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SQ shifts Phnom Penh flights to Techo

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 10 September 2025: Singapore Airlines successfully shifted its operations in Cambodia from Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) to Techo International Airport (KTI) on 9 September. 

The relocation affects all three daily flights between Singapore and Phnom Penh: SQ154, SQ156, and SQ158 from Singapore to Phnom Penh, as well as SQ153, SQ155, and SQ157 from Phnom Penh to Singapore.

Photo credit: Techo International Airport.

There will be no changes to the flight numbers or scheduled timings for flights operating to and from Phnom Penh, SQ reported.

Techo International Airport is located approximately 23km south of Phnom Penh city centre. 

Since 9 September, all airlines serving the Cambodian capital have moved their flights to Techo International Airport (KTI). Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) will remain open as a military airport, with some domestic flights and private jet operations. 

Phnom Penh Airport, originally Pochentong International Airport, was established in the 1930s as a military airstrip, officially opened in 1965, but saw limited use during the 1970s and 80s. A 1995 concession to a VINCI Airports subsidiary led to significant renovations and expansions in the late 1990s and 2010s, eventually being renamed Phnom Penh International Airport in 2003. (Source: Wikipedia).

Airlines and codeshare partners that moved flights yesterday to the new airport included:

Air Cambodia
AirAsia Cambodia
American Airlines
Asiana Airlines
Bangkok Airways
Cambodia Airways
Cathay Pacific
China Southern Airlines
China Eastern Airlines 
Delta Air Lines
Emirates
EVA Air
Hahn Air Systems
Jetblue Airways
Malaysia Airlines
Qatar Airways
Thai Airways International
Thai VietJet Air
Thai AirAsia
Spring Airlines
Singapore Airlines
Vietnam Airlines

Location: Techo International Airport (KTI) is located approximately 20 to 30 km south of Phnom Penh, in Kandal and Takeo provinces. This replaces the old Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), located about 7 km west of the city centre. The new airport is connected to the city via the newly built Hun Sen Boulevard highway.

Airport transfers 

There are two main options for transfers.

Airport Express Bus: A new bus service, operated by the Phnom Penh City Bus Authority, started on 9 September  2025. It operates daily from 0530 to 2330 on two direct routes between the airport and the city centre. 

Private Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services: These services are also available. An internet search shows a range of prices for private taxi transfers, with one-way fares to the city centre ranging from as low as USD10 to USD38, depending on the service provider, vehicle type, and drop-off point. Some transfers are listed at a flat rate of USD30. The travel time is between 40 minutes and one hour and 10 minutes, depending on traffic.

Etihad flies direct to Phnom Penh

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 10 September 2025: Etihad Airways will launch direct flights from Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Phnom Penh, Cambodia (KTI) starting on 6 October, part of an expansion project that also highlights new services to Medan, Indonesia and Krabi, Thailand. 

Etihad will be the first airline to offer direct flights on the Abu Dhabi – Phnom Penh route, using an A321neo configured with 184 seats (three classes: economy, business, and first). Flight time will be seven hours and 10 minutes.

Photo credit: Etihad Airways. Lake Toba, Medan, Phnom Penh, Cambodia and Krabi, South Thailand.

The pre-launch timetable schedules the first service departing Abu Dhabi on 6 October, with four flights weekly, scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Round-trip flights start at AED1,835.

Abu Dhabi – Phnom Penh (KTI) flight schedule

Meanwhile, the airline is set to commence two new direct routes from its home base, Abu Dhabi, to two destinations in Southeast Asia — Medan, Indonesia and Krabi, Thailand.

Medan (KNO): Starting 2 October, the airline will fly direct from Abu Dhabi to Medan, North Sumatra’s gateway, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and close to the spectacular Lake Toba. Three flights weekly — Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Flight time: seven hours. Airport: Kuala Namu (KNO).

Krabi (KBV): Starting 9 October, the airline flies direct from Abu Dhabi to the southern Thailand beach destination. Daily flights. (Flight time: six hours and 50 minutes.

Qatar tweaks China Southern codeshares

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TTR WEEKLY
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DOHA, Qatar, 9 September 2025: Qatar Airways and China Southern Airlines have extended their codeshare partnership and increased flights between Doha and Beijing following the Golden Week holiday period in China that runs from 1 to 8 October.

Starting 16 October 2025, Qatar Airways will codeshare on China Southern’s three weekly direct flights between Beijing Daxing and Doha. 

