JAKARTA, 1 April 2026: TransNusa Aviation Mandiri (TransNusa) will introduce additional scheduled flights to Singapore from Jakarta and Bali.
TransNusa Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Bernard Francis, said that the additional daily flight between Soekarno–Hatta International Airport in Jakarta and Singapore Changi Airport will start on 17 April, while the additional flight from Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali to Singapore’s Changi Airport will start on 2 May. Ticket sales for the additional scheduled flights started last week.
The additional flights are part of TransNusa’s broader strategy to expand regional connectivity and respond to the growing demand for travel between Indonesia and Singapore — two markets with strong economic, cultural, and tourism ties.
“Singapore is one of the region’s vital aviation and commercial hubs, and these additional flights will provide travellers with greater flexibility while supporting trade and tourism between the two countries,” Datuk Bernard noted.
“The Jakarta–Singapore corridor is one of the busiest international routes in the region, serving millions of travellers each year. By increasing capacity on this route, we aim to provide a more seamless connection for passengers travelling across Southeast Asia and beyond”.
Flight schedules
TransNusa’s additional scheduled flight, 8B155, will depart Jakarta at 1945 from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta and arrive at the Singapore Changi Airport at 2225.
The return flight, 8B156, will depart Singapore Changi Airport at 2320 and arrive at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta at 0010.
With the launch of this additional service, TransNusa will operate three daily flights from Jakarta to Singapore, effective 17 April.
On the Bali-Singapore route, TransNusa adds a second daily flight. The new scheduled flight, 8B553, will depart Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport at 1020 and arrive at Changi Airport at 1315. The return flight, 8B554, will depart Changi Airport at 1415 and arrive in Bali’s Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport at 1755.
The second daily flight between Bali and Singapore will begin on 2 May.
The Bali-Singapore route is served by eight airlines, including Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Jetstar, AirAsia Indonesia, and KLM. The average round-trip fare on the route is USD160.
TransNusa deploys an Airbus A320 with 174 seats on both routes.
KUALA LUMPUR, 1 April 2026: ASEAN’s newest airline, Aero Dili, inaugurated flights between its home base in Dili, Timor-Leste’s capital, and Kuala Lumpur on 28 March.
According to the airline’s Facebook post, it schedules twice-weekly flights on Tuesday and Saturday using a 122-seat Airbus A319-100.
Photo credit: Aero Dili. Inaugural flight reception at KLIA.
“As we grow, we hope to continue opening more routes and connecting even more destinations across the region, providing tourists and business travellers with a more convenient travel option between Dili and Kuala Lumpur,” the airline noted. “Landing at Kuala Lumpur International Airport marks an important step in increasing connectivity between Malaysia and Timor-Leste, thus stimulating trade, tourism and people-to-people ties.”
The new DIL-KUL service figured prominently in the airline’s sales promotions at the NATAS Travel Fair in Singapore, held last weekend.
ASEAN officially welcomed Timor-Leste as its 11th member last October 2025.
Aero Dili launched operations with daily flights to Bali, Indonesia, in May 2023, and followed with a weekly flight from Dili to Singapore in February 2024. Media reports suggested it also flies to Fuzhou, China, but the service does not show on online flight timetables or on the airline’s website booking page.
Aero Dili plans to expand to Darwin, Australia, possibly in May 2026, with twice-weekly flights competing with Qantas, which schedules daily flights on the route. It is also considering flights to Bangkok, Thailand, and Manila, the Philippines.
DELHI, 1 April 2026: Air India Express unveiled ‘The Flying Canvas’, a special art‑wrapped Boeing 737‑8 aeroplane (VT‑BWV), extending the airline’s long‑standing tradition of celebrating India’s cultural heritage through evocative aeroplane liveries.
At the heart of this latest creative milestone is internationally recognised contemporary artist Osheen Siva, known for her distinctive practice that blends heritage, identity and speculative futures.
Photo credit: Air India Express.
The collaboration is a result of Air India Express’ multi-year partnership with the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, India’s first and largest international exhibition of contemporary art.
Wrapped in an original artwork created by Osheen Siva, whose work reimagines heritage as a living, evolving force, ‘The Flying Canvas’ transforms into the fastest-moving cultural installation.
