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THAI announces Winter Flight Schedule 2026/2027

BANGKOK, 8 September 2026: Thai Airways International will operate 66 domestic and international routes for the Winter 2026/2027 schedule, from 25 October 2026 to 27 March 2027, increasing frequencies and launching services to Gaya, India and Danang, Vietnam.

The airline confirms it will operate a twice-daily service from its home base, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, to Danang in central Vietnam starting on 1 December.

Photo credit: THAI. Winter timetable boosts flights on popular routes.

A direct daily flight to Gaya, India, returns for the winter timetable starting 25 October 2026 and ending 31 March 2027. Both the Danang and Gaya services use a 156-seat A320.

The winter timetable mainly increases frequencies on popular routes to meet growing travel demand and enhance connectivity across THAI’s global network.

Intercontinental routes

  • 1. Bangkok–Munich: Daily flights, increasing to 10 flights per week from 16 December 2026 onwards.
  • 2. Bangkok–Frankfurt: Twice-daily flights
  • 3. Bangkok–London: Twice-daily flights
  • 4. Bangkok–Istanbul: Daily flights
  • 5. Bangkok–Stockholm: Daily flights
  • 6. Bangkok–Copenhagen: Daily flights
  • 7. Bangkok–Oslo: Daily flights
  • 8. Bangkok–Zurich: Daily flights, increasing to 11 flights per week from 16 January 2027 onwards.
  • 9. Bangkok–Milan: Daily flights
  • 10. Bangkok–Amsterdam: Daily flights
  • 11. Bangkok–Brussels: Daily flights
  • 12. Bangkok–Paris: Daily flights, increasing to twice-daily flights from 1 December 2026 onwards.
  • 13. Bangkok–Perth: Daily flights
  • 14. Bangkok–Melbourne: Twice-daily flights
  • 15. Bangkok–Sydney: Twice-daily flights

Regional routes

  • 1. Bangkok–Manila: Three daily flights
  • 2. Bangkok–Fukuoka: Daily flights
  • 3. Bangkok–Osaka: Twice-daily flights
  • 4. Bangkok–Nagoya: Daily flights, increasing to 12 flights per week from 16 January 2027 onwards.
  • 5. Bangkok–Tokyo (Haneda): Twice-daily flights
  • 6. Bangkok–Tokyo (Narita): Three daily flights
  • 7. Bangkok–Sapporo: Daily flights
  • 8. Bangkok–Hong Kong: Four daily flights, increasing to five daily flights from 1 December 2026 onwards.
  • 9. Bangkok–Kaohsiung: Daily flights
  • 10. Bangkok–Taipei: Three daily flights
  • 11. Bangkok–Seoul: Three daily flights
  • 12. Bangkok–Kunming: Daily flights
  • 13. Bangkok–Guangzhou: Twice-daily flights
  • 14. Bangkok–Chengdu: Daily flights
  • 15. Bangkok–Xiamen: Four flights per week
  • 16. Bangkok–Shanghai: Twice-daily flights
  • 17. Bangkok–Beijing: Twice-daily flights
  • 18. Bangkok–Vientiane: Twice-daily flights, increasing to three daily flights from 1 December 2026 onwards.
  • 19. Bangkok–Siem Reap: Daily flights
  • 20. Bangkok–Phnom Penh: Twice-daily flights
  • 21. Bangkok–Ho Chi Minh City: Twice-daily flights
  • 22. Bangkok–Danang: Twice-daily flights from 1 December  2026 onwards.
  • 23. Bangkok–Hanoi: Twice-daily flights, increasing to three daily flights from 1 December 2026 onwards.
  • 24. Bangkok–Singapore: Five daily flights
  • 25. Bangkok–Jakarta: Twice-daily flights
  • 26. Bangkok–Denpasar: Twice-daily flights
  • 27. Bangkok–Penang: Daily flights, increasing to twice-daily flights from 16 November 2026 onwards.
  • 28. Bangkok–Kuala Lumpur: Twice-daily flights, increasing to three daily flights from 1 December 2026 onwards.
  • 29. Bangkok–Kolkata: Daily flights, increasing to 10 flights per week from 1 November  2026 onwards.
  • 30. Bangkok–Gaya: Daily flights (seasonal)
  • 31. Bangkok–Chennai: Eleven flights per week
  • 32. Bangkok–Hyderabad: Daily flights, increasing to 10 flights per week from 16 November 2026 onwards.
  • 33. Bangkok–Bengaluru: Daily flights, increasing to 11 flights per week from 16 November 2026 onwards.
  • 34. Bangkok–New Delhi: Four daily flights
  • 35. Bangkok–Mumbai: Twice-daily flights
  • 36. Bangkok–Ahmedabad: Daily flights
  • 37. Bangkok–Yangon: Three daily flights
  • 38. Bangkok–Dhaka: Twice-daily flights
  • 39. Bangkok–Kathmandu: Twice-daily flights
  • 40. Bangkok–Colombo: Daily flights
  • 41. Bangkok–Lahore: Daily flights
  • 42. Bangkok–Islamabad: Four flights per week
  • 43. Bangkok–Karachi: Five flights per week