Photo credit: Qatar Airways.

Similarly, China Southern will be expanding its “CZ” code on Qatar Airways-operated flights beyond Doha to 15 destinations across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, including Amman, Athens, Barcelona, Cairo, Dar es Salaam, Madrid, and Munich.

Qatar Airways has already placed its code on China Southern-operated flights between Guangzhou and Doha since April 2024. Building on the existing codeshares from Guangzhou and Beijing Daxing, China Southern will extend its code to flights between Doha and four major Chinese cities — Chengdu Tianfu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai — subject to approval from the Chinese government.

Beijing Daxing marks the second Chinese gateway to be served with non-stop flights operated by China Southern Airlines. Beijing also connects with Doha through Qatar Airways’ daily flight, along with Xiamen Airlines’ daily flight.

With this frequency increase and codeshare expansion, Qatar Airways and its two strategic partners, China Southern Airlines and Xiamen Airlines, will now offer 64 weekly flights across eight gateways in Greater China. 

World’s poultry vets gather in Kuching

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUCHING, 9 September 2025: For the first time in its history, the prestigious 23rd World Veterinary Poultry Association Congress (WVPAC 2025) will be hosted in Malaysia, with Kuching officially named as the nation’s inaugural host city.

The global congress, themed “Sustainable Healthy Poultry for a Healthier World”, will take place from 6 to 10 October 2025 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).

The Hon Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Anak Utom (centre) with conference and agency representatives at the WVPAC 2025 press conference.

As the poultry industry grapples with critical challenges — including disease control, food safety, sustainability, and animal welfare — WVPAC 2025 will serve as a first-class platform to share cutting-edge research and solutions, and best practices to ensure the resilience of global poultry production.

The congress is set to attract over 1,500 delegates from more than 50 countries, including 19 internationally renowned speakers, alongside an exhibition showcasing the latest innovations, products, and services in poultry health and production.

“Sarawak is determined to become more self-reliant and competitive in food supply, and build a resilient food system for the people, while promoting sustainable poultry farming practices,” stated The Hon. Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Anak Utom, Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Sarawak, at a press conference held on Monday. “WVPAC 2025 is expected to generate over RM9.8 million in total economic impact for Sarawak, but its true legacy will be the exchange of ideas, forging of partnerships, and advancement of a more resilient and sustainable food system for future generations.”

“WVPAC 2025 is an opportunity to build local capacity in veterinary poultry medicine and contribute towards sustainable food systems and improved poultry health management”, expressed Datu Dr Adrian Susin Ambud, Director General, Department of Veterinary Services, Sarawak. “Animal health plays a key role in a robust system, so we gladly extend our support to WVPA Malaysia’s mission in making a positive contribution.”

The Hon Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Anak Utom with Prof. Dr. Abdul Rahman Omar at Monday’s press conference.

“Food security and sustainable agriculture are not only government and community priorities, but also align with BESarawak’s mission to drive legacies from business events that benefit society and future generations,” said Amelia Roziman, CEO of BESarawak. “We welcome more associations to come forward and bid for more high-impact, high-value event opportunities.”

“The World Veterinary Poultry Association Malaysia aims to make a positive impact on the poultry industry through the exchange of knowledge and experience in business events,” said Prof Dr Abdul Rahman Omar, Organising Chairman of the WVPAC 2025 and President of WVPA Malaysia. “It is truly an achievement for us and our partners to win the bid and position Sarawak as a global scientific hub, particularly for food security and veterinary science.”

The World Veterinary Poultry Association Congress 2025 is organised by the World Veterinary Poultry Association (WVPA) Malaysia and supported by: the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Sarawak (MFICORD), Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) and Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB).

For more information on WVPAC 2025, the world’s leading congress on poultry health and production, and to register, visit Registration – 23rd World Veterinary Poultry Association Congress.

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

Sarawak rolls out triple showcase

By
TTR WEEKLY
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LONDON, 9 September 2025: Travellers today seek destinations that balance sustainability, authenticity, and growth — and Sarawak delivers. Here, ancient rainforests meet modern aspirations, and heritage, nature, and community are not only preserved but celebrated. 

As the Gateway to Borneo and a rising force in ASEAN tourism, Sarawak is taking bold steps to connect with the world while staying rooted in its values. 

Sarawak delegates with Encik Sulaiman Suip, Director of Tourism Malaysia UK (third from left), and H.E. Dato’ Zakri Jaafar, High Commissioner of Malaysia to the United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland (fifth from left), at Celebrasia 2025 in Battersea Power Station, London.

