Mission recovery gets underway in the Gulf

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March 10, 2026

SINGAPORE, 10 March 2026: Airports across the Persian Gulf are in a state of high-alert recovery with many hubs partially reopening on Sunday, 8 March, following a week of missile and drone attacks by Iran, Israel and the US, which caused collateral damage in the Gulf countries.

Qatar Airways’ scheduled flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace. Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe full reopening of Qatari airspace by the relevant authorities.

*Photo credit: Dubai International (DXB).*

Following temporary authorisation from the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, which confirms limited operating corridors, Qatar Airways intends to operate the following flight schedule in the coming days to support passengers affected by the current disruption and help them reunite with family and friends as quickly and safely as possible.

Flights departing from Doha (DOH):

10 March: Cairo (CAI), London Heathrow (LHR), Jeddah (JED), Manila (MNL), Kochi (COK), Muscat (MCT), Istanbul (IST), Mumbai (BOM), Delhi (DEL), Nairobi (NBO), Islamabad (ISB), Madrid (MAD), Frankfurt (FRA), Colombo (CMB), Milan (MXP).

Flights arriving at Doha (DOH):

10 March: Seoul (ICN), Moscow (SVO), London Heathrow (LHR), Delhi (DEL), Madrid (MAD), Islamabad (ISB), Beijing (PKX), Perth (PER), Nairobi (NBO).
11 March: Cairo (CAI), London Heathrow (LHR), Jeddah (JED), Manila (MNL), Kochi (COK), Muscat (MCT), Istanbul (IST), Mumbai (BOM), Delhi (DEL), Nairobi (NBO), Islamabad (ISB), Madrid (MAD), Frankfurt (FRA), Colombo (CMB), Milan (MXP).

Emirates flight status

Emirates resumed a limited schedule on the evening of 7 March. At the same time, the airline is working toward a full return to its network.

Priority is being given to passengers with earlier bookings who were affected by the recent suspensions. Travellers transiting through Dubai will only be accepted for travel if their onward connecting flight is confirmed and operating.

For travellers who were booked to travel from now through 31 March, they can rebook for travel through 30 April 2026 or request a full refund. For the latest updates, visit: Travel updates | Help | Emirates.

Here is the current operational status for the region’s major aviation hubs:

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Dubai International (DXB): Operating on a limited schedule. The airport was completely suspended on 7 March due to nearby aerial interceptions, but has since partially reopened. Priority is being given to clearing the backlog of stranded travellers.
Zayed International, Abu Dhabi (AUH): Partially operational. Commercial flights are slowly returning, though most are restricted to specific repatriation routes.

Qatar

Hamad International, Doha (DOH): Severely restricted. As of this morning, Qatari airspace remains largely closed to scheduled commercial traffic following reports of active air combat in the vicinity earlier this week.

Operations: Only “emergency corridors” are open for authorised evacuation and repatriation flights. Qatar Airways is operating a handful of special relief flights to Europe and Asia, but regular service remains suspended.

Oman

Muscat International (MCT): Fully Operational. Muscat has become the primary “stable hub” and a critical “southern bypass” for the region. It is currently handling a massive influx of diverted traffic, so expect the airport to be significantly more crowded than usual.

Saudi Arabia

Riyadh (RUH) & Jeddah (JED): Operational but delayed. These airports remain active, though they are seeing roughly 10 to 15% cancellations and significant delays as flights are rerouted to avoid restricted northern airspace.

Kuwait and Bahrain

Kuwait (KWI) & Bahrain (BAH): Partial recovery phase. Most scheduled international arrivals are still facing cancellations or significant diversions around active military zones. Kuwait’s airport specifically reported damage to fuel tanks following a drone attack last week, which has slowed the return to full capacity.

(Source: Airline and Civil Aviation Authorities’ updates)

Gulf airports partially open but on high alert

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Newsdesk

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March 9, 2026

SINGAPORE, 9 March 2026: Airport operations across the Persian Gulf remain in a state of high-alert recovery as the regional conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran enters its second week.

Since 8 March, airspace closures have begun to lift, though the “normal” rhythm of travel remains significantly restricted, with thousands of travellers stranded at airports or facing flight cancellations. Here is the current status for the Persian Gulf’s major aviation hubs.

