SINGAPORE, 24 April 2026: Air Astana Group continues to strengthen its position as a transit hub in Central Asia, having a 65% increase in international transit passenger traffic travelling via Kazakhstan in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year.
Since the beginning of 2026, total transit traffic has exceeded 137,000 passengers, while international transit traffic has surpassed 48,000 passengers. The growth in transit flows has been driven by the development of the route network and reallocation of capacity from the Middle East towards Seoul, Bangkok, Phuket, Phu Quoc, Male, Istanbul, Delhi, Tashkent and Tbilisi.
Photo credit: Air Astana.
In 2026, the airline launched direct flights from Almaty to Shanghai, plans to introduce new routes from Astana to Guangzhou (China), Larnaca (Cyprus), and Dalaman (Turkey), and is also increasing frequencies on existing routes, including to Seoul and several other international destinations.
About Air Astana Group Air Astana Group is the largest airline group in Central Asia and the Caucasus regions by revenue and fleet size. It operates a fleet of 63 aircraft, split between Air Astana, its full-service airline, which launched in 2002, and FlyArystan, its low-cost airline established in 2019.
BANGKOK, 24 April 2026: Rising jet fuel costs are reshaping airline strategies worldwide, forcing some carriers to cut capacity while others focus on efficiency and optimisation.
The Lufthansa Group has announced a sweeping reduction in its European flight schedule, confirming that up to 20,000 short-haul flights will be cancelled by October as soaring jet fuel costs force a strategic rethink across its network.
The decision highlights a growing divide in global aviation strategy, where some carriers are cutting capacity to protect margins, while others are tightening operations to extract greater efficiency from existing fleets.
Swiss International Air Lines, owned by parent The Lufthansa Group, is targeting fuel savings of approximately 40,000 tonnes through the cuts.
For Lufthansa, the trigger is clear. Jet fuel prices have surged amid continued instability in the Middle East, placing intense pressure on operating costs.
The reductions are concentrated on underperforming short-haul routes, particularly from Frankfurt and Munich. Since 20 April, around 120 flights per day have been removed from schedules, with further adjustments expected through the summer season. Regional routes across Europe, including services to Poland and Norway, are among the most affected.
To maintain connectivity, the Lufthansa Group is strengthening its hub strategy. Traffic is being consolidated through major European gateways, including Zurich, Vienna, Brussels, Rome, Frankfurt and Munich. This approach allows the airline to preserve access to its global network while reducing duplication and improving load factors.
Additional cost-saving measures are already in motion. The group has confirmed the closure of its regional subsidiary, CityLine, and the cancellation of selected long-haul services by its leisure carrier, Edelweiss Air, including routes to Denver and Seattle. The overall direction is clear—fewer flights, fuller aircraft, and tighter operational control.
(representative image)
While Lufthansa retrenches, a contrasting strategy is emerging in Asia. Thai Airways is pursuing a disciplined growth-and-optimisation model aimed at maximising revenue per seat rather than cutting capacity outright. The airline is actively consolidating its network, refining schedules, and targeting an average load factor of 82% in 2025.
Central to this approach is fleet flexibility. Thai Airways is aligning aircraft types with specific route demand, ensuring that capacity more precisely matches passenger volumes. The introduction of newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft, such as the Boeing 787-9 and the Airbus A321neo, is also improving cost performance while supporting sustainability goals.
Route optimisation plays a critical role. The airline is focusing on high-demand corridors and strategic connections, allowing it to increase passenger throughput without significantly expanding infrastructure. The reopening of routes such as Samui to Kuala Lumpur reflects a targeted effort to capture regional and connecting traffic flows.
Operational efficiency is further enhanced through improved utilisation rates. Aircraft are being deployed more intensively across profitable routes, increasing daily productivity while maintaining service levels. Early indicators suggest strong performance, with some routes achieving cabin factors of 80 to 90% and overall averages of approximately 82.5%.
Cargo operations are also being refined. Thai Airways is improving yield through better load management and specialised container usage, while also considering freighter conversions to maximise belly capacity. Although freight load factors have softened slightly in early 2025, the airline is positioning cargo as a complementary revenue stream rather than a primary driver.
