HONG KONG, 3 November 2025: Lunar New Year is traditionally a peak travel season, and to meet travellers’ demand, Greater Bay Airlines (GBA) will launch a seasonal service to the Maldives from 8 to 25 February 2026.
The airline will operate daily flights between Hong Kong and Velana International Airport in Male, Maldives, for the Lunar New Year holiday peak season. The airline will deploy its Boeing 737-800 aircraft on the route.
Photo credit: GBA. Lunar New Year flights to the Maldives
The Maldives is a popular destination for Hong Kong residents seeking to escape winter chills for a Lunar New Year holiday on the tropical islands of the Maldives.
Flight schedule
Hong Kong (HKG) – Male (MLE) (Velana International Airport)
GBA commenced scheduled service in July 2022 and is currently operating scheduled flights between Hong Kong and Bangkok, Taipei, Tokyo, Osaka, Sendai, Sapporo, Manila, Phu Quoc, Zhoushan, Huangshan, Yichang, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Quanzhou, Xuzhou, Datong and Enshi with a fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
BANGKOK, 3 November 2025: BWH Hotels, a leading global hospitality enterprise comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotels, announces the opening of SureStay Plus by Best Western T Pattaya, a stylish property that marks the debut of SureStay Hotels in one of Thailand’s most dynamic resort destinations.
Perfectly positioned just moments from Pattaya’s downtown attractions, the 95-room property is a modern hotel that combines quality, service and great value. Each guestroom features contemporary decor and home comforts, while the onsite restaurant serves fresh cuisine throughout the day. Guests can unwind in the outdoor rooftop infinity swimming pool, stay active in the fitness centre or enjoy sunset cocktails with panoramic views at the rooftop bar.
Just two hours from Bangkok and strategically located near three international airports—Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang International Airport and U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport—the property is ideal for weekend getaways, extended stays or intimate corporate events.
Guests are within walking distance of Pattaya’s top restaurants, bars, shopping malls and vibrant nightlife. The city’s popular attractions, including beaches, golf courses, water parks and botanical gardens, are all easily accessible.
“We are excited to introduce a fresh chapter in Pattaya’s hospitality landscape with the launch of the city’s first SureStay Hotels property. It was developed to deliver consistent standards of quality and service in the affordable hotel segment. The SureStay Plus by Best Western brand elevates the experience with enhanced essentials. SureStay Plus by Best Western T Pattaya captures the spirit of SureStay Hotels, and we are excited to introduce our guests to this well-appointed location,” said BWH Hotels Vice President – APAC, Olivier Berrivin.
BWH Hotels now offers three properties in Pattaya across its SureStay Plus, Best Western Plus and BW Signature Collection brands, with over 400 guest rooms combined.
PUTRAJAYA, 3 November 2025: Tourism Malaysia, in collaboration with the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), welcomed the inaugural flight of a holiday charter series last Friday, organised by Polish tour operator ITAKA under the banner JP Winter Charter 2025/2026 campaign.
The tour groups travel with LOT Polish Airlines, which provides the winter timetable flights from its home base in the Polish capital, Warsaw (WAW), to Langkawi Island (LGK), in Malaysia.
Photo credit: Tourism Malaysia.
The inaugural flight, operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, touched down at Langkawi International Airport at 0940, marking the beginning of a weekly direct charter service that will operate through March 2026.
Supported under the Geran Sepadan Penerbangan Antarabangsa dan Charter (GSPC) initiative, the collaboration between Tourism Malaysia Frankfurt Office, ITAKA, and LOT Polish Airlines builds on the success of the 2024/2025 charter season, which recorded 5,345 passengers, surpassing the initial target by 33%.
Tourism Malaysia Director-General YBhg Datuk Manoharan Periasamy commented: “The Warsaw-Langkawi charter flight marks a significant milestone that reinforces Malaysia’s appeal as a long-haul leisure destination. With Visit Malaysia 2026 on the horizon, this initiative exemplifies our growing partnerships and strengthens our presence in Central and Eastern Europe.”
