From 15 October 2026, the two airlines will deepen their commercial cooperation by offering customers a range of itinerary and flight options through their respective booking channels. 

This covers 126 weekly flights between Singapore and eight Indian cities: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, and Mumbai.

Currently, an eligible Air India-operated codeshare flight booked through SIA must include an SIA-operated flight, and vice versa. This requirement will be removed from 15 October 2026, allowing customers to book eligible flights between India and Singapore operated by either airline on a standalone basis through the other carrier’s website, mobile application, and appointed travel agencies.

Customers will therefore have access to additional flight options and a more seamless booking experience, giving them greater flexibility and convenience when planning their journeys.

In April 2026, Air India and SIA enhanced reciprocal mileage accrual benefits by expanding eligible booking classes and revising earn rates across all cabin classes. Maharaja Club and KrisFlyer members can now earn miles on a wider range of eligible flights operated by either airline.

From the second quarter of 2027, Maharaja Club and KrisFlyer members will enjoy enhanced reciprocal benefits on eligible routes, in addition to their existing Star Alliance privileges.

Maharaja Club Platinum and KrisFlyer PPS Club members will enjoy priority check-in and boarding privileges, alongside other top-tier members of the respective airlines. Maharaja Club Silver and KrisFlyer Elite Silver members will also receive additional baggage allowances and priority boarding benefits on eligible routes, providing greater recognition and a more consistent experience across both carriers.

Air India and SIA are also working on further customer-focused initiatives, including improved schedule connectivity to reduce layovers and waiting times, enhanced offerings for corporate customers, and additional measures to streamline the travel experience.

Air India Chief Commercial Officer, Nipun Agarwal, said: “Strategic partnerships will play a key role in Air India’s evolution into a leading, world-class global airline. The next phase of our cooperation with Singapore Airlines reflects a shared commitment to putting customers at the centre of everything we do. By building on the strengths of our two airlines, we aim to bring greater consistency to the travel experience of our common customers between India and Singapore, while delivering greater choice, convenience and value. As demand for travel between our countries continues to grow, this partnership positions us to serve that opportunity even better.”

Singapore Airlines Chief Commercial Officer, Lee Lik Hsin, added: “The first phase of our strategic commercial partnership with Air India is an important step towards delivering greater benefits and a more seamless experience for our customers. Demand for travel between Singapore and India remains strong, and this partnership will give customers greater choice and convenience, as well as enhanced reciprocal benefits for our frequent flyer members. Customers can look forward to more initiatives that give them more options and strengthen connectivity between the two countries.”

Today, Air India and SIA have a comprehensive codeshare agreement covering 77 destinations across 27 countries and territories. Through their hubs in Delhi, Mumbai, and Singapore, the two airlines give customers access to an extensive network across Asia, Europe, North America, Australia, and beyond. 

(Source: Air India)

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The additional codeshares take effect on 25 October and cover all routes operated by the two airlines between Kuala Lumpur and five Chinese cities.

The expanded codeshare cooperation will connect Kuala Lumpur with five economic, cultural and commercial hubs in China — Shenzhen, Changsha, Xiamen, Chengdu and Zhengzhou, offering customers more travel options between Malaysia and China.

Under the codeshare arrangement, Malaysia Airlines and China Southern Airlines will place their respective flight codes on eligible air services operated by either carrier, offering customers greater flexibility and smoother connections when travelling across the two airlines’ networks. 

Since launching their codeshare cooperation on the Kuala Lumpur-Guangzhou route in July 2023, the two airlines have continued to build on their partnership. In July 2024, the cooperation was further extended to cover the Kuala Lumpur-Beijing Daxing, Kuala Lumpur-Shanghai Pudong and Penang-Guangzhou routes.

The cooperation reflects both airlines’ continued investment in the Malaysia-China market.

Malaysia Airlines has launched new air services from Kuala Lumpur to Chengdu, Shenzhen and Changsha this year. At the same time, China Southern Airlines has continued to increase capacity on its Kuala Lumpur-Guangzhou/Shenzhen routes. 

The codeshare cooperation underscores the importance of the Malaysia-China market, which both airlines value highly. 