These measures are delivering tangible results. The airline has reported a significant improvement in financial performance, including a sharp increase in profitability during the first quarter of 2025. Its fleet is projected to expand to more than 100 aircraft by 2026, supporting a gradual but controlled growth trajectory.
The contrast between Lufthansa and Thai Airways illustrates a broader shift in the aviation landscape.
In Europe, where markets are mature and competition is intense, rising jet fuel costs are prompting consolidation. Airlines are reducing frequencies, cutting marginal routes, and funnelling traffic through major hubs to maintain efficiency.
In Asia, where demand growth remains strong, airlines are focusing on optimisation rather than contraction. By refining networks, improving fleet utilisation, and targeting high-demand routes, carriers can sustain expansion while managing costs.
For travellers, the implications are mixed. In Europe, reduced flight frequencies may mean fewer direct options and longer journey times. In Asia, improved load factors could lead to busier flights but more stable route availability.
At a global level, the message is clear. Jet fuel remains the single most critical cost driver in aviation, and its volatility is reshaping how airlines plan, operate and compete.
The Lufthansa cuts represent a defensive response to external pressure. Thai Airways, by contrast, demonstrates how disciplined optimisation can deliver growth even in a challenging environment.
As geopolitical uncertainty continues to influence energy markets, airlines worldwide are likely to follow one of two paths. Cut capacity to protect margins, or refine operations to maximise efficiency.
Either way, the era of easy expansion is over. The future of aviation will be defined not by how much airlines fly, but by how intelligently they do it.
About the Author Andrew J Wood is a Bangkok-based travel writer and respected authority on travel and tourism, who has lived in Thailand since 1991. A past President of Skål Asia and long-standing industry leader, he writes widely on hospitality, travel and tourism trends across Asia.
SAMUI ISLAND, 23 April 2026: Centara Reserve Samui has been honourably placed 9th among the Top 10 Best Resorts in Thailand in the DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, a distinction awarded by discerning international travellers across the region.
This recognition reinforces the resort’s continued focus on delivering a considered and immersive stay, where design, service, and culinary experiences are aligned to create a seamless sense of place.
Set along the shoreline of Samui Island, Centara Reserve Samui combines contemporary architecture with natural surroundings, allowing open space, light, and landscape to shape the guest experience. Each element — from accommodation and dining to wellness and service — is designed to operate with clarity and restraint, rather than excess.
The Readers’ Choice Awards by DestinAsian reflect the preferences of experienced travellers, recognising properties that consistently deliver quality, attention to detail, and a strong sense of identity. Being named among Thailand’s leading resorts underscores Centara Reserve Samui’s position within the region’s evolving luxury hospitality landscape.
At the centre of the experience is a commitment to thoughtful hospitality – where service is intuitive, environments are carefully composed, and each stay is shaped to feel both effortless and considered.
This latest accolade strengthens Centara Reserve Samui as a destination for travellers seeking a more measured and refined expression of timeless island living.
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.
DELHI, 23 April 2026: Air India rolls out a new interline partnership with WestJet, Canada’s leading leisure carrier, to boost connectivity between India and North America beyond Toronto and Vancouver.
The partnership enables single-ticket itineraries combining Air India and WestJet flights, offering smoother journeys, coordinated baggage handling, and simplified journeys for travellers.
Photo credit: Air India.
Through this partnership, Air India guests travelling to Toronto or Vancouver can take onward connections on WestJet to 17 Canadian cities and 14 U.S. cities, namely:
Canadian cities: Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Winnipeg, Halifax, Ottawa, Regina, Saskatoon, Kelowna, St. John’s, Prince George, Victoria, Fort St. John, Terrace, Cranbrook, Comox, Nanaimo
US cities: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Detroit, Orlando, Phoenix, Tampa, Nashville, Las Vegas, San Diego, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Springs, Santa Ana, Fort Myers.
Halifax, Calgary and St John’s are also accessible via Air India’s
European gateways at Amsterdam (Schiphol), Paris (Charles de Gaulle), London (Heathrow), and London (Gatwick).