Strengthening its position as the Gateway to Borneo and gearing up for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) has taken bold strides in its global and regional tourism push, engaging audiences across three major markets in a single week. 

The first event was at ITB India 2025 in Mumbai (2–4 September), followed by Celebrasia 2025 in London (5–7 September) and the Thai International Travel Fair – North Chapter (5–7 September) in Chiang Mai. 

This strategic triple showcase highlights Sarawak’s unique Indigenous heritage and trade readiness, underscoring its ambition to drive strong visitor growth in 2025 while positioning the state as the actual Gateway to Borneo.  

“In one week, Sarawak engaged audiences across India, the UK, and Thailand, proving our brand resonates regionally and globally. Through the CANFF pillars — Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food, and Festivals — we demonstrated that Sarawak is more than a destination; it is a living experience of authenticity, diversity, and sustainability. These efforts strengthen our global positioning as we move towards Visit Malaysia 2026,” said Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, Chief Executive Officer of the Sarawak Tourism Board. 

At ITB India in Mumbai, Sarawak joined over 400 global exhibitors and 8,000 trade visitors,  engaging with Indian agents, operators, and airlines. India remains a high-growth market, and these engagements are expected to accelerate Sarawak’s inclusion in Indian travel packages. 

Fifth from left: Mr. Azamuddin Abdul Razak with Mr. Thanapat Tiyanont of Tourism Malaysia Bangkok and the Sarawak delegates at the Thai International Travel Fair – North Chapter in Chiang Mai.

At the same time, Sarawak’s presence spanned both Europe and ASEAN. In Chiang Mai, Sarawak directly reached Thai consumers through traditional performances, Sape music, and B2B networking with travel agents. As Northern Thailand is a key emerging market, this presence builds on strong momentum and lays the foundation for future Fam Trips, travel partnerships, and media coverage. 

Meanwhile, in London, Sarawak captivated audiences at Celebrasia 2025 with six cultural performers and artisan-led beadwork and basketry workshops, complemented by a vibrant handicraft showcase at Battersea Power Station. The joint showcase with Tourism Malaysia UK and the Sarawak Craft Council highlighted Sarawak’s indigenous heritage and responsible tourism values to a European audience, reinforcing its universal appeal. 

By simultaneously bridging Asia, Europe, and ASEAN, STB has amplified Sarawak’s international visibility. Together, these showcases reaffirm Sarawak’s role as a trade-ready and culturally rich destination, anchoring its mission to become a top choice for global travellers. 

Visit: Sarawak Tourism Board 

About Sarawak Tourism Board  
Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) is the key promoter for Sarawak and has built a strong track record of global recognition for its innovative campaigns, destination branding, and commitment to sustainability. In 2025, STB’s “Gateway to Borneo” campaign received the PATA Gold Award for Best Destination Marketing  Campaign (Destination Management Organisation – Asia).

We are the World Global Summit

By
Andrew Wood
-

BANGKOK: 9 September 2025: The future of healthcare depends on blending compassion, clarity, and trust into both traditional and alternative systems of medicine. These urgent themes will be explored at the We Are The World Global Summit on Integrative East-West Medicine: Biotech-AI Innovation & Convergence, which will take place from 9th to 11th November 2025 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC) in Bangkok.

Photo credit: AJW. Medical Compassion, Clarity and Trust Intertwined

“Healthcare shouldn’t be a privilege; it’s a right. And if we keep that at the centre of every conversation, the future of medicine will look very different.”

Balancing science and tradition

Photo credit: AJW. People are actively comparing medical opinions.

Patients today are more engaged than ever. From googling symptoms to joining support groups, people are actively comparing medical opinions. This awareness is beneficial but also carries risks, including misinformation, conflicting advice, and legal uncertainty regarding treatments.

Western medicine, for all its precision, can sometimes feel rushed or impersonal, while alternative therapies such as Chinese medicine or Ayurveda may provide relief but lack regulation. The summit in Bangkok will bring together doctors, researchers, and policymakers to tackle these concerns head-on.

10 guiding principles highlight the future of medical care:

• Patient-centred care

• Holistic approach

• Access for all

• Innovation and technology

• Blending East and West

• Collaboration

• Compassion and dignity

• Education and awareness

• Sustainability

• Global solidarity

These are not abstract ideals but lifelines. Anyone who has cared for a loved one in a hospital will understand the importance of dignity, compassion, and clear communication.

