Saturday, September 12, 2026
Home Blog Page 14

AirAsia X suspends Sydney flights

By
Newsdesk
-

SYDNEY, 24 August 2026: AirAsia Group announced changes to its global network last week, starting with the suspension of its Sydney service from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, effective 25 October 2025.

AirAsia X (IATA code D7) operates four weekly flights on the route on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday using a 358-seat A330-300.

Photo credit: AirAsia X. A330-300.

Other Malaysian airlines fly between Kuala Lumpur and Sydney — Malaysia Airlines offers three daily services (21 flights) weekly, and Batik Air flies five times weekly. Also, Turkish Airlines flies the route five times weekly with the service originating in Istanbul and making a stop in Kuala Lumpur with full air traffic rights from end-to-end (IST-SYD)

Meanwhile, AirAsia is repositioning its presence in Australia, strengthening its network with planned frequency increases across its Perth–Denpasar, Perth-Kuala Lumpur and Melbourne-Kuala Lumpur services. 

From December 2026, Perth–Denpasar services will increase to 35 flights per week, while the strong performance of Melbourne–Kuala Lumpur will see the route return to daily services.

Perth–Kuala Lumpur has also grown significantly, with frequencies set to increase to 14 flights per week steadily 

The decision to suspend the Kuala Lumpur-Sydney route reflects a combination of increased cost pressures, softer demand and the need to align the airline’s network and fleet strategically. 

As part of a broader strategy across the AirAsia Group, the airline is fast-tracking its long-term aircraft strategy and accelerating the return of older, less fuel-efficient widebody aircraft, including those used on this route. The suspension of the Sydney service will enable AirAsia to focus its available fleet and resources on destinations where it can operate sustainably and efficiently, while ensuring its network and market demand align.  

 AirAsia X General Manager Benyamin Ismail said the decision was not made lightly. He acknowledged the Sydney-Kuala Lumpur route is key to supporting Fly-Thru and serves customers who travel to visit friends and family across ASEAN. 

“This has been an incredibly difficult decision, and one that has not been taken lightly. Sydney, launched in 2012, has played an important role in our history and in connecting Australians with Malaysia and the wider region.

“The current operating environment requires us to make some tough choices. By accelerating the retirement of older, less fuel-efficient widebody aircraft and adjusting our network, we are taking the necessary steps to build a more resilient and commercially sustainable operation for the future.”

“We understand how disappointing this will be for our guests, particularly those who have travelled with us over many years, and we sincerely thank them for their understanding and support. Australia remains a critically important market for AirAsia. We are increasing our presence in other Australian ports where demand is strong, and we will continue to identify opportunities to keep strengthening our connectivity across the country, when conditions allow.”

The airline is contacting affected customers, offering refunds which will be completed within 14 days, a Credit Account or date changes. Date changes can be actioned quickly and efficiently using the AirAsia MOVE chatbot, Bo, or guests can monitor their refund progress through the AirAsia MOVE app or website once they receive a case number.

AirAsia thanked Sydney Airport for its support over the past 14 years. “This decision was reached in a spirit of transparency and mutual respect, and AirAsia remains open to returning to Sydney should market conditions change, and aircraft procurement allows.”

(Source: AirAsia X)

BESarawak supports Sibu’s local talent

By
Your Stories
-

SIBU, Sarawak, 21 August 2026: Sarawak is expanding its pool of skilled business events professionals, with 26 participants graduating from the Sarawak Business Events Accelerator Programme (BEAP) as its 2026 two-city rollout concluded in Sibu.

Together with 29 graduates from Miri in July, BEAP has now equipped 55 industry professionals with the skills to participate more actively in Sarawak’s growing business events economy. Co-developed by Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), the Miri Business Events Committee and Sibu Business Events Committee, in collaboration with the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS) Sarawak Chapter, the programme brings industry development directly to Sarawak’s business events cities.

BESarawak is developing Sibu’s local talent and businesses so that they can participate more deeply in the business events industry and retain more of the value it creates.

Participants gained practical knowledge across the full event lifecycle, from developing commercially viable concepts and financial planning to operations and post-event evaluation. BEAP focused on the practical use of artificial intelligence to improve productivity, creativity, and decision-making in business event planning and delivery.

Jason Tan Chin Foo, Chief Executive Officer of BESarawak, said that continuous learning is essential in today’s evolving business events industry. 

“It’s no longer enough to know how to organise and deliver an event. Industry professionals need to understand the business behind it, from developing commercially viable concepts and managing resources to adopting new technologies and responding to evolving organiser and delegate expectations.

