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Starlux and AA launch new codeshare partnership

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 29 September 2026: Starlux Airlines and American Airlines have launched a codeshare partnership, with tickets now available for flights connecting Starlux’s transpacific services with American Airlines’ flights to 20 major US destinations. 

The partnership lets travellers book a single itinerary that combines American Airlines’ eligible connecting flights with Starlux services to Taipei and onward to destinations across Asia.

New codeshare cities 

Via Phoenix: Albuquerque, Austin, Boston, El Paso, Kansas City, San Antonio, San Diego, St. Louis, Tucson, Washington, D.C. (Reagan Via Los Angeles: New York (JFK), Miami

Via Phoenix and Los Angeles: Atlanta, Charlotte, Denver, Dallas/Fort Worth, Las Vegas, Orlando, Chicago O’Hare, Philadelphia

“This codeshare marks an important milestone for Starlux,” said the airline’s CEO Glenn Chai. “American Airlines is an ideal partner, with a network across North America that complements what we’ve built across Asia. Together, we can provide our passengers with a more seamless and convenient travel experience between two of the world’s most dynamic regions.”

The codeshare builds on the airlines’ interline agreement established in 2025, expanding their relationship to provide greater connectivity between Starlux’s growing US-Asia network and American Airlines’ extensive domestic network. The airlines expect to add more connecting opportunities as the partnership grows.

“Taipei remains a top destination for global business, visiting friends and family and leisure travel, and together with Starlux Airlines, we’re partnering to provide new travel options,” said American’s Senior Vice President of Alliances, Anmol Bhargava.

American Airlines serves more than 250 destinations across North America and has a membership base of over 100 million. Through this partnership, passengers can enjoy the convenience of a single ticket and through-checked baggage to their final destination. Upon arriving in the US, Starlux passengers can conveniently connect to American Airlines flights and travel to more than 250 cities across North America, with 20 cities selected for the initial codeshare cooperation. More destinations are expected as the codeshare partnership expands, giving Starlux passengers greater connectivity across American Airlines’ extensive domestic network.

The airlines are also preparing a reciprocal frequent-flyer partnership that will allow members of both airlines to earn and redeem miles on eligible codeshare flights, giving travelers greater flexibility in how to use their miles.

Starlux is expanding its presence in North America. Earlier this year, the airline launched its Phoenix–Taipei route, rounding out much of its network in the western US and plans to expand into the central and eastern US. 

(Source: Starlux)

Air India Express offers student discount

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Newsdesk
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MUMBAI, 28 September 2026: Air India Express introduces flat 10% savings on domestic flights on Value fares for students across all booking channels. 

Valid until 20 October 2026, the offer provides greater value for students planning their travel during the festive period.

Photo credit: Air India Express.

In addition to fare savings, students can enjoy travel benefits, including a total baggage allowance of 25 kgs (15 kgs standard baggage plus an additional 10 kgs) on domestic Value fares, available across all booking channels. Students booking domestic Value fares through the Air India Express website, airindiaexpress.com, or mobile app can also change dates for just INR99.

Students can further maximise their savings with an additional 5% off on domestic and international flights booked directly on the Air India Express website or mobile app using the code VIBES.

In addition, Air India Express guests can take advantage of several ongoing offers on direct bookings. Guests using Visa debit or credit cards can get up to INR600 off on domestic and international flights with the code VISAFLY, valid until 9 October 2026.

To claim this offer, guests should be 12 years of age or above and carry a valid student photo ID issued by a recognised educational institution. The ID should include the guest’s name and date of birth and must be presented at the airport check-in counter for verification.

(Source: Air India Express)

ITA Airways expands service between Italy and Israel

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Newsdesk
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ROME, 28 September 2026: ITA Airways is strengthening its operations to Israel by resuming a third daily flight between Rome Fiumicino and Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport, starting 25 October, 2026, complementing flights already operating on the route.

The additional daily service will operate as flight AZ812, departing Rome Fiumicino at 1600 and arriving in Tel Aviv at 2020. 

Photo credit: ITA Airways.

Flight AZ815 will depart Tel Aviv at 0830 local time and arrive in Rome Fiumicino at 1120.

With the resumption of the third daily flight, ITA Airways is enhancing connectivity between Italy and Israel, offering passengers additional options to connect through its Rome Fiumicino hub to destinations across its domestic, international, and intercontinental network.

An Airbus A321neo aircraft flies the route, featuring three classes: Business, premium economy, and economy. 

Flights can be purchased on the airline’s website, through the ITA Airways Customer Information Assistance Office, at travel agencies, and at airport ticket counters.