Domestic routes

  • 1. Bangkok–Chiang Mai: Nine daily flights, with seven daily flights from 1 February 2027 onwards.
  • 2. Bangkok–Chiang Rai: Three daily flights
  • 3. Bangkok–Khon Kaen: Four daily flights
  • 4. Bangkok–Udon Thani: Three daily flights
  • 5. Bangkok–Ubon Ratchathani: Twice-daily flights
  • 6. Bangkok–Krabi: Three daily flights
  • 7. Bangkok–Phuket: Nine daily flights
  • 8. Bangkok–Hat Yai: Three daily flights

(Source: THAI)

Qatar Airways extends Saudi Arabia network

DOHA, Qatar, 7 September 2026: Qatar Airways is strengthening its operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the resumption of services to four destinations this winter. Flights to Qassim (ELQ) will resume on 25 October 2026, followed by Taif (TIF) on 31 October 2026, Yanbu (YNB) on 2 January 2027, and Tabuk (TUU) on 3 January 2027.

The airline will operate two weekly flights on each route to the four resumed destinations, providing passengers across the Kingdom with greater travel choice and access to Qatar Airways’ global network of over 160 destinations.

Photo credit: Qatar Airways.

As part of its long-term commitment to the Saudi market and to enhancing regional connectivity, Qatar Airways will operate 155 weekly flights to the Kingdom this winter, representing more than a 10% increase in weekly services compared to the summer season.

Over the past year, Qatar Airways has carried more than 2.3 million passengers between the Kingdom and its global network. The airline has also strengthened frequencies across key routes. In June 2026, Qatar Airways increased its Riyadh service from 35 to 49 weekly flights, offering passengers greater flexibility and more connection options through its Doha hub at Hamad International Airport.

Qatar Airways flights to: Qassim, Taif, Yanbu and Tabuk

With these resumptions, Qatar Airways will expand its network in Saudi Arabia to include Abha (ABH), AlUla (ULH), Qassim (ELQ), Dammam (DMM), Hail (HAS), Jeddah (JED), Madinah (MED), NEOM (NUM — to resume in the second half of 2027), Riyadh (RUH), Tabuk (TUU), Taif (TIF), The Red Sea (RSI), and Yanbu (YNB).

Bookings are now open on the airline’s website and mobile app. 

(Source: Qatar Airways)

BWH Hotels expands to Isaan, Thailand

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BANGKOK, 7 September, 2026: BWH Hotels, a leading global hospitality enterprise comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotels, has continued the rapid expansion of its portfolio in Thailand with the opening of Best Western Q Khon Kaen, a newly rebranded and fully refurbished hotel that will provide guests with a comfortable base to explore Isaan, the enchanting northeast region known as the “Rice Bowl of Thailand.”

