DOHA, Qatar, 25 September 2025: Hamad International Airport (DOH) has signed a Sister Airport Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX).
The partnership advances Qatar–China cooperation and expands global air connectivity via Doha.
Hamad Al Khater, COO of Hamad International Airport, and Zhang Lin, CEO of Beijing Daxing International Airport, sign a Sister Airport partnership in Beijing.
Hamad International Airport COO Hamad Al Khater and Beijing Daxing International Airport CEO Zhang Lin signed a Sister Airport partnership at Beijing Daxing’s terminal, complementing Qatar Airways’ partnership with China Southern Airlines and the MoU between the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
Together, these moves underscore aviation’s pivotal role in driving economic growth, fostering cultural exchange, and rising travel demand.
Under the MoU, MATAR, the Qatar Company for Airports Management and Operation, and Beijing Capital International Airport Group Co Ltd, operator of Beijing Daxing, will pursue joint projects to enhance passenger and cargo flows. Collaboration will focus on operations, technology, service design, and innovation, positioning both airports as leaders in hub excellence.
Hamad International Airport connects to nine Chinese cities — Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Xiamen, Chengdu, and Hong Kong. These cities link to more than 120 global destinations through Doha, reinforcing Qatar’s airport as the preferred Middle East hub for Chinese travellers.
The Sister Airport agreement builds upon successful initiatives between Qatar and China. Qatar Airways recently announced the expansion of its codeshare with China Southern.
Starting 16 October 2025, Qatar Airways will codeshare on China Southern’s three weekly direct flights between Beijing Daxing and Doha. Similarly, China Southern will expand its “CZ” code on Qatar Airways-operated flights beyond Doha to 15 destinations across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
Beijing Daxing is the second Chinese gateway served by China Southern Airlines’ non-stop flights. Beijing also connects with Doha through Qatar Airways’ and Xiamen Airlines’ daily flights. With this frequency increase and codeshare expansion, Qatar Airways and its partners will now offer 64 weekly flights across eight gateways in Greater China.
MUMBAI, 25 September 2025: SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company in India, has inaugurated a franchise outlet in Kozhikode, Kerala, expanding its network to its 4th strategically located outlet.
This expansion underscores SOTC’s strong commitment to South India, highlighting Kerala’s position as a key growth market and the company’s focus on catering to the evolving needs of travellers from the region.
Located at Centrio on Ram Mohan Road, Kozhikode, the new SOTC outlet serves both leisure and business travellers, strengthening the company’s presence in North Kerala’s key urban hub. The outlet offers a comprehensive range of travel solutions, including domestic and international holidays such as Group Tours, Personalised Holidays and Cruises, along with value-added services like travel insurance, ensuring convenient, end-to-end experiences for today’s diverse travellers.
Kerala Travel Trends
Top destinations
Domestic & Indian Subcontinent: Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andaman, Bhutan & Sri Lanka.
International: Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Bali, Japan, South Africa, Egypt.
Unique preferences: High demand for experiential travel such as luxury cruises, Northern Lights in Scandinavia, self-drive holidays, island stays (Maldives, Mauritius), and adventure travel to Ladakh and the North-East.
Top customer segments: Multi-generational families, honeymooners, working professionals, millennials and Gen Z travellers.
Average holiday duration: Four to six days for domestic/short haul; 10 to 12 days for long haul.
“Kerala is an important source market for us, with travellers seeking diverse and evolving experiences,” said SOTC Travel Limited, Senior Vice President & Head – Holidays, Rakesh Bawa. “The launch of our Kozhikode outlet enables us to strategically deepen our presence in North Kerala, catering to both business and leisure segments while delivering both group and customised holiday solutions. This expansion reflects our commitment to leveraging high-potential markets in South India for sustainable growth and enhanced traveller satisfaction.”
SINGAPORE, 25 September 2025: Air France-KLM and SAS expand their commercial collaboration to strengthen the connection between Scandinavia and the US.
Air France-KLM and SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) announced a significant expansion of their existing commercial collaboration on Tuesday, with the aim of further improving the connections and travel experience for passengers travelling between Scandinavia and the US.