(Source: ITA)

Singapore cruises anchor at new terminal

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 28 September 2026: Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC) officially opened the new Singapore Cruise Centre (HarbourFront) terminal on Tuesday, following a 24-month development and testing period. 

The opening marks the completion of SCC’s transition to a purpose-built facility designed to support the next phase of regional ferry and cruise travel.

Photo credit: Singapore Cruise Centre. At the launch ceremony for the new Singapore Cruise Centre (HarbourFront) terminal, from left to right: Jacqueline Tan, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Cruise Centre; Murali Pillai, Senior
Minister of State, Ministry of Law and Ministry of Transport; Loh Lik Peng, Chairman; and Amy Ng, Board Member, Singapore Cruise Centre.

Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Law and the Ministry of Transport, Murali Pillai, said: “Singapore’s ferry and cruise networks connect people across the region, whether for business opportunities or a long-awaited holiday. As travel patterns evolve, technology and innovation will be increasingly important in making these experiences smoother and more effortless.”

Since commencing full operations on 15 July 2026, the terminal has handled more than 720,000 ferry and cruise passengers.

Designed to meet evolving traveller needs, the new terminal brings together technology, automation, and improved space planning to streamline passenger and baggage processing, while strengthening SCC’s capabilities to support future growth in regional travel.

Technology connecting the passenger journey

A key feature of the new terminal is a new interoperable ferry and cruise passenger departure control system, developed by SCC in partnership with Sqiva, a travel technology company specialising in passenger transport software.

Built around SCC’s Cruise and Ferry Operating System (CFOS), the boarding system brings ferry and cruise operations onto a common platform.

It integrates with SITA’s FAST self-service solution, an aviation passenger-processing system supporting functions such as check-in, bag drop and boarding. This enables passenger information to flow across key stages of the journey, from check-in through to boarding. 

CFOS is also integrated with the terminal’s Baggage Handling System (BHS), which supports real-time tracking and image capture throughout the handling process, allowing operations teams to monitor baggage movements more closely and respond more quickly when intervention is required.

Faster, simpler journeys for passengers

Beyond connecting systems across the passenger journey, the new terminal has been designed to simplify how passengers move through the facility, with a more streamlined layout and expanded self-service options.

For ferry passengers, all operators are now located within the main terminal concourse on a single level, compared with two floors at the former terminal.

Eligible passengers who have purchased their tickets online can use self-service facilities to validate their passports, check in, and obtain their boarding passes and baggage tags in under a minute, then deposit checked baggage through self-service bag-drop facilities in a similar timeframe.

Photo credit: Singapore Cruise Centre. Self-service baggage-drop facilities at the new Singapore Cruise Centre (HarbourFront) terminal allow eligible ferry passengers to check in their baggage in about one minute, alongside staffed counters for passengers who require assistance.

Baggage handling has also been enhanced, with self-service and assisted counters giving passengers greater flexibility while still supporting those who need it. On arrival, checked baggage is now screened before reaching the carousel, allowing passengers to collect their bags and proceed directly towards the exit without a separate X-ray screening step.

These enhancements have supported smoother passenger flows during peak periods.

It has processed 18,000 departing passengers in a single day since operations began in July 2026. This has helped to reduce processing time and manage passenger throughput during a high-volume travel period.

Singapore Cruise Centre Chief Executive Officer Jacqueline Tan said: “This new terminal is more than a move to a new building. It allows us to rethink how ferry and cruise journeys end to end. By connecting systems that previously operated separately, we can make the journey simpler for passengers while giving our teams better visibility across operations. More importantly, the terminal gives us a platform that we can continue building on as regional travel evolves.”

(Source: Singapore Cruise Centre)

PAL plans flights to Delhi and Mumbai

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Newsdesk
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MANILA, 28 September 2026: Philippine Airlines (PAL) plans to expand travel options to and from India with three weekly direct flights from its Manila home base to Delhi and four weekly flights on the Manila-Mumbai route beginning December 2026. 

The new routes, subject to Indian government approval, will give Indian travellers direct access to the Philippines and convenient onward connections through PAL’s Manila hub to destinations across Southeast Asia, North America, Australia and North Asia.

“We look forward to welcoming more Indian travellers aboard Philippine Airlines and introducing them to the Philippines through our signature Filipino hospitality,” said PAL President Richard Nuttall. “Through Manila, they will also gain access to PAL’s wider network of destinations across Asia, North America and Australia.”

Flights from Delhi to Manila will operate as PR643 and will depart every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 0815, arriving in Manila at 1700.

Meanwhile, the Manila–Delhi flight, PR642, will leave Manila every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 2240, and arrive in Delhi at 0300 the following day.