One of Isaan’s major gateway cities, Khon Kaen is an important commercial, cultural, educational and transportation hub. Situated in a strategic location on Mittraphap Road, one of the city’s main thoroughfares, Best Western Q Khon Kaen is just a short distance from the city centre and Khon Kaen International Convention & Exhibition Centre (KICE), creating a compelling option for both business travellers and concertgoers.

All around Khon Kaen, curious explorers can discover Isaan’s natural and cultural attractions, from golden temples, verdant forests and flowing waterfalls to vibrant markets and enriching museums – including Phu Wiang Dinosaur Museum, which presents bones and fossils from Phu Wiang National Park, the home of Thai palaeontology. The hotel is also 6 km from Khon Kaen University and 8 km from Khon Kaen Airport, which welcomes flights from major cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

“Northeast Thailand is a vast, culturally rich and economically important region, but it remains under-explored compared to other parts of Thailand. With the opening of Best Western Q Khon Kaen, we want to empower all visitors to uncover the treasures of Isaan in comfort and style. BWH Hotels is one of the only international hotel groups with multiple hotels in this vibrant region, which represents our strategy of introducing our renowned standards of hospitality to all parts of the country,” said Olivier Berrivin, Vice President – APAC, BWH Hotels.

At Best Western Q Khon Kaen, guests can enjoy stays that seamlessly blend Best Western’s global standards with authentic local service. The hotel’s design concept reflects Isaan’s rich heritage, with elements inspired by Khon Kaen City Gate, the traditional Lao reed mouth-organ and Kan Kaen Koon silk. The hotel’s 125 rooms are tailored to the needs of modern travellers, with home comforts and state-of-the-art amenities, and a bright on-site restaurant serves Thai and international cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

BWH Hotels now operates 29 properties in Thailand, one of the group’s key regional markets, under 11 diverse brands. In line with the company’s five-year development strategy, BWH Hotels is targeting around 200 hotels across Asia Pacific over the next five years.

Members of Best Western Rewards, the award-winning loyalty programme that’s free to join, can enjoy exclusive benefits and points that never expire. These points can be redeemed for exciting rewards like free room nights, airline miles and gift cards.

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

(Source: Your Stories — BWH)

BESarawak CEO chairs ICCA Asia Pacific Chapter

KUCHING, 7 September 2026: Jason Tan Chin Foo, Chief Executive Officer of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), has been appointed Chair of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Asia Pacific Chapter for the 2026–2028 term, becoming the first Sarawakian to lead the regional chapter. 

The future of the global business events industry will be shaped by stronger regional collaboration, collective leadership, and a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and long-term impact. As Asia Pacific continues to grow in influence, the opportunity has never been greater to build a more connected, resilient and future-ready industry.

“I’m honoured to be appointed as ICCA Asia Pacific Chair. I aspire to build a stronger, more connected and inclusive Asia Pacific Chapter where collaboration becomes our greatest strength,” said Jason. “Together, we will share knowledge, elevate professional standards and champion sustainable development to create a more resilient business events industry that delivers lasting value for our members, our destinations and our communities.”

He also expressed his sincere appreciation to Jane Vong Holmes, Senior Manager – Asia Pacific at GainingEdge and Immediate Past Chair of the ICCA Asia Pacific Chapter, for her outstanding leadership and dedicated service. She has strengthened the chapter through her vision, passion and dedication, leaving a strong foundation for the future.

Deputy State Secretary (Operations) and BESarawak Chairman, Datu Hii Chang Kee, said the appointment was an honour that reflects the confidence of the international business events community. 

“Jason’s appointment is a recognition of his leadership and dedication to the business events industry. We are honoured that he has been entrusted with this important regional role, and we are confident he will contribute meaningfully to strengthening collaboration, knowledge exchange and the continued growth of the business events industry across Asia Pacific.”

ICCA’s Senior Regional Director, Waikin Wong, said Jason’s appointment reflects both his leadership and the continued evolution of the Asia Pacific business events industry.

