BANGKOK, 4 November 2025: Bangkok Airways has opened a passenger lounge at Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) serving both Blue Ribbon Class (business class) and economy class passengers.
The lounge is divided into two main zones — the Blue Ribbon Club Lounge for business class passengers and FlyerBonus Premier members, and the Boutique Lounge for economy class passengers.
Photo credit: Bangkok Airways.
Both lounges are equipped with a refreshment corner, beverages, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Currently, Bangkok Airways operates just three daily round-trip flights between Bangkok (Don Mueang) and Samui Island.
DELHI, 4 November 2025: IndiGo has announced the launch of direct flights between Bengaluru and Riyadh, starting 16 November 2025.
IndiGo will operate its Airbus A320 aircraft with 180 seats on the new route, offering five weekly flights to Riyadh from India’s technology hub, Bengaluru.
Photo credit: IndiGo.
IndiGo currently connects India with four key cities in Saudi Arabia – Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, and Madinah — along with a growing network across the Middle East.
The addition of the Bengaluru–Riyadh route further strengthens IndiGo’s presence in the region.
“As Saudi Arabia’s capital and a key hub for trade and investment, Riyadh is significant for IndiGo to strengthen air connectivity with India. This new route from Bengaluru marks IndiGo’s fourth non-stop connection to Riyadh, after Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad,” said IndiGo Head of Sales, Vinay Malhotra. “It will enhance accessibility for business and workforce from the region while reinforcing IndiGo’s growing network across Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.”
Bookings are now open on IndiGo’s website and mobile app.
Flights to China resume
Meanwhile, the airline has commenced daily, direct flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou, becoming the first Indian carrier to reinstate direct connectivity between India and Mainland China. The flights on this route will be operated on IndiGo’s A320 aircraft.
Guangzhou, situated in southern China, is recognised as a significant global business hub for manufacturing and export logistics.
The resumption of connectivity between India and China caters to the growing demand for passenger and cargo movement, unlocking new opportunities for trade, investment, and tourism. Building on this expansion, IndiGo will also begin flights between Delhi and Guangzhou from 10 November 2025, further strengthening its presence in this important trade and travel corridor.
KUCHING, 3 November 2025: Business Events Sarawak confirms the appointment of Datu Hii Chang Kee as its new Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective 1 November 2025.
Datu Hii, the former Deputy Sarawak State Secretary (Operations), overseeing public communication, service transformation, and innovation, steps into the role following the retirement of the former BESarawak Chairman, Dato Sri Abang Haji Abdul Karim bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, last August.
Datu Hii brings a deep understanding of how government, industry, and community can work together to create a meaningful impact. He aims to steer BESarawak toward becoming Malaysia’s leading convention bureau and a regional muscle for legacy-driven events.
“The appointment of Datu Hii is timely and strategic,” said Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. “His position within government enables him to bridge strategy and execution, ensuring that Sarawak becomes an international model of inclusive leadership where collaboration between government and industry drives sustainable growth.”
Guided by this vision, Datu Hii will position Sarawak as a key destination for impactful, legacy-driven business events that contribute meaningfully to the economy, community, and sustainable development, in line with the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030.
“Over the next five years, we will align plans to transform Sarawak into a business events destination of high strategic value,” said Datu Hii. “Our direction will be guided by three pillars – transformation and innovation, impact and legacy, and partnerships and people.
“To achieve this, we have outlined five key focus areas, which are destination development, market diversification, digital transformation, sustainability leadership, and talent development”.
“These areas form the backbone of Sarawak’s journey towards becoming a globally recognised destination for high-value, high-impact business events where progress, partnership, and pride merge for a sustainable future.”
With over 30 years of experience in the public sector, Datu Hii’s career is marked by a strong foothold in business events and tourism, having previously served as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, and led the formulation of the Sarawak Tourism Master Plan 2021–2035.
“His appointment marks a new chapter for Sarawak’s business events industry, balancing continuity with fresh ambition to elevate Sarawak’s global competitiveness,” said BESarawak CEO Amelia Roziman.
“His extensive experience in public service, coupled with his deep understanding of the business events landscape, will be invaluable to the industry’s future and significance to the government and society.”
Datu Hii recently chaired the Legacy Event Advocacy Policy (LEAP) Summit, which led to the Borneo Legacy Declaration, a landmark agreement endorsed by policymakers and influencers from Malaysia, Australia, the Philippines, and the UK.
It also stands as a strong testament to Sarawak’s leadership in driving positive long-term change across the Asia Pacific, as well as to Datu Hii’s influence in uniting international players in championing business event legacies at the policy-making level.
Among his impressive list of achievements, he has served on the Sarawak Tourism Board, Sarawak Arts Council, and Tourism Malaysia, contributing to landmark projects such as the Borneo Cultures Museum.
About Business Events Sarawak BESarawak is Malaysia’s first convention bureau and a non-profit organisation that drives industry growth through legacy impact and sustainability, while supporting organisers with event solutions. As one of six priority sectors under the Sarawak Government’s Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, BESarawak champions business events as a catalyst for economic prosperity, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
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 indemand. 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).