The welcoming ceremony, jointly organised with LADA, featured a lively traditional kompang performance and captivating cultural showcases, symbolising Malaysia’s signature warmth and hospitality. To mark the occasion, Tourism Malaysia also presented souvenirs and promotional materials to arriving passengers as part of the celebration.
From January to September 2025, Malaysia recorded 37,432 visitor arrivals from Poland, representing a 40.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024, reflecting the positive growth of this emerging market.
With continued collaboration from LADA and key tourism industry partners, Tourism Malaysia remains committed to strengthening the long-haul charter segment as part of its broader strategy to achieve 47 million international arrivals in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026).
ROME, 3 November 2025: ITA Airways will resume direct flights between Rome Fiumicino and Tel Aviv Ben Gurion on 1 January 2026, the airline reported last week.
Photo credit: ITA Airways.
It will initially operate two daily flights:
AZ806 will depart from Rome Fiumicino at 0915 and arrive in Tel Aviv Ben Gurion at 1335 (local time). AZ807 will depart from Tel Aviv Ben Gurion at 1455 and arrive in Rome Fiumicino at 1740 (local time).
AZ810 will depart from Rome Fiumicino at 2250 and arrive in Tel Aviv Ben Gurion at 0310 plus a day. AZ809 will depart from Tel Aviv Ben Gurion at 0515 and arrive in Rome Fiumicino at 08:5 (local time).
These schedules provide convenient connections to and from Tel Aviv across ITA Airways’ network through its Rome Fiumicino hub.
The route will be operated with an Airbus A321neo. It’s the first narrow-body aircraft in the ITA Airways fleet to be configured with three cabins: business class (featuring full-flat bed seats), premium economy, and economy.
The resumption of flights between Rome and Tel Aviv holds strategic importance for ITA Airways. It represents a significant step for Italy, further strengthening the commercial, social, and cultural ties between the two countries.
HONG KONG, 3 November 2025: HK Express Airways has been awarded the 7-Star PLUS Safety Rating by AirlineRatings, the global airline safety and product rating organisation.
This is the highest distinction in AirlineRatings’ internationally recognised safety ranking system, and HK Express is the first low-cost carrier to receive this recognition.
Photo credit: HK Express.
HK Express CEO Jeanette Mao commented: “As the first low-cost carrier to earn AirlineRatings’ 7-Star PLUS recognition, we see this as validation of our safety culture and our relentless pursuit of operational excellence, enabling reliable and affordable air travel at scale.”
AirlineRatings’ 7-Star PLUS rating is conferred following six anonymous onboard audits across a representative mix of flights, assessing performance against 70 measurable criteria. To be eligible, an airline must first hold a 7-Star safety rating, determined by IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) participation, audits by relevant authorities, and the airline’s safety and incident history. Audits are conducted independently by AirlineRatings to reflect real-world passenger experiences.
In addition to attaining the 7-Star PLUS rating, HK Express has been named the World’s Safest Low-Cost Airline and ranked among the top five of the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline earlier this year.
DELHI, 3 November 2025: Air India Express has expanded its footprint in Rajasthan state with four new daily flights connecting Jodhpur and Udaipur to Bengaluru and Delhi, starting 1 November.
With these additions, Air India Express now operates from three cities in Rajasthan (Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur) with over 105 weekly flights from the state. The airline operates about 80 weekly flights from Jaipur, offering direct connectivity to 11 Indian cities and Dubai. The airline also connects Jaipur to 25 domestic destinations and 11 international destinations with convenient one-stop connections.
Apart from direct flights to Bengaluru and Delhi, the airline connects Jodhpur to 26 domestic and three international destinations and Udaipur with 29 domestic and seven international destinations through convenient one-stop connections.
These new launches follow the airline’s recent network expansion to Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, and Dehradun, offering direct connectivity to Bengaluru. As part of its winter schedule 2025, the airline also launched new operations from Bengaluru to Bangkok, Jeddah, Riyadh, and Kuwait and from Delhi to Amritsar, Goa, Imphal, Lucknow, and Port Blair.
Photo credit: Air India Express.
