BANGKOK, 17 March 2026: Thai Airways International is adding a special round-trip flight between Bangkok and Paris on 18 March 2026 to help alleviate the situation of stranded passengers and meet increasing travel demand.
Photo credit: THAI.
Tickets are available for booking. The flight details are as follows:
Route: Bangkok – Paris (round trip), operating on 18 March 2026
TG8690: BKK – CDG 0105 – 0750 (local time)
TG8691: CDG – BKK 1100 – 0430 (the following day)
The special flight is in addition to the airline’s scheduled daily service, which departs Paris at 1230 and arrives in Bangkok at 0600 the following morning. The airline deploys B777-300s with 339 seats on the route.
Meanwhile, the airline confirmed it is raising fares by 10% to 15% on routes to Europe to cover surging fuel costs and a longer flight path (northern route) that avoids the Middle East conflict. It is also reacting to overwhelming demand on European routes by implementing dynamic pricing to determine fare increases.
The round-trip fare for Thai Airways (THAI) on the Paris (CDG) to Bangkok (BKK) route is approximately THB45,846. The round-trip fare for Thai Airways (THAI) on the Bangkok (BKK) to Paris (CDG) route is approximately THB 48,660. On routes to Europe, economy fares on THAI flights range from THB32,900 to THB38,000.
Air France: Fares on the BKK-CDG route are slightly more competitive than Thai Airways, with fares starting around THB31,500. However, last-minute bookings for late March are trending closer to THB50,000.
Fuel Surcharges: THAI has already begun adjusting its fuel surcharges within the limits set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). The airline has indicated that if oil prices continue to climb, surcharges will rise.
Demand for direct flights to Europe has spiked, with cabin factors reaching 80 to 90% as travellers avoid connecting through Middle Eastern hubs. Additionally, rerouting flights to bypass conflict zones has slightly increased fuel consumption.
THAI is advising travellers to book early as fares may continue to rise.
SINGAPORE, 17 March 2026: Digital travel platform Agoda analysed accommodation search data for domestic travel in India for the recent Holi week*, revealing a rise in travel interest compared to last year in destinations such as Jaipur, Udaipur and Vrindavan.
Alongside temple towns and heritage cities, India’s domestic travellers showed interest in destinations that offer opportunities to participate in festivities and share cultural moments.
Visual created using Google Gemini [2026]: Holi Festival, a colourful community celebration.
Rajasthan’s Pink City, Jaipur, known for its grand palace-led Holi celebrations and home to the iconic Amer Fort, registered a 282% increase in accommodation searches compared to the Holi period last year.
Udaipur saw a 233% rise in travel interest, as visitors look to experience lakeside Holi festivities set against the backdrop of Lake Pichola, with heritage hotels and boutique stays hosting curated celebrations.
Pushkar, the revered pilgrimage town, saw a 195% increase in searches, attracting travellers drawn to its vibrant street gatherings and community-led celebrations unfolding around Pushkar Lake and its 52 bathing ghats.
In the north, Vrindavan draws travellers to its temple courtyards where flower Holi ceremonies, bhajans and traditional festivities create an immersive spiritual celebration, recording a 126% rise in travel interest.
Mathura recorded a 109% increase in interest, attracting visitors keen to witness Holi in the birthplace of Lord Krishna, where temple rituals and traditional street celebrations bring the festival to life.
Moving south, Hampi saw a 128% rise in searches, as its UNESCO-listed ruins and open temple squares transform into lively Holi gatherings that appeal to culture and history enthusiasts. S
Shanti Niketan in West Bengal, known for its Basanta Utsav, a distinctive cultural interpretation of Holi centred around music and art, registered a 43% increase in travel interest. These destinations saw a collective 211% rise in travel interest.
International interest also added to the trend. Udaipur recorded a 459% increase in searches from across Asia compared to the previous year, while Jaipur saw over 191% growth in travel interest. Travellers led the rise in interest from Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Japan and South Korea.
