Saturday, June 20, 2026
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LOT introduces flights to Almaty

SINGAPORE, 3 June 2026: LOT Polish Airlines has inaugurated a direct connection between Warsaw and Almaty on 1 June, making it the second destination in Kazakhstan in LOT’s network.

Flights operate four times per week in the summer and will reduce to three weekly flights during the winter season.

LOT Polish Airlines inaugurated direct flights between Warsaw and Almaty.

With this new connection, LOT strengthens its presence in Central Asia and offers passengers from Kazakhstan convenient transfers in Warsaw.

For many travellers, this will be their first opportunity to discover Kazakhstan’s largest city — a modern metropolis nestled at the foot of the Tian Shan Mountains. For many years, the region remained outside the mainstream of European tourism, but is now increasingly attracting the attention of business and tourist travellers, as well as digital nomads.

During the summer season, passengers will be able to enjoy LOT Polish Airlines flights to the former capital of Kazakhstan four times a week – on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Flights take off from Warsaw at 2240 PM. On the return leg, flights depart from Almatt every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 0920 local time. 

During the winter season, flights from Warsaw are reduced to three times a week — on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The return flights to Warsaw depart on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Flight time on the outbound route is around six hours and 30 minutes, and the return trip to Warsaw is approximately one hour longer, using Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

“The launch of operations to Almaty confirms the continued expansion of LOT Polish Airlines’ route network and the growing importance of the Central Asian region. This part of the world is playing an increasingly important economic and business role, and the new route is a response to the growing demand for direct connections between Europe and Kazakhstan. Almaty is a city that perfectly reflects the country’s modern spirit – a dynamic destination open to new investment opportunities and international cooperation. Thanks to our transfer hub in Warsaw, we can provide our passengers arriving from Kazakhstan with convenient access to LOT Polish Airlines’ extensive flight network, covering Europe and North America,” said LOT Polish Airlines Board Member Chief Commercial Officer, Robert Ludera.

At the  heart of modern Central Asia

Kazakhstan is the ninth-largest country in the world, the largest economy in the region, and one of the European Union’s most important trading partners in this part of the globe. Despite the relocation of the capital to Astana, Almaty remains the country’s financial and business centre where major banks and numerous international companies are headquartered.

Its strength lies not only in its economic importance, but also in its exceptional tourism potential. Few global metropolises can boast such a spectacular location nestled in southeastern Kazakhstan, at the foot of the Tian Shan Mountains. Within less than an hour of leaving bustling boulevards and cafes, travellers can enjoy mountain trails, resorts, and spectacular vista points located over 2,000 metres above sea level.

(Source: LOT Polish Airlines)

Summer travel scam alert

SYDNEY, 3 June 2026: QR code fraud, fake booking confirmations and “reservation hijacking” scams are becoming harder for travellers to spot, says Jürgen Himmelmann, travel expert at Global Work & Travel.

Holidaymakers are being warned to slow down before scanning QR codes, clicking booking links or entering card details, as travel scams become more convincing ahead of the summer rush.

Travel scams linked to QR codes, fake booking confirmations and “reservation hijacking” are gaining attention across travel media, with The Points Guy warning travellers about “quishing” scams and Reader’s Digest reporting that fake booking confirmations and travel updates are among the scams concerning US travellers this summer.

Himmelmann says the biggest risk is that these scams no longer look obvious. “The old idea of a travel scam was someone selling a fake tour on the street. The newer version is much harder to spot because it often looks like normal travel admin.

“A QR code in an airport, a hotel payment message, a flight rebooking link or a booking confirmation email can feel completely routine when you are tired, rushing or trying to get online abroad. That is exactly when people make quick decisions.

“The scam I would be most alert to this summer is what I call the four-tap scam. You scan, open, enter details and approve payment before you have properly checked who you are paying.”

