ALMATY, Kazakhstan, 23 February 2026: Air Astana JSC, together with its subsidiary FlyArystan, confirmed the appointment of Johan Eidhagen as the President of FlyArystan, the Group’s low-cost airline, effective 1 March 2026.
Eidhagen joins from Wizz Air, where he held several senior roles, including, most recently, the Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi.
Photo credit: Air Astana. CEO Peter Foster retires at the end of March.
He replaces Richard Ledger, who will now move to a newly created senior executive position in the Air Astana Group as Vice President, Partnerships and Alliances.
“Codeshare agreements, including those signed recently with China Southern Airlines and Air India, are vital to our evolving international presence. Richard will support and develop these opportunities, which give us access to huge markets in our region,” said Air Astana CEO Peter Foster.
“Together with Ibrahim Canliel, who in April will become CEO, and Gonçalo Pires, who will join as CFO in March, I am confident that the Air Astana Group will continue to execute its ambitious long-term growth strategy successfully.”
Peter Foster will retire from the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Air Astana Group effective March 2026. He will remain connected to the company as a Senior Advisor to the Board of Directors. The company’s Chief Financial Officer, Ibrahim Canliel, will take over as CEO at that time.
About Air Astana Group Air Astana Group is the largest airline group in Central Asia and the Caucasus regions by revenue and fleet size. The Group operates a fleet of 62 aircraft, split between Air Astana, its full-service airline that commenced operations in 2002, and FlyArystan, its low-cost airline established in 2019.
SINGAPORE, 23 February 2026: Boeing and Vietnam Airlines announced last week that the Vietnamese flag carrier finalised its first Boeing single-aisle order for 50 737 MAX aircraft.
The addition of the 737-8 will enable Vietnam Airlines’ domestic and regional route growth plans as air travel demand continues to rise across Southeast Asia.
Photo credit: Boeing.
Vietnam and US government officials joined Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, and Dang Ngoc Hoa, chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Airlines, at a ceremony in Washington on 18 February to announce an order for 50 737 MAX aircraft.
Vietnam Airlines will gain reliability and capacity by introducing the 737-8, as the country’s air traffic is expected to double to more than 75 million annual passengers over the next 10 years. As the market’s most versatile single-aisle aircraft, the 737-8 can carry up to 200 passengers depending on configuration, with a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km) for the airline’s short- and medium-haul network expansion.
“We are proud to build on our partnership with Vietnam Airlines and support them as they pair the 737 MAX with the 787 Dreamliner to scale regional networks further and strengthen connectivity across Asia,” said Pope. “The 737‑8’s capabilities, economics and passenger experience make it an ideal aircraft to support Vietnam Airlines’ growth plans.”
Vietnam Airlines currently operates 17 787 Dreamliners, serving regional and international routes between Vietnam and Europe. Together, the 737 MAX and 787 deliver 20 to 25% fuel-use improvement compared to the aircraft they replace, supporting the airline’s network expansion while lowering operating costs.
ABU DHABI, 23 February 2026: Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has announced the appointment of Captain Khalid Humaid Al Ali as Senior Vice President, Aeropolitical, International and Government Affairs.
Reporting to Dr Nadia Bastaki, Chief People, Government and Corporate Affairs Officer, Captain Al Ali joins Etihad from the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), where he most recently served as Senior Director of the Air Transport Department from 2013 to 2025.
Photo credit: Etihad. Captain Khalid Al Ali as Senior Vice President, Aeropolitical, International and Government Affairs.
He was responsible for developing and directing the national air transport strategy, leading negotiations on bilateral and multilateral air services agreements, and providing policy advisory support to the UAE Federal Government on aviation-related matters.
In his new role, Captain Al Ali will oversee Etihad’s government affairs strategy, manage relationships with aviation authorities and government stakeholders worldwide, and lead the airline’s aeropolitical agenda to support network expansion and route development.
VIENTIANE, 23 February 2026: Lao Airways confirms this week that it will resume flights linking the Lao capital, Vientiane, with Da Nang, a coastal city in central Vietnam.
Announcing the return to Da Nang on its Facebook page, the airline said it would relaunch the service on 29 March, offering round-trip flights every Thursday and Sunday, deploying a Comac 909 on the route with 90 seats in a single economy class configuration. Flight time: 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Photo credit: Lao Airlines Facebook. Da Nang flights start on 29 March 2026.