Agoda Country Director, Indian Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands Gaurav Malik said: “Holi has evolved into a key travel moment for both domestic and international visitors. India’s cultural festivities continue to strengthen the country’s global appeal, drawing travellers to plan their trips around distinctive local experiences. The growing interest in temple towns and heritage cities reflects how cultural calendars influence travel decisions. At Agoda, we aim to simplify holiday planning by bringing together a diverse mix of stays, flights, and experiences, helping travellers make the most of their time during special occasions like Holi.”
As festivals like Holi continue to shape travel behaviour, Agoda provides access to a wide range of accommodations across price points and property types, alongside flights and activities that can be booked together in one place. With over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, travellers can plan complete trips with ease. Discover the latest deals on the Agoda mobile app or visit Agoda.com for more information.
*Holi is one of India’s most beloved occasions, famously known as the “Festival of Colours.” It marks the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. It’s a day when the streets turn into a massive, colourful canvas. Holi in 2026 was celebrated on Tuesday, 3 March.
KUALA LUMPUR, 17 March 2026: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) officially crowns Johor as Malaysia’s Favourite Destination for the upcoming MATTA Fair in April 2026.
The fair, set to be held from 3 to 5 April 2026 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur, showcases a remarkable breadth and diversity, reflecting MATTA’s continued and collective commitment to strengthening the industry.
The MATTA Fair returns on an even larger scale with its April edition. Covering a vast 40,820sqm across 10 halls, the fair features 2,043 booths to date, bringing together 330 participating organisations. The heart of the fair lies in the impressive lineup of exhibitors, which includes 210 tour and travel agencies, six national tourism organisations (NTOs), 11 local state tourism organisations (STOs), 63 hotels and resorts, one participating airline, 11 theme parks, and 28 other travel-related service providers.
Johor: Favourite destination
Known as the Jewel of the South, Johor continues to sparkle with its well-known cultural beauty and attractions. Its strategic location near the Singapore border also makes it an accessible gateway for travellers.
In 2025, the state* recorded 25 million foreign visitors. As of January this year, 1.91 million visitors were recorded, with Singaporeans accounting for approximately 78% of arrivals, highlighting the strong and enduring travel link between the two neighbours. *Jabatan Imigresen Negeri Johor.
“This partnership was a welcome and timely collaboration. Johor has always held a special place on the Malaysian travel map. In recent years, we have seen growing interest from both domestic and international travellers eager to rediscover what the state has to offer. Through this fair, we hope to amplify that drive and inspire our visitors to experience the vibrant culture of Johor,” said MATTA President Nigel Wong.
“In conjunction with Visit Johor Year 2026, we are honoured that the state has been recognised as Malaysia’s Favourite Destination for the MATTA Fair April 2026. This recognition reflects the growing interest among travellers to rediscover Johor and experience the diversity of attractions the state has to offer,” said Johor’s Director of Tourism Mohammad Nazrul Abd Rahim.
The Johor Pavilion, located at Level 1, Domestic Hall [1C01], during the upcoming MATTA Fair, will showcase Johor’s tourism offerings presented by various industry players, including hotels and resorts, travel agencies, and tourism product operators from across the state. Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase attractive travel deals and book the best-value holiday packages offered exclusively at the MATTA Fair.
Throughout the three-day fair, the Johor Pavilion will also highlight the rich culture and heritage of Bangsa Johor through cultural performances and interactive activities. Visitors can enjoy traditional showcases, engage in heritage-themed experiences, and participate in exciting activities at the pavilion, including lucky draws and other interactive programmes.
Johor will also introduce several new tourism experiences and attractions. Among the highlights are upcoming destinations such as Muzium Tokoh, Kompleks Warisan Sultan Abu Bakar and Kampung Sungai Melayu, alongside revitalised recreational destinations and cultural experiences that celebrate Johor’s unique heritage, nature and community-based tourism.