PR647 will depart Mumbai for Manila every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 0715 and arrive in Manila at 1700. 

Manila–Mumbai flights will operate as PR646 every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, departing at 2240 and arriving at 0305 in Mumbai the following day. All times are local.

PAL will operate both routes using its 168-seat Airbus A321neo aircraft, featuring 12 lie-flat business-class seats and 156 economy-class seats. 

Through Manila, travellers arriving from Delhi and Mumbai can connect to Philippine destinations including Cebu, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo and Davao. They will also have onward options to international destinations including Los Angeles, Vancouver, Honolulu, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne, Tokyo Haneda and Hong Kong.

The services will also strengthen PAL’s cargo capacity, allowing shipments from India to connect efficiently through Manila to the airline’s broader domestic and international cargo network.

Indian nationals travelling to the Philippines for tourism or business may enter the country visa-free for up to 14 days, subject to applicable entry requirements.

The new Delhi and Mumbai services reinforce PAL’s role as the Philippine flag carrier — strengthening ties between India and the Philippines while connecting both countries to the world.

PAL operates scheduled nonstop flights from its hubs in Manila and Cebu to 29 destinations across the Philippines and 40 destinations in Asia, North America, Australia, and the Middle East.

(Source: PAL)

Vietjet signs up for Starlink Wi-Fi

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE 28 September 2026: Vietjet, together with its group companies Galaxy Holdings and Galaxy Telecom, signed a partnership agreement with Starlink, the satellite internet service engineered and operated by SpaceX, to provide passengers with free, high-speed Wi-Fi on Vietjet flights.

The introduction of Starlink connectivity further strengthens Vietjet’s commitment to a more connected travel experience across its growing network, including routes between Singapore and Vietnam’s top destinations of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Phu Quoc, and Nha Trang. 

Vietjet and SpaceX exchange an agreement to bring high-speed internet to Vietjet flights, in the presence of Vietnam’s General Secretary and President To Lam during his working visit to the US.

In the initial phase, Starlink will be installed on 120 Vietjet aircraft, including 100 Airbus A321/Boeing 737 aircraft and 20 Airbus A330 aircraft. Vietjet also plans to equip all future aircraft deliveries with high-speed internet, extending connectivity across its domestic and international network in Vietnam.

With high-speed, low-latency connectivity and coverage over oceans, polar regions and remote areas, Starlink will enable passengers to work, stay connected, stream entertainment and access online content throughout their journey. Vietjet aims to make high-speed inflight Wi-Fi no longer a premium amenity, but an essential and widely accessible digital service for everyday air travel.

Vietjet Chair Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao said: “With Starlink, time in the air no longer has to mean time offline. Vietjet passengers will be able to stay connected throughout their journey—whether working, staying entertained, or keeping in touch with family and friends. This reflects Vietjet’s longstanding commitment to innovation and our ambition to bring leading technologies closer to more people.”

SpaceX Senior Vice President of Global Business and Government Affairs Tim Hughes commented: “The introduction of Starlink on Vietjet will build on the fast, reliable service already connecting homes and businesses on the ground in Vietnam. We’re thrilled to deliver a connectivity experience to Vietjet and its customers, making every journey better, smoother and infinitely more enjoyable.”

The Starlink agreement also marks the beginning of a long-term technology relationship between Vietjet and SpaceX. With its modern fleet and continued investment in data, artificial intelligence, and highly skilled talent, Vietjet is building a digital aviation ecosystem that keeps millions of passengers connected to the world throughout their journeys.

(Source: Vietjet)

WEF Index: Tourism weathers headwinds

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Newsdesk
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GENEVA, Switzerland, 28 September 2026: Travel and tourism conditions have strengthened across most of the world, a new World Economic Forum report finds, but destinations face the headwinds of geopolitical and climate disruptions, workforce shortages and mounting pressure on infrastructure and communities.

Developed in collaboration with Zurich Insurance Group, the 10th edition of the Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2026, launched 25 September at Beyond Tourism Day, finds that 101 of 110 ranked economies improved their scores between 2024 and 2026, with the average rising 2.1% — the fastest pace since 2019. 

Photo credit: WEF. Japan’s strategy to expand tourism beyond its major destination hubs has paid off.

Increased cultural resources, tourism infrastructure and services, and air connectivity and business travel drove gains. Japan leads the Index, followed by the US, Spain, Australia and France.