“Here in Scandinavia, we are delighted to strengthen our collaboration with SAS. Our partnership already offers travellers around 500 additional weekly SAS flights, easily connecting with Air France and KLM, to destinations all over the world – a great success so far”, said Air France–KLM, North Europe & CIS General Manager Tom Verbugt. “Now we are further increasing the offer with around 60 direct flights per week with SAS to the USA. We are significantly improving our joint offer from Scandinavia. This expansion creates endless possibilities to combine times and routes on one ticket, while still earning Flying Blue Miles and XP (Experience Points) throughout the journey.”
With this latest move, the Air France code will be added to SAS-operated direct transatlantic flights. This new codeshare agreement will provide customers with seamless and broad access to a wide range of destinations in the US via the main Scandinavian hubs.
The new codeshare routes include:
From Copenhagen International Airport (CPH) to: Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York-Newark (EWR), New York JFK (JFK), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA) and Washington (IAD)
From Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) to: New York-Newark (EWR) and Miami (MIA).
From Oslo Airport (OSL) to: New York-Newark (EWR), New York (JFK).
Reservations can now be made on airfrance.com, klm.com and via all distribution channels for flights departing from today.
This expansion builds on the successful commercial collaboration between Air France-KLM and SAS, which began in 2024 when SAS joined the SkyTeam alliance, of which Air France-KLM is a founding member.
This move follows the implementation earlier this year, where SAS’s code was added on several long-haul routes operated by Air France and KLM from their hubs in Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam Schiphol, as well as the reciprocal codeshare agreements on the European route network launched last year.
SHENZHEN, 25 September 2025: Dida Holdings’ founder, Rikin Wu, has appointed Daryl Lee as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, effective 5 October 2025.
Lee was previously the global CEO at WebBeds and, before that, led GTA across the Middle East & Asia Pacific. He began his career in aviation and hospitality with Singapore Airlines.
Daryl Lee, Dida’s new Group Chief Executive Officer.
He joins Dida at a decisive moment that reflects its ambition to strengthen its position as a premier gateway between China and the global travel ecosystem, enabling hotels, airlines, OTAs, wholesalers, and travel agencies worldwide to access both the world’s largest outbound market and the most advanced AI-driven technologies.
Founded in 2012 in Shenzhen by entrepreneur Rikin Wu, Dida began as a travel distribution startup with the vision of modernising China’s connection to the world. In just over a decade, the company has grown to become one of China’s leading B2B travel distribution platforms.
Dida Group’s incoming CEO, Daryl Lee, commented on his appointment: “I am honoured to join Dida at such a transformative time for the company and the industry. What excites me most is Dida’s unique ability to act as a gateway for travel innovation — combining scale, speed, and AI-first technology with a global outlook.
Working alongside Rikin and Dida’s experienced leadership team, I am committed to building on Dida’s remarkable success to date. Together, we will strengthen our global distribution network, expand the reach of our AI-driven solutions, and help shape the future of travel technology.”
Effective 5 October, Rikin Wu, Dida’s founder, will hand over the reins to Daryl Lee as the group CEO, marking the beginning of Rikin’s transition to the position of Chairman.
Dida’s diverse travel portfolio today spans the entire traveller journey, powered by seamless technology and global partnerships. Dida Hotels connects partners to over a million properties worldwide, including a curated portfolio of direct contracts featuring unique conditions. Meanwhile, the Dida Flights division delivers dynamic access to global air content through a cutting-edge API.
GURUGRAM, 24 September 2025: Air India group announced on Tuesday its plans to commence commercial flights from Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA, IATA code: NMI) on 30 September, when the airport’s first phase opens.
Adani Airport Holdings Ltd will operate NWIA’s first phase of operations and collaborate with Air India Group to boost domestic and international connectivity as well as propel India’s growth in becoming the world’s third-largest air passenger market by 2030.
Photo credit Air India Group. Navi Mumbai International Airport.
In the initial phase of the new airport’s operations, Air India Group’s low-cost carrier, Air India Express, will operate 20 daily departures or 40 Air Traffic Movements (ATMs) from and to NMIA, connecting 15 Indian cities.
The Air India group plans to increase its daily departures to 55 (110 ATMs) by mid-2026, including up to five daily international flights from NMIA.
By winter 2026, the Air India group aims to further expand its operations to 60 daily departures (120 ATMs) from NMI, seamlessly connecting passengers to key domestic and international destinations.
Air India Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Campbell Wilson, said: “We look forward to commencing operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport, as Mumbai joins the league of world cities with more than one airport. We are happy to work with Adani Airports to build NMIA not only as a point that connects to the rest of India, but also as one of the country’s key global transit hubs for both passengers and cargo, given its strategic geographical location.”