ICCA is the global association for the international meetings and conventions industry, representing more than 1,000 member organisations across over 100 countries and territories through its six regional chapters – Asia Pacific, Africa, Europe, Latin America & the Caribbean, Middle East, and North America. The association connects the global business events community to advance collaboration, knowledge exchange, advocacy and professional excellence.

More at www.businesseventssarawak.com.  

(Source: Your Stories — BESarawak)

MH revives flights to Fukuoka

KUALA LUMPUR, 7 September 2026: Malaysia Airlines returns to Fukuoka, after a 20-year absence, serving the route five times weekly since the inaugural flight on 2 September.

The resumption of direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Fukuoka strengthens the airline’s Japan network, offering the only direct connection between Kuala Lumpur and Fukuoka and opening two-way tourism between Malaysia and Japan’s Kyushu region.

MH stopped flying the route in August 2006.

Flight schedule

MH56 departs Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 2345 and arrives in Fukuoka (FUK) at 0705 plus a day. Departs from KUL: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
MH57 departs Fukuoka (FUK) at 1000 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 1545. Departs from FUK: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

The airline deploys a 174-seat Boeing 737-8 on the route. Flight time is six hours and 45 minutes.

According to advance timetables for the winter season, from December 2026 to 31 March 2027, flights will increase to daily.

The service complements Malaysia Airlines’ existing services to Tokyo (via Narita) and Osaka, bringing the airline’s total weekly frequency to Japan to 26 flights. Together, these services strengthen connectivity between Malaysia and Japan, while marking an important milestone for the Malaysia Airlines-Japan Airlines Joint Business partnership.

Through the codeshare arrangement, customers travelling via Fukuoka can connect to Japan Airlines flights to Amami, Sapporo, Izumo, Kochi, Miyazaki, Kagoshima, Yakushima, Matsuyama and Tokushima. 

Japan Airlines also places its code on Malaysia Airlines-operated services between Kuala Lumpur and Fukuoka, offering a seamless booking experience and a broader range of travel options between Malaysia and Japan.

For travellers from Japan, the route offers convenient onward connections via Kuala Lumpur to destinations across domestic Malaysia, ASEAN, South Asia and Australasia, while supporting inbound tourism in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026.

To celebrate the return to Fukuoka, travellers can save up to 30% under the MATTA Fair promotion for bookings made by 14 September 2026. Enrich members can enjoy an additional 5% off, while payments made with a VISA card through the Malaysia Airlines official website or mobile app qualify for a further 5% discount. For more information and to book your flights, visit www.malaysiaairlines.com.

(Source: Malaysia Airlines)

ITB India wraps up its 4th edition

MUMBAI, 7 September 2026: The fourth in-person edition of ITB India concluded on 3 September after bringing the international travel industry together for three days of business, networking and knowledge exchange at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. 

From 1 to 3 September, professionals across the Leisure, MICE, Corporate Travel and Travel Technology sectors came together to connect with regional and international partners, gain new market perspectives and explore avenues for future growth.

Photo credit: ITB India 2026. Trade show visitors walking the show floor.

More than 3,000 industry professionals attended this year’s edition, including over 400 qualified buyers, with more than 100 exhibiting brands represented at ITB India 2026.

“India and South Asia continue to offer significant opportunities for the global travel industry, and the international participation at ITB India this year reflects the strong interest we continue to see in these markets,” said Messe Berlin Asia Pacific Executive Director, Darren Seah. “By connecting global suppliers with qualified buyers and combining commercial exchange with industry insights, networking and senior-level dialogue, ITB India offers a valuable B2B marketplace where new relationships and ideas can develop into long-term business.”

Exhibiting brands from Southeast Asia, South Asia, Europe, Africa, Northeast Asia and South America participated in this year’s edition. Among this year’s exhibitors were Columbia Pictures Aquaverse, DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta Kemayoran, Halong International Cruise, Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta, IHCL, MakeMyTrip, Northern Lights Villages, oneworld alliance, Philippine Airlines, Sarawak Tourism Board, Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts, Tokyu Hotels Japan and Visit Maldives Corporation.