From Jaipur: Air India Express operates 80 weekly flights connecting directly to 11 domestic destinations and Dubai. The domestic destinations include Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Hindon, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune and Varanasi. Additionally, the airline provides one-stop connections to 25 domestic destinations: Agartala, Amritsar, Ayodhya, Bagdogra, Goa, Imphal, Indore, Jammu, Jodhpur, Kannur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Mangaluru, North Goa, Patna, Ranchi, Srinagar, Sri Vijay Puram (Port Blair), Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Udaipur, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and 11 international destinations: Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Bangkok, Dammam, Jeddah, Kathmandu, Kuwait, Muscat, Phuket, Riyadh, Sharjah.
From Jodhpur: Air India Express operates 14 weekly flights connecting directly to Bengaluru and Delhi. Additionally, the airline provides one-stop connectivity to 26 domestic destinations: Amritsar, Ayodhya, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Imphal, Indore, Jaipur, Jammu, Kochi, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Mumbai, North Goa, Patna, Pune, Ranchi, Srinagar, Sri Vijaya Puram, Surat, Varanasi, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam and three international destinations: Dammam, Kuwait, and Muscat.
From Udaipur: Air India Express operates 14 weekly flights connecting directly to Bengaluru and Delhi. Additionally, the airline provides one-stop connectivity to 29 domestic destinations: Amritsar, Ayodhya, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Imphal, Indore, Jaipur, Jammu, Kochi, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Mumbai, North Goa, Patna, Pune, Ranchi, Srinagar, Sri Vijaya Puram, Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Varanasi, and Visakhapatnam and seven international destinations: Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Jeddah, Kuwait, Muscat, Riyadh, and Sharjah.
DUBAI, UAE, 31 October 2025: Emirates has garnered another slew of awards this month, including ‘Best International Airline’, ‘Best International First Class’, and ‘Best International Airline Lounge’ from the Forbes Travel Guide Verified Air Travel Awards, as well as a host of titles from entities such as the World Travel Awards, The Times and Sunday Times Travel Awards, and the Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards.
For the second year running, Emirates has been voted as the Best International Airline by 9,000 frequent fliers in the hospitality industry, including luxury travel advisors and Forbes Travel Guides inspectors, with results validated using a star ratings system. Forbes detailed why Emirates was selected as the ‘Best International Airline.’
The secret to the Dubai-based airline’s success is that it continually refines every aspect of the passenger experience. For example, Emirates recently debuted an opulent lounge-like check-in area for its First-Class and Skywards Platinum members, and it’s the first autism-certified airline, with more than 30,000 cabin crew and ground staff trained to support travellers with autism.’
Echoing the same sentiment, Emirates was revealed as the ‘Best Long-Haul Airline’ at The Times and The Sunday Times Travel Awards 2025 – cast from 900,000 reader votes. This award was credited to Emirates for its ‘cabin crew service, First Class suites (including showers) and fleet of roomy Airbus A380s.’ The Times also mentioned that Emirates continues to expand its footprint and has ‘connected the Middle East to five new destinations this year, including Shenzhen in southern China’ and ‘Siem Reap, the entry point to the Angkor Wat complex in Cambodia.’
Emirates also recently scored 87.86 in the Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards Best Airline Category, and won the title of Middle East’s leading airline brand at the regional finals of the World Travel Awards 2025.
Emirates takes first place for its First Class
Emirates is the world’s largest operator of international First Class travel – offering 26,800 seats a week and the largest inventory of international First Class seats in the industry, entirely comprised of private suites. At the recent Forbes awards, Emirates also claimed ‘Best International First Class -Emirates First Class on the Boeing 777-300ER’ for its suites that ‘deliver sky-high luxury: floor-to-ceiling doors, zero-gravity seats, Bulgari fragrances and food—ranging from movie snacks to caviar’, as well as ‘extras like chauffeured transfers, a service that helps passengers quickly navigate connections in Dubai and airport lounge access’.
Emirates was bestowed the title of Forbes’ Best International Airline Lounge’ for its First Class Lounge in Dubai, which offers ‘everything a traveller could need and more: delicious dishes ranging from baked John Dory to 72-hour braised beef short ribs, a cigar bar, shower spas, a complimentary 15-minute spa treatment and plentiful areas to rest or work. Though arguably the best perk is the convenient direct boarding from the lounge.’