Recent warnings have highlighted fake QR codes placed over legitimate ones, phishing messages that appear to come from trusted travel brands, and scams that use real booking details to trick travellers into making payments. Wired recently reported on “reservation hijacking”, where scammers use genuine booking information to make fake payment requests appear more credible.

Himmelmann says travellers should watch out for four common scams this summer:

Fake QR codes in airports, hotels and taxi ranks

Scammers can place stickers over genuine QR codes, sending travellers to fake payment pages or login forms.

Fake booking confirmation emails

These can appear to be from a hotel, airline, Booking.com, Expedia, or another travel platform, but the link directs travellers to a fraudulent payment or verification page.

“Reservation hijacking” messages

These use real details, such as your hotel name, travel dates, or booking reference, to make the scam feel legitimate.

Street-level distraction scams

Solo travellers remain vulnerable to “friendly chat” bar scams, bracelet scams, charm scams and fake donation approaches in busy tourist areas.

“The habit that defuses most of these scams is simple: do not act through the link or QR code in front of you. Open the official app, type the website into your browser, or go directly to the hotel, airline, or transport provider.

“If a message says your booking will be cancelled unless you pay now, that is the moment to pause, not panic. Genuine travel companies do not usually need you to make urgent payments through a random link.

“Travellers should also consider using a virtual card or a travel money card with spending limits, because it reduces the damage if details are compromised. Keep your main debit card away from unfamiliar payment pages while travelling.”

Travel insurance may not always cover losses from authorised card payments, phishing attempts, or scams in which the traveller has willingly entered their details, so holidaymakers should check the policy wording before they travel.

“A lot of people assume travel insurance covers every bad thing that happens on holiday. It does not. If you transfer money to a scammer or enter your card details on a fake site, your first point of contact is usually your bank, not your insurer.

“That is why prevention matters. The safest travellers this summer will be the ones who treat every payment link, QR code and urgent booking message as something to verify first.”

About Global Work & Travel
Founded in 2008, Global Work & Travel is headquartered on the Gold Coast, Australia, and has offices in the UK and Canada. It curates 60 culturally educational travel experiences to over 30 countries.


(Source: Jürgen Himmelmann, travel expert at Global Work & Travel: https://www.globalworkandtravel.com).

Trip.com awardees take home cash grants

SHANGHAI, 3 June 2026: Trip.com Group’s 2nd Tourism Innovation Awards honoured 10 standout projects across five categories – Museum, Theme Park, Architecture & Engineering, Resorts, Events & Shows, during the company’s Envision 2026 event last week.

Each project received a USD60,000 grant under the group’s USD100 million Tourism Innovation Fund, presented during Envision 2026. 

Trip.com Group Co-founder and Chairman James Liang.

This year’s winners included Universal Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort, recognised for setting a new benchmark in immersive theme park technology, and the Almaty Museum of Arts (Kazakhstan), honoured for opening up a major new cultural destination at the heart of one of the world’s fastest-growing travel frontiers. Other projects in London, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Bangkok, and Shanghai were also honoured.

Singapore

Mandai Wildlife World (Mandai Wildlife Reserve): Honoured in the Resorts and sustainable innovation categories. It was recognised as the world’s first integrated destination deeply combining wildlife conservation with high-end eco-resort experiences. Trip.com spotlighted its “Conservation + Vacation” model—notably the Mandai Rainforest Banyan Tree resort, which elevates its entire structure to preserve native mature trees—alongside its “Ultra-Low Energy Consumption” design certification and the sprawling Rainforest Wild Asia park.

Bangkok

Jurassic World: The Experience (Bangkok): Honoured in the Theme Park / Immersive Entertainment category. Located at Asiatique The Riverfront, this 6,000-sqm attraction is Southeast Asia’s first officially licensed experience space from Universal Pictures. It was awarded for its innovative shift away from static exhibitions, instead using advanced animatronic technology, cinematic lighting, and a moving narrative that lets visitors walk through a live recreation of Isla Nublar.