Air India Express’ planned operations at NMIA will significantly enhance connectivity to and from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to destinations within and outside India, while facilitating seamless international transits through NMIA.
Navi Mumbai International Airport is being built in five phases, with the launch phase expected to accommodate 20 million passengers per annum (MPPA) and handle 0.5 million metric tons (MMT) of cargo. Upon full completion, NMIA will have the capacity to serve 90 MPPA and handle 3.2 MMT of freight annually.
BANGKOK, 24 September 2025: Travelling is one of life’s greatest pleasures, and thankfully, it is now once again widely available and reasonably affordable.
Staying safe and secure should always be a priority, whether you are going across the world or simply a few hours from home. In this article, I aim to share some practical advice and common-sense steps that will help you avoid unnecessary risks and give you peace of mind.
Travel is easy and convenient, but stay vigilant.
Stay connected with your embassy
One of the most overlooked safety measures is keeping your embassy informed about your travels. Many embassies offer traveller registration systems. Signing up allows them to contact you in case of natural disasters, political unrest, or emergencies. Embassies also publish travel advisories and alerts that can prove invaluable when deciding whether to visit certain regions. A simple step like this can make all the difference if situations change quickly while you’re abroad.
Be constantly aware of your surroundings
Awareness is your best defence. In areas with limited visible police presence, always keep an eye on what’s happening around you. Notice who is in front of you, who is behind you, and what’s going on nearby. Criminals often look for travellers who appear distracted. Staying alert — even in busy tourist areas — can help you avoid pickpockets, scams, and uncomfortable situations.
I learned this lesson the hard way in Barcelona, many years ago. I had been warned that Las Ramblas was rife with pickpockets, but I chose to walk down there anyway on my way to the bank to cash traveller’s cheques – a reminder of just how long ago this was. Despite keeping my hand in my pocket to guard my wallet and passport, I was distracted by someone waving a newspaper in front of me. As I lifted my hand to protect myself, an accomplice behind me slipped my wallet out of my pocket. It was done so quickly and smoothly. I didn’t even notice until later. Even when you think you are careful, distractions can catch you off guard.
Carry an emergency first aid kit
Accidents happen when you least expect them. A small, simple first aid kit can make a big difference. You can easily put one together yourself or purchase a ready-made commercial kit. At home, I keep one in my car, and when travelling, I always transfer it to my suitcase. Think of it as your “go-to” emergency kit, ready to help with cuts, sprains, or minor ailments until proper medical care is available.
Keep an emergency cash reserve
Never rely solely on your wallet or main bag for money; these are the first things a thief will target. Instead, keep an emergency supply of cash in a separate, secure location, such as a money belt, a hidden pocket, the lining of your luggage, or, even better, in your hotel safe.
Jewellery may be comforting, but it also attracts attention. Leave your most valuable pieces at home and travel with a simple set that will not break your heart if it is stolen or misplaced. You can also purchase new, inexpensive pieces upon arrival at your destination.
Carrying a spare credit card, stored separately from your main wallet, is another wise precaution. If your wallet is lost or stolen, that extra card can be invaluable. Remember to cancel any stolen cards immediately.
Finally, be especially vigilant with your passport and valuables at airports. These are busy, crowded environments, the perfect setting for pickpockets and opportunists.
Keep family and friends informed
It is always wise to let people know your travel plans. Share your itinerary with trusted family or friends and stay in contact with them. This becomes even more important when travelling to remote areas. If something unexpected happens, having someone who knows where you are meant to be can speed up help and assistance.
Many people lose belongings at airports – thieves love them.
Safety needs constant vigilance. I was once caught out in Warsaw while attending a travel show. After dinner at a restaurant near my hotel, I chose to take a shortcut back to my hotel through a wooded area. Unbeknownst to me, it was a hotspot for criminals targeting tourists. A group of men approached me demanding money. Fortunately, I managed to run away and later made a report at the police station.
The officers told me that this area had seen many similar incidents. I wished I had known that beforehand — it reminded me that checking local news and advisories can help you avoid danger zones. I also informed the restaurant and the hotel manager of my plight so they could advise other patrons.
Low-cost airlines make travel more accessible to everyone.