Air India Chief Commercial Officer Nipun Aggarwal commented: “Canada continues to be a key market for Air India, driven by strong people‑to‑people ties and increasing trade between our nations. By partnering with WestJet, we are making travel across North America more accessible and effortless for our guests, with coordinated baggage handling, single‑ticket convenience, and a far wider choice of destinations.”
Air India currently operates 17 weekly direct flights to Canada, including 10 weekly services to Toronto and daily services to Vancouver.
Through its European gateways, which provide connections on WestJet flights to Canada, Air India operates 75 weekly services, including 49 to London (Heathrow), five to London (Gatwick), 14 to Paris (Charles de Gaulle), and daily to Amsterdam (Schiphol).
Interline itineraries are available for booking on Air India’s website, mobile app and through travel agents worldwide.
SINGAPORE, 23 April 2026: Tour East Singapore (1996) Pte Ltd will relocate its office premises on 8 May 2026 as part of continued organisational growth and commitment to enhancing operational effectiveness and service delivery.
In the company’s official notice on the change of address, Managing Director & General Manager Kei Satho noted that Tour East contact numbers, email addresses, and services will remain unchanged.
SINGAPORE, 23 April 2026: Two new British Airways routes took to the skies on Sunday, as the first flights to St. Louis, Missouri, in the US, and Guernsey in the Channel Islands departed from London
St Louis became the 27th US destination to join the British Airways network, as the inaugural flight to the ‘Gateway to the West’ landed.
Photo credit: British Airways.
British Airways is the only UK airline to offer direct flights to St Louis, in a launch that coincides with the 100th anniversary of Route 66, which runs through the city, and the country-wide celebrations for 250 years of American Independence. With nearby Kansas City serving as one of the World Cup host cities, St Louis is also an easy jumping-off point for fans heading to the action this summer.
British Airways operates four weekly flights from London Heathrow Terminal 5 for the summer season. The route is operated by a Boeing 787 fleet that is currently being fitted with Starlink, the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky. Customers have a choice of three cabins — World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and Club World (business class).
Guernsey in the Channel Islands also joined the British Airways route map on Sunday, becoming the only direct flight connecting the picturesque island to London Heathrow. The route operates daily, throughout the year.
British Airways Chief Planning and Strategy Officer Neil Chernoff said: “It’s always a proud moment when we see a new route take to the skies, after months of careful planning. These two new destinations offer our customers even more choice and opportunities to explore, whether that’s across the Atlantic to America’s mid-West, or a short hop off the coast to the Channel Islands, there’s a breadth of options for travellers looking to get away this summer holiday season.”
Later in the summer, British Airways will also launch flights to Tivat in Montenegro, a scenic coastal town on the Bay of Kotor. Seasonal flights to Tivat start from London Heathrow Terminal 3 on 14 May 2026, and operate three times weekly.
KUALA LUMPUR, 23 April 2026: Batik Air slashes 35% off its economy Value and Flexi fares for bookings from now until 30 April 2026. Travel is valid through to 31 January 2027.
Both fares include complimentary date changes — one-time for Value and unlimited for Flexi (fare difference applies). A baggage allowance of up to 25kg improves the travel offer.
Travel is booktagle to a wide network of destinations, including Sydney, Shanghai, Bali, Phuket, Colombo, Bangkok and New Delhi.
Bookings are open through the airline’s website and mobile app.
BANGKOK, 23 April 2026: Hai Au Aviation has suspended its seaplane sightseeing service since 1 April, according to a report in ICS Travel Group’s latest newsletter emailed to partners worldwide earlier this week.
In its April product update, ICS, a regional tour company, noted that the seaplane’s scenic flights had served international travellers to Halong Bay for more than a decade.
Photo credit: Vietnam Seaplane Tours. Halong Bay flights say goodbye.
“Travellers booked the flights for a memorable excursion that offered panoramic views of limestone karsts rising from the bay’s emerald waters,” the ICS newsletter stated.
ICS Travel Group noted that “the pause mainly comes from operational adjustments and updated regulations for aviation activities within this protected heritage area, as authorities review how tourism can continue to grow while protecting the natural landscape that makes the bay so special.”
