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Etihad codeshares with Uzbekistan Airways

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ABU DHABI, 19 May 2026: Etihad Airways and Uzbekistan Airways have signed a codeshare agreement that opens Central Asia for Etihad’s passengers and links Uzbekistan Airways guests to Etihad’s daily Abu Dhabi service. 

The agreement was signed last week, with the first codeshare flights available for travel from 9 August 2026.

Photo credit: Etihad. Etihad Airways Chief Revenue & Commercial Officer, Arik De (left) and Uzbekistan Airways Deputy Chairman of the Board for Commerce and Tourism, Shukhrat Yadgarov. (right).

Under the partnership, Etihad guests can book a single ticket on Uzbekistan Airways flights from Tashkent to eight destinations across Uzbekistan: Samarkand, Urgench, Nukus, Termez, Fergana, Namangan, Andizhan, and Bukhara — as well as several international destinations on Uzbekistan Airways’ network. 

Uzbekistan Airways guests, in turn, can now reach Abu Dhabi via Tashkent on the new Etihad daily service starting this summer. Etihad and Uzbekistan Airways are also developing a frequent flyer partnership between Etihad Guest and UzAirPlus, set to expand reward options for members of both programmes.

Uzbekistan is one of Central Asia’s fastest-growing inbound markets. Travellers are drawn to the Silk Road heritage of Samarkand and Bukhara, the medieval citadel of Khiva, and the wide-open landscapes of Karakalpakstan. The agreement gives Etihad’s guests a single connection to all of it.

Tashkent is the largest city in Central Asia, a region where economic and cultural ties are growing fast. The new partnership puts Uzbekistan within easy reach of Etihad’s guests, while giving Uzbekistan Airways travellers wider access to international markets through Abu Dhabi.

Etihad Airways Chief Revenue & Commercial Officer, Arik De, said: This agreement gives our guests easy access to eight Uzbek cities on a single ticket while offering direct service to our beautiful home in Abu Dhabi. We’ve found a strong partner in Uzbekistan Airways, an airline expanding its fleet and reach, and we’re looking forward to growing the relationship from here.”

Uzbekistan Airways JSC, Deputy Chairman of the Board for Commerce and Tourism, Shukhrat Yadgarov, said: “Partnering with Etihad Airways marks another strategic milestone in the continued expansion of Uzbekistan Airways’ international network. Through this codeshare agreement, passengers of the national carrier will gain access to a new destination within our route portfolio – Abu Dhabi. The new service will complement our existing daily operations between Tashkent and Dubai, further strengthening air connectivity between Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates.

With the addition of Uzbekistan Airways, Etihad’s partner network now spans 46 codeshare and over 130 interline partners, the largest of any non-alliance airline, giving guests single-ticket and through-fare access to over 350 destinations worldwide.

Bookings are available from today at etihad.com and uzairways.com.

Etihad schedule from 9 August 2026

(Source: Etihad)

EXPLORA III celebrates maiden voyage in August

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SINGAPORE, 19 May 2026: Explora Journeys’ EXPLORA III is setting off on her maiden voyage on 3 August, highlighting visits to the Norwegian fjords and the coastlines of New England.

EXPLORA III sails from Barcelona to Lisbon, through Northern Europe and Iceland, before crossing the Atlantic via Greenland to North America. Across the season, EXPLORA III traces a graceful northern arc through striking landscapes and culturally rich destinations, with no repeated itineraries.

Photo credit: Explora Journeys.

Guests sailing aboard EXPLORA III during Summer 2026 will experience the sheltered harbours of Baltic capitals and Scandinavia’s historic cities before crossing the Atlantic towards Iceland, Greenland, the Canadian Maritimes and New England.

A defining highlight of the season is the solar eclipse journey of 12 August, with EXPLORA III positioned in optimal conditions to witness this rare celestial phenomenon — the first such event visible from Europe in 27 years.  

The northern Europe itineraries introduce maiden ports for the brand, including Bergen, Flåm, Riga and Tallinn. At the same time, voyages through the Icelandic Fjords and Greenland reveal dramatic, remote landscapes shaped by shifting ice and ancient traditions where the slow movement of glaciers measures time.