“The latest Travel & Tourism Development Index shows that the enabling conditions for travel and tourism are at their strongest since the pandemic, with 92% of economies improving since 2024,” said World Economic Forum Head of Experience Economy and Cities Ramya Krishnaswamy. “The next chapter is not simply about attracting more visitors, but it is going to be about creating greater value by investing in people, infrastructure and stronger public-private collaboration so tourism delivers lasting benefits for communities, businesses and destinations.”

The Index also shows that tourism is facing growing challenges. Between 2024 and 2026, travel became less affordable in three out of four economies, while tourism investment failed to keep pace with rising demand and labour shortages threatened further growth. Benefits for local communities also weakened during this period, highlighting that more visitors do not automatically translate into better livelihoods or higher quality jobs, particularly in destinations where tourism is highly seasonal.

Despite these pressures, emerging tourism economies are gaining ground. Since 2019, the largest emerging economies have improved their TTDI scores more than twice as fast as the Top 20, with Asia-Pacific economies accounting for seven of the 10 fastest-improving performers. Albania recorded the largest overall gain between 2024 and 2026.

“Tourism is a major part of the global economy, and the TTDI makes clear that resilience is what keeps that value intact when conditions change,” said  Zurich Insurance Group CEO Global Businesses and Operations Cara Morton. “That kind of resilience requires businesses and governments to take responsibility together.”

Beyond Tourism Day: bringing the ecosystem together

The Index will be launched at the World Economic Forum’s inaugural Beyond Tourism Day in Geneva, convening senior leaders from business, government and civil society under the theme “Resilient Growth. Renewed Impact”. Discussions will focus on strengthening competitiveness and resilience through workforce readiness, technology and innovation, investment and scalable solutions.

Beyond Tourism Day took place two days before World Tourism Day, on 27 September, providing a platform to carry the conversation from Geneva to a broader global discussion on how travel and tourism can strengthen economic resilience, create quality jobs and opportunities, and deliver greater value to communities and destinations.

About the TTDI
Drawing on nearly two decades of WEF benchmarking, the Travel & Tourism Development Index 2026 measures the factors and policies that enable sustainable and resilient travel and tourism development. It does not measure tourism performance directly – such as arrivals, spending, or revenue – but the underlying conditions that enable destinations to attract, support and sustain tourism in ways that benefit economies and societies. The 2026 edition covers 110 economies and is organised around 17 pillars and 102 indicators. Zurich Insurance Group produced it in collaboration with the Beyond Tourism Insights Council.

Read the full report and learn about the initiative.

(Source: World Economic Forum)

Finnair boosts Tokyo flights in summer 2027

By
Newsdesk
-

SINGAPORE, 28 September 2026: Finnair is responding to growing demand for travel to Asia, and Japan in particular, by increasing flights to Tokyo for the 2027 summer season. 

The airline will add frequencies on its Tokyo Narita route during the peak summer travel period, operating up to two daily flights. In addition, Finnair will continue to serve Tokyo Haneda Airport daily. 

Photo credit: Finnair. Airline adds flights to Tokyo in summer 2027.

With the additional Narita frequencies, Finnair will offer a record number of connections between Helsinki and Tokyo next summer, with up to three daily flights at peak times. The flights have been timed to provide smooth onward connections from Japan across Finnair’s European network. 

“Japan is our biggest market after Finland, and demand for flights to Japan has remained strong. We have been steadily increasing our capacity to Japan for the past years, and the additional Narita frequencies will allow us to offer our customers greater choice and even more convenient connections to Tokyo, which is by far the most popular of our destinations in Japan,” says Finnair’s Chief Revenue Officer Christine Rovelli.

With the additional frequencies, Finnair’s services to Japan will increase from 28 weekly flights operated this summer to up to 32 weekly flights during the summer of 2027, further strengthening Finnair’s position as one of the largest airlines between Europe and Japan. 

Finnair operates year-round services to Tokyo Haneda, Tokyo Narita and Osaka. In summer, Finnair also flies to Nagoya, making it the only European airline to serve the city. 

Additional Narita flights from 12 May to 14 August 2027 (excluding HEL-NRT on 13 May and NRT-HEL on 14 May): 

AY71 departs Helsinki (HEL) at 1220 and arrives in Tokyo Narita (NRT) at 0715 (plus a day).
AY72 departs Tokyo Narita (NRT) at 0855 and arrives in Helsinki (HEL) at 1535.

(Source: Finnair)

Bangkok declares flood disaster

By
Andrew Wood
-

BANGKOK, 28 September 2026: The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has extended its flood disaster declaration to all 50 districts following heavy rain that has inundated residential areas and disrupted transport across the capital. A two-day holiday on Monday and Tuesday, 28 and 29 September, has been declared to facilitate measures underway to relieve flooding across the Thai capital.