United Arab Emirates (DXB & AUH)

Dubai International (DXB): Operating on a limited schedule. After a brief total suspension on 7 March due to aerial interceptions near the airfield, the airport has partially reopened.

Zayed International (AUH): Also partially operational. Commercial flights are slowly returning, though many are still restricted to narrow-body aircraft or specific repatriation routes.

Airlines: Emirates and Etihad have resumed limited operations but warned that full network restoration will take several days. They are prioritising passengers who were stranded during the peak of the closures.

Crucial Note: Entry to both DXB and AUH terminals is currently restricted to passengers with confirmed tickets only. Travellers should not head to the airport unless their airline has specifically contacted them.

Qatar (DOH)

Hamad International Airport: As of 8 March, the Qatari airspace closure remains in effect for scheduled commercial flights.

Operations: Only limited “emergency corridors” are open for authorised evacuation and repatriation flights.

Qatar Airways: The airline is operating a handful of special flights to Europe and Asia to assist stranded travellers, but regular scheduled services remain pending full safety clearance from the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA).

Kuwait and Bahrain: These hubs are in a “partial recovery” phase, with most scheduled international arrivals still facing cancellations or significant diversions around active military zones.

Muscat (Oman): Currently acting as a primary relief hub for the region, as its airspace has remained open and stable.

Advice for Travellers

Confirmation required: “Confirmed” status on an app may not be accurate. Wait for a direct notification (email/SMS) from the airline before leaving for the airport.

Check-in policy: Expect enhanced security screenings and long wait times as airports manage the backlog of thousands of passengers.

Rerouting: When transiting the region, be prepared for flight times that are two to four hours longer than usual as aircraft navigate around closed sectors in the northern Gulf.

Emirates update posted on its website

Following the partial re‑opening of regional airspace, Emirates is operating a reduced flight schedule. Customers can check the flight schedule for upcoming flights and book seats.

Customers transiting in Dubai will only be accepted for travel if their connecting flight is operating. Do not go to the airport unless you hold a confirmed booking for these flights.

The latest flight updates are published on the Emirates website: Travel updates | Help | Emirates.

Customers are advised to check flight status, review the latest operational updates on emirates.com, and check their email for any notifications about changes or cancellations to their flights before travelling to the airport.

Booking options

Customers booked to travel between 28 February and 31 March have these options:

“Rebook on an alternate flight. You can rebook on another flight to your intended destination for travel on or before 30 April. If you booked your flight with a travel agent, you must contact them. If you booked with us directly, contact us.

“Request for refund. If you booked with us directly, you can request a refund for your ticket by completing the refund form.

“If you booked your flights with a travel agent, contact the agency directly.

“Customers are requested to ensure their contact details are correct by visiting Manage Your Booking to receive updates.”

Qatar Airways: flight availability update 8 March

The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority has given temporary authorisation for a limited operating corridor. Flights became available on 8 March 2026 to Hamad International Airport from: London (LHR), Paris (CDG), Madrid (MAD), Rome (FCO), Frankfurt (FRA) and Bangkok (BKK).*

These flights are only for passengers with Doha as their final destination.

For the latest airline updates, visit: Travel Alerts | Qatar Airways.

Etihad Latest travel update 6 March

Etihad Airways to resume limited flight schedule from 6 March

Etihad Airways will resume a limited commercial flight schedule from 6 March 2026, operating between Abu Dhabi and several key destinations.

Guests with previous bookings will be accommodated on these flights as soon as possible. Tickets are also available for sale on etihad.com.

Passengers and members of the public should not travel to the airport unless they have been contacted directly by Etihad or hold a confirmed booking on one of these new flights. The most up-to-date information is available at etihad.com.