With this expansion, all routes linking Kuala Lumpur with Guangzhou, Beijing Daxing, Shanghai Pudong, Shenzhen, Changsha, Xiamen, Chengdu Tianfu, and Zhengzhou are now under the scope of codeshare cooperation, covering all Kuala Lumpur-related routes operated by both airlines.

(Source: Malaysia Airlines)

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Sheen Yeow Travel is no longer permitted to carry out any travel agent activities under Section 9(1)(b) of the Travel Agents Act 1975.

In the media advisory, STB said it “has reason to believe that the company contravened Section 13(b) of the Travel Agents Act 1975 by submitting false financial statements for some years, constituting an offence involving dishonesty.”

Under Regulation 14(b) of the Travel Agents Regulations 2017, Sheen Yeow Travel submitted financial statements to STB each year. STB’s review of Sheen Yeow Travel’s submissions revealed concerns about the authenticity of the financial information provided.

Sheen Yeow Travel must refund all its existing customers or hand over its existing contractual obligations to licensed travel agents.

STB reiterated in its public statement that it “takes a serious view of errant travel agents and will not hesitate to take necessary actions to protect the reputation of Singapore’s travel industry.” 

(Source: STB)

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The portfolio deal, covering hotels in Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket, expands the JW Marriott brand and will introduce citizenM, Four Points by Sheraton, and Series by Marriott to Thailand for the first time.

Bangkok

JW Marriott Bangkok Sathorn – expected to feature 288 keys, the luxury hotel is slated to bring together refined hospitality and urban living, with enhanced well-being experiences offered through diverse sports and fitness facilities and a vibrant lifestyle hub, creating a welcoming environment where guests can recharge, reconnect and experience the energy of Bangkok.

CitizenM Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 will mark the brand’s debut in Thailand with 147 keys. Reflecting citizenM’s signature approach to modern hospitality, the hotel is expected to combine intuitive technology, bold contemporary design, genuine service and an exciting food and beverage venue in the heart of Bangkok’s Sukhumvit district.

Four Points Flex by Sheraton – three properties set to mark the brand’s entry in Thailand, strategically located across Bangkok. Four Points Flex by Sheraton Bangkok Sukhumvit 8 (162 keys), Four Points Flex by Sheraton Bangkok Sukhumvit 14 (130 keys), and Four Points Flex by Sheraton Bangkok Surawong (201 keys) are all located close to the city’s BTS skytrain network. 

Pattaya and Phuket

Marriott’s newest collection brand, Series by Marriott, is designed to deliver comfortable, approachable stays that celebrate each destination’s character while offering the reliability and consistency travellers value. Set to make its debut in Thailand, the brand is coming to two of the country’s most popular resort destinations with the 192-key Easy Planet North Pattaya, Series by Marriott, and the 142-key Easy Planet Phuket Patong, Series by Marriott.

This multi-property agreement builds on Marriott’s existing relationship with FICO Corporation, which spans four hotels in Bangkok under four distinct brands: Hotel Muse Bangkok, Autograph Collection; Marriott Executive Apartments Bangkok Townhall Sukhumvit; Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok Ploenchit Sukhumvit; and Metropole Bangkok, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel.  

(Source: Marriott International)

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The findings were presented to 1,000 delegates, including more than 200 travel and tourism CEOs and government leaders, attending WTTC’s annual summit.

WTTC’s latest outlook shows that, despite geopolitical and economic uncertainty, global travel and tourism is expected to grow by 2.5% in 2026, outpacing the wider global economy. Europe is forecast to perform even more strongly, with international visitor spending projected to increase by 5.8%, while leisure and business travel spending are expected to grow by 3.1% and 4.2%, respectively.

Travel & Tourism remains one of Europe’s most important economic sectors, supporting around one in 10 jobs across the region and creating opportunities for communities, businesses and destinations.

Globally, the sector contributed USD11.6 trillion to the economy last year, representing 9.8% of global GDP, and supported 366 million jobs – nearly one in every nine jobs worldwide. 

Despite significant geopolitical challenges, WTTC expects the sector to grow 2.5% this year, outpacing the global economy.

In Europe, the outlook is even stronger, with Travel & Tourism forecast to grow 3.1% in 2026. This is a sector that is ready to invest and innovate, but governments must create the right conditions – enabling seamless travel, strengthening connectivity, developing talent and supporting sustainable growth. The choices made today will determine how much of this opportunity Europe captures.