Other winners

Shanghai 

Shanghai, host city for Envision 2026, recognised initiatives that highlighted cutting-edge, community-driven content ecosystems and the integration of immersive mega-events — such as its massive race-weekend tourism packages — thereby redefining how inbound travellers experience the city.

LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort was officially named an Innovation Contribution Award winner.

Abu Dhabi

TeamLab Phenomena: Celebrated as an experiential digital art landmark on Saadiyat Island, blurring physical and digital boundaries with real-time responsive installations.

Zayed National Museum: Honoured for its striking architecture featuring solar-thermal “falcon wings” that seamlessly combine national symbolism with sustainable engineering.

London

ABBA Voyage: Honoured in the immersive technology/entertainment category for its groundbreaking digital avatar concert experience.

Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station: Recognised for its massive cultural pop-culture impact and viral appeal that continues to drive global fan tourism.

Trip.com Group, Co-founder and Chairman James Liang commented: “Travelling is about experiencing something new, and innovation is the spark that turns imagination into journeys and curiosity into discovery. We established the Tourism Innovation Awards to champion and empower pioneering minds shaping the future of travel. The brilliant trailblazers we’re recognising this year from across the globe highlight the incredible potential that emerges when technology and creative vision come together to reimagine what is possible.

“Innovations like these, and the countless innovators who drive travel forward, are the reason our industry — and humanity — will continue to thrive as we move towards the future with ceaseless steps and boundless creativity.”

Latest product line-up

Trip.com Group also highlighted how innovation is being applied across its own platforms, products and services, with new capabilities rolling out across its core business units during Envision 2026.

Flights: Launched new integrated services such as Online Check-In, while AI-driven market intelligence equips airline partners with sharper signals to optimise operations.

Hotels: One-click personalisation and smart carts generate 10,500 incremental room nights and 4,000 multi-room bookings daily.

Trains: A one-stop multi-modal rail platform is driving 50% year-on-year growth in rail-flight cross-sell, with expanded integration across rail providers in Europe.

Attractions & Tours: Smart Ticketing Solutions, including Self-Service Ticket Machines at high-traffic attractions, have served over 1 billion users across eight markets since their 2024 launch.

Trip.Biz: AI agents now auto-approve low-risk corporate travel requests with a 98%+ approval rate, and Trip.Biz covers the cost if its AI makes a mistake.

Content & Community: AI-powered influencer matching now connects merchants with the most relevant creators for their audience, helping partners convert inspiration into demand and discovery.

(Trip.com Group)

Air India Express links Bengaluru and Phuket

DELHI, 3 June 2026: Air India Express has commenced four weekly direct flights between Bengaluru and the popular southern Thailand island resort of Phuket. 

The inaugural flight departed from Bengaluru on 1 June, marking the launch of the new service and providing travellers with convenient access to Phuket, renowned for its beaches, nightlife, bustling markets, and rich cultural heritage.

Photo credit: Air India Express.

Flights depart from Bengaluru on Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday using a Boeing 737 MAX 8 with 176 seats. Flight time is three hours and 45 minutes.

This launch further expands the airline’s footprint in Thailand, complementing the Bengaluru–Bangkok service introduced last October.

Air India Express operates nearly 500 weekly flights from Bengaluru, offering direct connectivity to 31 domestic and eight international destinations. This expansion is part of the airline’s continued focus on strengthening international connectivity from key Indian metros to high-demand leisure destinations across Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Air India Express was recently honoured as ‘Airline of the Year’ in both the Domestic and International categories at Bengaluru Airport’s Pinnacle Awards. The airline also received the Domestic Connectivity Award at Wings India 2026, constituted by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in collaboration with the Airports Authority of India and FICCI, recognising its role in enhancing connectivity and expanding access to air travel across India.

Through its recently launched campaign, ‘Xpress Wali Baat Hai’, featuring acclaimed actor Pankaj Tripathi, Air India Express highlights the airline’s signature experience, including comfortable seating, ‘Gourmair’ hot meals, warm Indian hospitality, and a growing network that enhances connectivity across domestic and international destinations.