The following destinations are scheduled to operate to and from Abu Dhabi between 6 March and 19 March:

Ahmedabad, Addis Ababa, Amsterdam, Athens, Atlanta, Bangkok, Barcelona, Beijing, Bengaluru, Boston, Brussels, Cairo, Casablanca, Chiang Mai, Chicago, Colombo, Copenhagen, Delhi, Denpasar (Bali), Dublin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Geneva, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Hyderabad, Islamabad, Istanbul, Jakarta, Jeddah, Karachi, Kochi, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Krabi, Kuala Lumpur, Lahore, London (Heathrow), Madrid, Malé, Manchester, Manila, Medina, Melbourne, Milan (Malpensa), Moscow (Sheremetyevo), Mumbai, Munich, Muscat, Nairobi, New York (JFK), Paris, Phnom Penh, Phuket, Prague, Riyadh, Rome, Seoul (Incheon), Seychelles, Singapore, St Petersburg, Sydney, Taipei, Thiruvananthapuram, Tokyo, Toronto, Vienna, Warsaw, Washington and Zurich.

* All services remain subject to operational approvals and may be adjusted depending on regional airspace conditions. Not all destinations operate daily. Guests should consult the latest schedule at etihad.com for specific days of operation.

All other scheduled commercial services to and from Abu Dhabi remain suspended. Additional destinations will be added and communicated as conditions permit.

(Source: Airline advisories and civil aviation authorities)

SOTC honoured at SATTE Awards

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Newsdesk

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March 9, 2026

MUMBAI, 9 March 2026: SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel Travel and Tourism Company, has won the “Outbound Tour Operator of the Year” award at the SATTE Awards 2026.

The accolade reinforces the company’s position as a trusted leader in the outbound leisure travel segment.

The award underscores the company’s continued focus on delivering curated, seamless and high-quality international travel experiences for Indian travellers.

SOTC Travel brings together an extensive physical branch network, contact centres and agile digital platforms to deliver seamless, end-to-end travel experiences.

With a rich legacy of over 75 years, SOTC presents an expansive international portfolio spanning iconic destinations across Europe, Australia & New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Japan, South Korea, Africa, the Middle East, and the US, along with emerging destinations gaining popularity among Indian travellers.

Speaking on the win, SOTC Travel President & Country Head – Holidays and Corporate Tours, SD Nandakumar said: “We are honoured to receive the ‘Outbound Tour Operator of the Year’ award at the SATTE Awards 2026.

“This recognition is a testament to our unwavering focus on quality, innovation and our deep commitment to building customer satisfaction in the outbound leisure space. At SOTC, customer obsession is at the core of everything we do — shaping our itineraries, strengthening our service standards and driving continuous innovation to deliver seamless, memorable holiday experiences. We dedicate this achievement to our team, partners and valued customers for their continued trust, and to our passionate teams whose dedication inspires us to raise the bar consistently.”

(Source: SOTC)

Residences boost Banyan Tree profit

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Newsdesk

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March 9, 2026

SINGAPORE, 9 March 2026: Banyan Tree Holdings Limited reported strong results for the year ended 31 December 2025, with revenue rising 25% to SGD477.4 million and core operating profit increasing 59% to SGD109.8 million.

Performance was driven primarily by the Residences segment, where revenue nearly doubled to SGD197.6 million. The year was further supported by SGD239.6 million in residential sales and 24 new agreements signed.

*Photo credit: Banyan Tree Group. Bellaguna Lake Residences.*

“FY25 underscores the strength of our diversified portfolio and the scalability of our asset-light growth model,” said Banyan Group President and Chief Executive Officer Eddy See.

“Reaching our 100-resort milestone signals the next phase of disciplined expansion as we enter new and meaningful markets. Guided by design excellence, responsible stewardship and a commitment to regenerative travel, we are focused on driving sustainable, purpose-

driven growth while creating long-term value for our stakeholders.”

Portfolio expansion

Banyan Group operates 100 hotels and resorts, more than 140 spas and galleries, and over 20 branded residences in more than 20 countries. Notable additions in FY25 include the milestone opening of the group’s 100th resort, Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, and a symbolic homecoming to Singapore.

In FY25, the group expanded its branded residences portfolio with seven new sales launches. Ranked first in Asia by volume and fifth globally in branded residential development, Banyan Group continues to reinforce its position as a leading integrated hospitality and residential platform.

Notable launches included Banyan Tree Padilla Madrid Residences, its first residential development in Europe, located in Madrid’s Salamanca district within a restored 1948 architectural landmark. The group also introduced Bellaguna, a new standalone residential Banyan Tree brand designed for year-round living, with its inaugural project, Bellaguna Lake Residences Lotus.