To ensure a smooth visitor experience, MATTA Fair offers free admission and is open from 1000 to 2100 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the complimentary shuttle services from KL Sentral and Sunway Putra Mall to MITEC. For those driving, parking facilities are available at the MITEC South Entrance Basement, MITI basement, MATRADE open parking, Kompleks Mahkamah KL open parking, The MET basement, MET 1 basement and MET 9 open parking.
BANGKOK, 17 March 2026: A new international music collaboration titled ‘Magical Mongolia’ has been released by the creators of The Isan Project, a musical initiative known for blending Western beats with traditional Asian instruments.
The project’s founder and Executive Producer, Will Robinson, first gained recognition more than a decade ago for fusing modern electronic rhythms with the distinctive sounds of Thailand’s Isan region. After recording two albums in Bangkok, including the popular track “Thailand Amazing Thailand,” Robinson was invited to Mongolia by sponsor Jack Lui.
During his visit, Robinson travelled from Ulaanbaatar to the Ara Folk Festival in Arkhangai Province, a nine-hour journey through Mongolia’s vast landscapes. The festival, surrounded by mountains and open countryside, brought together traditional musicians and cultural performers celebrating Mongolian heritage.
The experience proved deeply inspiring. Following the festival and meetings in Ulaanbaatar with several leading figures in Mongolia’s cultural and business community, Robinson quickly wrote the lyrics for a new song titled ‘Magical Mongolia’. He then shared the idea with his long-time collaborator and co-writer, Daniel Ryan.
The project soon evolved into an international production involving musicians from several countries. Legendary Mongolian performers The Baatar, Badma Badamkhand and Batzorig Vaanchig recorded their parts in Ulaanbaatar at New Nomad Records with Mongolian co-producer Demi Batmunkh Suren. Additional contributions came from drummer Erik Hargrove in Singapore, guitarist Livingstone Brown, and vocalist Sonia Rele in London. The soundtrack was ultimately mastered at the renowned Abbey Road Studios in London by Christian Wright.
Will (left) with Jack Lui – the project soon evolved into an international production.
Over the past decade, The Isan Project has also supported tourism promotion through music and video releases, previously encouraged by Thailand’s former Minister of Tourism and Sports, Weerasak Kowsurat. The team continues to explore new collaborations, including regional projects celebrating culture and travel across Asia.
MANILA, 17 March 2026: IHG Hotels & Resorts is bringing back one of its iconic luxury brands to the Philippines with the signing of the InterContinental Manila.
Scheduled to open in 2032, the 212-key hotel will mark InterContinental’s return to the Philippines capital after more than 15 years.
Photo credit: IHG. Exterior rendering of InterContinental Manila.
InterContinental Manila will be located in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) – also known as Global City or The Fort – a 240-hectare master-planned district that has transformed from a former military base into Metro Manila’s most modern business hub. BGC is home to the Philippine Stock Exchange, leading multinational corporations, and some of the country’s tallest landmarks.
The hotel will offer an all-day dining restaurant, a signature speciality restaurant, a bar, and versatile meeting and event spaces; a ballroom, function rooms, and meeting rooms. For relaxation and wellness, the property will feature a fully equipped health club and spa, along with an outdoor swimming pool and a poolside bar.
IHG Hotels & Resorts Managing Director, Southeast Asia & Korea, Vivek Bhalla said: “The InterContinental brand has a storied history in Manila, having first opened in the city in 1969, and for 46 years it was a symbol of luxury and a hotel icon.”
IHG is partnering with Keyland Corporation, Philippine Realty and Holdings Corporation and Greenhills Properties Inc to bring InterContinental back to Manila.
InterContinental Manila will join a global portfolio of more than 240 IHG hotels and resorts, alongside a growing pipeline of two properties for the brand in the Philippines and 104 hotels globally. This year, InterContinental will celebrate its 80th anniversary.
KUALA LUMPUR, 17 March 2026: Malaysia Airlines has extended the temporary suspension of its Doha (DOH) services until 20 March 2026, following an escalation in military strikes in the Persian Gulf.
