia Philippines, AirAsia Cambodia, and AirAsia X Malaysia).

A key driver of the performance was the surge in domestic demand, which saw double-digit YoY growth in both passengers carried and capacity across Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. On the international front, the group’s focus on North Asia maintained solid momentum. 

Major routes to China from both Malaysia and Thailand performed well, with load factors for these sectors recorded at 85% for the quarter. The group continues to leverage its dominant position in the China-ASEAN travel corridor, capturing consistent demand across key primary and secondary cities. 

The group showed remarkable operational agility in March 2026, the first month after heightened geopolitical tensions and rising jet fuel prices. 

In March alone, the Consolidated AOCs carried 6.3 million passengers, a 19% YoY increase which surpassed the 15% YoY increase in capacity. Notably, the load factor for March increased by two percentage points YoY to 84%. While the group had strategically adjusted fares and fuel surcharges to manage escalating fuel costs, AirAsia remained the preferred choice for guests prioritising affordable and reliable connectivity during this peak period. Furthermore, by positioning its network as a critical alternative for redirected global traffic flows between Europe and Asia, the group captured a surge in demand on its Central Asia corridors, benefitting from a strong “fly-thru” effect across the broader Asean network. 

The group’s associate, AirAsia X Thailand, carried 599,198 passengers during the quarter, representing a 20% YoY increase. The associate recorded a solid load factor of 84%, reflecting a 1 percentage point improvement YoY.

This performance highlights the successful optimisation of the long-haul network following its strategic hub relocation to Don Mueang International Airport in late 2024.

Market demand remained sound across key destinations, supported by the expansion of its operating fleet and increased frequencies to North Asia and India.

The Consolidated AOCs increased the operating fleet by 1 YoY to 203 aircraft, and closed the quarter with a fleet of 240 aircraft. TAAX’s fleet size stood at 11. 

AirAsia X, Group CEO Bo Lingam said: “This first quarter of 2026 validates the strength of our consolidated model. Our RPK growth of 7% surpassed ASK growth of 6%, clearly demonstrating the success of our network optimisation, ensuring capacity is deployed where demand is strongest. In response to external fuel price pressures, we moved decisively in March to manage our margins by adjusting fares and fuel surcharges.

Crucially, we have seen no significant signs of demand disruption. Our March load factor actually increased YoY, as our guests prioritised the value and connectivity we provide during the Raya and Lebaran peak. Looking ahead, this momentum has carried into April, with forward bookings remaining firm across our core network. Our priority is to maximise the productivity of our active fleet while keeping our integrated network lean and adaptable. By prioritising high-yield corridors and maintaining disciplined cost management, we are prepared to navigate the uncertainties of the months ahead with resilience and agility.”

First Quarter 2026 Preliminary Operating Statistics

(Source: AirAsia X).

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The Kuala Lumpur–Shanghai service commences on 23 June 2026, with daily departures and a flight time of five hours and 40 minutes. 

It marks a significant milestone in Batik Air’s network expansion into China, complementing its existing services to Changsha, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Kunming, Xiamen, and Zhengzhou. A Boeing 737 MAX 8 with 180 seats will serve the new route to Shanghai, further reinforcing connectivity between Kuala Lumpur and one of the Asia-Pacific region’s key economic and tourism centres.

Flight schedule

OD680 departs Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 1700 and arrives in Shanghai (PVG) at 2255 (daily).
OD681 departs Shanghai (PVG) at 2325 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 0515 (daily).

Shanghai is a global metropolis where heritage meets innovation, defined by the historic The Bund and the futuristic skyline of Pudong, alongside vibrant districts like the Former French Concession and Nanjing Road that highlight the city’s cultural depth and dynamic lifestyle. As a leading hub for commerce, culture, and leisure, Shanghai continues to attract both business and leisure travellers with its distinctive blend of tradition and modernity. All-in-one-way fares start from MYR399 for economy class and MYR1,679 for business class.

In parallel with its expansion into China, Batik Air will introduce a direct Kuala Lumpur–Sydney service commencing 1 July 2026, operated by Airbus A330 aircraft configured with business and economy cabins. The airline currently serves Australia through Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney via Denpasar, as well as 14 weekly direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Perth. The new non-stop Sydney service will operate daily with a flight time of eight hours and 5 minutes.

Flight schedule

OD171 departs Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 2340 and arrives in Sydney (SYD) at 0945.
OD172 departs Sydney (SYD) at 1115 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 1830.

Previously, the flight to Sydney made a transit stop in Bali, Denpasar (DPS). 