A personal journey

Back in 2010, I underwent emergency surgery for a brain aneurysm. I was one of the lucky 40% who survived. But brain surgery changes you. It interrupts your body’s natural sense of being grounded, centred, and in sync. It affects your balance, your walk, your rhythm and even your sense of self. At that time, I had no choice; surgery was the only path, and I am forever grateful for the gift that surgery, and surgery alone, gave me. Today, I value having alternatives, and I try to avoid invasive procedures whenever conservative options are available, while remaining forever grateful for the surgical skill that saved my life. 

This personal journey underscores the urgency of conversations that will be central to the “We Are The World” Global Summit in November. Patients everywhere must be given clarity, honesty, and trust in the advice they receive, whether from traditional hospitals or alternative practitioners.

Why attend

The summit at QSNCC Bangkok promises to be a world-class gathering where East meets West in search of integrated solutions. For those who believe healthcare should move beyond prescriptions and towards compassion, dignity, and innovation. 

Visit www.wearetheworldasia.org, a non-profit organisation. 

About Andrew J Wood

Andrew is a regular contributor to travel and tourism publications both regionally and globally. A former Director of Skål International, Past President of Skål International Asia, Skål International Thailand, and two-time Past President of Skål International Bangkok, Andrew is widely recognised as a preferred go-to choice for travel and tourism insights within the Pacific region.

PATA event travels to Chiang Rai

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

BANGKOK, 9 September 2025: Chiang Rai will welcome the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2025 (PDMF 2025), scheduled to be held at the Heritage Chiang Rai Hotel & Convention, from 1 to 3 December 2025.

Under the theme, “Steeped in Tradition, Rooted in Wellness: Weaving the Meaningful Narrative of Travel,” the event will be co-hosted by Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Chiang Rai City, and the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), with support from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

“PATA is thrilled to partner with Chiang Rai hosting this year’s PATA Destination Marketing Forum, having previously organised the PATA Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart 2016 once before in the province,” remarked PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. 

“This collaboration reaffirms our commitment to elevating emerging yet exceptional destinations on the global stage. The forum’s unique format, combining a one-day destination experience with a one-day conference, will provide destination marketers and tourism professionals with practical insights, actionable strategies, and emerging trends to enhance their destinations’ appeal. It will also provide a meaningful platform for connecting with industry experts who share the vision for the growth of Asia Pacific tourism.”

Chiang Rai Province Governor, Charin Thongsuk, added: “We are honoured that Chiang Rai will co-host the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2025. This opportunity allows us to showcase our province not only as a destination of beauty and cultural richness, but also as a model for sustainable and community-based tourism. With the strong collaboration between our local communities, the public sector, and PATA’s international network, we look forward to welcoming delegates from across the world to experience the unique character and hospitality of Chiang Rai.”

Chiang Rai is best known for its historical and artistic heritage, as well as hands-on experiences that offer meaningful engagement with local traditions and ways of life. 

The forum’s programme will also highlight the Royal Project of Doi Tung. This sustainable development model transformed deforested mountains and former opium cultivation sites into protected forests, horticulture areas, and tourist attractions, while also showcasing Chiang Rai’s diverse ethnic cultures through creative community-based tourism activities.

The far north city is home to iconic sites like Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) and Baan Dam Museum (Black House), as well as its tea plantations and highland coffee culture. 

About PATA Destination Marketing Forum
The PATA Destination Marketing Forum is a three-day event designed to empower emerging destinations, providing them with tools and insights for growth as globally recognised tourism hubs. 

Registration Details and Carbon Offset Fee
Registration for PDMF 2025 is complimentary, with priority given to PATA Members on a first-come, first-served basis. Reflecting PATA’s commitment to sustainable tourism, PDMF 2025 will be a carbon-neutral event. PATA is partnering with a local environmental initiative in Thailand to support greenhouse gas reduction and enhance carbon sequestration. A nominal USD10 carbon offset fee will be applied per attendee.

About PATA
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for-profit membership association dedicated to advancing a meaningful Pacific Asia tourism economy. PATA brings together governments, industry leaders, academia, and communities to drive positive, lasting change. Founded in 1951 and headquartered in Bangkok, the Association also has an official office in Beijing. Visit www.PATA.org.