In the Norwegian fjords, guests may explore the small-town charm of Mandal by silent electric boat, visit family-run orchards overlooking the Fisterfjord or ascend the Loen Skylift near the shimmering Briksdal Glacier for panoramic views across one of Europe’s most breathtaking glacial landscapes. 

As EXPLORA III crosses westward, guests are invited into peaceful pursuits along Canada’s rugged coastline, from kayaking and hiking along the Cabot Trail to exploring the windswept Magdalen Islands and the pristine wilderness of the Mingan Archipelago. Heading southward, the season concludes along the cinematic Atlantic seaboard, where it transforms into autumn hues. Guests can discover the forested shores and river canyons of New England, alongside iconic moments in New York City, before the ship makes her grand arrival against the tropical skyline of Miami.

(Source: Explora Journeys)

FCM Travel: Say hello to SAM

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SINGAPORE, 19 May 2026: FCM Travel says its AI travel companion, Sam, goes live across more than 90 countries in June after an introductory phase introduced to the company’s clientele earlier this year.

A proprietary AI ecosystem built at the core of FCM’s technology, making Sam the intelligence layer running through everything FCM does – not a feature sitting on top of it. For existing customers, what’s coming will feel like a different product entirely.

Photo credit: FCM.

“This is a genuine, game-changing first for the managed travel industry,” said FCM Travel Global Chief Experience Officer, John Morhous. “A lot of our competitors are trying to bolt AI onto existing stacks, but the real power in AI is that the more connected it is, the more you can do with it. Sam is built, not bought – and that compounds over time.”

Sam’s intelligence works across all roles — travellers, arrangers, and travel managers — with equal depth. Most AI in managed travel still focuses on a single point in the journey. Underpinning it all is FCM’s proprietary technology architecture, which defines which trusted data sources Sam queries for each interaction, preventing hallucination and ensuring enterprise-grade accuracy.

Central to Sam’s architecture is its proprietary guardrail system – a capability that goes far beyond hallucination prevention. Travel managers can configure precisely how Sam responds to specific query types, ensuring answers always reflect their policies and rules of engagement.

A traveller not entitled to business class will never receive a recommendation for a premium fare. An out-of-policy hotel will not be surfaced as an option.

Spend thresholds, approval workflows, and supplier preferences are all automatically enforced in conversation, giving organisations the benefits of conversational AI while retaining the programme controls that enterprise travel demands.

“Travellers are tired of fragmented experiences – piecing together more than five tools just to get through a trip,” said Morhous.

“Sam isn’t a single point of support. It’s there throughout the entire journey, for every person in a travel programme. Because our AI is proprietary, the accuracy and compliance enterprises need isn’t bolted on – it’s built in.”

At launch, Sam delivers end-to-end trip support across the full traveller journey, with real-time programme data intelligence for travel managers through plain-language conversation, seamless handoff to FCM consultants with full context intact, and a unique smart redirect into customers’ existing booking tools – the only AI solution in managed travel to offer this.

“June is only the beginning,” said Morhous. “Because we own our technology end-to-end, every release makes our customers’ programmes smarter.”

(Source: FCM Travel)

Air India trims routes as fuel prices soar

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SINGAPORE, 19 May 2026: Air India confirms a rationalisation of its services on selected international routes between June and August 2026. 

The adjustments have been made in response to a combination of factors, including continued airspace restrictions over certain regions and record-high jet fuel prices for international operations, which significantly impact the commercial viability of certain planned services.

Photo credit: Air India.

In a press statement, the airline said: “These changes are aimed at improving network stability and reducing last-minute inconvenience to passengers.”

Despite these adjustments, Air India will continue to operate more than 1200 international flights monthly, retaining a robust international network that spans five continents, including 33 flights per week to North America, 47 flights per week to Europe, 57 flights per week to the UK, 08 flights per week to Australia, 158 flights per week to the Far East, Southeast Asia and SAARC regions, and seven flights per week to Mauritius (Africa).

