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LOT returns to Bangkok after 26-year hiatus

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BANGKOK, 12 October 2026: LOT Polish Airlines reintroduced direct scheduled flights from Warsaw, Poland, to Bangkok on 7 October after a 26-year gap, serving cities in Southeast Asia.

The inaugural flight lasting 10 hours and 20 minutes was operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Bangkok is the latest long-haul Asian destination in LOT Polish Airlines’ route network flying from its home base at Warsaw’s Chopin Airport.

For years, Bangkok has remained one of Asia’s most attractive and promising destinations and has been served by seasonal ad hoc charter flights since the airline ended scheduled flights in 2000. The launch of direct flights from Warsaw marks another step in strengthening LOT’s presence in Southeast Asia, offering a new connection that will help deepen ties between Poland and Thailand.

LO65 departs Warsaw for Bangkok on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 1545  

Photo credit: LOT Polish.

LO66 from Bangkok to Warsaw will depart on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 0905. 

With the start of the winter season on 26 October, flights will increase to five times a week, and from 2 November, flights to Bangkok will operate six times a week (no flight on Fridays). During this period, the departure time from Warsaw will also change from 1545 to 1445. 

Return flights to Warsaw will depart daily at 0905, except on Saturdays. For the summer season — 28 March to 28 October 2027 — the airline will maintain three flights weekly to the Thai capital.

The return of flights to Bangkok marks a new chapter in this route’s history, which dates back to 1977, when LOT Polish Airlines launched its first scheduled service to the Far East, connecting Warsaw with Bangkok. Initially, flights included stopovers, with the Warsaw–Dubai–Mumbai–Bangkok route operated using Ilyushin Il-62 aircraft. As the fleet expanded and LOT introduced Boeing 767 aircraft, it launched direct flights to Thailand but suspended regular service from Warsaw in March 2000 to allow route expansion in North America.

(Source: LOT Polish)

Air Astana launches direct flights to Oman

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SINGAPORE, 12 October 2026: Air Astana will launch direct services from Almaty and Astana to Salalah, Oman, on 23 and 24 October 2026, respectively. 

Air Astana will operate both routes once weekly with an Airbus A320.

Flights from Almaty will operate on Fridays, departing at 1005 and arriving in Salalah at 1515.
The return flight departs at 1625 and arrives in Almaty at 2255. 

From 30 October, the departure time from Almaty changes to 0730, arriving in Salalah at 1240. The return flight departs Salalah at 1350 and arrives in Almaty at 2020.

Flights from Astana will operate on Saturdays, departing at 0835 and arriving in Salalah at 1440. The return flight departs at 1600 and arrives in Astana at 2325. All times are local.

Return fares from Almaty start at USD536 in economy class and USD1391 in business class. From Astana, return fares start at USD596 in economy class and USD1371 in business class.

Tickets are available on the airline’s website and mobile app as well as accredited travel agents.

(Source: Air Astana).

WTTC: Europe’s travel outpaces global economy outlook

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SINGAPORE, 9 October 2026: Travel & Tourism is forecast to grow 3.1% across Europe in 2026, continuing to outperform the wider economy and exceeding the sector’s 2.6% growth recorded last year, according to the latest research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), released at WTTC’s 26th Global Summit hosted in Valletta, Malta, 7 to 9 October.

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

Photo credit: WTTC. WTTC’s Global Summit opening press conference, 7 October.

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)

Marriott expands in Thailand

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BANGKOK, 9 October 2026: Marriott International Inc signs an agreement with FICO Corporation to add seven hotels (1,200 keys) to the hotel group’s Thailand portfolio.  

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.

Rendering of JW Marriott Bangkok Sathorn.

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)

2027: How Singaporeans shape their travel plans

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SINGAPORE, 9 October 2026: Global travel app Skyscanner has launched its Travel Trends 2027 report, revealing seven key trends shaping Singaporeans’ travel behaviour. 

The annual travel trends report launched alongside a list of next year’s best-value destinations and key shifts expected in the travel industry.

Photo credit: Skyscanner. Skyscanner Singapore’s Travel Trends 2026

In a fragmented and often overstimulating world, travellers increasingly seek value not just in what they spend, but in what they gain. Whether that means unplugging completely, journeying for an exclusive purchase, maintaining a workout routine on the road, or chasing a favourite sound across borders, getaways now mirror how we choose to live.

And despite broader consumer spending slowing and global economic tides shifting, travel demand remains positive – with 89% of Singapore travellers planning to travel as much, if not more, in 2027. Instead of sacrificing trips, holidaymakers are adapting by prioritising what matters most to them, including finding authentic local experiences (37%), seeking convenience and familiarity (37%), and keeping costs low (36%). 