(Source: Air India Express)

Escape Longer with Centara Karon Villas Phuket

BANGKOK, Thailand, 1 June 2026: Centara Karon Villas Phuket invites travellers to experience more with its Escape Longer in Phuket offer. Guests who book three consecutive nights pay for only two, creating more time to relax in tranquillity within this serene villa-only retreat.

From now until 31 July 2026, for stays until 20 December 2026, guests looking to extend their travels further can take advantage of Stay 6, Pay 4, Stay 9, Pay 6, or more. Villa stays are further elevated by a selection of curated inclusions, including daily breakfast served in the private villa lounge, afternoon tea, evening cocktails, and a complimentary minibar refill once per day.

Set against Phuket’s lush hillside, this recently opened property combines contemporary modern architecture with a strong sense of space for discerning couples, families, and long-stay travellers seeking comfort and privacy. Each modern villa is designed with soft, flowing lines and a calming palette, complemented by generous indoor and outdoor living areas, while private plunge pools and spa-inspired bathrooms further enhance the sense of exclusivity.

Beyond the villas, guests enjoy full access to three expansive swimming pools, each with its own distinct atmosphere and swim-up bar, as well as a lively lagoon pool featuring waterslides, a children’s water playground, and daily activities. A vibrant Kids’ Club caters to both younger guests and teenagers with games, creative programmes, and dedicated attendants, while a selection of restaurants offer relaxed dining throughout the day. For those seeking wellness and relaxation, Spa Cenvaree provides rejuvenating treatments inspired by Thai, Ayurvedic, and modern therapies.

Blending privacy, thoughtful design, and a full-service resort experience, Centara Karon Villas Phuket is conveniently located just 400 metres from the powder-soft sands of Karon Beach, with cafés, shopping areas, and local attractions all within easy reach.

For more information and to book the ‘Escape Longer in Phuket’ offer, please visit: https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centara/ckv.

About Centara
Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 90 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Vietnam, Laos, Japan, Nepal, 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. 

(Source: Your Stories — Centara Hotels & Resorts)

Dusit makes June a Well-Fest 2026

BANGKOK, Thailand, 1 June 2026: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, Dusit International’s global portfolio of luxury retreats, wellness resorts, lifestyle hotels, and contemporary city stays, is inviting guests worldwide to slow down, reconnect, and restore balance through Well-Fest 2026.

The month-long celebration of restorative wellness experiences is inspired by Global Wellness Day and designed around the evolving needs of today’s travellers.

Running throughout June under the theme “Reset I Reconnect I Reignite,” the campaign, now in its 5th year, continues to evolve alongside changing travel behaviours worldwide, as more travellers seek experiences that support emotional well-being, better sleep, mindfulness, meaningful connection, and healthier lifestyles alongside traditional leisure experiences.

Across participating Dusit Hotels and Resorts worldwide, guests will be invited to begin the day with sunrise yoga, mindful movement sessions, and sound healing rituals; savour wellness dining experiences celebrating locally sourced ingredients; explore restorative sleep experiences; and reconnect through curated activities ranging from ice baths and floating sound therapy to family wellness workshops and moonlight storytelling.

The celebration comes amid continued global growth in wellness tourism. According to the Global Wellness Institute’s 2025 Global Wellness Economy Monitor, the global wellness economy reached a record USD6.8 trillion in 2024 and is projected to approach USD10 trillion by 2029.

“At Dusit, well-being is a key component of the stay experiences we curate across each of our brands, from lifestyle-focused ASAI Hotels in vibrant neighbourhoods to secluded ultra-luxury Devarana Dusit Retreats,” said Florence Jaffre, Corporate Director of Wellness and Kids’ Experience, Dusit International. “Today’s travellers are increasingly looking for experiences that help them slow down, sleep better, feel mentally lighter, reconnect with family and friends, and return home feeling genuinely restored. Well-Fest celebrates this and reflects our commitment to creating experiences that feel restorative and meaningful across all our properties.”