The temporary network adjustments are summarised below by region:

North America

Delhi-Chicago: temporarily suspended

Delhi-San Francisco: reduced from 10x weekly to 7x weekly through August

Delhi-Toronto: reduced from 10x weekly to 5x weekly through July, increasing to daily operation from August

Delhi-Vancouver: reduced from 7x weekly to 5x weekly

Mumbai-Newark service increases from 3x weekly to 7x weekly, and Delhi-New York (JFK) remains a 7x weekly service, while Delhi-Newark and Mumbai-New York (JFK) services will be temporarily suspended.

Europe

Delhi-Paris: reduced from 14x weekly to 7x weekly

Delhi-Copenhagen: reduced from 4x weekly to 3x weekly

Delhi-Milan: reduced from 5x weekly to 4x weekly

Delhi-Vienna: reduced from 4x weekly to 3x weekly

Delhi-Zurich: reduced from 4x weekly to 3x weekly

Delhi-Rome: reduced from 4x weekly to 3x weekly

Australia

Delhi-Melbourne: reduced from 7x weekly to 4x weekly

Delhi-Sydney: reduced from 7x weekly to 4x weekly

Asia

Delhi-Shanghai: temporarily suspended through August

Delhi-Singapore: reduced from 24x weekly to 14x weekly

Mumbai-Singapore: reduced from 14x weekly to 7x weekly

Chennai-Singapore: temporarily suspended through August

Delhi-Bangkok: reduced from 28x weekly to 21x weekly from July

Mumbai-Bangkok: reduced from 13x weekly to 7x weekly from July

Delhi-Kuala Lumpur: reduced from 10x weekly to 5x weekly

Delhi-Ho Chi Minh City: reduced from 7x weekly to 4x weekly in July and August

Delhi-Hanoi: reduced from 5x weekly to 4x weekly in July and August

Delhi-Kathmandu: reduced from 42x weekly to 28x weekly in June, and further to 21x weekly in July and August

Delhi-Dhaka: reduced from 7x weekly to 4x weekly

Mumbai-Dhaka: temporarily suspended through August

Mumbai-Colombo: reduced from 7x weekly to 4x weekly

Delhi-Colombo: reduced from 14x weekly to 12x weekly

Delhi-Malé: temporarily suspended through August

(Source: Air India)

Radisson opens hotel in Dubai

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DUBAI, 18 May 2026: Radisson Hotel Group expands its footprint in Dubai with the opening of Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Barsha Heights, a 537-room five-star city hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Located in Barsha Heights, the hotel offers five restaurants and bars, 16 meeting and event spaces, a spa and fitness centre, and an outdoor swimming pool.

Photo credit Radisson. Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Barsha Heights.

The opening marks another important addition to Radisson Hotel Group’s growing portfolio in the UAE and strengthens Radisson Blu’s presence in Dubai. 

The hotel provides convenient access to key business areas, including Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, and Knowledge Park, while also placing guests within easy reach of Mall of the Emirates, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and JBR.

The group has named Sherif Madkour the property’s General Manager. 

(Source: Radisson)

ONYX celebrates 60-year legacy

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BANGKOK, 18 May 2026: ONYX Hospitality Group celebrates its 60th anniversary with a portfolio spanning hotels, resorts, serviced apartments and  luxury residences 

The ONYX Hospitality Group, which traces its roots back to the founding of Siam Lodges in 1965 and its subsequent corporate rebranding in 1992 as Amari Hotels & Resorts, targets a total revenue of THB10.33 billion in 2026, representing a 14% year-on-year increase. 

Photo credit: ONYX. ONYX Hospitality Group, Chief Executive Officer, Yuthachai Charanachitta.

It also plans to expand its portfolio to more than 75 properties by 2030, underscoring its sustained growth momentum and strengthening its position across the Asia Pacific region. This expansion will be supported by a planned investment of THB 5.5 billion over the next three years, primarily focused on enhancing and upgrading existing properties.

Over the past six decades, ONYX Hospitality Group has grown from managing a single hotel in Thailand into a regional hospitality company with a multi-brand portfolio including Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence. 

Today, ONYX manages 49 properties and remains on track to expand its portfolio to more than 75 properties across Asia Pacific by 2030. 