Cost remains the bottom line for those aged 17 choosing their next travel destination – the most important deciding factors are accommodation budgets (51%) and airfares (51%).

In an uncertain world where travel remains fluid and malleable due to world events, travellers are being more cautious by allocating more budget to travel insurance (32%), protecting themselves from unforeseen circumstances that may affect their travel plans. 

Seven trends shaping travel in 2027

1. Signal severance: 80% of Singapore travellers are somewhat able to disconnect during their travels to different extents. Driven by digital fatigue, constant connectivity, and Singapore’s fast-paced work culture, travellers are logging off during their holidays to be more attuned to themselves. As more people want to unplug, trending digital detox spots like Yining, China (+193% Year-on-Year) and Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (+84% Year-on-Year) are seeing rising demand. 

2. Pilgra-merch: The best keepsakes are the ones you must travel to secure. Travel Trends 2027 research found that Singapore travellers are building itineraries inspired by distinctive regional apparel, artisanal crafts and location-exclusive items. Over one in two (56%) take a trip specifically for items they can’t buy online.

3. Sound bound: Music has become one of the biggest drivers of global travel, but beyond stadium tours, regional sounds and local culture are driving destination choices. Cultural immersion is a priority, as one in five (18%) state cultural immersion to be the most important factor when planning a music-related trip. Traditional concert venues and carnival experiences also rank highly for both Gen Z (41% and 37%) and Millennials (31% and 34%).

4. Currency chasers: Savvy spenders can make their money go further in 2027 by actively matching destinations to take advantage of positive foreign exchange rates. Nearly half (44%) of travellers, including 55% of Gen Z and 49% of Millennials, have switched destinations to take advantage of better exchange rates, directly influencing destination choices.

5. Multi-mooning: Having just one honeymoon is no longer the trend for young couples in Singapore. Couples are spreading romance across a series of meaningful escapes, from mini-moons just after the wedding to dream trips years later. 31% of travellers (rising to 45% of Gen Zs) now opt for multiple “mini-moons” to celebrate their wedding rather than a single traditional honeymoon. Popular multi-moon destinations include Udaipur, India and ⁠⁠Qingdao, China, which have seen 119% and 105% Year-on-Year growth in searches, respectively.

6. Grand odysseys: In a fast-paced world, the world’s oldest stories inspire us to travel and be closer to ancient heroes, mythology and cultures. Films like The Odyssey have inspired 38% of travellers to plan a trip, while half (54%) were inspired by architectural wonders (e.g. Pompeii, the Parthenon, and the Colosseum).

7. Gym-cation: Health and fitness travel is inspiring people to seek out destinations where staying active and prioritising protein-rich healthy choices is as easy as sightseeing. Over two-thirds of Gen Z (78%) are more likely to book a hotel which serves a nutritious breakfast, and 32% of Gen Z travellers prefer hotels with gyms and are willing to choose one hotel over another if the fitness offering is better. Bangkok, Mumbai, New York, Phuket, and Seoul top the list of destinations for global travellers using Skyscanner’s hotel gym filter. 

Trending and best value destinations

Skyscanner’s experts highlighted 10 destinations seeing the biggest year-on-year search surges to help travellers experience the buzz while they’re still largely undiscovered. Belitung in Indonesia has come out on top, with a massive 388% increase Year-on-Year as adventurous travellers look past traditional capitals for untouched sandy beaches. 

For travellers looking to stretch their holiday budget further in 2027, Skyscanner’s experts have tracked the top destinations where airfares have fallen the most year-on-year, coupled with competitive accommodation pricing. Chicago, US, claims the top spot for value, leading the list with a massive 47% price drop, offering an affordable gateway to neighbourhood jazz clubs and world-renowned festivals. 

Horizons: The future of travel

Travel Trends 2027 research suggests that rising costs aren’t stopping travellers from getting away, but they are making for smarter planners and spenders. Instead of cutting back on the number of getaways, travellers are focusing their budgets on where it matters most, which for Singapore travellers means seeking authentic local experiences (37%).

For trip inspiration, human connection still beats bots. YouTube, Instagram and TikTok lead as the top sources of holiday ideas (58%, 48% and 39%), comfortably beating out AI chatbots and tools (19%). This is stronger for Gen Z, as they tend to trust recommendations from their friends (58%) and family (57%) the most. 

To read more about the Travel Trends 2027, check: Skyscanner Singapore’s Travel Trends 2026.  