The Doha service was initially suspended from 28 February 2026 due to airspace closures affecting the region. The airline said in a statement that it continues to closely monitor the situation through ongoing risk assessments and relevant Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs) before resuming operations.
Photo credit: Image generated by Gemini AI.
The airline is also increasing widebody capacity between Asia and Europe to support onward journeys and reunite families, with direct flights operating on alternative routes that avoid affected regions.
All other services, including Jeddah (JED) and Madinah (MED) in Saudi Arabia, London (LHR) and Paris (CDG), continue to operate as scheduled.
In travel advisories, the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Wisma Putra) recommends citizens defer non-essential travel to several Middle Eastern countries, including Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and the UAE.
The airline recommends that passengers update their contact details via the “My Booking” portal on its website to ensure timely notifications.
SINGAPORE, 17 March 2026: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its 2025 Annual Safety Report, demonstrating a solid year of safety performance.
The all-accident rate of 1.32 per million flights (one accident per 759,646 flights) was better than the 1.42 recorded in 2024 but slightly above the 2021-2025 five-year average of 1.27.
There were 51 accidents in 2025 among 38.7 million flights. That is fewer than the 54 accidents among 37.9 million flights in 2024, but above the 2021-2025 five-year average of 44 accidents.
There were eight fatal accidents in 2025. That is more than the seven fatal accidents recorded in 2024 and the five-year average of six fatal accidents.
There were 394 onboard fatalities in 2025, more than the 244 fatalities reported in 2024 and the five-year average of 198.
“Flying is the safest form of long-distance travel. Accidents are extremely rare, and each one reminds us to be even more focused on continuous improvement through global standards and collaboration guided by safety data,” said IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh.
“The result of that effort is clear in how the five-year rolling average rate for fatal accidents has improved. A decade ago, the rate was one fatal accident per 3.5 million flights (2012-2016). Today, there is one fatal accident for every 5.6 million flights (2021-2025).
“Flying is so safe that even one accident among the nearly 40 million flights operated annually moves the global data. Every accident is, of course, one too many. The goal for aviation remains zero accidents and zero fatalities.”
Key insights
The most common accidents in 2025 were tail strikes, landing gear events, runway excursions, and ground damage. This underscores the importance of safety measures for take-off, landing, and ground handling. Notably, there were no loss-of-control in-flight (LOC-I) accidents in 2025. It is the second time this has been achieved (previously in 2020) and is significant as LOC-I is a leading cause of fatalities.
Airport facilities contributed to 16% of accidents in 2025. This reinforces the need to fully respect global standards for runway safety areas, frangible installations within safety zones, and the effective mitigation of hazards such as runway surface contaminants, inadequate markings or lighting, and obstacles within protected areas or near runways.
“Airport infrastructure and runway environments play a critical role in accident outcomes. In several events, rigid obstacles near runways increased accident severity, likely turning otherwise survivable occurrences into fatal ones. All airports and regulators should continuously review runway safety areas and the structures near runways for compliance with global safety standards,” said Walsh.
IOSA airlines: Airlines on the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) registry had an all-accident rate of 0.98, significantly lower than the 2.55 recorded by non-IOSA carriers. The all-accident rate of IATA member airlines was 0.72 per million flights, significantly lower than the 3.09 for non-IATA members. All IATA member airlines capable of being audited under IOSA are on the IOSA registry.
Fatality risk, which measures the potential for loss of life, increased to 0.17 per million flights, higher than 2024 (0.06) and the five-year average (0.12). A small number of fatal accidents drove the increase in fatality risk. For example, Air India 171 (with 241 fatalities) and PSA Airlines flight 5342 (with 64 fatalities) accounted for over 77% of all loss of life on board aircraft in 2025.
SINGAPORE, 17 March 2026: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection introduces its Winter 2027–2028 itineraries across Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific aboard Evrima, Ilma, and Luminara.