Monitor local and embassy advisories
Staying informed is key. Before and during your trip, keep an eye on embassy travel warnings as well as local news reports. Political demonstrations, natural disasters, or sudden flashpoints can develop quickly. Knowing what’s happening locally helps you avoid unsafe areas and adjust your plans if necessary.
Protect your passport
Your passport is your most important travel document — your lifeline abroad. Always keep it safe and secure. Personally, I travel with a colour photocopy of the passport photo and information page, which I carry separately from the original. If there’s a safe in my hotel room, I store the real passport there and keep only the copy with me. This reduces the chance of losing or damaging it while still ensuring I have the details handy if needed.
Travelling safely doesn’t require paranoia, just a little extra thought and preparation. With awareness, planning, and a few simple precautions, you can enjoy your adventures with greater confidence and peace of mind.
About the Author Andrew J Wood is a former hotelier, travel writer, and long-time resident of Thailand. A Past President of Skål International Asia, Skål International Thailand, and Skål International Bangkok, he is a regular contributor to the region’s travel and tourism publications, writing frequently about safe, enjoyable, and responsible travel.
BRUSSELS, 24 September 2025: Radisson Hotel Group has announced the signing of Radisson Hotel & Suites Bay of Lights Sihanoukville as the group expands its portfolio in Cambodia.
Scheduled to open in early 2029, the new-build 176-key hotel will be located in the Gateway District, the first phase of the Bay of Lights, a mixed-use township on Cambodia’s southern coast.
Radisson Hotel & Suites Bay of Lights Sihanoukville (exterior rendering.
Sihanoukville, a deep-water port city on the southern coast of Cambodia, is home to a multi-purpose Special Economic Zone (SEZ) that is expected to be fully operational by 2038. The ambitious initiative will establish the city as a hub for finance, trade, industry, transport, and technology, stimulating corporate demand in addition to its growing leisure appeal.
In addition to its hotel rooms, the hotel project will feature serviced apartments, most of which will have panoramic ocean views, along with three dining outlets, a rooftop pool, spa, and fitness centre. Located close to the beach, the property will cater to both business and leisure travellers. The taxi transfer to Sihanoukville International Airport takes 25 minutes and 20 minutes to Serendipity Pier, the ferry port for trips to Sihanoukville’s islands.
The Bay of Lights development, spread across 934 hectares, integrates residential, commercial, financial, hospitality, and leisure components, including a marina and cultural attractions. Radisson Hotel Group has secured a prime location in the heart of the Bay of Lights — the Bay of Lights International Convention Centre (BICC) district — surrounded by high-end amenities such as duty-free shopping and a golf course.
Canopy Sands Development’s Bay of Lights website describes the project as a new “city within a city” rising from a plot of reclaimed land in Sihanoukville, one of Cambodia’s largest cities located along the coast of the Gulf of Thailand, approximately 235 km southwest of Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia.
Radisson Hotel Group already has two hotels under development in the Cambodian capital: Radisson Blu Phnom Penh (160 keys) and Radisson RED Phnom Penh (200 keys), both scheduled to open in 2027.
Sihanoukville welcomed approximately 5 million visitors in 2024, including both domestic and international travellers.
SINGAPORE, 24 September 2025: Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, Disney Destiny, is undergoing sea trials ahead of its maiden voyage, scheduled for 20 November 2025.
The ship recently completed its transfer down the Ems River from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany to the North Sea to undergo sea trials.
Photo credit: Disney Cruise Line. Disney Destiny.
A four-night Bahamian cruise departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with stops at Disney’s private islands, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Disney Castaway Cay starts the sailing season for the new ship this November.
HONG KONG, 24 September 2025: The Cathay Group released on Tuesday traffic figures for August 2025, indicating it carried more than 110,000 passengers per day as a group during the summer travel peak.
Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau commented on the results: “Marking the second half of the traditional summer travel peak, August was another positive month for our passenger business.
Photo credit: Cathay Group.
“Our global network continues to expand, with HK Express launching flights to Kuala Lumpur (Subang) in early August. We are also excited to announce that Cathay Pacific will launch flights to Seattle starting 30 March 2026, reestablishing a direct connection between Hong Kong and an important tech hub on the West Coast of the United States. In terms of frequencies, we are increasing our Riyadh and Dallas-Fort Worth services to daily for the upcoming winter season.”
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific carried 30% more passengers in August 2025 compared with August 2024, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) increased by 32%. In the first eight months of 2025, passengers carried increased by 28% compared with the same period in 2024.