Key Financial Highlights FY25 Results (in SGD million):

1 Operating Profit = EBITDA (Earnings before interests, taxes, depreciation & amortisation).

2 PATMI = Profit after Tax and Minority Interests

(Source: Banyan Group)

AirAsia wins top five ESG ranking

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Newsdesk

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March 9, 2026

SEPANG, 9 MARCH 2026: AirAsia has solidified its position as a global leader in aviation sustainability, ranking among the top five airlines in the latest benchmarked FTSE Russell ESG ratings.

This achievement underscores the success of the group’s strategy to embed climate risk management, transparent governance and operational efficiency into its core business.

In the latest FTSE Russell ESG assessments, AirAsia Group airlines demonstrated strong performance across Malaysian and Thai exchanges for their 2024 achievements. For the year of assessment, AirAsia’s short-haul airlines’ ESG performance was incorporated in Capital A’s disclosures and rated by Bursa Malaysia. In contrast, AirAsia X and Thai AirAsia were rated by Bursa Malaysia and the Thai Stock Exchange, respectively.

Capital A* recorded a significant jump in score, rising to 4.0 out of 5.0 from 3.5 the previous year, while AirAsia X** (flight code D7) scored 3.8. AirAsia’s Thai associate, Asia Aviation, which operates Thai AirAsia (flight code FD), earned 3.9 in its second year of assessment. The ratings assessed the companies’ 2024 sustainability deliverables.

These scores not only place AirAsia airlines among the top-tier companies of their respective exchanges but also position the group as a top performer when benchmarked against global airline peers rated by the same FTSE Russell ESG standards.

AirAsia also benchmarks against the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA), which evaluates publicly listed companies with a market capitalisation above USD1 billion. In the latest assessment based on 2024 performance, AirAsia achieved a score of 45%, exceeding the global airline industry average of 37%.

Adding further weight to these benchmarked results are two international industry accolades earned in 2025. Australia-based independent aviation analysis platform 42kft.com awarded AirAsia perfect 10 scores in all nine evaluation categories. Meanwhile, AirlineRatings.com, widely known for its global airline safety ratings, named AirAsia among the Top 3 Low-Cost Carriers in its inaugural Sustainability Award. Both recognitions are independently assessed by aviation industry experts, lending additional credibility and significance to the group’s achievements.

“Over the years, we have built the foundations that underpin our ESG ratings, but our sustainability efforts go far beyond any rating criteria. Our results reflect the discipline and hard work our teams have put into embedding sustainability into daily operations. We doubled down on fuel efficiency measures and continued investing in low-carbon technologies that deliver dual benefits, lowering fuel costs while reducing carbon emissions,” said AirAsia.Chief Sustainability Officer Yap Mun Ching.

“At the same time, the technicalities of aviation sustainability are often not easily understood by our stakeholders. We work closely with our regulators, industry partners, and passengers to ensure our decarbonisation strategy is clear and delivers lasting impact for our business and the region,” she added.

The scores referenced reflect the performance of AirAsia’s aviation business before its recent corporate restructuring, enabling a consistent year-on-year comparison.

*In January 2026, Capital A Berhad completed the disposal of AiAirAsia’short-haul airline businesses based in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Cambodia to AirAsia X Berhad.

**AirAsia X scores refer to the pre-merger entity operating the airline grgroup’sidebody operations in Malaysia.

CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) is an International Civil Aviation Organisation global market-based measure designed to cap CO2 emissions from international flights at 85% of 2019 levels.

Bangkok preview for Singapore Yachting Festival

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Newsdesk

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March 9, 2026

BANGKOK, 9 March 2026: Singapore Yachting Festival (SYF), Asia’s leading showcase for luxury yachts and marine innovations, will return with its largest edition to date this April.

Running from 23 to 26 April 2026 at ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove, this expanded expo will feature more yachts, global launches and heightened industry engagement. An expected 13,000 plus visitors from Southeast Asia and beyond can look forward to more than 70 yachts and over 200 international and regional brands.

*Photo credit: Historic tall ship Vega*.