Sailing from October 2027 to May 2028, the season features more than 60 voyages and introduces 14 new ports of call. The season broadens the brand’s global presence across key regions, pairing established destinations with small, lesser-visited harbours.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection — Ilma
As part of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s upcoming Winter 2027–2028 season, Evrima will sail throughout the Hawaiian Islands and the South Pacific before returning to the Caribbean, while Ilma will complement visits to beach towns and tucked-away anchorages with a total of 27 ports. Luminara will return to the Asia-Pacific region, where its voyages will connect its bustling capitals and emerging seaside towns.
South Pacific — aboard Evrima
Evrima will sail a series of journeys spanning the South Pacific and beyond. An extended season in the region allows for deeper discovery, including inaugural calls to the coral atolls and lagoons of Rangiroa and Fakarava in French Polynesia, as well as the lush mountains and islets scattered across Rarotonga and Aitutaki in the Cook Islands.
Flexible Caribbean voyages on Ilma
Spanning 27 ports across the Caribbean, the upcoming winter season aboard Ilma is thoughtfully designed around flexibility and seamless access. Miami, San Juan, and Oranjestad serve as convenient turnaround ports for itineraries throughout the region. St. Barths remains a highlight with frequent stops across the season, while an expanded collection of three- and four-night round-trip voyages from Miami and San Juan creates new opportunities for spontaneous long weekends and effortless escapes to destinations such as Great Exuma and Key West.
Asia-Pacific itineraries aboard Luminara
Luminara features itineraries across Asia-Pacific. An 11-night voyage from Hong Kong to Tokyo includes an inaugural call in Kaohsiung, where waterfront promenades and lively night markets reflect southern Taiwan’s cultural vibrancy, as well as a visit to Ishigaki, Japan.
In Southeast Asia, a new seven-night sailing from Bangkok to Singapore debuts in Bintan, offering access to a secluded Indonesian archipelago known for its white-sand beaches and crystalline waters.
The season will also feature a slate of longer itineraries of up to 14 nights, designed to capture the region’s contrasts and depth. A Hong Kong-to-Singapore voyage will underscore this balance of urban energy and coastal elegance, combining overnight visits to Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City for deeper exploration of each city’s restaurants, fashion, and nightlife with beachside moments and direct ocean access from the yacht’s Marina in Koh Kood and Koh Samui.
Similarly, Tokyo round-trip voyages will offer a rich view of Japan beyond its major cities through off-the-beaten-path calls, including Hakodate for its seafood culture, Otaru for its scenic canal and glass ateliers, and Aomori for contemporary art and the apple-harvest season.
Bookings are now open for Winter 2027–2028 itineraries.
BANGKOK, 16 March 2026: Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld remains a preferred choice in central Bangkok for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions, offering flexible event spaces, quality accommodation and seamless access in the city’s central business district.
Rising above the Ratchaprasong intersection and directly connected to CentralWorld shopping complex, the 59-storey hotel and convention centre is designed to meet the needs of international and regional event organisers, corporate groups, and business travellers alike. Just a short walk from both Siam and Chidlom BTS Skytrain stations, and approximately 45 minutes from Suvarnabhumi Airport, the property’s location is among its greatest strengths.
Purpose-Built for business events
Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld is one of the largest and most advanced facilities in the city centre, accommodating groups from 10 to over 6,000 guests. The venue features a 5,250-square-metre pillarless convention hall with a 13.5-metre-high ceiling, large pre-function space, and a flexible stage setup suitable for conferences, exhibitions, banquets, and concerts.
Adjacent to the convention centre, the 960-square-metre World Ballroom provides a second major venue for high-level business events, gala dinners, and corporate celebrations. For breakout sessions, workshops or executive meetings, 26 meeting rooms are available, including fully equipped boardrooms and 15 Lotus Suites ranging from 58 to 412 square metres.