Sydney, Australia’s largest city and a leading international gateway, combines natural attractions with urban appeal. Iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, along with destinations like Darling Harbour and Bondi Beach, contribute to its global recognition. As a key commercial and financial centre and primary entry point into Australia, Sydney plays a vital role in regional and long-haul travel networks. All-in-one-way fares starting from MYR749 for economy class and MYR4,069 for business class

The new routes to Shanghai and Sydney come amid continued momentum in Malaysia’s travel sector, with both China and Australia remaining key contributors to inbound and outbound traffic. In 2025, Malaysia recorded approximately 4.7 million visitors from China and over half a million visitors from Australia (source: Malaysia Tourism Statistics). 

Improved connectivity and ongoing travel facilitation, including visa-free access for Malaysian travellers to China for short stays, continue to support increased mobility and accessibility between the two countries. Australia similarly maintains strong bilateral travel flows, driven by tourism, business, and Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) segments.

Batik Air Chief Executive Officer Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy said the introduction of both routes reflects the airline’s continued commitment to building a resilient, demand-driven network while maintaining a measured outlook amid an evolving global environment.

“Batik Air continues to align its network with sustained market demand, and the addition of Shanghai and Sydney strengthens two of our most important international corridors,” he said. “These routes support tourism and business travel while enhancing overall connectivity between Malaysia and key global markets.”

(Source: Batik Air)

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At first glance, the move appears counterintuitive. In reality, it reflects a calculated response to a rapidly changing geopolitical and commercial landscape.

The Iran war has disrupted one of the world’s most important aviation corridors linking Asia and Europe. Airspace closures and heightened safety concerns have forced airlines to reroute flights or suspend services altogether.

Gulf hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, long dominant as transit points between continents, have seen significant operational disruption. This has created a sudden and substantial capacity gap. Chinese airlines have been quick to seize the opportunity.

A key advantage lies in geography and access. Unlike many Western carriers, Chinese airlines continue to operate over Russian airspace. This allows them to maintain shorter, more direct routes to Europe, avoiding the costly detours that other airlines must take. In an industry where fuel is the single largest operating cost, this routing advantage is decisive. Shorter flight times translate into lower fuel burn, improved aircraft utilisation and more competitive pricing.

Fuel prices have become a critical factor. The conflict has driven a sharp rise in global jet fuel costs, placing intense pressure on airline margins. Many carriers have responded by cutting less profitable routes and reducing frequency. Chinese airlines, however, have adopted a different strategy. Rather than retreat, they are focusing on efficiency. Measures include reducing onboard weight, optimising flight planning and concentrating capacity on routes where demand remains strong. Europe fits that profile.

At the same time, passenger behaviour is shifting. Travellers who would normally connect through the Middle East are increasingly avoiding the region due to uncertainty. This has accelerated the emergence of alternative hubs. Beijing and Shanghai are now seeing growing volumes of transit passengers linking Europe with Asia. Chinese airlines are effectively repositioning their home airports as viable alternatives to traditional Gulf hubs.

There is also a structural element within China itself. The domestic aviation market has become highly competitive, with excess capacity and pressure on yields. Expanding internationally offers a way to redeploy aircraft more profitably. With constrained capacity from other carriers, Europe presents an attractive opportunity. By increasing frequencies and opening additional routes, Chinese airlines are not only capturing displaced demand but also strengthening their long-term presence in key European markets.

In this context, the headline that Chinese airlines are “shrugging off” the Iran war requires careful interpretation. They are not immune to rising costs or operational risks. Rather, they are better positioned than many of their competitors to navigate the disruption. Access to northern flight paths, fewer geopolitical restrictions on airspace and a willingness to move quickly have combined to create a relative advantage.

The implications extend beyond short-term capacity shifts. Aviation has always been closely tied to geopolitics, and periods of disruption often accelerate structural change. What is emerging now is a subtle but important rebalancing of global air traffic flows. Chinese carriers are strengthening their role as connectors between Europe and Asia amid strain on traditional routes.

For the wider tourism industry, this shift carries both opportunities and risks. Greater connectivity between China and Europe may support inbound and outbound travel flows over time. However, destinations that rely heavily on Middle Eastern transit hubs may face reduced accessibility in the near term. For Southeast Asia, including Thailand, the impact will depend on how effectively regional airlines and airports adapt to the new routing dynamics.

What is clear is that the aviation map is being redrawn in real time. In a period marked by uncertainty and volatility, Chinese airlines have chosen to expand rather than contract. It is a strategic decision that may well outlast the current crisis, reshaping competitive positions in global aviation long after the conflict subsides.

Andrew J Wood is a British-born travel writer and former hotelier who has lived in Thailand since 1991. With over four decades of international hospitality experience, he has held senior leadership roles with leading hotel groups including Thistle Hotels, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Minor Hotels, Chaophya Park Hotel & Resorts and the Royal Cliff Hotels Group.