HONG KONG, 3 November 2025: Lunar New Year is traditionally a peak travel season, and to meet travellers’ demand, Greater Bay Airlines (GBA) will launch a seasonal service to the Maldives from 8 to 25 February 2026.
The airline will operate daily flights between Hong Kong and Velana International Airport in Male, Maldives, for the Lunar New Year holiday peak season. The airline will deploy its Boeing 737-800 aircraft on the route.
Photo credit: GBA. Lunar New Year flights to the Maldives
The Maldives is a popular destination for Hong Kong residents seeking to escape winter chills for a Lunar New Year holiday on the tropical islands of the Maldives.
Flight schedule
Hong Kong (HKG) – Male (MLE) (Velana International Airport)
GBA commenced scheduled service in July 2022 and is currently operating scheduled flights between Hong Kong and Bangkok, Taipei, Tokyo, Osaka, Sendai, Sapporo, Manila, Phu Quoc, Zhoushan, Huangshan, Yichang, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Quanzhou, Xuzhou, Datong and Enshi with a fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
BANGKOK, 3 November 2025: BWH Hotels, a leading global hospitality enterprise comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotels, announces the opening of SureStay Plus by Best Western T Pattaya, a stylish property that marks the debut of SureStay Hotels in one of Thailand’s most dynamic resort destinations.
Perfectly positioned just moments from Pattaya’s downtown attractions, the 95-room property is a modern hotel that combines quality, service and great value. Each guestroom features contemporary decor and home comforts, while the onsite restaurant serves fresh cuisine throughout the day. Guests can unwind in the outdoor rooftop infinity swimming pool, stay active in the fitness centre or enjoy sunset cocktails with panoramic views at the rooftop bar.
Just two hours from Bangkok and strategically located near three international airports—Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang International Airport and U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport—the property is ideal for weekend getaways, extended stays or intimate corporate events.
Guests are within walking distance of Pattaya’s top restaurants, bars, shopping malls and vibrant nightlife. The city’s popular attractions, including beaches, golf courses, water parks and botanical gardens, are all easily accessible.
“We are excited to introduce a fresh chapter in Pattaya’s hospitality landscape with the launch of the city’s first SureStay Hotels property. It was developed to deliver consistent standards of quality and service in the affordable hotel segment. The SureStay Plus by Best Western brand elevates the experience with enhanced essentials. SureStay Plus by Best Western T Pattaya captures the spirit of SureStay Hotels, and we are excited to introduce our guests to this well-appointed location,” said BWH Hotels Vice President – APAC, Olivier Berrivin.
BWH Hotels now offers three properties in Pattaya across its SureStay Plus, Best Western Plus and BW Signature Collection brands, with over 400 guest rooms combined.
PUTRAJAYA, 3 November 2025: Tourism Malaysia, in collaboration with the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), welcomed the inaugural flight of a holiday charter series last Friday, organised by Polish tour operator ITAKA under the banner JP Winter Charter 2025/2026 campaign.
The tour groups travel with LOT Polish Airlines, which provides the winter timetable flights from its home base in the Polish capital, Warsaw (WAW), to Langkawi Island (LGK), in Malaysia.
Photo credit: Tourism Malaysia.
The inaugural flight, operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, touched down at Langkawi International Airport at 0940, marking the beginning of a weekly direct charter service that will operate through March 2026.
Supported under the Geran Sepadan Penerbangan Antarabangsa dan Charter (GSPC) initiative, the collaboration between Tourism Malaysia Frankfurt Office, ITAKA, and LOT Polish Airlines builds on the success of the 2024/2025 charter season, which recorded 5,345 passengers, surpassing the initial target by 33%.
Tourism Malaysia Director-General YBhg Datuk Manoharan Periasamy commented: “The Warsaw-Langkawi charter flight marks a significant milestone that reinforces Malaysia’s appeal as a long-haul leisure destination. With Visit Malaysia 2026 on the horizon, this initiative exemplifies our growing partnerships and strengthens our presence in Central and Eastern Europe.”
The welcoming ceremony, jointly organised with LADA, featured a lively traditional kompang performance and captivating cultural showcases, symbolising Malaysia’s signature warmth and hospitality. To mark the occasion, Tourism Malaysia also presented souvenirs and promotional materials to arriving passengers as part of the celebration.
From January to September 2025, Malaysia recorded 37,432 visitor arrivals from Poland, representing a 40.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024, reflecting the positive growth of this emerging market.
With continued collaboration from LADA and key tourism industry partners, Tourism Malaysia remains committed to strengthening the long-haul charter segment as part of its broader strategy to achieve 47 million international arrivals in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026).
ROME, 3 November 2025: ITA Airways will resume direct flights between Rome Fiumicino and Tel Aviv Ben Gurion on 1 January 2026, the airline reported last week.