Emirates also won several more honours for its First Class offering at the World Travel Awards 2025 regional final – Middle East’s leading airline – First Class and Middle East’s leading airline lounge – First Class.
Earlier in 2025, Emirates was honoured with several awards, including Best Long-Haul Airline at The Telegraph Travel Awards, 2025’s Most Recommended Global Brand by YouGov, and multiple categories at the Business Traveller Middle East Awards, such as Best Airline Worldwide for the 12th consecutive year, Best First Class, Best Premium Economy Class, and Best Airport Lounge in the Middle East. Additionally, Emirates Skywards was named as the Best Global Airline Loyalty Program at the International Loyalty Awards 2025 and the World Travel Awards Middle East’s leading airline rewards programme.
For information on flights or to make a booking, visit: www.emirates.com.
KOTA KINABALU, 31 October: The 38th IEEE Region 10 Conference (TENCON 2025) convened at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) earlier this week, bringing together global experts, innovators, and technologists under the theme “Unleashing Innovation: Elevating Technologies to New Horizons.”
Organised by the IEEE Malaysia Section in collaboration with IEEE Region 10, the IEEE Malaysia Sabah Sub-Section, and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), the four-day conference (27 to 30 October) enjoyed strong support from the Government of Malaysia and the State Government of Sabah.
The Opening Ceremony of the IEEE Region 10 Conference 2025 (TENCON 2025) was officiated by the Vice Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Datuk Dr Kasim bin Hj. Md. Mansur, and represented by Professor Ir Dr Rosalam Sarbatly, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research & Innovation), UMS.
As the flagship conference of IEEE Region 10 (Asia-Pacific), TENCON serves as a premier platform for researchers, educators, industry leaders, and policymakers to exchange knowledge, showcase breakthroughs, and explore innovations across electrical engineering, computer science, and emerging technologies.
The conference featured a comprehensive technical programme, 13 co-located sessions, industry and STEM exhibitions, and the IEEE Gala Dinner, offering a rich platform for networking and collaboration.
About IEEE and TENCON The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is the world’s largest professional association dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. TENCON is IEEE Region 10’s flagship annual conference, serving as a leading platform for researchers, engineers, and industry professionals across the Asia-Pacific region.
SINGAPORE, 31 October 2025: Norse Atlantic Airways introduces a new route between Manchester (UK) and Bangkok, Thailand, commencing on 26 November 2025. It follows this week’s launch of a service between London Gatwick and the Thai capital, Bangkok.
Departing every Wednesday, the Manchester-Bangkok service will become the first direct air link between the two cities. The airline estimates that in 2024, around 100,000 passengers travelling to Bangkok embarked on flights from Manchester that involved a stop in the Middle East for a change of aircraft.
Photo credit: Norse Atlantic Airways.
Norse’s entrance into the Manchester-Bangkok market offers a game-changing alternative to indirect, time-consuming connections. It supports both inbound tourism to the UK and leisure travel to Thailand, the airline reported.
The airline uses 787-9 aircraft with 338 seats, configured with three classes: 56 in business, 56 in premium economy, and 226 in economy. Return fares start from GBP259, including taxes.
Flight schedule — MAN-BKK
ZO891 departs Manchester (MAN) at 2330 on Wednesday and arrives in Bangkok (BKK) at 1800 plus a day. ZO892 departs Bangkok (BKK) at 2000 on Thursday and arrives in Manchester (MAN) at 0215. Flight time 13 hours and 15 minutes.
London Gatwick-Bangkok service
Norse Atlantic Airways launched a new direct service from London Gatwick (LGW) to Bangkok (BKK) on 26 October 2025. Flights initially operate three times weekly, with return fares starting at UKP295 including taxes.
Flight schedule — LGW-BKK
ZO791 departs London (LGW) at 1600 and arrives in Bangkok (BKK) at 1055, plus a day. Three flights weekly depart LGW on Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday. ZO792 departs Bangkok (BKK) at 1230 and arrives in London (LGW) at 1830 on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.
In December, the airline will add a fourth flight on the route departing from London (LGW) on Friday.