“Sibu is one of the preferred convention destinations in Sarawak, so the demand and business opportunities are there. The next step is to strengthen the local expertise, services and solutions around that demand, enabling Sibu’s industry to take on a greater share of the role, develop new business opportunities and capture more of the value generated by business events.”

BEAP also supports MACEOS’ national commitment to strengthening professional standards and developing industry talent across Malaysia. Lim Win Nee, Vice President of MACEOS Education, said: “Malaysia’s competitiveness as a business events destination is strengthened when industry capabilities grow across all our destinations. Every market has a role to play, and in destinations such as Sibu, a strong and capable local industry can make a meaningful difference to the quality of events, the opportunities for local businesses and the overall destination experience.

“By making professional development more accessible, we can strengthen expertise where it is needed, raise standards across the country and build a more connected and future-ready Malaysian business events industry.”

The completion of BEAP’s first two-city rollout marks another step in BESarawak’s broader efforts to develop the people and businesses behind the business events industry, allowing greater contributions towards Sarawak’s growth.

For more information on Sarawak events, visit: Business Events Sarawak. 

(Source: Your Stories — BESarawak)

AirAsia brings back Philippines fare promotion

By
Newsdesk
-

MANILA, 21 August 2026: AirAsia Philippines brings back its All Seats, All Flights promotion, offering up to 10% off on all seats, across all flights, with one-way base fares starting at just PHP169.

The promotion encourages guests to plan and lock in fares for future domestic and international adventures, but the booking window has narrowed to 23 August for travel from 24 August 2026 to 31 March 2027.

Domestic travellers can fly from Manila to Cagayan and Bacolod for as low as PHP169, or to Tacloban from PHP259 one-way base fare. Those looking beyond the Philippines can also book Manila to Macau from PHP889, while Manila to Bangkok starts at PHP2,689, with more destinations available under the promotion.

With the rainy season making travel plans more challenging today, AirAsia Philippines encourages travellers to look ahead and book early. For guests whose travel plans may need to change due to rain or other unforeseen circumstances, AirAsia Philippines offers added flexibility through its Zero Change Fee. This allows guests to change either a one-way or return flight once without paying a change fee. Fare differences, taxes, and other applicable charges may still apply.

Guests can also enjoy up to 30% savings when bundling their travel essentials, with 20kg checked baggage, a standard seat, travel inconvenience cover, and an inflight meal included in one convenient package compared with purchasing each add-on separately. 

Bookings are open on the AirAsia website or MOVE app.

(Source: AirAsia)

Padel Cup tournament tours Asia

By
Newsdesk
-

SINGAPORE, 21 August 2026: Club Med is raising the game with the return of the Club Med Padel Cup 2026 second edition taking place through to  November 2026 across eight markets: Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan and India. 

This year, the sporting event has doubled from the previous year, bringing heightened competitive energy across multiple cities, with the vibrant social connection and ‘joie de vivre’ that define Club Med.

Photo credit: Club Med.

As one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, padel has found a natural home at Club Med, where active discovery and shared moments are part of everyday resort life. With over 75 world-class padel facilities worldwide, the sport is available and easily accessible to players of all levels. From beginners to experts, padel is part of the all-inclusive experience across Club Med resorts in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, including resorts in Bintan, Kani and Phuket, as well as the brand-new Club Med Borneo (opening end of 2026).

Tournament details

National tournaments began in July, with local champions earning their place at the Grand Slam Finale, which will take place from 30 November to 3 December 2026 at Club Med Phuket. Over five days and four nights, finalists will enjoy a programme of competitive matches, masterclasses and coaching workshops led by professional athletes, all set against the backdrop of Club Med Phuket.

Key tournament dates, Club Med Padel Cup

• Hong Kong City Tournament: 22 August

• Sydney City Tournament: 30 August

• Tokyo City Tournament: 6 September

• Kuala Lumpur City Tournament: 11 – 13 September

• Singapore City Tournament: 1 – 4 October

• Taiwan City Tournament: 9 October

Club Med Padel Cup Grand Slam

• Venue: Club Med Phuket

• Date: 30 November to 3 December 2026

Winners of the Club Med Padel Cup Grand Slam will receive coveted resort holidays in some of the most beautiful destinations in the world as well as prizes from Club Med’s long-standing padel partner Babolat.

Club Med partners with Tatler Padel Series

Club Med is also the Official Lifestyle Partner of the Tatler Padel Series, Asia’s first premium padel tournament. The 2026 series brings together more than 2,000 players, enthusiasts and members of the Tatler community across seven cities, culminating in a regional final in November 2026.