Advanced audio-visual systems, high-speed internet, and on-site technical and planning teams support all venues. Customised event packages, including catering from the hotel’s culinary team, are available to ensure each event runs efficiently from start to finish.
Accommodation and amenities
Centara Grand’s 505 guest rooms and suites, including nine Executive Club floors, are designed for today’s business traveller, offering integrated smart technology, dedicated workspaces, and comfort. Club-level guests enjoy access to an exclusive lounge and personalised services for added convenience. Beyond the room, the hotel supports work-life balance with wellness and leisure facilities, including the Lifestyles on 26 Fitness Centre, Spa Cenvaree, and a pool with panoramic views.
Photo 3
The hotel also offers a range of dining options to suit every occasion – from all-day international favourites at Ventisi to Mediterranean cuisine and skyline views at Red Sky, as well as halal Arabic cuisine. For corporate hosting or private gatherings, a selection of exclusive venues is available. In the evenings, guests can unwind with Spanish-inspired dishes at UNO MAS, sunset drinks at CRU Champagne Bar, Red Sky Bar or a late-night visit to COCOA XO, the rooftop bar dedicated to chocolate and cognac. For casual meetings or a quiet break between sessions, guests can visit Tea & Tipple on the 23rd floor for coffee, premium teas, a full bar, and afternoon tea service, or stop by Mill & Co in the lobby for fresh juices, pastries, and light refreshments.
With direct access to Bangkok’s largest lifestyle mall – CentralWorld – guests can explore over 700 retail and dining outlets, including Michelin-rated restaurants, international fashion brands, and convenient services.
Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld has been recognised for its consistent excellence in the MICE sector, having received multiple awards, including Best Meeting Hotel in Thailand. For event planners seeking a centrally located, full-service venue with proven capability, Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld continues to set the benchmark for MICE events in Bangkok’s city centre.
About Centara Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 84 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Vietnam, Laos, Japan, Oman, Qatar and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands – Centara Reserve, The Centara Collection, Centara Grand, Centara, Centara Life and COSI Hotels – ranging from luxury island retreats and upscale family resorts to affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology. Find out more about Centara at www.CentaraHotelsResorts.com.
NEW DELHI, 16 March 2026: Air India and Air India Express together operated a total of 80 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from the West Asia region over the weekend.
The two carriers continued to operate their respective scheduled services to and from Jeddah and Muscat, with 10 flights to and from Jeddah and eight scheduled flights to and from Muscat, respectively.
Additionally, Air India operated one round-trip from Delhi and two round-trips from Mumbai to Jeddah. At the same time,e Air India Express flew a round-trip from Kozhikode and Mangaluru to Jeddah.
Air India Express also operated scheduled services to Muscat, including one round-trip each from Delhi, Kochi, Kozhikode and Mumbai.
In addition to the scheduled services, Air India and Air India Express flew 62 non-scheduled flights to and from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia. These flights were completed with the requisite permissions from the relevant Indian and local regulatory authorities.
All Air India flights to and from North America, Europe, Australia, and other regions continue to operate as scheduled.
Guests booked to travel on any of the routes where Air India group’s scheduled services remain temporarily suspended may rebook to a future date at no additional charge or opt for a full refund.
Air India guests are advised to raise their rebooking or cancellation requests on the airline’s website: Air India.
Air India Express guests booked to travel from any station in the UAE can rebook their flights without additional charges on Air India Express’ additional commercial flights operating from any UAE station to any destination in India.
Air India and Air India Express are proactively reaching out to impacted guests using the mobile numbers registered with the airline to provide rebooking options. Guests are requested to ensure their current and active mobile numbers are updated with the airline to receive these important notifications.
Air India Express guests with active bookings can also rebook their flights through the airline’s AI‑powered digital assistant Tia, available on WhatsApp at +91 63600 12345.
Air India Group is exploring opportunities to operate additional ad hoc flights to and from destinations in West Asia.
Summary: Scheduled, non-scheduled, and suspended flights