ITB India 2026 was backed by a network of travel trade and industry associations, strengthening its engagement with travel agents, tour operators, MICE professionals and tourism communities across India. Participating associations include the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI), Enterprising Travel Agents Association (ETAA), Global Travel Agent Association (GTAA), Network of Indian MICE Agents (NIMA), Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI), Skal International India, Tourism India Alliance (TIA), Travel Agencies Association Pune (TAAP), Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), Travel Agents Association of Nashik (TAAN), Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) and Travel Trade Association of Uttar Pradesh (TTAUP).

Dates for the diary

ITB Asia will be held in Singapore from 21 to 23 October 2026, covering the APAC market. The inaugural ITB Americas will be held in Guadalajara, Mexico, from 10 to 12 November 2026, covering the American market. ITB Berlin, the world’s leading B2B trade show for the travel industry, will take place in Berlin from 16 March to 18 March 2027. ITB China, the premier marketplace for China’s travel industry, is scheduled for 25 to 27 May 2027 in Shanghai.

(Source: ITB India)

AirAsia travel advisory on Krakatau eruption

SEPANG, Malaysia, 7 September 2026: The ongoing eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait, Indonesia, has produced extensive volcanic ash clouds that are disrupting airline services in the region, AirAsia reports in a travel advisory.

In response to the volcanic ash that “poses a significant threat to the safe operation of aircraft in the vicinity of volcanic clouds the airline confirms some AirAsia flights to and from Jakarta have been cancelled or rescheduled. 

“The volcanic ash situation has also required operational adjustments to selected AirAsia services whose flight paths may be affected.

“AirAsia has notified all affected guests on their flight status and recovery options to ensure they can resume their journeys safely on the next available flight.”

The airline points out that the weather event remains fluid, and AirAsia guests travelling to and from the affected destinations are strongly encouraged to check their latest flight status at  airasia.com/flightstatus.

AirAsia is continuing to monitor Mount Anak Krakatau’s volcanic activity and will update its travel advisory with the resumption of normal operations.

(Source: AirAsia)

New Trafalgar portfolio takes shape

SINGAPORE, 7 September 2026: Trafalgar has announced a major expansion of its brand, bringing the 2027 portfolios of Trafalgar, Insight Vacations and Costsaver together under one trusted name to offer greater breadth across travel styles and price points. 

Building on nearly 80 years of expertise in guided travel, the new Trafalgar portfolio, available on the Travel Agent Portal (TAP) in Q4 2026, will encompass five travel categories — Tours, Small Groups, River Cruises, Rail Journeys and Group Sales – and three value tiers: Saver, Classic and Premium.

Photo credit: Trafalgar.

“Travel agents have always been central to our growth, and they’ll be central to where we go next,” said TTC Tour Brands Managing Director, Asia, Mae Cheah.

“Expanding what Trafalgar offers means more opportunities for agents to meet the needs of the clients they already have, reach new ones and keep them travelling with us as their needs evolve. As we prepare for our biggest-ever investment in the Trafalgar brand in 2027, we want to bring our advisor partners along with us, giving them the time, tools and support to be ready for the demand we’re working to create and the opportunities that come with it.”

Together, the Trafalgar portfolio will represent more than 600 itineraries across 75 countries, backed by more than 150,000 five-star reviews. With a growing river cruise portfolio, a broader range of small group tours, rail journeys and classic tour categories, Trafalgar is gearing up for 2027 with more itineraries and experiences for agents and their clients.

To help agents prepare, a Your New Era with Trafalgar hub is now live on TAP, giving agents a central place to learn more about the expanded portfolio and access training.  

Agents will see additional features integrated into TAP that will make it easier to navigate the five travel categories and three value tiers, plus new experiences that will go live and be bookable on TAP in Q4 2026. Travel agents can learn more at agents.ttc.com. 

(Source: TTC)

Carnival Cruise Line launches Carnival Rewards

SINGAPORE, 7 September 2026: Carnival Cruise Line has launched Carnival Rewards, the first-of-its-kind loyalty programme in the cruise industry. 