The Tatler Padel Series will travel to Bangkok, Thailand (22 to 23 August 2026); Singapore (28 to 29 August 2026); Hong Kong (October 2026); Shanghai, Mainland China (October 2026); and Dubai, UAE (October 2026), before wrapping up with the regional final in November 2026.

(Source: Club Med)

Cathay Group releases July traffic figures

By
Newsdesk
-

HONG KONG, 21 August 2026: The Cathay Group has released its traffic figures for July 2026, showing continued year-on-year growth in passenger traffic. 

Cathay Pacific and HK Express together carried around 3.5 million passengers, a 9% increase from the same period last year.

Photo credit: Cathay Group.

Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said: “Marking the start of the traditional summer travel peak, July  Cargo also continued to see tonnage growth with Cathay Cargo carrying around 149,000 tonnes of cargo, a 6% increase year on year. However, jet fuel prices increased again in July due to the escalation of tensions in the Middle East, following a period of decreasing jet fuel prices in the previous months.”

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific carried 9% more passengers in July 2026 compared with July 2025, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) increased by 5%. In the first seven months of 2026, the number of passengers carried increased by 16% compared with the same period for 2025.

Lau said: “We observed robust leisure travel demand across our network in July. The first half of the month was driven by long-haul traffic from students and those visiting friends and relatives, followed by leisure travel to regional destinations in the second half as the summer holiday period began. Looking ahead, summer travel demand is looking strong. Our recent ‘80th AnniFAREsary’ promotional campaign was also well received by customers in our home market, further supporting demand.”

Cathay Cargo

Cathay Cargo carried 6% more cargo in July 2026 than in July 2025, while Available Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs) were at a similar level. In the first seven months of 2026, the total tonnage increased by 8% compared with the same period for 2025.

HK Express

HK Express carried around 760,000 passengers in July 2026, up 10% year on year, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) increased by 8%. In the first seven months of 2026, the number of passengers carried increased by 10% compared with the same period for 2025.

Lau noted: “Entering the summer travel peak, HK Express’s Thailand and Chinese Mainland routes were particularly popular in July. Our newly launched daily direct service to Wuxi has also been well received by customers, with the route seeing strong load factors. Turning to August, summer travel demand remains robust, and bookings continue to track healthily.”

(Source: Cathay Group)

TG reports Q2 revenue up 8.5%.

By
Newsdesk
-

BANGKOK, 21 August 2026: Thai Airways International Public Company Limited reports its second quarter of 2026, with total revenue of THB48,621 million, an increase of THB3,793 million, or 8.5%, from the same period last year.

The average passenger revenue per unit (including compensation for fuel and insurance premiums excluding excess weight) increased by 20.3% from the same period last year.

The company’s total expenses (excluding one-time events) increased by 29.7% to THB44.930 billion from the same period last year, driven by the rise in aircraft engine oil prices from the Middle East unrest, with the average oil price rising 104.6% from the same period last year, resulting in a pre-tax operating profit of THB3,691 million and a pre-tax operating EBIT Margin of 17.5%, reflecting its ability to manage operations and maintain the company’s liquidity at an appropriate level.

The company reports a total financial capital of THB3,165 million and a net profit of THB335 million from one-time events, resulting in a net profit of THB1,537 million in the second quarter of 2026, compared to a net profit of THB12,134 million and an EBITDA of THB8,182 million in the previous year.

Half-year performance

As of 30 June 2026, the company’s total assets increased from 31 December 2025, to THB322,085 million, an increase of THB18,026 million or 5.9%, with total liabilities of THB240,252 million, an increase of THB12,105 million or 5.3%, and total shares of THB81,833 million, an increase of THB5,921 million or 7.8%. 

As of 30 June 2026, the company’s total cash and other cash equivalents totalled THB123,757 million.

The company has 84 aircraft in operation, with an average aircraft usage rate of 12.9 hours per day, totalling 3.66 million passengers. Total passenger (ASK) production capacity is 16,778 seat-kilometres, down 4.4% from the same period last year due to reduced flights amid the Middle East crisis. Total passenger (RPK) transportation capacity was 11,993 million passenger-kilometres, down 11.3%, resulting in an average cabin factor of 71.5%, down from 77.0% in the same period last year.

For the first 6 months of 2026, the company’s total revenue (excluding one-time events) increased by THB99,650 million, up 3,198 million or 3.3% from the same period last year, with total expenses (excluding one-time events) increasing by THB82,213 million, up 14.4% from the same period last year. The company’s operating profit before financial costs (excluding one-time events) was THB17,437 million, and total financial costs were THB6,152 million. The main reason was profit from the cancellation and change of aircraft lease contracts, resulting in a net profit of THB1,424 million for the first 6 months of 2026.