As anticipation builds ahead of SYF 2026, a prestigious pre-event SYF showcased at Jim Thompson House in Bangkok on 27 February to inspire discerning Thai clients and industry leaders, while also revealing the latest yacht trends to the local media.

The exhibition will span both land and sea, with on-water displays, floating booths and a dedicated onshore pavilion, offering diverse opportunities for companies to present their latest products and liaise directly with visitors.

This expanded presence reflects the increasing influence of Southeast Asia on the international yachting scene, driven by the rising affluence of regional markets, including Thailand.

Rising affluence boosts Thailand’s yachting sector

Thailand’s star is rising on the global yachting scene, as it emerges as a dynamic market for construction, sales and cruising. According to the Asia Pacific Superyacht Report 2025, 72 superyachts (30 metres and above) are now based in Thailand (¹) — second only to Singapore in Southeast Asia – which reflects the popularity of the kingdom’s southern seas and idyllic islands as charter destinations.

In a clear sign of confidence in Thailand’s yachting sector, SUTL Enterprise, the leading marina developer, operator, and owner of the ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove in Singapore, is in the process of completing the acquisition of Marina at Keppel Bay and is constructing ONE°15 Marina Panwa Phuket. Once completed, it will accommodate superyachts up to 200 feet.

With more than 3,200 km of coastline and some of the world’s most spectacular seascapes, including Phuket, Phi Phi islands, Phang Nga Bay, Krabi and Lanta islands, Thailand holds vast potential for yachting.

Eight superyachts are known to have Thai owners¹, but this is likely to increase in the coming years, as the country’s population of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) surges 24% to more than 123,500 millionaires by 2028 (²). This puts Thailand in the top 10 countries worldwide for millionaire growth.

“SYF continues to be a barometer of Asia’s rapidly expanding yachting economy, with Thailand standing out as one of the region’s fastest-growing and most dynamic markets. With its iconic cruising grounds, world-class infrastructure and rising affluence, driven by a new generation of HNWIs seeking elevated lifestyle experiences, Thailand remains a key force shaping the future of yachting in Asia. We look forward to welcoming Thai visitors to Singapore this February, as the industry’s most influential players come together to exchange insights, define emerging trends and drive meaningful business opportunities,” said Singapore Yachting Festival Show Director, Jonathan Sit.

Singapore Yachting Festival 2026

At SYF 2026, visitors and potential buyers can discover top international brands represented by regional dealers, showcasing the best in design, craftsmanship and innovation. Leading global yacht brands include Azimut Yachts, Princess, Sunseeker, Ferretti Yachts, Leopard Catamarans and San Lorenzo. JP Morgan Private Bank has renewed its commitment as the event’s Official Bank Partner, and Damen Yachting has reaffirmed its status as a major sponsor, once again presenting the Superyacht Lounge.

A newly-introduced Spotlight Zone will offer engaging content throughout the show, including masterclasses, live demonstrations and short talks in an intimate setting that fosters learning, conversation and storytelling.

Buyers will be invited to exclusive VIP luncheons and cocktail receptions hosted aboard a superyacht. The Southeast Asia Yachting Conference will return with a sharper focus on practical insights and regional collaboration, bringing together marina operators, builders, charter companies, service providers and government stakeholders to address real-world operating conditions, regulation, infrastructure and long-term growth across ASEAN. Finally, the Yacht Style Awards and Gala Dinner will take place on 22 April 2026, gathering over 350 owners, VIPs and industry leaders to celebrate excellence in innovation, design and on-water experiences across more than 30 categories.

Historic tall ship Vega

Beyond the yachts, SYF 2026 will present a curated showcase of Singapore-based luxury and lifestyle partners, reinforcing the Festival’s positioning as a fully immersive marine lifestyle platform. Official hotel partners across Sentosa and Marina Bay will offer preferred rates and bespoke experiences for visiting owners and VIPs. At the same time, premium automotive brands, including Porsche, will activate on-site with exclusive displays and private test-drive experiences. A dedicated experiential zone will introduce interactive water sports and marine innovation — from flyboarding and e-foiling demonstrations to hands-on sailing activities aboard the historic tall ship Vega — allowing guests to engage with the sea in new and memorable ways. Together, these elements reflect SYF’s evolution into a multi-sensory celebration of luxury, leisure and life on the water.