The new programme introduces Carnival Rewards Points, which guests can earn and redeem for Carnival cruises and eligible onboard experiences, plus Status Qualifying Stars, which unlock status and additional benefits. 

The Milestone Recognition Programme further celebrates guests as they reach key sailing achievements based on the number of days sailed. 

Carnival Rewards Mastercard cardholders also have the opportunity to accelerate their status and earn even more Points through everyday spending beyond their Carnival vacation.

Guests earn three points for every USD spent on eligible Carnival purchases, including gratuities.

Points can be redeemed toward future Carnival cruises and eligible onboard experiences, including shore excursions, speciality dining and spa treatments.

Points are earned at the end of the sailing (posted approximately 14 days after the sailing end date). Points can be redeemed as soon as they become available, creating more immediate opportunities to enjoy rewards.

Status within Carnival Rewards is determined through Status Qualifying Stars, which recognise guest activity throughout their Carnival vacation. 

Guests can earn three stars for every USD spent on eligible Carnival purchases, including gratuities. There are also four status levels: Red (upon enrollment), Gold (upon earning 10,000 stars), Platinum (upon earning 50,000 stars), and Diamond (upon earning 100,000 stars).

Status is earned during a two-year Status Qualifying Window and enjoyed during the remainder of that period and the following two-year status enjoyment window. The inaugural qualifying period runs from 1 September 2026 through 31 December 2028, giving guests an extended opportunity to earn Status Qualifying Stars for the first qualifying window.

(Source: Carnival Cruises)

Tourism makes gains during MATTA Fair

KUALA LUMPUR, 7 September 2026: The 59th National MATTA Fair hosted at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur, welcomed a record turnout of travel consumers over the show’s three days, 4 to 6 September.

The show unfolded at a defining moment for Malaysia’s national tourism agenda. Malaysia welcomed 42.2 million international visitors in 2020, an 11.2% increase compared with the previous year. This positive momentum has continued into 2026, with 21.2 million international arrivals recorded in the first half of the year alone. 

Photo credit: MATTA Fair. From Left: Mohd Hizzat, MATTA Deputy President; Nigel Wong, MATTA President; Dato Adi Putra (Mohamed Hadi Putera Halim), actor; Yang Berhormat Tuan Loh Sze Yee, Perak State Committee Chairman, Tourism, Industry, Investment and Corridor Development; Wendy Shin, MATTA Perak Chapter Chair; Rocky Kho, MATTA Honorary Treasurer; Shazli Affuat Ghazal, MATTA VP Education & Training; Subramaniam Punusamy, MATTA Honorary Secretary General.

Under Visit Malaysia 2026, the country is targeting 47 million international tourist arrivals and MYR147.1 billion in tourism receipts by year-end, and this edition of the National MATTA Fair aims to contribute directly to that push.

The 59th edition of the MATTA Fair extended over 10 exhibition halls at MITEC, bringing together the country’s largest gathering of licensed travel agencies, tourism boards, hotels and airlines, alongside 12 state tourism organisations (STOs) from across Malaysia, and 16 national tourism organisations (NTOs) worldwide, with Taiwan taking centre stage as this edition’s International Favourite Destination.

Adding to the momentum, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) returned as Official Airline Partner and Premier Sponsor, anchoring the fair and showcasing its growing portfolio of travel and lifestyle offerings. 

Meanwhile, RHB Bank, the fair’s Official Bank Partner, delivered an expanded suite of travel rewards and financing options for visitors looking to fund their next holiday.

“The positive tourism performance we are seeing this year is encouraging and presents opportunities for the entire tourism industry. We are actively seeking to build on this progress by making travel more accessible and trustworthy. As a Strategic Partner to Visit Malaysia 2026, MATTA will continue working closely with the government and our industry partners to support the national tourism agenda and promote Malaysia as a preferred destination for travellers,” said MATTA President Nigel Wong.

Photo credit: MATTA Fair: MATTA President Nigel Wong.

 (Source: MATTA)