On its Facebook page, Hai Au Aviation officially confirmed that the scenic flights had halted on 1 April — “We are truly honoured to have been part of so many unforgettable moments in the sky.”
“As every remarkable journey eventually turns a new page, Hai Au Aviation would like to officially announce that our seaplane services will cease operations starting 1 April 2026.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our valued customers and partners who have trusted and supported us throughout the years,” Hai Au Aviation concluded.
About ICS Travel Group Founded in 1994, ICS Travel Group began its journey by establishing its own operations in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar and opening its head office in Bangkok, Thailand, to serve as a central hub for operations, followed by the launch of a dedicated office in Bali, Indonesia. It has steadily expanded to include countries such as Japan, China, India and the Philippines.
SINGAPORE, 23 April 2026: Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) announces an expanded 2027 portfolio of Small Group Journeys, introducing nine new itineraries that reach from the wilds of Alaska and Southern Africa to the cultural crossroads of Armenia, Georgia, Albania and North Macedonia.
They join enduring destination favourites such as Italy, the Alps, and Poland, along with a luxury rail journey in Malaysia.
Photo credit: A&K.
“For 2027, to meet the continued demand for Europe, we are looking beyond the expected with itineraries in less-explored regions such as Eastern Europe, while reimagining how guests experience perennial favourites like Italy through deeper access and more thoughtful pacing,” says Abercrombie & Kent. Director of Global Group Product, Suzanne Teng. “We are also seeing rising demand for experiential luxury, from the renewed appeal of rail journeys to a growing desire for immersive nature experiences in stunning settings like Alaska or Southern Africa.”
Each Small Group Journey itinerary is led by A&K Resident Tour Directors and expert local guides, with insider access shaped by more than 60 years of experience.
Travelling with an average of just 14 guests, guests enjoy a more intimate way to explore, with the freedom to go deeper and experience more.
New small group journeys for 2027
Alaska Wilderness, Denali and the Last Frontier 9 DAYS | FROM AUD19,125
Experience the many facets of Alaska’s still-wild frontier, from walking portions of the Port Valdez Trail System and travelling along the Denali Highway to cruising icy fjords of Prince William Sound, driving through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, one of Alaska’s most unique passages, and landing by helicopter on top of a glacier.
Singapore to Bali: Malaysia by Luxury Rail 12 DAYS | FROM AUD39,790
Explore Singapore before boarding the luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express train, discovering Malaysia’s hidden sites with a choice of activities from a look into traditional Malay culture in Perlis to relaxing on a scenic beach in Langkawi, then fly to Bali for a respite in the lush rural settings of Ubud and the beach at Jimbaran Bay.
Ultimate South Africa Adventure 11 DAYS | FROM AUD24,485
Venture off the beaten path for curated experiences focused on food and wine, nature, marine life and wildlife, including a three-night stay at Grootbos Forest Lodge. Spend two days on game drives in MalaMala Game Reserve, one of the largest private Big Five game reserves in South Africa, and search for the Marine Big Five on a boating adventure. Discover the historic Stellenbosch on foot and embark on several wine tastings at estates in the famed Cape Winelands.
Family Adventure in Southern Africa 11 DAYS | FROM AUD30,605
Discover the diverse treasures of Southern Africa on a journey designed specifically for families, from hotels chosen with kids in mind to curated kid-friendly activities not available on other group journeys, including viewing the Shark Exhibit at Two Oceans Aquarium over dinner, and taking part in a veterinarian-led rhino conservation experience in Marakele National Park.
Italian Treasures: Venice to Amalfi 12 DAYS | FROM AUD28,310
Experience Italy’s highlights with unrivalled insider access to historic sites, exquisite food and wine, and exclusive encounters. Venture off the beaten path on a walking tour through Venice’s hidden gardens and private palaces, join in a pasta-making experience in Bologna, enter the private areas of Rome’s Villa Medici on an exclusive tour and experience the Vatican Museums and admire the Sistine Chapel at their best, visiting early to avoid the crowds.