The Well-Fest 2026 programme is structured around three interconnected themes inspired by Devarana Wellness, Dusit’s group wellness concept:

• Reset – encouraging rest, mindfulness, recovery, and deeper balance.

• Reconnect – creating opportunities for shared experiences, community, and meaningful connection.

• Reignite – inspiring movement, creativity, vitality, and renewed energy.

The campaign also explores wellness through three lifestyle dimensions increasingly shaping modern hospitality experiences: mindful sleep, nourishing food, and revitalising play.

Experiences will vary across destinations and brands, allowing participating properties to reflect local culture, wellness traditions, culinary heritage, and guest preferences through distinctive programming, with packages and pricing tailored by property.

Selected properties will also offer a Well-Fest Pass, featuring priority access to workshops and activities, depending on the property.

In Thailand, the Michelin Key-recognised luxury flagship, Dusit Thani Bangkok, will offer holistic wellness journeys that combine mindful dining, restorative sleep experiences, sound healing, spa treatments, fitness, and personalised wellness rituals inspired by Thai healing traditions. Meanwhile, Dusit Thani Hua Hin will offer experiences including “Fire & Frost Retreat” sessions that combine Muay Thai and ice baths, “Sunset Floating Sound Healing,” and family-focused wellness activities. At the same time, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket will offer guided cycling journeys, mindful beach walks, wellness-focused dining, and creative wellness activities inspired by nature and local culture.

In the Maldives, Dusit Thani Maldives will invite guests to reconnect with nature through floating sound bath experiences, Ayurvedic-inspired wellness dining, and ocean adventures exploring the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll.

In Japan, the Michelin Key-recognised Dusit Thani Kyoto will offer immersive wellness experiences inspired by nature and seasonality, including its “Dusit Farm Retreat” programme, WATSU healing sessions, and sound bath therapy designed to encourage deeper connection and relaxation.

Elsewhere across the portfolio, guests can also explore experiences such as “Rope Flow” movement sessions at Dusit Thani Manila, “Sunrise Reset” wellness rituals, and “Bedtime Story – Moonlight Tale” evening experiences at Dusit Hotel Le Palais Tu Hoa Hanoi, alongside additional wellness experiences inspired by local culture, movement, mindfulness, and meaningful connection.

The initiative reflects a broader transformation taking place across hospitality, where wellness is increasingly woven into the overall stay experience rather than treated as a standalone spa offering. This philosophy sits at the heart of Devarana Wellness, Dusit’s group wellness concept.

Well-Fest 2026 starts today, 1 June, and continues through 30 June 2026 at participating Dusit Hotels and Resorts worldwide.

For more information and a list of participating destinations, visit www.dusit.com/well-fest/.

(Source: Your Stories — Dusit Hotels & Resorts)

Tourism Malaysia inks one-year campaign with SQ

KUALA LUMPUR, 1 June 2026: Tourism Malaysia and Singapore Airlines signed a Memorandum of Understanding last week to strengthen joint tourism promotions and international market outreach.

The partnership underscores a shared commitment to promoting Malaysia as a preferred travel destination and to improving cross-border access by leveraging Singapore Airlines’ extensive global network across key markets in Europe, Australia, and the Asia-Pacific.

Tourism Malaysia and Singapore Airlines signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a new milestone in strengthening joint tourism promotions and international market outreach.

This partnership also supports Malaysia’s aviation and tourism recovery by strengthening regional hub connectivity through Singapore.

Tourism Malaysia Director General Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim said: “With global travel demand continuing to rebound, this collaboration with Singapore Airlines comes at a critical time as we accelerate efforts towards Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) and beyond. Through this MoU, we aim to amplify Malaysia’s visibility in high-yield markets, enhance connectivity, and roll out impactful joint campaigns that will stimulate demand and drive quality tourist arrivals into the country.”