Flight schedule
QV317 departs Vientiane (VTE) at 1120 and arrives in Da Nang (DAD) at 1240 QV318 departs Da Nang (DAD) at 1350 and arrives in Vientiane (VTE) at 1510.
Ticket sales are open at the airline’s ticketing offices in Laos, through accredited ticket agents, and on the airline’s website and app. On its website, the airline quotes a round-trip fare of USD290 for a booking in April 2026.
Return to Da Nang
Before the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the airline flew the route using a 70-seat ATR-72, with a transit stop in Pakse, southern Laos. It briefly attempted to resume a direct service between Vientiane and Da Nang in 2023 using an Airbus A320, but suspended the service due to poor market response after the Covid-19 pandemic.
The timing is better this time round, as the airline has the right-sized aircraft for the route: The C909, with 90 seats, compared with the ATR72 (70 seats) and the A320 (148 seats) previously assigned to the route pre- and post-Covid-19 pandemic.
There has also been a surge in Da Nang’s popularity with international tourists, with the city projected to welcome 19 million visitors this year. Many travellers from South Korea and China now use Da Nang as a hub and look for “short hops” to places like Luang Prabang or Vientiane. Lao Airlines is banking on these international tourists, rather than just local traffic, to fill the seats on its C909.
SINGAPORE, 23 February 2026: Seoul, Taipei and Bangkok are the most popular cities for the 2026 spring break travel season (March to April) according to Agoda’s latest accommodation search data focusing on Japanese travellers.
The data analysis of search activity by travellers from Japan conducted between 1 November 2025 and 13 January 2026, for check-ins during March to April 2026, compared with the same period in the previous year, reveals travel demand trends ahead of the spring break season.
The most popular international destinations for spring break ― Short-haul Asian destinations
Five top destinations
Seoul, South Korea;
Taipei, Taiwan;
Bangkok, Thailand;
Busan, South Korea;
Hong Kong.
Seoul, South Korea, emerged as the most-searched destination among Japanese travellers during spring break. In addition to its convenient access from Japan, Seoul offers a rich mix of gourmet dining, shopping, and cultural experiences, making it a highly favoured destination for short overseas trips. In particular, the city is seeing growing popularity among solo travellers, especially those travelling for beauty and wellness purposes.
Taipei, Taiwan, is known for its approachable food culture and walkable city layout, making it an attractive choice for first-time international travellers or those returning overseas after a period away. The ease of enjoying night markets and local cuisine contributes to higher satisfaction for spring break travel.
Bangkok, Thailand, is characterised by a blend of urban sights and resort-style amenities, offering a wide range of experiences, including shopping, spas, and gourmet dining. The city continues to attract travellers who use relatively longer holidays to plan trips that combine city stays with nearby resort destinations.
Busan, South Korea, is appreciated for its unique blend of coastal scenery and urban landscapes. Activities such as café hopping and seaside walks appeal to travellers seeking a more relaxed pace, while the opportunity to experience a different side of Korea compared to Seoul also contributes to its popularity.
Hong Kong maintains steady popularity as a short-term spring break destination, offering diverse attractions that range from gourmet dining and shopping to nature and art. The ability to enjoy a wide variety of experiences efficiently within a limited schedule makes Hong Kong a strong match for spring break travel.
Agoda Senior Country Director Japan, Tadashi Ikai, shared, “Spring break is a key travel season, with a wide range of travellers — from students to working professionals — planning trips during this period. Agoda’s search data shows that internationally, short-haul Asian destinations continue to maintain strong popularity.”
DUBAI, UAE, 2O February 2026: Emirates has announced a series of aircraft deployments and product upgrades across its network, extending the reach of Premium Economy and delivering a more consistent experience for customers.
As part of its ongoing retrofit programme, the airline will complete the upgrade of its first high-density, two-class A380 by mid-April. The aircraft will be reconfigured into a three-class layout featuring 76 Business Class seats, 56 Premium Economy seats, and 437 Economy Class seats.
The first upgraded aircraft will operate flights EK903/904 between Dubai and Amman from 14 April to 31 May, before moving to Prague on EK139/140 from 1 June. By November, Emirates expects to have retrofitted all 15 of its two-class A380s into the new three-class configuration.
Europe and North America
New York JFK: From 1 April, flights EK201/202 will be operated by a four-class, retrofitted A380 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, increasing to daily service from 1 June.