To learn more about SYF 2026, visit singaporeyachtingfestival.com.

References:

¹ –https://www.superyachttimes.com/market-reports/asia-pacific-superyacht-report-2025

² –https://www.citizenshipinvest.com/en/news/how-thai-hnwis-are-securing-wealth-and-freedom-abroad/

(Source: Singapore Yachting Festival)

Fliggy joins ETC’s global campaign

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Newsdesk

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March 9, 2026

BERLIN, 9 March 2026: Fliggy, an online travel platform and wholly-owned subsidiary of Alibaba Group and the European Travel Commission (ETC), are partnering to promote ETC’s global campaign “Unlock an Unexpected Upgrade”.

The campaign is co-funded by the European Union and supported by a coalition of leading destinations and travel brands, and encourages a shift towards more responsible travel.

*Photo credit Fliggy. Fliggy, CTO Dr Alex Chen (left) and European Travel Commission CEO Eduardo Santander (right).*

Fliggy, the first Chinese partner for “Unlock and Unexpected Upgrade”, officially joined the initiative by signing the partnership agreement with ETC during ITB Berlin last week.

The campaign reimagines responsible travel as an unexpected upgrade — encouraging travellers to explore off-peak seasons, venture beyond popular hotspots, choose low-carbon transport, and support local businesses for fewer crowds, deeper connections, and more meaningful experiences across Europe.

Travellers are invited to kayak the serene Baltic Sea, walk Dubrovnik’s ancient walls in quiet moments, celebrate carnivals like a local in Germany, or discover hidden coastal towns and seasonal flower festivals.

Fliggy CTO Dr Alex Chen said: “We are pleased to partner with ETC on this initiative as Europe offers endless opportunities for discovery. Through this partnership, we’re leveraging our technology to help travellers unlock richer experiences — from hidden gems to local festivals — making every journey to the continent more immersive.”

European Travel Commission CEO Eduardo Santander said: “We’re excited to join forces with Fliggy to bring the ‘Unlock an Unexpected Upgrade’ campaign to Chinese travellers. This is more than a campaign. It’s a collective movement to make travel more meaningful and rewarding for everyone.”

As part of the partnership, Fliggy will deploy the “Unlock an Unexpected Upgrade” campaign assets, recommend popular tourist attractions and product routes, and jointly develop niche European destination routes for users on its platform. Fliggy and ETC will further cooperate on special event promotions, including the flower season, Christmas, and snow and ice travel, during the Global Travel Festival and mid-year sales.

Learn more about the campaign at https://unexpectedupgrade.eu.

About Fliggy
Fliggy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alibaba Group, is one of the leading online travel platforms in China.

About the European Travel Commission
The European Travel Commission (ETC) represents the national tourism organisations of Europe. Established in 1948, ETC’s mission is to strengthen Europe’s sustainable development as a tourist destination and to promote Europe in third markets.

(Source: Fliggy)

Air India expands Asia footprint

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Newsdesk

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March 9, 2026

DELHI, 9 March 2026: Air India will launch two new international routes as part of its continued expansion across Asia starting this May.

Effective 1 May 2026, Air India will operate direct flights between Delhi and Hanoi, making Hanoi the airline’s second gateway in Vietnam after Ho Chi Minh City.

Air India will also introduce direct flights between Mumbai and Tokyo (Haneda) from 15 June 2026, in addition to its Delhi-Tokyo (Haneda) services.

The new service from Delhi to Hanoi will operate five times a week, complementing the already established daily flights to Ho Chi Minh City. This provides greater flexibility to travellers who intend to visit Vietnam with open-jaw itineraries (entering Vietnam at Hanoi and exiting via Ho Chi Minh City or vice versa).

Air India will deploy its A320neo aircraft on the Delhi-Hanoi route, featuring business class, premium economy and economy class. The opening of this new route adds 7,028 seats to and from Vietnam each month.

Air India flights to and from Vietnam offer convenient connections to several destinations across the airline’s domestic and international route networks, including the United Kingdom and much of Europe.