The declaration took effect on 25 September, enabling district offices to assess damage and arrange assistance for affected residents.

A typical scene across Bangkok, 27 September 2026.

Rain has continued since Wednesday, with about 300 mm reported in less than two days. Floodwater has reached around 60 cm in some locations. Roads and vehicles have been submerged, while severe congestion has delayed journeys across Bangkok and surrounding areas. Rain continued through the weekend but eased by late Sunday. Passengers heading to the city’s two airports faced long commutes. 

Bangkok has been widely affected by the floods.

Governor Chadchart Sittipunt convened Bangkok’s 50 district offices and relevant agencies on Saturday to coordinate the response. The measures include identifying vulnerable residents and patients who may need assistance, preparing temporary shelters in BMA schools, arranging transport, deploying sandbags and accelerating drainage. District offices have also been instructed to coordinate with traffic police and monitor roads affected by rising water.

The citywide declaration provides a framework for assistance; it does not mean that every district or household has experienced flooding to the same extent. Residents seeking support must report damage to their district office for assessment. The BMA has advised affected households to retain photographs and other evidence of damage to homes and possessions.

The flooding had immediate consequences for businesses. Staff were unable to reach workplaces, deliveries were delayed, and employers were told to check conditions before asking staff to travel and make practical arrangements where routes are affected.

Hotels, restaurants and other tourism businesses face similar operational difficulties. Guests need accurate advice about journeys to and from properties, particularly when travelling with luggage or working to a flight schedule. Operators should confirm transfer routes shortly before departure and keep guests informed if access changes. Airports continue to operate while roads leading to them are partially blocked, causing disruptions. Staff shortages are also delaying baggage services at airports. 

Sunday morning low cloud and persistent rain over Bangkok.

Bangkok’s drainage system is under sustained pressure from the rain’s volume and duration. Officials are working to remove water and clear obstructions from drainage routes. Their immediate task is to maintain access, support households in flooded areas and provide clear updates as conditions change.

Once the water recedes, the BMA will need to assess damage and the performance of drainage, canals and public warnings. For residents and businesses, the priority is a timely account of which routes have reopened, what assistance is available and how long disruption is likely to continue.

About the author
Andrew J Wood is a Bangkok-based travel writer who has lived in Thailand since 1991.

Two El Nido Resorts win MICHELIN Keys 2026

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Newsdesk
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EL NIDO, Philippines, 25 September 2026: Less than a year after reopening, El Nido Resorts Lagen Island has become one of just two resorts in the Philippines designated a Two-MICHELIN-Key hotel for 2026. 

The coveted MICHELIN Guide 2026 MICHELIN Key selection was revealed in Paris on 18 September, with Lagen joining the ranks of 657 Two-Key hotels globally considered exceptional stays.

Lagen Boathouse + Water Villas

For Lagen Island, the Two-MICHELIN-Key recognition comes as the resort enters a new chapter following a year-long transformation. A reimagined eco-sanctuary, Lagen has returned with renewed spaces, refined experiences and a deeper connection between its architecture, the surrounding landscape, Filipino craftsmanship, and its signature island experiences.

Sister property El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island was also honoured on the list, landing One-MICHELIN-Key for its distinctive expression of quiet island luxury. Known as the Island of the Sun, the private island retreat offers an unhurried escape surrounded by the natural beauty of El Nido. 

After anonymous hotel inspections, just nine hotels from the archipelago were recognised by MICHELIN, along with two other Ayala Land Hospitality properties, Raffles Makati and Fairmont Makati, both successfully securing high rankings. Raffles Makati earned the only other Two-Key rating, alongside Lagen, and Fairmont Makati received One-Key.

“It is a meaningful affirmation of the teams behind these hotels and island resorts, and the care they put into every guest experience,” said Ayala Land Hospitality Chief Operating Officer Gustavo Morales. “What makes this especially meaningful is the diversity of the experiences represented here. Each property has its own character and sense of place, while sharing our commitment to thoughtful, distinctly Filipino hospitality.”

MICHELIN’s global selection includes 2,832 MICHELIN Key hotels, of which 600 are in Asia and the Middle East. In the region, 173 new Keys and promotions were added. The 2026 MICHELIN Key hotels now cover 79 destinations.

You can find more information about Lagen and Pangulasian here.

About El Nido Resorts
El Nido Resorts is a pioneering collection of sustainable island resorts set amid the stunning seascapes of northern Palawan. Comprising Lagen, Pangulasian, Apulit, and Miniloc Islands, the group blends Filipino hospitality with immersive nature-driven experiences. It has championed eco-tourism, marine conservation, and community engagement.

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