Zurich: From 1 March, Emirates will operate a four-class A380 on flights EK085/086, featuring Premium Economy. With this upgrade, the airline will offer more than 1,500 Premium Economy seats per week to and from Zurich.
Milan: Emirates will operate flights EK101/102 with a retrofitted, three-class Boeing 777-200LR fitted with Premium Economy from 10 May.
Dublin: Emirates will operate flights EK165/166 with a three-class retrofitted Boeing 777-200LR from 25 October. Once deployed, all 21 weekly flights to Dublin will offer Premium Economy.
Asia
Ho Chi Minh City: From 1 May, flights EK392/393 will operate on a three-class, retrofitted Boeing 777-200LR. With this upgrade, the airline will offer more than 600 seats per week in Premium Economy on its double-daily Ho Chi Minh City flights.
Hong Kong: Emirates will upgrade flights EK382/383 from a Boeing 777-300ER to an A380 from 1 October, and from 1 December will transition to a retrofitted A380 with Premium Economy.
Africa
Entebbe: Emirates will operate flights EK729/730 with the new A350 from 29 March.
Middle East
Basra: Emirates flights EK945/946 will operate with a retrofitted four-class Boeing 777-300ER starting 1 May, offering Premium Economy on all five weekly flights to Basra.
Indian Ocean
Mauritius: Emirates will operate a retrofitted three-class Boeing 777-200LR on flights EK709/710 from 29 March.
Emirates will further deploy a three-class A380 on flights EK362/363 between Dubai and Guangzhou from 1 October, offering seats in First, Business and Economy Class.
Tickets can be booked on emirates.com, in the Emirates App, or through online and offline travel agents, as well as at Emirates’ retail stores. WeChat Pay is available on emirates.com.
BANGKOK, 20 February 2026: Thailand’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector has entered a decisive phase, after weathering the disruption of the pandemic years.
The business events sector no longer focuses solely on recovery. The emphasis has shifted toward resilience, value creation and long-term competitiveness.
Photo: The TCEB team at work during IT&CMA & CTW AP with Thapanee Kiatphaiboon, TAT Governor
Driving this transition, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has spent the past several years recalibrating Thailand’s MICE strategy. Now under the leadership of Dr Supawan Teerarat, President of TCEB and her team, the question for 2026 is no longer whether Thailand can host world-class events, as it clearly can, but how effectively MICE can function as a national economic lever in an increasingly competitive, sustainability-driven global market.
A strategic reset, not a return to the past
Thailand’s MICE sector once relied heavily on scale: large congresses, mass exhibitions and incentive groups drawn by price and hospitality. While these strengths remain, TCEB’s current roadmap reflects a balanced approach that prioritises yield, knowledge transfer, and regional dispersion.
Post-pandemic demand patterns favour shorter lead times, hybrid formats and highly curated experiences. In response, Thailand has repositioned itself not merely as a destination but as a platform for business outcomes across healthcare, technology, sustainability, and creative industries.
This recalibration aligns with broader national objectives, ensuring that MICE activity contributes directly to economic diversification, innovation and skills development.
Leadership transition and institutional continuity
Photo: A notable change in the sector has been the leadership transition at TCEB
Following the conclusion of Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya’s tenure and his period of leadership, which was marked by structural reform, international alignment and an emphasis on sustainability standards.
What matters now is continuity. TCEB’s institutional framework, partnerships, bidding capability, and destination management expertise are sufficiently mature to sustain momentum. This includes policy execution, stakeholder coordination and measurable outcomes — a change for growth.
Infrastructure as a competitive advantage
Thailand’s advantage lies not only in its service culture but in the depth of its infrastructure. Bangkok remains the regional hub, supported by a mature ecosystem of convention centres, hotels and transport connectivity. Flagship venues such as the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre have undergone extensive modernisation, reinforcing Bangkok’s position in the global bidding landscape.
Equally important is the expansion of MICE activity beyond the capital. Cities such as Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya and Khon Kaen are increasingly positioned as specialised hosts, offering distinctive value propositions aligned with wellness, culture, sport and regional trade.
Photo: The Thailand Pavilion managed by TCEB, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau
This decentralisation supports local economies while enhancing Thailand’s appeal to organisers seeking destinations with a distinct appeal.
The role of hospitality in MICE success
Thailand’s hospitality sector remains a cornerstone of its MICE competitiveness. Internationally recognised hotels, purpose-built resorts and experienced operators underpin the country’s reputation for reliability and service excellence.