(Source: WTTC)

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Lufthansa will also resume its direct Frankfurt-Nagoya service and introduce an additional daily flight to Tokyo-Narita. 

SWISS is also expanding its capacity and offering more flights. As a result, Lufthansa Group airlines will offer 50 flights per week to Japan during the 2027 summer timetable, positioning itself as the leading European airline group serving Japan.

Lufthansa resumes Frankfurt–Nagoya service

For the 2027 summer flight schedule, Lufthansa resumes its Frankfurt–Nagoya route seasonally. The route is scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, starting 29 March 2027.

LH736 will depart Frankfurt at 1410  and arrive in Nagoya the following day at 0935. 
LH737 will depart Nagoya at 1130 and arrive in Frankfurt (Rhine-Main metropolitan area) at 1830.

Nagoya is one of Japan’s most important industrial and economic centres. Aichi Prefecture is the main centre for the country’s automotive industry and other manufacturing companies. Rich in samurai history, Nagoya also offers direct access to key destinations in the region, such as the ancient imperial city of Kyoto. Via Lufthansa’s Frankfurt hub, travellers from Nagoya can connect to numerous destinations in Europe and South America.

Daily service from Frankfurt to Tokyo-Narita

Lufthansa will launch a daily flight starting 28 March 2027.

LH710 departs from Frankfurt at 1345 and lands in Narita the following day at 0930. 
LH711 departs Tokyo-Narita at 1120 and lands in Frankfurt at 1840. 

With this daily service to Narita, Lufthansa is expanding its offerings for business and leisure travellers in the Tokyo metropolitan area on a seasonal basis for summer 2027. The airline also continues to fly daily from both Munich and Frankfurt to Tokyo-Haneda, the region’s second international airport.

Lufthansa will operate both routes with its Boeing 787-9 in the latest Allegris configuration — Lufthansa’s new premium cabin product — configured with 28 seats in business class, 28 seats in premium economy class, and 231 seats in economy class.

“Japan is a key market for the Lufthansa Group, and we are pleased to strengthen our presence with additional capacity and the resumption of flights to Nagoya, said Lufthansa Group Executive Board member and Chief Commercial Officer Dieter Vranckx. “Together with our expanded Tokyo services, these investments provide our customers with more travel options and support the continued diversification of our intercontinental network. As the leading European airline group in Japan, we remain committed to connecting people, cultures and economies between Europe and Japan.” 

More Japan connections 

SWISS is also expanding its service to Japan in the summer of 2027, with daily flights from Zurich to Tokyo-Narita.

In total, the Lufthansa Group’s hub airlines (Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, SWISS, and ITA Airways) will offer up to 50 weekly flights to four destinations in Japan in the summer of 2027 — Tokyo-Haneda, Tokyo-Narita, Osaka, and Nagoya.

(Source: Lufthansa Group)

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Travellers can discover this centuries-old tradition, its connection to the Royal Kathin ceremony, October rehearsals, and riverside viewing locations for this rare celebration of Thai culture, craftsmanship, and royal heritage.

Tradition centuries in the making

Thailand’s royal water processions date back to the Ayutthaya kingdom, when the river was the main road, and the monarch’s barge was a statement of power. Foreign envoys recorded the ceremonial fleets with awe, and the tradition passed to Bangkok after its founding in 1782. The great barges carved in this era became floating works of art, and some are still in use.

Each barge is carved from timber and covered in gold leaf, glass mosaic, and lacquer. They carry mythological names and prows shaped like Hindu-Buddhist creatures. The most famous is the Suphannahong, with a swan-like golden bow, which serves as the king’s vessel. The Narai Song Suban, built during King Bhumibol’s reign, is the only barge from his era. Wartime bombing and decades of decay left the fleet in poor condition, but it was restored, and the ceremonies were revived in the mid-twentieth century. Today the barges are kept at the National Museum of Royal Barges in Bangkok Noi.

Why it matters

The procession is a rare pageant, held only for significant occasions. It is tied to the Royal Kathin ceremony, when the monarch presents robes to Buddhist monks at the end of Buddhist Lent. The ceremony joins two pillars of Thai identity: monarchy and Buddhism.