Malaysia Airlines and Firefly expand routes

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines Group’s Firefly will launch new services to Krabi (KBV), Siem Reap (SAI) and Cebu (CEB) from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) Terminal 1 from November 2025 onwards, while parent airline Malaysia Airlines resumes flights to Chengdu, China from January 2026.

Firefly will also increase frequencies across its network beginning October 2025 by boosting domestic and regional connectivity with additional flights to Singapore, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Penang, and Johor Bahru. 

Photo credit: MAG

MH flies to Chengdu

Malaysia Airlines will commence daily flights between Kuala Lumpur and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) beginning 9 January 2026, increasing the airline’s network in Greater China to seven destinations. The airline currently operates flights to Beijing (PKX), Shanghai (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), Xiamen (XMN), Hong Kong (HKG), and Taipei (TPE).

Malaysia Airlines will also increase frequencies on routes from its home base at Kuala Lumpur International Airport to destinations across ASEAN, India, the Maldives, Bangladesh, Australia and New Zealand. 

New routes 

Vietjet sells 9 by 9 deal on flights to Vietnam

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 9 September 2025: Celebrate Double Day 9/9 with Vietjet’s special promotion, offering Singapore travellers direct flights to Phu Quoc, Da Nang, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City. 

Passengers can book thousands of tickets at up to 99% off base fares and enjoy 20kg of complimentary checked baggage on all international direct flights. However, the deal is only valid today.

Photo credit: Vietjet. Deals on Singapore to Vietnam routes.

From 0100 to midnight on 9 September 2025 (GMT+8), travellers can enter the promo code SUPERSALE99 when booking on the airline’s website or mobile app to secure Eco tickets at discounts of up to 99% (excludes taxes and fees). 

The promotion applies across Vietjet’s entire network of international and Vietnam domestic flights for travel between 1 October 2025 and 27 May 2026 (Specific travel periods may apply depending on routes. Blackout dates may apply).

Between 10 September and 23 September 2025, passengers booking Eco tickets on international routes will also receive 20kg of free checked baggage. Select the 20kg option at no extra cost during booking for travel throughout the festive season. 

For Singapore-based travellers, the special fares are available for travel between 1 October 2025 and 31 October 2025 on all Singapore–Vietnam routes, which include flights from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang and Phu Quoc.

Vietjet will increase flights on the Singapore – Da Nang route to twice daily from 21 November 2025 and the Singapore – Phu Quoc route to daily flights from 23 December 2025. 

Air India launches One India sale

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

GURUGRAM, India, 9 September 2025: Air India has launched a ‘One India’ promotional sale*, designed to offer travellers from India an attractive flat fare* for flights to any destination in Europe.

Photo credit: Air India.

The ‘One India’ sale simplifies travel planning with seamless connectivity across Air India’s extensive network, encouraging travellers from India to explore Europe’s vibrant cities, cultural landmarks, and scenic destinations at a consistent, affordable fare.

The limited-time offer applies to flights from any point in Air India’s domestic network to any of the airline’s European gateways. This means that a traveller pays the same flat fare for a round-trip from Varanasi to Milan via Delhi as they would for a round-trip from Delhi to Milan.

As part of the promotion, all-inclusive, round-trip fares to anywhere in Europe are as follows: INR47,000 in economy class, INR70,000 in premium economy (on applicable routes) and INR1,40,000 in business class. 

The all-inclusive, round-trip fares to London (Heathrow) are as follows: INR49,999 in economy class, INR89,999 in premium economy, and INR1,69,999 in business class.

As an added benefit, every ticket booked under this promotional sale offers one complimentary date change, providing greater flexibility to travellers and peace of mind while planning their trips.

Maharaja Club Members

Maharaj Club members enjoy zero convenience fee along with the special sale fares when they book their tickets after logging into the Air India website or mobile app, thereby unlocking further savings.

The ‘One India’ sale rolled out across all channels on 8 September and continues until 11 September 2025, including travel agents worldwide and Air India’s airport ticketing offices and customer contact centre. 

The ‘One India’ sale fares are available for travel until 31 March 2026.

Travellers, including Maharaja Club members, can save up to INR3,000 per passenger by using the promo code FLYAI.

*Fares are subject to availability and may vary due to local taxes and exchange rates.

Air India’s flights to Europe

Air India operates non-stop flights to 10 points in Europe — London (Heathrow), London (Gatwick), Paris (Charles de Gaulle), Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Milan, Copenhagen, Vienna, and Zurich. 

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