Lavinia added: “We saw robust leisure demand throughout August, particularly from our home market and the Chinese Mainland to various short-haul destinations, alongside a surge in outbound student traffic towards the end of the month. In addition, sentiment for travel to Japan has improved over July but still falls short of last year.
“The beginning of the month saw the resumption of our four-times-weekly service to Brussels, which has been well received by our customers and achieved a load factor of over 85%. We were also delighted to welcome our members and customers back to our newly redesigned flagship lounge at Beijing Capital International Airport, where they could enjoy an elevated experience before their flights. Looking ahead, with September typically being a quieter period, we expect demand to rebound as we approach the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays.”
Cathay Cargo
Cathay Cargo carried 13% more cargo in August 2025 than in August 2024, while Available Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs) increased by 15%. In the first eight months of 2025, the total tonnage increased by 11% compared with the same period in 2024.
HK Express
HK Express increased its passenger numbers and Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) by 36% and 41%, respectively, in August 2025 compared with August 2024. In the first eight months of 2025, the number of passengers carried increased by 32% compared with the same period in 2024.
HK Express experienced a surge in demand on its Japan routes in August. The load factor of these routes across the summer peak — July and August 2025 combined — was more than 20 percentage points lower than the same period in 2024, as market demand to Japan has not fully rebounded to match capacity. Looking at September, HK Express will continue to offer attractive fares to stimulate demand as it enters the low season.
CEBU, 24 September 2025: AirAsia announced on Tuesday its return to the Cebu hub in the Philippines and unveiled its strategy to transform the city into its newest international gateway, with a combined network of domestic and international routes that will connect local communities across the Visayas and Mindanao to ASEAN and beyond through AirAsia Philippines.
Starting 15 November 2025, AirAsia will reopen three domestic services: Cebu–Davao (18 flights weekly), Cebu-Caticlan (11 flights weekly), and Cebu-Iloilo (4 flights weekly). These services are designed as feeder routes for its expanding international network. These domestic services will directly support the return of Cebu–Kuala Lumpur (14 flights weekly) and the launch of Cebu-Macao (three flights weekly).
Photo caption: (Second from left) Anuja Ravendran, Chief Communications Officer, AirAsia Aviation Group; Nicarter Rivas, Senior PR Officer, Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA); Christine Villanueva, Head of Strategy and Communications, Aboitiz Infracapital Cebu Airport Corporation; Amanda Woo, Chief Commercial Officer, AirAsia Aviation Group; Suresh Bangah, President & CEO, AirAsia Philippines; Nyza Archival, Representing Cebu City Mayor, Nestor Archival; Riza Macaibay, Supervising Tourism Operations Officer, DOT Central Visayas Office; Rafael Tatlonghari, Area Center VII Manager, CAAP and Joriz Mejares, Lapu-Lapu Tourism Office at the Cebu Hub press conference held in Cebu, Philippines Tuesday.
“By linking new domestic feeders to international gateways such as Kuala Lumpur and Macao, along with more connections to follow across its network, AirAsia’s Cebu hub will connect local communities to greater opportunities in travel, tourism and trade, and travel across Asean and beyond,” the airline said in a press statement.
Fares start from PHP118 for travel from 15 November 2025 to 28 March 2026.
Speaking at the announcement alongside partners from Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC), regional tourism bodies, and travel partners, AirAsia executives said Cebu is central to the airline’s growth ambitions.
AirAsia Aviation Group Chief Commercial Officer, Amanda Woo, commented: “Cebu is a cornerstone in our next phase of growth in the Philippines. By linking domestic feeders from across the Visayas and Mindanao into international gateways like Macao and Kuala Lumpur, we are creating a stronger bridge between local communities and the wider region.
“Through Kuala Lumpur alone, travellers from Cebu can seamlessly connect to more than 3,500 routes across Asia and beyond. We’ve restructured this hub to scale more sustainably, deepen our presence in Asean, and provide more affordable choices for millions of travellers. Beyond Kuala Lumpur and Macao, we are also planning additional international routes out of Cebu to strengthen its role as another global gateway for the Philippines.”
AirAsia Philippines President and CEO, Captain Suresh Bangah, added: “This expansion is about more than connectivity; it is about encouraging local tourism, creating jobs, and supporting communities that depend on travel and trade. To meet the needs of this hub reopening, we have hired pilots, cabin crew and ground staff based right here in Cebu.”