ONYX Hospitality Group, Chief Executive Officer Yuthachai Charanachitta said: “As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we see this milestone not merely as a reflection of our past achievements, but as the beginning of our next phase of growth. Looking ahead, we remain committed to expanding our regional footprint, strengthening our brands, and creating long-term value for our partners, investors and customers, while continuing to develop the organisation in a balanced and sustainable manner. At the same time, we are dedicated to playing an active role in elevating service standards and supporting the long-term advancement of Thailand’s hospitality industry.”

In 2026, the Group is set to launch several new projects, including Shama Sukhumvit 101 Bangkok, Shama Medini, and Y Hotel Nanshan Shenzhen. 

(Source: ONYX)

Minor rebrands vacation club

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BANGKOK, 18 May 2026: Minor Hotels confirms the rebranding of its vacation ownership business from Anantara Vacation Club to Minor Vacation Club as the group expands its timeshare portfolio.

For over 15 years, Anantara Vacation Club has played an integral role within Minor Hotels, building long-term relationships with guests who return year after year to Club Resorts and affiliated Minor Hotels properties around the world.

Photo credit: Minor Hotels

While the Club began with close ties to Anantara, its offering has expanded significantly. Today,  points owners can enjoy offerings from the broader Minor Hotels portfolio, from Anantara and Elewana to Avani and Oaks, alongside dining, leisure, and lifestyle experiences beyond accommodation. This growth prompted the need for a name that more accurately reflects the full scope of access now available.

As a result, Anantara Vacation Club will be renamed Minor Vacation Club, operating under the broader Minor Vacations umbrella and serving as the main timeshare product. Minor Vacation Club will also launch two Club Resorts in Japan later this year. This milestone signals the next phase of growth for the Club, shaped by carefully selected destinations, distinctive experiences, and access that extends beyond a single hotel brand.

(Source: Minor Hotels)

Global tourism outpaces economic growth

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SINGAPORE, 18 May 2026: Global Travel & Tourism is forecast to continue outpacing wider economic growth in 2026, with the sector expected to contribute USD12 trillion to the world economy, accounting for 9.9% of GDP, according to new data from the World Travel & Tourism Council, sponsored by Chase Travel, Lead Research Partner.

WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) forecasts the sector will grow by 3.2% globally in 2026, ahead of wider global economic growth of 2.4%. Travel & Tourism is also expected to support 376 million jobs worldwide in 2026, representing one in nine jobs globally.

Photo credit: WTTC

Over the next decade, the sector is forecast to support almost 89 million new jobs globally, accounting for approximately one-third of all new jobs expected across the wider economy. During the same period, global Travel & Tourism GDP is forecast to grow at an annual rate of 3.6%, 1.5 times faster than the wider global economy, which is forecast to grow at 2.4%.

Against this global backdrop, WTTC highlighted the importance of continued investment in smart infrastructure, digital innovation, sustainable destination management, skills development, and cross-border connectivity to maintain the sector’s strong long-term growth trajectory. The organisation also pointed to the growing role of AI and new technologies in improving traveller experience, operational efficiency, and workforce development across the sector.

In Europe, Travel & Tourism is forecast to outperform the wider regional economy in 2026, reinforcing its role as one of the continent’s strongest drivers of growth, jobs, and investment.

While wider European GDP growth is forecast to reach just 1% in 2026 amid continued inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty, Travel & Tourism GDP across Europe is expected to grow by 3.6%, nearly four times faster.

WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research shows the sector continues to exhibit remarkable resilience, even as households face rising costs and persistent value-seeking behaviour.

International visitor spending across Europe is projected to grow 7.1% in 2026, significantly ahead of the global average of 3.7%, as travellers increasingly choose destinations closer to home amid geopolitical uncertainty and disruption in other regions.