The Alps to the Adriatic 12 DAYS | FROM AUD24,485
Exceptional hotels, expert guides, and exclusive experiences elevate this route as it unfolds from Munich and Salzburg through Tyrol and the soaring Dolomites, ending in the coastal city of Trieste. Savour an authentic taste of Bavaria on a guided foodie walking tour and discover the secrets of prosecco in the Treviso hills, then walk it all off on a wellness-focused trek through the Alpine foothills alongside alpacas.
Poland: Witness to History 10 DAYS | FROM AUD13,770
Take in the country’s beautiful landscapes and Baroque architecture as well as its solemn history. Discover the lively culture and cuisine of this often-overlooked European gem during a guided tour of medieval Malbork Castle, a back-streets food tour of Warsaw and a private Chopin recital.
Armenia and Georgia: Cultures of the Caucasus 12 DAYS | FROM AUD13,770
Explore two former Soviet republics with jaw-dropping scenery and rich cultural heritage. Sample rare wines in Georgia, behold magnificent churches in neighbouring Armenia and savour this diverse region’s music and cuisine.
Cultural Landscapes of Albania and North Macedonia 11 DAYS | FROM AUD10,705
Stunning mountain vistas, inviting beaches on the turquoise Adriatic and savoury Balkan cuisine make this the next must-visit region in Europe. Trace the legacy of the Ottoman Empire and find the region’s rich traditions of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence reflected in its architecturally diverse mosques and churches.
Each Small Group Journey includes handpicked accommodations, from five-star properties that combine first-rate comfort with a keen eye toward the locale, to intimate boutique camps and lodges in wilderness areas, available only to smaller groups.
A&K exclusives include Traveller’s Valet, complimentary mid-journey laundry service and Travelling Bell Boy service to transfer luggage between accommodations. Private arrival and departure transfers are included, regardless of the date of arrival.
Find Abercrombie & Kent’s complete 2027 portfolio of 85 Small Group Journeys at www.abercrombiekent.com.
BANGKOK, 23 April 2026: Thailand has lost one of its most influential figures in healthcare and aviation with the passing of Dr Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth at the age of 93.
A prominent surgeon-turned-businessman, he founded both Bangkok Airways and Bangkok Dusit Medical Services, leaving a legacy that reshaped private healthcare and regional air travel in Thailand.
Dr Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth.
Dr Prasert passed away on Tuesday, 21 April, following treatment for an undisclosed condition, according to Bangkok Dusit Medical Services. Funeral rites will be held at Wat Thepsirin in Bangkok.
Born in Bangkok on 22 March 1933, he was the fourth of 10 children. His early education at Assumption College, Bang Rak and Triam Udom Suksa School set the foundation for a distinguished academic path, leading to medical studies at Chulalongkorn University. His training as a surgeon would later inform a visionary approach to healthcare delivery in Thailand.
In 1972, he founded Bangkok Hospital, the cornerstone of what would become one of Asia’s largest private healthcare networks under Bangkok Dusit Medical Services. His commitment to raising standards in medical care helped position Thailand as a leading destination for international patients, contributing significantly to the country’s medical tourism sector.
Beyond healthcare, Dr Prasert demonstrated remarkable foresight in aviation. He established Bangkok Airways, Thailand’s boutique airline, which played a pivotal role in opening up key leisure destinations, most notably Koh Samui, to global tourism. His unique model of integrating airline services with airport ownership helped unlock regional connectivity and accelerate tourism development in secondary destinations.
Throughout his career, Dr Prasert was widely respected for his entrepreneurial vision, discipline, and long-term commitment to national development. His contributions extended beyond business, influencing Thailand’s positioning in both the global healthcare and tourism industries.
Industry leaders have paid tribute to a man whose work bridged sectors and generations. His legacy lives on through the institutions he built, the industries he helped transform, and the thousands of professionals whose careers were shaped under his leadership.
Dr Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth is survived by his family and a nation that benefited from his extraordinary life’s work.
About the Author Andrew J. Wood is a Bangkok-based media executive, travel writer and former hotel executive specialising in Asian tourism.