(Source: Skyscanner)

Catch a bargain fare on Vietjet

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SINGAPORE, 9 October 2026: Vietjet rolls out a special sale until 10 October 2026, with SGD86 promotional Eco tickets and 20% off Deluxe base fares. 

The promotion comes as the airline expands its international network with new services to Prague (Czech Republic) and Almaty (Kazakhstan), as well as the upcoming launch of its Ho Chi Minh City–Maldives service via Colombo (Sri Lanka).

Photo credit: Vietjet.

From now until 10 October 2026 (GMT+8), travellers can grab Eco tickets from just SGD86 one-way (including taxes and fees) and a 20% discount on Deluxe base fares on Singapore–Vietnam routes when booking via the airline’s website and mobile app. 

The promotion applies to travel through to 30 September 2027 (blackout dates may apply) and is also available for Vietnam domestic routes and Vietjet’s other international services.

The extended travel period gives Singapore travellers more flexibility to plan year-end holidays, short getaways to Vietnam’s Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang, Phu Quoc or trips further afield in 2027. 

Singapore travellers will also have another direct Vietnam option from December with Vietjet’s new Singapore–Nha Trang service, offering easier access to the coastal destination known for its beaches, island excursions and resort stays.

Vietjet is also launching its Hanoi–Almaty and Hanoi–Prague routes on 10 October 2026, expanding its network into Central Asia and Europe. Later this month, two more services will commence, connecting Ho Chi Minh City with Clark in the Philippines and Chiang Mai in Thailand. 

In addition, Vietjet’s new Ho Chi Minh City–Maldives service via Colombo is scheduled to launch on 5 December 2026, further strengthening Vietjet’s presence in South Asia and expanding its international network. 

With three round trips per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, the new service will give travellers more options to reach the Maldives via Ho Chi Minh City, while opening up possibilities for multi-destination holidays combining tropical island getaways with Vietnam’s vibrant cities, culture and cuisine. 

(Source: Vietjet)

STB revokes travel agency licence

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SINGAPORE, 9 October 2026: The Singapore Tourism Board has revoked the travel agent licence of Sheen Yeow Travel Pte Ltd (TA 03330) under the Travel Agents Act 1975. 

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.

Photo credit: STB.

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)

TAT confirms annual reshuffle

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BANGKOK, 9 October 2026: The Tourism Authority of Thailand confirms its annual management reshuffle, with two new deputy governor appointments and three portfolio changes, effective from 1 October 2026.

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said the appointments support TAT’s direction for 2027 under “The Year of Transformation”, as the organisation takes on a more integrated role across Thailand’s tourism ecosystem. 

Photo credit: TAT. From left to right:
Kittipong Prapattong, Deputy Governor for Digitalisation, Research and Development;
Parichart Boonclai, Deputy Governor (appointed October 2026);
Suphida Onbanchong, Deputy Governor (appointed October 2026);
Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, Deputy Governor;
Akkarawit Tapasith, Deputy Governor

Promoted to deputy governors

Suphida Onbanchong has been appointed Deputy Governor for Administration, following her role as Executive Director of the Governor’s Office.

Parichart Boonclai has been appointed Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, following her role as Executive Director of the Marketing Services Department.

Assignment changes

Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai has been appointed Deputy Governor for the Domestic Market, formerly Deputy Governor for International Marketing Asia and the South Pacific.

Kittipong Prapattong has been appointed Deputy Governor for International Marketing Asia and the South Pacific, formerly Deputy Governor for Digitalisation, Research and Development.

Akkarawit Taphasit has been appointed Deputy Governor for Digitalisation, Research and Development, formerly Deputy Governor for Administration.

Three deputy governors continue in their current portfolios:

Chiravadee Khunsub, Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa; 
Nat Kruthasoot, Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business;
Chuwit Sirivajjakul, Deputy Governor for Policy and Planning.

(Source: TAT)

MH seals more codeshares with China Southern

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KUALA LUMPUR, 9 October 2026: Malaysia Airlines and China Southern Airlines have extended their codeshare partnership to cover five more routes between Malaysia and China. 

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

Photo credit: MAG. From left: Nasaruddin A Bakar, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) and Han Wensheng, President of China Southern Airlines.

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)

Air India and SQ upgrade partnership

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NEW DELHI, 9 October 2026: Air India (AI) and Singapore Airlines (SG) have announced the launch of the first phase of initiatives under their Commercial Cooperation Framework Agreement, which was signed in January 2026.

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. 

Photo credit: Air India/Singapore Airlines.

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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