My former properties, such as Shangri-La Bangkok, Royal Cliff Group in Pattaya, and the former Royal Garden Resort Group, now Anantara, illustrate how integrated resorts have long supported conferences, incentives and exhibitions.
Purpose-built facilities include the Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall (PEACH) at the Royal Cliff, along with Bangkok’s convention centres (QSNCC), BITEC, IMPACT and Centara Grand CentralWorld Bangkok Convention Centre.
Centara and Dusit were pioneers providing early examples of Thailand’s understanding that MICE requires dedicated infrastructure, not just hotel ballrooms.
Sustainability moves from concept to requirement.
Sustainability is no longer a differentiator; it is an expectation. TCEB’s policies increasingly reflect this reality, embedding environmental and social responsibility into bidding criteria, venue certification and event design.
From carbon measurement to community engagement, Thailand’s MICE roadmap aligns with global standards while maintaining local relevance. This alignment is essential if the country is to remain competitive with emerging regional rivals that are investing heavily in green infrastructure and digital capabilities.
Economic impact and the road ahead
During 2026, Thailand’s MICE business is expected to contribute not only through delegate numbers but through higher per-capita spend, longer stays, and deeper engagement with the Thai industry and academia. The objective is impact rather than volume, a shift that reflects global best practice.
Thailand’s strength lies in its ability to combine efficiency with warmth, scale with creativity, and policy with partnership. With a clear strategy, experienced institutions, and a proven hospitality base, the country is well-positioned to ensure its MICE sector delivers lasting value beyond 2026.
About the Author Andrew J Wood is a British-born travel writer, former hotelier and tourism consultant who has lived in Thailand since 1991. With more than four decades of experience across leading hotel groups in Asia and Europe, he writes extensively on tourism strategy, sustainability and the MICE sector across the Asia-Pacific region.
SINGAPORE, 20 February 2026: As the US prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary*, Princess Cruises is offering commemorative voyages exploring some of the country’s most breathtaking coastlines.
From Alaska’s glacier-carved wilderness and Hawaii’s volcanic islands to the historic charm of New England, cruises in North America sail from Spring through the year, with themed programming honouring America’s milestone birthday.
Photo credit: Princess Cruises.
Princess Cruises will operate its largest Alaska season ever in 2026, highlighted by the debut of its newest ship, Star Princess. The expanded program features eight ships, 180 departures, and 19 destinations.
In honour of America’s 250, Princess Cruises is also introducing the limited-time “Princess Signature Sale,” featuring savings on select 2026 voyages. Available now through 17 March 2026, the sale includes up to USD600 in instant savings, USD99 deposits, and free third and fourth guests on select cruises.
The “Princess Signature Sale” includes sailings from US homeports with cruises to American destinations:
4 July 42026: Seven-day Alaska Inside Passage (Roundtrip Seattle) on Royal Princess, starting at USD1,249
24 October 2026: Seven-day Canada & New England with Saint John on Majestic Princess, starting at USD899.
8 November 2026: 16-day Hawaiian Islands on Emerald Princess, starting at USD1099
The “Princess Signature Sale” is open until 2359 PT on 17 March, 2026.
*The year 2026 marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and April 2025 kicks off a nationwide year-plus-long celebration.
DELHI, 20 February 2026: Axis Bank, a private-sector bank in India, and IndiGo, India’s low-cost airline, have partnered to launch co-branded credit cards for Indian consumers.
The cards, available in two variants — IndiGo Axis Bank Credit Card and IndiGo Axis Bank Premium Credit Card, have been crafted to reward spenders through IndiGo’s loyalty programme, IndiGo BluChip.
Photo credit: IndiGo.
Both cards offer IndiGo BluChips on eligible transactions, with accelerated earnings for spends on IndiGo channels. Customers will also enjoy welcome and renewal benefits, milestone rewards, and a suite of lifestyle privileges, including lounge access, entertainment offers, dining discounts, and reduced foreign exchange markup, depending on the card variant selected.
IndiGo Axis Bank Credit Card is priced at INR799 plus GST and targets the retail segment. This card offers a compelling mix of travel and lifestyle benefits, along with accelerated rewards across key spend categories.
IndiGo Axis Bank Premium Credit Card, priced at INR5,000 plus GST, is designed for affluent customers seeking superior travel and lifestyle benefits.
The cards will be launched on RuPay and Visa networks.