Boosting connectivity to Japan

The new services between Mumbai and Tokyo (Haneda) will operate four times a week using Air India’s Boeing 787-8 aircraft.

Recently, Air India increased the frequency between Delhi and Tokyo (Haneda), increasing from four to seven weekly flights. Effective 14 February 2026, the airline upgraded its product offering on the route to B787-9 aircraft featuring new cabin interiors and introduced premium economy.

Air India has an active codeshare partnership with fellow Star Alliance member airline All Nippon Airways (ANA) to provide its guests with convenient onward connections from Tokyo Haneda to 6 other major cities in Japan: Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Nagoya, Okinawa, Osaka, and Sapporo.

Air India Chief Commercial Officer, Nipun Aggarwal, said: “Since Air India’s privatisation, we have significantly grown our network across Southeast Asia and the Far East, having added several new routes, optimised flight schedules to enable convenient cross-continent connections, and forged new partnerships with other carriers.”

He added: “Japan and Vietnam have both emerged as fast-growing destinations for Indian travellers, while India’s economic and commercial ties with both nations continue to deepen and present more opportunities for business and trade on both sides. The launch of these new routes supports this growth and strengthens our presence in the region.”

Japan has rapidly emerged as one of the fastest-growing outbound destinations for Indian travellers. According to the Japan National Tourism Organisation, over 3,15,000 Indians visited Japan in 2025, representing a 35% increase over 2024 and nearly 80% growth compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Vietnam continues to gain popularity among leisure travellers and corporate groups as its leisure and business event tourism sectors expand. The country now ranks third in Southeast Asia in terms of visitor numbers, having recorded over 20 million visitors in 2025.

Flights will progressively be available for booking through all channels, including Air India’s official website, mobile app, and travel agents.

(Source: Air India)

Lufthansa launches direct Frankfurt-Kuala Lumpur flights

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Newsdesk

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March 9, 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, 9 March 2026: Lufthansa will launch direct flights from Frankfurt to Kuala Lumpur this October to strengthen its network in Southeast Asia

Effective 25 October, the airline will fly five times weekly between Frankfurt and Kuala Lumpur year-round — operating on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Bookings are already open for the new route.

*Photo credit: Lufthansa: Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur.*

Flight schedule

LH704 will depart Frankfurt at 2130 and arrive in Kuala Lumpur at 1640 local time the following day.
LH705 will depart Kuala Lumpur at 2355 and arrive in Frankfurt at 0600 on the following day.

The flight will be operated by a Boeing 787-9, configured with 287 seats in three classes and the new Allegris cabin.

Lufthansa Airlines CEO Jens Ritter said: “With the new nonstop connection to Kuala Lumpur and the deployment of our state-of-the-art Dreamliner, we are creating ideal conditions to participate in the growth in Southeast Asia. The innovative Allegris cabin offers our guests the highest comfort and highlights underscore our premium aspiration to offer both leisure travellers and business travellers a first-class travel experience.”

Malaysia is a popular destination for both leisure travellers and business travellers. In 2025, Malaysia welcomed 42.2 million visitors, making it the most visited country in Southeast Asia. It is also economically strong and growing rapidly. Germany is Malaysia’s most important trading partner in the European Union, and over 700 German companies are based in Malaysia.

From the Lufthansa Group home markets (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, and Italy), Lufthansa Airlines will be the only airline offering nonstop flights to Malaysia. This makes Kuala Lumpur the third Lufthansa Group destination in Southeast Asia, alongside Bangkok, Singapore and Phuket.

(Source Lufthansa Group)

Royal Cliff Beach Resorts: Video Storytelling

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TTR WEEKLY

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March 8, 2026

peachthailand.com · royalcliff.com · royalwingsuites.com · royalcliff.com

Mission recovery gets underway in the Gulf

Gulf airports partially open but on high alert

SOTC honoured at SATTE Awards

Residences boost Banyan Tree profit

AirAsia wins top five ESG ranking

Bangkok preview for Singapore Yachting Festival

Fliggy joins ETC’s global campaign

Air India expands Asia footprint

Lufthansa launches direct Frankfurt-Kuala Lumpur flights

Royal Cliff Beach Resorts: Video Storytelling

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