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Air passenger traffic up 3.6% in September

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SINGAPORE, 3 November 2025: Global passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) improved 3.6% during September, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports in its latest data released on Friday.

Compared with data from September 2024, total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), was up 3.7% year-on-year. 

The September load factor was 83.4% (-0.1 ppt compared to September 2024).

International demand rose 5.1%. Capacity was up 5.2% year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.6% (-0.1 ppt).

Domestic demand increased 0.9% compared to September 2024. Capacity was up 1.1% year-on-year. The load factor was 83.0% (-0.1 ppt).

“Solid international demand drove 90% of September’s 3.6% overall growth. Importantly, the capacity expansion slightly outpaced demand growth at 3.7%. Load factors, nonetheless, remained very strong at 83.4%. With November flight schedules indicating a 3% expansion on the previous year, airlines are gearing up for continued growth into the year-end holiday season. This is despite the severe constraints of unresolved supply chain issues,” said IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh.

Regional Breakdown – International Passenger Markets 

International RPK growth reached 5.1% in September year-on-year, and growth was seen in all regions. The only region to show a significant improvement in load factor was the Asia-Pacific region. 

Asia-Pacific airlines achieved a 7.4% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 6.1% year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.3% (+1.0 ppt compared to September 2024). Intra-Asia travel was the strongest driver of growth with a 9.4% increase, led primarily by traffic from China and Japan.

European carriers had a 4.0% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 4.4% year-on-year, and the load factor was 85.6% (-0.3 ppt compared to September 2024).

North American carriers saw a 2.5% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 4.3% year-on-year, and the load factor was 82.9% (-1.5 ppt compared to September 2024). The North America-Asia corridor showed weak growth of just 0.9%. By contrast, North America-South America traffic bounced back from its August decline, with growth of 1.1%.

Middle Eastern carriers saw a 6.3% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 6.2% year-on-year, and the load factor was 81.9% (unchanged compared to September 2024).

Latin American airlines saw a 5.3% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity climbed 6.8% year-on-year. The load factor was 83.3% (-1.2 ppt compared to September 2024).

African airlines saw a 5.3% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 5.1% year-on-year. The load factor was 74.7% (+0.1 ppt compared to September 2024).

For the full read, visit: Air Passenger Market Analysis – September 2025 – IATA.

(Source: IATA)

GBA: Lunar New Year flights to the Maldives

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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. 

(Source: GBA)

Surestay Hotels debuts in Pattaya

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Your Stories
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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.

To book a stay with BWH Hotels in Asia, visit bestwesternasia.com and worldhotels.com. 

(Source: Your Stories — BWH Hotels Asia APAC)

LOT Polish flies charters to Langkawi

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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).

(Source: Tourism Malaysia)

ITA Airways readies for Tel Aviv flights

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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.

(Source: ITA Airways)

HK Express wins 7-Star Plus rating

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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. 

(Source: HK Express)

Air India Express expands Rajasthan air links

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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.

(Source: Air India Express)

More awards for the Emirates’ showcase

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Your Stories
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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. 

(Source: Your Stories — Emirates)

Sabah hosts TENCON 2025

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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.

(Source: Sabah Tourism Board)

Norse Atlantic expands flights to Bangkok

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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. 

(Source: Norse Atlantic Airlines)

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