In H1 2026, the company received five narrow-body Airbus A321neo aircraft, 3 wide-body Boeing 787-8 aircraft, and 1 Boeing 787-9 aircraft to enhance its fleet capabilities and support future flight expansion. 

(Source: THAI).

Taiwan: Hot favourite at MATTA Fair

By
Newsdesk
-

KUALA LUMPUR, 21 August 2026: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) welcomes Taiwan as its International Favourite Destination for the National MATTA Fair, scheduled from 4 to 6 September 2026 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur.

Now in its 59th edition, the fair will spotlight Taiwan as a leading international destination, while continuing to champion inbound and domestic tourism.

Photo credit: MATTA

MATTA’s announcement comes at a timely moment, as tourist arrivals to Taiwan rise 3.4% in early July. 

In 2025, Taiwan welcomed a record 8.575 million international visitors, up 9.1% year on year, ranking Malaysia as its top source in the region, contributing 424,094 visitors. 

Tourism is a two-way street as 390,000 Taiwanese travellers visited Malaysia in 2025, with the Taiwan market ranking third among non-OIC (not a member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) according to the 2026 Mastercard-Crescent Rating Global Muslim Travel Index.

“The strong and steady exchange of travellers and bond between Malaysia and Taiwan is solid proof that both inbound and outbound tourism are moving at a healthy pace. Naming Taiwan our International Favourite Destination is a natural next step, and we look forward to strengthening both sectors and deepening our partnership within the tourism industry,” said MATTA President Nigel Wong.

“Malaysia is an important and steadily growing source market for Taiwan tourism, and our participation in MATTA Fair September 2026 demonstrates our strong commitment to strengthening tourism ties and bilateral exchanges between Taiwan and Malaysia,” said Taiwan Tourism Administration Kuala Lumpur Office Director Abe Chou,

“Through our ‘Taiwan – Waves of Wonder’ theme, we hope to inspire more Malaysian travellers to discover Taiwan’s diverse tourism experiences, from culture and cuisine to nature and leisure, and experience the unique charm of Taiwan. This year, we have also specially invited four Malaysian travel agencies to join the Taiwan Pavilion and offer Muslim-friendly travel packages, further catering to the travel needs of Malaysian Muslim travellers. We look forward to working closely with our Malaysian tourism industry partners to develop the Muslim-friendly tourism market further and create more opportunities for two-way travel between Taiwan and Malaysia,” he added.

MATTA Fair September 2026 will span 10 exhibition halls, covering more than 40,820 sqm of exhibition space. This edition is set to feature 2,026 booths from 285 participating companies. With strong industry interest, exhibitor participation is expected to increase further in the weeks leading up to the Fair. Visitors can explore Taiwan’s “Waves of Wonder” at its pavilion, located at Level 3 (International Hall) throughout the 3-day Fair.

To ensure a smooth visitor experience, MATTA Fair offers free admission during the show’s opening hours from 1000 to 2100 from Friday to Sunday. 

Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the complimentary shuttle services from KL Sentral and Sunway Putra Mall to MITEC. Parking facilities will also be available for those travelling by car.

For the latest updates, visit mattafair.org.my or follow on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @mattafair.official, and X @matta_fair.

(Source: MATTA)

Thais ready to race Asia’s top marathons

By
Newsdesk
-

SINGAPORE, 21 August 2026: As wellness and fitness-focused travel continues to gain ground across the region, digital travel platform Agoda reveals that the run-cation travel trend is climbing in popularity across Asia in 2026. 

Accommodation search data on Agoda shows Thai travellers increasingly considering entire holidays around marathon race weekends, not only for races held on home soil, but across marathon cities in Asia.

Photo credit: Amazing Thailand Marathon. amazing thailand marathon bangkok 2026 

The data is based on accommodation searches on Agoda for stays that lined up with three major marathon weekends in Asia: the Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok 2026, the Mt Fuji International Marathon 2026, and the JTBC Seoul Marathon 2026.

The JTBC Seoul Marathon, taking place on 1 November 2026, is one ofKorea’ss most popular road races, known for its flat, fast course that winds past landmarks including Deoksugung Palace and Gwanghwamun Square before finishing at Jamsil Olympic Stadium. Accommodation searches from Thai travellers increased by 73%, compared to the same period in 2025. The race also draws strong interest from South Koreans keen to support their home event, as well as runners from across the region, including Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

The Mt Fuji International Marathon 2026, taking place from 12-13 December near Tokyo, loops around Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Saiko, with runners taking in sweeping views of Mt. Fuji and the region’s autumn foliage along the way. Accommodation searches from Thai travellers for this race weekend rose 41% year on year, placing Thailand among the top three for search interest during the event. In addition to strong home-race searches from Japanese travellers, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia also see healthy travel interest during this event.

The Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok 2026, taking place on 28-29 November, is a point-to-point race through the heart of the capital, starting at MBK Centre and finishing near the Grand Palace, passing landmarks including Lumpini Park, Victory Monument, and Ratchadamnoen Avenue. 

Accommodation searches from Thai travellers for this race weekend rose 19% in 2026, compared to 2025. Domestic Thai travellers lead interest, while the Philippines, Singapore, Japan, and Taiwan also demonstrate strong travel interest, a sign thatBangkok’ss race is building its own international following.

Taken together, the data points to a consistent pattern across all major marathon cities, with Thai travellers not just attending their own home race, but also crossing borders to run in other Asian cities. This suggests that, for a growing segment of travellers, a marathon bib is becoming as much a reason for a trip as a beach or a theme park, and that fitness goals and travel plans are increasingly being considered as one combined experience.

Agoda Country Director Thailand and Indochina Akaporn Rodkong said: “Marathons used to be a solo pursuit, but are now becoming the centrepiece of a trip for some travellers. Thai travellers are among the most active across the region’s top races, reflecting a broader appetite for travel built around personal goals and wellness, not just sightseeing. At Agoda, we want to make it easy and accessible for these race enthusiasts to find the right place to stay, however far the finish line is from home.”

(Source: Agoda.com)

Air Astana extends flight pause to Dubai

By
Newsdesk
-

SINGAPORE, 21 August 2026: Air Astana is extending the suspension of flights to Dubai from Almaty and Astana until 30 September 2026 due to the continuing instability in the Gulf region. 

The October schedule for these routes has been adjusted to a reduced flight frequency.

Photo credit: Dubai Economy Tourism. Dubai’s skyline.

According to the airline’s statement, affected passengers are offered free rebooking in the same booking class for travel until 20 November 2026. 

Passengers may also request a full refund at the original point of purchase or reroute to other Air Astana international destinations without penalty, subject to any applicable fare difference.

UAE’s National confirms this week that many International carriers are extending suspensions or reducing flight schedules to Dubai International Airport (DXB) due to regional geopolitical tensions, security assessments, and restricted airspace across parts of the Middle East.

“While local Gulf carriers such as Emirates, flydubai, and Etihad are maintaining core operations into Dubai (with adjustments mainly to select regional routes like Kuwait or Bahrain), foreign international airlines have pushed back resumption dates into late autumn or beyond,” National News reported.

Airlines pausing flights to Dubai

Dubai’s latest travel and business advisory says the situation remains stable, with public services functioning and authorities closely monitoring it.

It recommends that passengers should verify departure details with their airline before travelling to the airport.

It notes that Emirates has introduced Comprehensive Travel Cover for eligible customers in selected markets, including expanded travel insurance benefits and airline-assisted support in the case of disruption.

(Source: Air Astana and the National UAE)

Korean Air launches direct service to Melbourne

By
Newsdesk
-

SINGAPORE, 21 August 2026: Korean Air will introduce seasonal direct flights between Seoul Incheon, South Korea and Melbourne, Australia, operating three times a week from 18 December 2026 through to 14 March 2027. Flights will operate on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Driven by steady growth in travel between South Korea and Australia, the new route complements Korean Air’s year-round operations to Sydney and Brisbane.

Photo credit: Korean Air.

Home to over 5.3 million residents, Melbourne is a major metropolitan centre known for its culture, arts, gastronomy, sports, and education. The service caters to expanding cultural, business, and leisure exchanges between the two countries.

The route will be served by Boeing 787-9 aircraft with 325 seats. 

KE409 departs Seoul Incheon at 0800 and arrives in Melbourne at 1830. KE410 departs Melbourne at 2200 and arrives at Seoul Incheon at 0735 on the following day.

Bookings are open on the airline’s website and mobile app.

Flight Schedule: 18 December 2026 – 14 March 2027

(Source: Korean Air)

1...131415...821Page 14 of 821

Stay ahead with the
latest travel news
on Southeast Asia.

Subscribe now


Contact Us
TTR Weekly (TTRW) is published in Bangkok, Thailand, registered since 1978.
/ month
placeholder text
/ month
placeholder text
Press releases, announcements, events for calendar should be sent to: [email protected]
/ month
placeholder text

Copyright © 2023 TTR Weekly, all rights reserved.