This year’s procession is for the Royal Kathin Ceremony at Wat Arun Ratchawararam, as part of celebrations for Queen Suthida’s 48th birthday anniversary. Fifty-two barges will be manned by 2,200 Royal Thai Navy personnel, in five columns and three lines, forming a procession about 1,280 meters long and 90 meters wide. 

When and where

The main procession is on Friday, 6 November 2026. It departs from Wasukri Pier and travels past Phra Sumen Fort, Somdet Phra Pinklao Bridge, Siriraj Hospital, the Grand Palace and the Royal Thai Navy Auditorium before reaching Wat Arun Ratchawararam. It is expected to start in the afternoon, with viewing areas opening from around 3 p.m., so aim to arrive well before then.

Tickets and rehearsals

The Royal Thai Navy offered free tickets for designated riverside areas, but bookings closed on 16 September, with tickets to be collected in person by the end of September. That window has now closed. 

Rehearsals are a good alternative. Twelve rehearsals are scheduled until 28 October. You can watch the smaller sessions on 15 October from the riverbanks without a ticket. Full-dress rehearsals are scheduled for 21 and 28 October.

Best vantage points

Official viewing areas line both banks, so check your ticket or the latest announcements for access. Some popular vantage points, from north to south along the Chao Phraya embankments:

Rama VIII Bridge area: This is the northern end of the public viewing stretch, with open views of the fleet in formation, which suits photographers.

Phra Sumen Fort and Santichaiprakan Park: This riverside park in the old town is a pleasant place to settle in early, with the formation passing near its best.

Somdet Phra Pinklao Bridge: The fleet passes beneath it, and the elevated angle shows off the full column. Expect crowds.

Tha Chang and the Grand Palace side: Here the barges pass the palace walls. It is the most atmospheric stretch, and the most crowded.

Tha Tien and Wat Pho: A good place to watch as the fleet nears the finale, with Wat Arun directly across the water.

Wat Arun riverbank: This is the ceremonial destination, offering a dramatic backdrop at the end of the route, though access is likely to be restricted.

Riverside restaurants and hotel terraces near Wat Arun and the Grand Palace tend to fill quickly, so book early if you want a table with a view.

(Source: TAT)

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Starting 26 October, CEB will restore its direct flights between Cebu and Ho Chi Minh City with three weekly flights operating every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, giving travellers from Central Visayas a more convenient way to explore the rich history and culture of one of Vietnam’s largest cities.

On 17 November, CEB will operate three weekly flights between Cebu and Shanghai, China, scheduled on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, making it the only local airline to offer direct flights between the two cities. 

CEB will also launch direct flights between Cebu and Nagoya, Japan, four times weekly beginning 19 November with flights every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. 

Nagoya, the largest city in central Japan, is the third destination in Japan served directly from Cebu via CEB, after Tokyo-Narita and Osaka. CEB is also the only airline that offers direct flights between Cebu and Nagoya.

On 19 November, CEB is relaunching its direct flights between Clark and Hanoi, operating three times weekly — every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. CEB is the only airline to offer direct flights between Clark and Vietnam, making it easier for travellers from Central Luzon and nearby areas to fly directly to Hanoi without transiting through Manila.

CEB will resume direct flights to Xiamen, China,  beginning 23 November, operating a three-weekly service — every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The airline currently operates direct flights from Manila to Shanghai and Guangzhou.

CEB currently operates in 35 Philippine and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

(Source: Cebu Pacific)

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“Aviation is safer today than it was a decade ago. In that timeframe, fatal accident rates have improved from one accident per 3.5 million flights to one per 5.6 million flights,” said IATA’s Director of Safety Mark Searle, during the opening session of the IATA World Safety and Operations Conference 2026 in Istanbul.

“But 2025 still saw the loss of 394 lives in aviation accidents. Every fatality strengthens our resolve to do better. The next advance in safety will come from people, technology, and standards working together better as one resilient system.”

People: Fostering a strong aviation safety culture

Three priorities were identified to sustain and strengthen aviation’s safety performance as a new generation of aviation professionals brought up in the digital age rises in the workforce:

Structured knowledge transfer: Preserving decades of operational expertise through structured mentoring, training and succession planning.

Combining experience with new capabilities: Bringing together the operational knowledge of experienced professionals with the digital skills and artificial intelligence (AI) fluency of a new generation.