IndiGo Chief Digital and Information Officer, Neetan Chopra said: “IndiGo is committed to continuously enhancing the value proposition to our customers, especially our loyal frequent flyers, and our partnership with Axis Bank is an important step in this direction.”
Two cards designed for a customer’s spending style:
BANGKOK, 20 February 2026: As Lunar New Year travel patterns continue to evolve, Thailand is once again emerging as a preferred destination for Chinese holidaymakers, particularly as Japan becomes less attractive for mass leisure travel.
At the same time, Vietnam is positioning itself as a credible regional alternative, intensifying competition across Southeast Asia.
The shift is not driven by a single factor but by a combination of cost, convenience, familiarity and traveller sentiment, all of which play an outsized role during peak holiday periods such as Lunar New Year.
Value has become the deciding factor
Japan has grown noticeably more expensive for Chinese travellers. Airfares have risen, accommodation costs have increased, and daily spending now feels significantly higher than before the pandemic. For many holidaymakers, particularly families and group travellers, the value equation has changed.
Thailand, by contrast, continues to offer strong value across hotels, dining, transport and shopping. For price-sensitive Lunar New Year travel, it delivers a richer holiday experience for the same budget.
Easier travel and fewer frictions
Entry procedures are straightforward, flight frequencies are high, and the overall travel experience is familiar and predictable.
Photos: Thailand’s accessibility remains one of its strongest advantages.
Japan, while highly attractive, remains more complex for mass leisure travel, especially during peak seasons when crowds, logistics, and language barriers can be challenging. For many travellers, ease matters as much as destination appeal.
Familiarity brings comfort
Thailand has long been one of the most familiar overseas destinations for Chinese travellers. Language support, cuisine, retail environments, payment systems and tour infrastructure are well established and widely understood.
During Lunar New Year, familiarity becomes particularly important. Family groups and older travellers tend to prioritise comfort, convenience and reassurance over novelty, all areas in which Thailand performs strongly.
Climate shapes holiday choices
Japan’s winter season appeals to ski enthusiasts and niche travellers, but it is less aligned with the mainstream Lunar New Year holiday mindset, which favours warmth, beaches and relaxed leisure.
Thailand fits that seasonal preference perfectly, offering sunshine, coastal destinations and a wide range of resort experiences that suit short holiday breaks.
A return to mass tourism — by default, not design
It is important to note that Thailand has not deliberately set out to return to mass-market tourism. In policy terms, the emphasis remains on value, yield and a more balanced visitor mix.
However, Thailand has benefited from Japan becoming more expensive and harder for Chinese travellers to access. As a result, Thailand has absorbed a greater share of Lunar New Year visitors from China, particularly group travellers whose trips tend to be short, highly seasonal and budget-conscious.
These Lunar New Year flows are typically sharp, concentrated and price-sensitive — driven more by timing and convenience than by long-stay or premium travel behaviour. Their return reflects regional market dynamics rather than a strategic shift in Thailand’s tourism positioning.
Vietnam’s rising appeal
Vietnam is benefiting from many of the same advantages that have long supported Thailand’s tourism success. Competitive pricing, improved air connectivity, simplified visa policies, and expanded resort capacity are making it increasingly attractive to regional travellers.
For first-time visitors or repeat travellers looking for something familiar yet different, Vietnam is increasingly an alternative to the Thailand experience, making it a growing competitor rather than a secondary option.
Sentiment still matters
Traveller sentiment also plays a role, even if it is rarely stated directly. Some Chinese travellers are currently cautious about destinations perceived as overly crowded, expensive or less welcoming.
Southeast Asia offers a sense of warmth, informality and ease that resonates strongly during festive travel periods. Thailand, in particular, benefits from a long-standing reputation for hospitality and comfort.
The bottom line
Thailand is gaining Lunar New Year travel from China not because it has chased mass tourism, but because it offers better value, simpler access and a familiar, relaxed holiday environment at a time when alternatives have become more expensive and complex.
Japan remains highly attractive, but increasingly as a premium or niche destination rather than a mass-market choice. Vietnam, meanwhile, is rising quickly by adopting many of the same strengths that have long underpinned Thailand’s success.
About the author Andrew J Wood is a British-born travel writer, former hotelier and tourism consultant who has lived in Thailand since 1991. With more than four decades of experience at leading hotel groups in Asia and Europe, he writes extensively on tourism trends, destination strategy, and regional travel dynamics across the Asia-Pacific.