The art livery features a Tamil figure carrying memory and heritage into the future, adorned with traditional motifs that symbolise lineage, identity and continuity. As India’s first full‑aircraft contemporary art wrap, this initiative brings a bold new dimension to Air India Express’ long‑standing commitment to celebrating India’s culture across the skies.
Air India Express Chief Marketing Officer Siddhartha Butalia commented on the concept and campaign: Art is one of the most powerful universal languages – it transcends borders, cultures, and geographies to connect people in ways few things can. With the Tales of India and its extension to The Flying Canvas project, we are literally taking that idea to the skies, transforming an aircraft into a moving expression of living cultural identity. This initiative reflects how we see travel – not just as a journey between destinations, but as an opportunity to experience, interpret, and connect with culture and communities in meaningful ways. As one of the most culturally engaged airlines globally, we are proud and delighted to create spaces where art, travel, and human connection come together.”
During the previous edition of the Biennale, Air India Express unveiled a bespoke tail art on one of its Boeing aircraft. This association laid the foundation for deeper engagement with India’s contemporary art ecosystem and continues with a fully aircraft-wrapped in art for the 2025–26 edition.
SINGAPORE, 1 April 2026: JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group has promoted Julien Naouri to Head of Investment Sales, Asia, effective 1 April.
Based in Singapore, Naouri will lead the firm’s hotel investment sales strategy and operations across Asia, reporting to JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group, Asia Pacific CEO Nihat Ercan.
Photo credit: JLL. Julien Naouri.
He joined JLL in 2020 as Vice President in the Singapore Investment Sales team and has since established himself as a key leader within the platform. To his expanded role, he brings nearly two decades of industry experience, having worked in hotel brokerage since 2008 and been based in Asia since 2010.
Since joining JLL, Naouri has played a leading role in executing numerous high-profile mandates across Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean. His notable transactions include landmark hotel sales in the Maldives, including the W, Sheraton, Amari, and The Standard. In Singapore and Indonesia, his successes include Parkroyal Kitchener Singapore, Frasers Suites Jakarta, Pullman Jakarta and Waldorf Astoria Jakarta. More recently, he has expanded the firm’s presence in Malaysia, delivering several successful transactions, including the Thistle Johor Bahru.
JLL estimates USD13.3 billion in hotel investment volume for 2026, supporting the strong activity observed in the first quarter.
SINGAPORE, 1 April 2026: With the arrival of Japan’s cherry blossom season, digital travel platform Agoda notes a 36% rise in domestic accommodation searches for prime blossom-viewing destinations.
This increase, observed in February for check-ins during the peak blooming period from mid- to late March, suggested that many travellers preferred to finalise their plans closer to the bloom dates to ensure they capture the full splendour of the blossoms.
Hiroshima observed the highest growth in travel interest during the March cherry blossom season, with a 48% increase in accommodation searches, followed by Nagoya with a 42% increase. Other popular destinations include Kanazawa (+39%), Kyoto (+36%), Kochi (+31%), and Wakayama (+26%).
These locations offer prime viewing spots for the cherry blossoms, such as Hiroshima’s Shukkeien Garden and Kyoto’s Maruyama Park, where the iconic weeping cherry tree draws visitors for both daytime and nighttime viewing. Nagoya’s Tsuruma Park and Kanazawa’s Kenrokuen Garden provide picturesque settings with cherry-lined paths.
The allure of Japan’s famous cherry blossoms extends beyond its borders, attracting international travellers eager to witness this natural spectacle. Agoda’s data highlights that South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, and the Philippines are the top markets showing interest in visiting Japan during this season.
Agoda Regional Director, North Asia, Jay Lee shared: “Our data shows a clear growth in last-minute travel interest to experience Japan’s iconic cherry blossom season. We see travellers from all corners of the world eager to experience this fleeting beauty, and we’re thrilled to help them find the perfect spot to enjoy these breathtaking blossoms. Agoda’s easy-to-use platform and search filters provide the flexibility travellers need to seize these unique opportunities.”
Cherry blossom season (sakura) in Japan typically occurs from late March to early April for major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
SINGAPORE, 1 April 2026: Cunard’s iconic Queen Mary 2 arrived in Singapore on 27 March after completing a six-day voyage from Hong Kong and Vietnam as part of her 108-night World Voyage.