Southern European destinations continue to lead the region’s momentum, with Spain standing out as one of Europe’s strongest-performing major tourism economies. WTTC forecasts Spain’s Travel & Tourism sector will grow 3.7% in 2026, matching Türkiye and outperforming the wider European economy, while Italy is expected to lead the region’s major markets with growth of 3.8%. International visitor spending in Spain is also forecast to increase by 5.3% this year, underlining the continued strength and competitiveness of Mediterranean destinations. In 2025, Spain recorded 96.8 million international visitor arrivals, the second-highest in Europe after France. Yet, the country recorded €115.1BN (USD130.1 billion) in international visitor spending in the same year, making it the leading destination in Europe and the third globally. 

WTTC President & CEO Gloria Guevara said: “Travel & Tourism continues to prove its resilience across Europe and remains one of the region’s most important economic growth engines at a time when wider economic expansion is slowing. The sector is creating jobs, driving investment, and supporting communities across the continent.

“Countries such as Spain, Italy, France and Türkiye are showing what is possible when governments recognise the strategic value of Travel & Tourism and support the sector through smart investment, strong connectivity, and forward-looking policies. Europe has a real opportunity to build on this momentum, but maintaining competitiveness, affordability, and seamless travel will be critical.”

(Source: WTTC)

Qatar Airways returns to Abu Dhabi

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DOHA, Qatar, 18 May 2026: Qatar Airways continues to restore its network across the Middle East, with the resumption of double-daily passenger flights to Abu Dhabi (AUH), the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

The reintroduction of Abu Dhabi services, now in operation, expands Qatar Airways’ operations in the UAE to three destinations, alongside Dubai (DXB) and Sharjah (SHJ).

Photo credit: Qatar Airways

The service follows Qatar Airways’ recent regional announcement of flights to Baghdad (BGW), Basra (BSR), and Erbil (EBL) in Iraq.

Qatar Airways has also resumed daily services to Bahrain (BAH), Damascus (DAM), and Kozhikode (CCJ), offering passengers greater flexibility and enhanced connectivity across the region and beyond.

Building on this momentum, Qatar Airways is steadily advancing the phased restoration of its global network across six continents. The airline advises passengers to regularly check its official website or app and ensure their contact details are correct and up to date.

(Source: Qatar Airways)

United expands Japan services

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CHICAGO, 18 May 2026: United will expand its service to Japan with new flights to Sapporo and Tokyo-Narita this winter. 

The airline will launch the first seasonal service (December to March) from San Francisco to Sapporo, Japan. It will be the only US airline offering direct daily service between Chicago and Tokyo-Narita*. 

Photo credit: United.

In 2025, the airline flew more than 1.8 million passengers between the two countries — more than all other US carriers combined. This winter, United will operate up to 13 flights each day from the continental US to four airports in Japan, including Sapporo (CTS), Tokyo-Narita (NRT), Tokyo-Haneda (HND), and Osaka (KIX).

San Francisco to Sapporo, Japan

Starting 11 December, three weekly winter seasonal services will launch between San Francisco (SFO) and Sapporo (CTS), marking the first nonstop flights between the continental US and Sapporo. Sapporo offers travellers an entirely new way to experience Japan in the winter, from fresh powder for world-class skiing to a rich culinary scene with must-try dishes like Sapporo ramen and Hokkaido seafood. The city is also home to the iconic Sapporo Snow Festival, which transforms it into a winter wonderland.

Flights are expected to operate on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. United will connect travellers from nearly 80 US cities to Sapporo through its premier Pacific gateway in San Francisco, making it easier than ever to reach this unique Japanese destination.

Chicago to Tokyo-Narita

United will launch new daily year-round service between Chicago O’Hare and Tokyo-Narita beginning 24 October. United will be the only US airline offering service between Chicago and Tokyo-Narita, further expanding its position as the only US carrier connecting Chicago to the Pacific region nonstop. The new service builds on the airline’s existing service between Chicago and Tokyo-Haneda, providing travellers with even more ways to travel between the US and Japan.

The new Tokyo-Narita flight unlocks easy, one-stop connections for travellers to 21 destinations across the Asia-Pacific on United or a Joint Venture partner, ANA. Customers can connect on United to cities such as Cebu, Guam, Kaohsiung, Palau, Saipan, and Ulaanbaatar. The new flights between Chicago and Tokyo-Narita are expected to operate on Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners.

*Subject to government approval

(Source: United Airlines)

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