Photo credit: ITA Airways.
It will initially operate two daily flights:
AZ806 will depart from Rome Fiumicino at 0915 and arrive in Tel Aviv Ben Gurion at 1335 (local time). AZ807 will depart from Tel Aviv Ben Gurion at 1455 and arrive in Rome Fiumicino at 1740 (local time).
AZ810 will depart from Rome Fiumicino at 2250 and arrive in Tel Aviv Ben Gurion at 0310 plus a day. AZ809 will depart from Tel Aviv Ben Gurion at 0515 and arrive in Rome Fiumicino at 08:5 (local time).
These schedules provide convenient connections to and from Tel Aviv across ITA Airways’ network through its Rome Fiumicino hub.
The route will be operated with an Airbus A321neo. It’s the first narrow-body aircraft in the ITA Airways fleet to be configured with three cabins: business class (featuring full-flat bed seats), premium economy, and economy.
The resumption of flights between Rome and Tel Aviv holds strategic importance for ITA Airways. It represents a significant step for Italy, further strengthening the commercial, social, and cultural ties between the two countries.
HONG KONG, 3 November 2025: HK Express Airways has been awarded the 7-Star PLUS Safety Rating by AirlineRatings, the global airline safety and product rating organisation.
This is the highest distinction in AirlineRatings’ internationally recognised safety ranking system, and HK Express is the first low-cost carrier to receive this recognition.
Photo credit: HK Express.
HK Express CEO Jeanette Mao commented: “As the first low-cost carrier to earn AirlineRatings’ 7-Star PLUS recognition, we see this as validation of our safety culture and our relentless pursuit of operational excellence, enabling reliable and affordable air travel at scale.”
AirlineRatings’ 7-Star PLUS rating is conferred following six anonymous onboard audits across a representative mix of flights, assessing performance against 70 measurable criteria. To be eligible, an airline must first hold a 7-Star safety rating, determined by IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) participation, audits by relevant authorities, and the airline’s safety and incident history. Audits are conducted independently by AirlineRatings to reflect real-world passenger experiences.
In addition to attaining the 7-Star PLUS rating, HK Express has been named the World’s Safest Low-Cost Airline and ranked among the top five of the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline earlier this year.
DELHI, 3 November 2025: Air India Express has expanded its footprint in Rajasthan state with four new daily flights connecting Jodhpur and Udaipur to Bengaluru and Delhi, starting 1 November.
With these additions, Air India Express now operates from three cities in Rajasthan (Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur) with over 105 weekly flights from the state. The airline operates about 80 weekly flights from Jaipur, offering direct connectivity to 11 Indian cities and Dubai. The airline also connects Jaipur to 25 domestic destinations and 11 international destinations with convenient one-stop connections.
Apart from direct flights to Bengaluru and Delhi, the airline connects Jodhpur to 26 domestic and three international destinations and Udaipur with 29 domestic and seven international destinations through convenient one-stop connections.
These new launches follow the airline’s recent network expansion to Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, and Dehradun, offering direct connectivity to Bengaluru. As part of its winter schedule 2025, the airline also launched new operations from Bengaluru to Bangkok, Jeddah, Riyadh, and Kuwait and from Delhi to Amritsar, Goa, Imphal, Lucknow, and Port Blair.
Photo credit: Air India Express.
From Jaipur: Air India Express operates 80 weekly flights connecting directly to 11 domestic destinations and Dubai. The domestic destinations include Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Hindon, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune and Varanasi. Additionally, the airline provides one-stop connections to 25 domestic destinations: Agartala, Amritsar, Ayodhya, Bagdogra, Goa, Imphal, Indore, Jammu, Jodhpur, Kannur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Mangaluru, North Goa, Patna, Ranchi, Srinagar, Sri Vijay Puram (Port Blair), Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Udaipur, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and 11 international destinations: Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Bangkok, Dammam, Jeddah, Kathmandu, Kuwait, Muscat, Phuket, Riyadh, Sharjah.
From Jodhpur: Air India Express operates 14 weekly flights connecting directly to Bengaluru and Delhi. Additionally, the airline provides one-stop connectivity to 26 domestic destinations: Amritsar, Ayodhya, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Imphal, Indore, Jaipur, Jammu, Kochi, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Mumbai, North Goa, Patna, Pune, Ranchi, Srinagar, Sri Vijaya Puram, Surat, Varanasi, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam and three international destinations: Dammam, Kuwait, and Muscat.
From Udaipur: Air India Express operates 14 weekly flights connecting directly to Bengaluru and Delhi. Additionally, the airline provides one-stop connectivity to 29 domestic destinations: Amritsar, Ayodhya, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Imphal, Indore, Jaipur, Jammu, Kochi, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Mumbai, North Goa, Patna, Pune, Ranchi, Srinagar, Sri Vijaya Puram, Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Varanasi, and Visakhapatnam and seven international destinations: Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Jeddah, Kuwait, Muscat, Riyadh, and Sharjah.