Singapore Airlines, Regional Vice President South East Asia Louis Leonard Arul said: “Singapore Airlines’ partnership with Tourism Malaysia reinforces our strong commitment to Malaysia’s tourism growth and global connectivity. Through this MoU, we will align our efforts in key overseas markets with targeted campaigns and promotional initiatives that showcase Malaysia’s rich heritage, warm hospitality and stunning natural beauty. Leveraging Singapore Airlines’ extensive global network and seamless connectivity via Singapore, we aim to bring more visitors to Malaysia from around the world, supported by our industry-leading cabin products and world-class service.”

The MoU, effective as of May 2026, is valid for one year, strengthening the partnership between Tourism Malaysia and Singapore Airlines to increase tourist arrivals, reinforce the momentum of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), and sustain growth into 2027.

(Source: Tourism Malaysia)

LOT adds summer flights to Mediterranean islands

SINGAPORE, 1 June 2026: LOT Polish Airlines launched on 30 May flights from its home base, Warsaw, to Crete and Mallorca, two popular summer destinations in the Mediterranean.

Flights to both destinations operate three times per week during the summer season, providing convenient access to two Mediterranean islands famed for their beaches and rich local culture.

Photo credit: LOT Polish Airlines flies to Mallorca and Crete.

The seasonal flights connect Warsaw with two popular Mediterranean destinations — Heraklion, Crete, and Palma de Mallorca, Mallorca.

Flights on the Warsaw-Mallorca route operate three times per week – on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. 
Flight LO447 departs from Chopin Airport at 1135 with the return flight LO448 scheduled at 1550. 

LOT Polish Airlines’ flights from Warsaw to Heraklion are also three times a week, on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays. 
On Mondays and Saturdays, flight LO619 departs from Warsaw Airport at 1145, with the return flight LO620 scheduled for 1640 local time. On Fridays, the departure to Heraklion is scheduled for 1020, and the return flight to Warsaw for 1520.

The two summer routes allow passengers to travel directly from Warsaw to some of the most popular Mediterranean islands. 

Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is one of the most popular Greek holiday destinations, offering a blend of history, culture, and relaxation by the Mediterranean Sea. 

Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the Balearic Islands, has long remained one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe, attracting tourists with its picturesque beaches, charming old town, and well-developed tourist infrastructure.

Tickets are available through all sales channels, including the airline’s website and mobile app, as well as LOT travel agents.

(Source: LOT Polish Airlines)

AWS powers up Thai Immigration App

BANGKOK, 1 June 2026: Amazon Web Services (AWS), which built and hosts the Thailand Immigration Management System (THIM), the country’s first web and mobile application for national immigration management, confirmed the rollout last week of the pilot version.

Developed by Digital Identity Co Ltd in partnership with the Thailand Immigration Bureau, THIM leverages AWS cloud services to modernise Thailand’s immigration process to welcome more than 30 million visitors annually.

Photo credit: AWS.

Now available for download as part of a pilot, THIM is designed to help travellers save time and complete their arrival card in just three minutes, offering a more convenient and streamlined border experience by reducing wait times at checkpoints.

For the first time, international tourists visiting Thailand can complete their arrival registration digitally before they land. The app currently supports English, Russian, Japanese, and Chinese languages, with plans to add more languages in the coming months.

“Thailand’s immigration system serves approximately 30 million international tourists annually, and it is our responsibility to ensure that every traveller’s experience at our borders reflects the modern, welcoming nation we are. THIM positions Thailand at the forefront of Southeast Asia’s digital immigration transformation through a national mobile platform. By embracing cloud technology, we have reduced processing times significantly while strengthening our national security capabilities,” said Immigration Bureau Deputy Commissioner Police Major General Pratya Prasarnsuk.

“The border is Thailand’s front door,” said Digital Identity Co Ltd CEO Natakorn Tanachaihirun.