More Norse flights to Bangkok
Weekly flights between Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) and Bangkok will increase from two to four starting Friday, 5 December 2025, with one-way fares starting from SEK3546 including taxes.
Flights between Oslo (OSL) and Bangkok (BKK) will increase from three to four times weekly beginning Wednesday, 3 December 2025, with one-way fares from NOK2578 including taxes.
About Norse Atlantic Airways A Norwegian-owned low-cost airline, Norse Atlantic Airways, flies out of London Gatwick. Founded by CEO and major shareholder Bjørn Tore Larsen in March 2021, it operates a fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners serving a growing network of destinations across North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
BANGKOK, 31 October 2025: Le Méridien Bangkok, a five-star art-inspired hotel in the Silom district, reaffirms its reputation as Thailand’s premier Halal-friendly destination.
Recognised by the International Crescent Rating for Halal travel excellence, the hotel offers a refined blend of contemporary design, cultural inclusivity, and heartfelt service.
A Halal-Certified Haven of Comfort and Style
Le Méridien Bangkok stands as the only five-star hotel in Thailand accredited for Halal travel excellence, demonstrating its deep commitment to Muslim travellers. Each guest room features Qiblah direction indicators and Japanese washlets, with prayer mats and timetables available upon request. Dedicated prayer spaces can be arranged, and the concierge can provide information on nearby mosques and transportation for Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan.
Hotel associates receive training in cultural awareness and Muslim guest requirements, ensuring every interaction reflects Le Méridien’s signature warmth and respect.
Culinary excellence with Halal assurance
Dining at Le Méridien Bangkok celebrates both authenticity and creativity. All chicken and beef are sourced from Halal-certified suppliers, prepared in separate kitchen areas with dedicated utensils to prevent cross-contamination. The hotel offers Halal-certified breakfasts, in-room dining, banquets, and minibar options, as well as special Iftar and Ramadan dining experiences.
Guests can also enjoy a rich variety of seafood, vegetarian, and fusion dishes — blending international flair with local inspiration. Signature menu highlights include Shish Tawook, Lamb Kofta, Khao Soi Wagyu Brisket Ravioli, and the Golden Cavendish Banana Parfait. Vegetarian and family-friendly options further reflect the hotel’s inclusive culinary philosophy.
Wellness, privacy and peace of mind
For wellness seekers, the hotel offers separate male and female spa facilities, including a female-only spa and onsen, with female attendants available on request. Its location near leading international hospitals — BNH, Bumrungrad, and Samitivej Sukhumvit — provides extra peace of mind for health-conscious guests.
Family comfort and the Middle East room promotion
To cater to families and long-stay visitors, Le Méridien Bangkok introduces an exclusive Middle East Room Promotion, offering luxurious accommodations and exceptional value:
• Family Suite (114 sqm) — THB14,900 net, breakfast for four
• Presidential Suite (165 sqm) — THB 19,900 net, breakfast for two
• Family Presidential Suite (250 sqm) — THB23,900 net, breakfast for four.
All suites feature connecting layouts ideal for families, with Halal-certified dining, kids’ menus, and activities such as cooking classes and private city tours, as well as convenient access to shopping malls and entertainment venues.
Booking period: Now until 20 December 2026.
Blackout dates: 24 December 2025 to 2 January 2026; 10–15 April 2026; 26 December 2026 – 2 January 2027.
Cultural sophistication and global assurance
Set in the lively Silom district, Le Méridien Bangkok offers proximity to Central Dusit Park, One Bangkok, MBK Centre, and Samyan Mitrtown — a 24-hour complex with cafés, prayer facilities, and a cinema.
As part of Marriott Bonvoy, Le Méridien Bangkok combines world-class service, authentic cultural experiences, and a sense of discovery — reaffirming its position as the preferred Halal-friendly luxury hotel for global travellers.
About Le Méridien Bangkok Le Méridien Bangkok blends contemporary European sophistication with Thai elegance in the city’s dynamic Silom district. With 282 rooms and suites, inspired dining, award-winning spa facilities, and personalised service, the hotel invites guests to unlock Bangkok through a new lens of culture, creativity, and discovery.