Protecting safety culture: Maintaining an environment in which people can report hazards, errors and near misses without fear, enabling the industry to learn, improve and prevent future incidents.

“We have spent decades building something genuinely rare: a positive safety culture in which people report their own errors, and mistakes become opportunities for everyone to learn from. That culture was nurtured deliberately over many years, and it is critical that, as one generation moves on, the next takes over the mantle and builds on what was done before,” said Searle.

Technology: Innovation must strengthen safety

The adoption of new technologies, including AI, should be assessed against three key tests:

Does it help safety professionals understand what is happening around them?

Does it support better decision-making?

Can the operation remain safe if the technology is unavailable or compromised?

“Technology can give us critical information that helps us identify risk earlier, understand it more clearly, and take action before an incident becomes an accident. But technology alone is never enough. The aviation system must remain resilient when technology is unavailable, degraded, or provides misleading information. The rise in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference is a reminder that technology must always be supported by redundancy, procedures, training, and human judgment,” said Searle.

Standards: Consistent Implementation drives safety

The strong safety performance of airlines on the IOSA registry demonstrates the value of common global standards backed by effective oversight. Despite this positive example, today many of aviation’s biggest safety challenges stem from inconsistent implementation and oversight, rather than a lack of global standards.

“The next step change in safety will not come from writing more standards. It will come from making sure the standards we already have are understood, implemented and overseen consistently, everywhere,” said Searle.

IATA identified three actions to strengthen global standards

Improve implementation and oversight by focusing limited resources on the highest-risk areas and ensuring standards are applied consistently across the aviation system.

Strengthen state compliance with international obligations, particularly on conflict zone risk information and accident reporting.

Keep standards relevant by simplifying, modernising and updating requirements to reflect changes in technology, operations and the regulatory environment.

“People, technology, and standards must reinforce one another. That’s true whether we are addressing runway safety, GNSS interference, conflict zones or accident investigations. When one of these pillars is weak, the resilience of the entire system is reduced,” said Searle.

(Source: IATA)

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“The Opera Wing has always captured the graceful neo-classical spirit of the Metropole. This refurbishment carefully preserves that character while introducing a brighter, warmer and more contemporary residential feel for today’s guests,” said Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi General Manager George Koumendakos.

The refurbishment breathes new life into the Opera Wing’s corridors, lift landings and accommodation across its Premium and Grand Premium Rooms and Prestige Suites.

While carefully preserving the wing’s neo-classical character and authentic timber finishes, the transformation introduces lighter palettes, refined fabrics, renewed furnishings and enhanced in-room comfort. New carpets, tailored curtains and refined details – including pearlescent mosaic bathroom finishes – create a calm, inviting experience defined by understated luxury.

Premium Rooms offer a contemporary feel in blue-green, grey and white. Wood furnishings have been refurbished and floors revarnished and polished, while lounge armchairs have been re-upholstered. 

Grand Premium Rooms present a brighter, warmer take on neo-classical elegance through a silver-and-adobe palette. Exquisite hand-tufted carpets, refined curtains and polished wood floors create a softer, more luminous atmosphere. Bathrooms feature walk-in shower stalls and polished marble surfaces.

Prestige Suites deliver a renewed sense of warmth, luxury and familiarity. The room now offers enhanced comfort with a new sofa. Bathrooms feature pearlescent mosaic and polished marble floors and walls.

Corridors and lift landings provide a contemporary welcome defined by symmetry and detail. Refreshed carpets, colours and furnishings bring a more modern feel to the Opera Wing. Floors 1-4 feature new wallpaper, painted doors and ceilings, and newly designed hand-tufted carpets; Club Floors 5-7 have new hand-tufted carpets and mint-green doors against white corridors. Lift landings are refreshed with new sofas, floor lamps, side tables and lift-car door finishes.

About Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
A prominent fixture in the heart of Hanoi since 1901, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has a long tradition as a luxury venue for prestigious events and a popular rendezvous for business and leisure travellers, including playwrights, ambassadors, royalty, and heads of state. The hotel has 358 rooms divided into two wings—the Heritage Wing, dating back to 1901, and the neo-classical Opera Wing. Three legendary suites are named after famous residents and visitors to the hotel (Graham Greene, Charlie Chaplin, Somerset Maugham).

(Source: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi)

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