“We built THIM to make sure it’s wide open and secure at the same time. This is just the beginning of what a cloud-native services centre can do for the Immigration Bureau and the millions of travellers it serves.”

Powering faster borders

THIM’s architecture leverages AWS services deployed in the AWS Asia Pacific (Bangkok) Region and is underpinned by three pillars.

  • Document verification: Using AI-powered optical character recognition (OCR), text is extracted from passports to support e-KYC workflows
  • Compute and orchestration: Amazon EC2 for scalable compute capacity, Amazon EKS for containerised workloads, and Elastic Load Balancing for high availability – especially important during peak travel periods
  • Security and compliance: Amazon GuardDuty for continuous threat detection, AWS Security Hub for centralised security posture management, and AWS Key Management Service (AWS KMS) and AWS Certificate Manager (ACM) for end-to-end encryption of and secure communications between systems to ensure data security for sensitive traveller data, such as passport numbers

“Across Southeast Asia, we’re seeing a fundamental shift in how governments think about digital infrastructure, not as a back-office upgrade, but as a strategic enabler of national competitiveness and citizen trust,” said AWS Thailand Country Manager Vatsun Thirapatarapong.

“THIM is a proof-point that when you pair visionary leadership with world-class cloud technology, you can deliver outcomes that once seemed mutually exclusive: a seamless traveller experience and stronger national security, achieved together.”

THIM is designed to serve as a comprehensive digital services centre for the Immigration Bureau, with planned capabilities to facilitate appointment bookings, e-Extension, issuance of transaction-related certification documents, and other immigration-related digital services. 

Visitors can download the app on the Apple and Android stores.

(Source: Amazon Web Services)

AAPA releases April traffic results

KUALA LUMPUR, 1 June 2026: Preliminary April 2026 traffic figures released last week by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed stable international passenger demand, with growth moderating amid heightened geopolitical and economic uncertainties.

Asia Pacific airlines carried a total of 32.4 million international passengers in April, broadly unchanged from the same month last year. In revenue passenger kilometre (RPK) terms, demand nevertheless increased by 3.3% year-on-year, reflecting relatively firmer traffic on longer-haul routes. 

Available seat capacity increased by a marginal 1.4% year-on-year, as sharply higher fuel costs constrained growth. As a result, international passenger load factors remained high, averaging 84.8% for the month, up by 1.6 percentage points.

Meanwhile, the conflict in the Middle East led to supply chain disruptions and higher prices, prompting accelerated stockpiling as businesses and consumers sought to secure products ahead of further cost increases. This, in turn, lent support to growth in the air cargo market. International air cargo demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), increased by 4.1% year-on-year in April. Offered freight capacity expanded by 4.4%, resulting in a 0.2 percentage point decline in the average international freight load factor to 60.5% for the month.

Commenting on the results, AAPA Director General, Wong Hong, said: “International passenger traffic continued to show resilience in April, supported by sustained demand on longer-haul routes. Overall, Asia Pacific airlines carried a combined total of 135 million international passengers during the first four months of the year, representing a 5.1% increase compared to the corresponding period last year.”

“Meanwhile, the start of the second quarter saw accelerated expansion in global manufacturing activity, with increased purchases of consumer and intermediate goods driving demand for air shipments. Growth in April helped lift international air cargo demand during the first four months of 2026 to 5.3%.”

Wong Hong added: “The conflict in the Middle East continues to add volatility to energy markets, keeping jet fuel prices elevated and further intensifying cost pressures for airlines. In April, jet fuel prices rose to an average of US$165 per barrel, reaching levels last seen in 2022 following the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war.”

Looking ahead, Wong Hong said: “Despite signs of the conflict easing, growing macroeconomic uncertainty, coupled with inflationary pressures, continues to weigh on the outlook for both passenger and air cargo markets in the months ahead. Nevertheless, Asia Pacific airlines remain vigilant in managing costs and carefully deploying capacity to optimise yields and profitability in this challenging operating environment, without compromising safety standards.”

(Source: AAPA)