A long-standing member of Skål International, he has served as a Director on the global Skål International board. He is a former President of Skål Asia and National President of Skål Thailand, and has twice served as Club President of Skål International Bangkok. In recognition of his contribution to global tourism, he has received Skål’s Order of Merit and the President’s Award, and in 2019 was honoured with the organisation’s highest distinction, Membre d’Honneur.

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Marking the airline’s second consecutive win in the category, the award continues to recognise AirAsia’s position as the largest foreign low-cost carrier by market share in Singapore. It reflects its continued commitment to delivering affordable, accessible and high-quality travel experiences for guests across the region.

The Top Influential Brand award, presented annually by Influential Brands during the Asia CEO Summit & Awards Ceremony, honours companies that have significantly shaped consumer preferences and industry benchmarks. The award recognises brands that demonstrate strong brand equity, innovation and sustained customer engagement across a range of sectors.

(Source: AirAsia)

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The airline will offer three premium cabin fare options for long-haul international flights, transcontinental US flights, and select flights to Hawaii. They are base (new offer) standard and flexible, in the premium cabin, which will join the airline’s existing standard and flexible fares tiers in the economy cabin.

The front cabin will also be branded United Polaris on select transcontinental US and select longer Hawaii flights. Customers who buy the standard or flexible fares in United Polaris on these flights will have access to the United Polaris lounge. Customers who purchase the base United Polaris option will still have access to the United Club.

United has also redesigned the shopping pages on its website and mobile app to accommodate this change and launch the new categories in select markets during April. It will expand the fares to additional long-haul international, transcontinental US and longer Hawaii flights later this year.

“These new tiered options give customers more choice and make it easier to find a fare that includes the benefits they want most – whether that’s a great value, added perks, or maximum flexibility,” said United’s Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella. 

For domestic and short-haul international flights, and for travel in United economy cabins on long-haul international flights, there’s no change to what’s included in the basic, standard, and flexible categories. They will simply be displayed on United’s shopping pages in a new, clearer way.

In premium cabins on long-haul international and transcontinental US flights and flights between the airline’s hubs in Newark, Washington D.C. and Chicago and Hawaii, the base category offers customers the lowest price point, the standard category offers perks like free seat selection, additional checked bags and the ability to make changes, and tickets in the flexible category are fully refundable and offer all the benefits included in standard tickets. 

(Source: United Airlines)

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Fuel surcharge on domestic India routes

Following the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas’ and Ministry of Civil Aviation’s decision to cap domestic Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) price hike at 25%, Air India group is reflecting this calibrated approach, transitioning from a flat domestic surcharge to a distance‑based grid as follows on Air India and Air India Express. 

FUEL SURCHARGE PER PASSENGER, PER SECTOR

Fuel Surcharge on International Routes

At the same time, in the absence of any such mitigations on international ATF prices, the Air India group will be implementing more significant changes to fuel surcharges as follows.

According to the latest data published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global average jet fuel price rose to USD 195.19 per barrel for the week ending 27 March 2026, up from USD 99.40 at the end of February, representing a nearly 100% increase. ATF, produced by refining crude oil, has seen simultaneous increases in both its crude oil component as well as the refinery margin, known as ‘crack spread’, with the latter having nearly tripled within three weeks. It increased from USD 27.83 per barrel for the week ending 27 February to USD 81.44 for the week ending 27 March. This steep rise compounds the impact of rising crude oil prices, creating one of the most challenging fuel cost environments that airlines globally have faced in recent years.

The fuel surcharges on international routes do not compensate for the exponential increase in jet fuel prices. Air India continues to absorb a significant portion of this increased cost.

FUEL SURCHARGE PER PASSENGER, PER SECTOR – BY REGION

Revisions to fuel surcharge on flights to and from Bangladesh and Far East destinations, namely Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea, will be advised in due course, subject to the requisite regulatory approvals. 

Tickets issued before the above times will not incur the new surcharge unless customers request date or itinerary changes that require a fare recalculation.

The airline says it will review its surcharges periodically and make any necessary adjustments.

(Source: Air India)

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Beginning 15 May 2026, Air India will operate two daily flights between Delhi and Halwara using its A320 Family aircraft.

The flight schedule has been designed to offer same-day connectivity via Delhi to destinations across the UK and the rest of Europe. Passengers from Halwara/Ludhiana and surrounding areas can travel with Air India to Delhi and join onward flights from the same terminal, direct to London, Birmingham, Rome, Milan, and Paris – on a single ticket with baggage checked through to their final destinations.

Air India Chief Commercial Officer, Nipun Aggarwal, said: “We are pleased to serve the people and communities in Ludhiana and neighbouring towns and cities with the convenience of travelling across continents via Delhi. With this addition to our network, we are making international travel simpler and more seamless for more customers across Punjab.”

Air India flights to Halwara are available for booking across all channels, including Air India’s official website, mobile app and through travel agents worldwide.

(Source: Air India)

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