Renowned for her iconic transatlantic crossings between New York and Southampton, Queen Mary 2 has redefined ocean travel as the world’s only true ocean liner and remains a symbol of Cunard’s legacy as its flagship.
Photo credit: Marina Bay Cruise Centre. Queen Mary 2.
Queen Mary 2’s 2026 World Voyage is visiting more than 30 ports across the Americas, Australia, Asia, Africa and Europe.
During her overnight stop in Singapore on 27 March, more than 900 guests sailing her full World Voyage were invited to an elegant gala event. The World Voyage dining celebration was held inside the Roselle–Simpor Ballroom, at the iconic luxury hotel, Marina Bay Sands Hotel.
Historic milestones achieved before arrival in Singapore
Queen Mary 2 has achieved significant milestones during her World Voyage before arriving in Singapore.
On 24 January, the liner completed her first transit through the Panama Canal, passing under the Bridge of the Americas on 25 January.
Her arrival in Los Angeles in early February marked a long-anticipated return after 17 years. She also reunited with her legendary namesake for the first time in 20 years. Queen Mary 2 debuted more than 35 years after the original Queen Mary, which was retired in 1967.
Following visits to San Francisco and Auckland, she arrived in Sydney on 4 March, where ‘A Letter from Australia to the World’ was unveiled by author Anna Funder.
Onward to Africa and Europe
The iconic ocean liner has now embarked on a 57-night sailing to Southampton. The first leg is a 16-night journey to Durban and Cape Town in South Africa, with calls at Port Klang, Malaysia and Port Louis, Mauritius along the way.
The liner will spend an overnight stay in Cape Town and embark on 12 April, visiting Walvis Bay, Namibia; Dakar, Senegal; Tenerife and Cádiz in Spain before arriving in Southampton on 30 April.
The ship will then operate her signature Transatlantic Crossings from Southampton to New York for the rest of the year.
BANGKOK, 1 April 2026: Skål International Bangkok on 28 September 2026, reaches a landmark milestone, celebrating 70 years since its founding in 1956.
Over seven decades, the club has evolved from a small circle of travel professionals into one of Asia’s most active and influential tourism networking organisations.
Skål International Bangkok is celebrating 70 years since its founding in 1956.
Established at a time when international travel was still limited, the club provided a vital platform for executives in aviation, cruise, rail travel, hospitality and tour operations to meet, exchange ideas and build business relationships. As Bangkok developed into one of the world’s most visited cities, Skål International Bangkok grew alongside it, reflecting the strength and resilience of Thailand’s tourism sector.
Today, the club remains a cornerstone of the travel and tourism community in the Thai capital. Its enduring principle of “doing business among friends” continues to underpin a culture of trust, collaboration and professional exchange that benefits members across all sectors of the industry.
Over the years, Skål International Bangkok has developed into a high-level forum and was instrumental in organising two Skål World Congresses (1996 and 2006) and Asia Congresses, bringing together senior leaders from hotels, airlines, destination management companies, tourism authorities and service providers globally to meet with local members.
Skål International Bangkok events are recognised not only for their networking value but also for fostering collaboration, innovation and industry resilience.
A defining strength of the club has been its commitment to maintaining a consistent and engaging calendar of events. Monthly luncheons, evening gatherings and special functions, hosted at many of Bangkok’s leading hotels, provide regular opportunities for members to connect, exchange insights and develop business relationships.
For nearly 70 years, Skål International Bangkok has organised events year-round, remaining a constant presence within the tourism community. This continuity has reinforced trust and ensured the club’s relevance in an industry often shaped by rapid change.
Even during the global pandemic, when the travel sector faced unprecedented disruption, Skål International Bangkok continued to support its members. While government regulations in Thailand temporarily prohibited meetings, the club maintained communication and engagement throughout that period. As soon as restrictions were eased and gatherings were permitted again, Skål Bangkok moved swiftly to reinstate its full programme of events and meetings.
This ability to adapt and recover quickly has strengthened the club’s reputation as a resilient and forward-looking organisation.
Leadership has played a central role in the club’s evolution, with successive presidents and boards drawn from experienced industry professionals committed to maintaining relevance and driving progress. Recent priorities have included expanding membership, strengthening partnerships and aligning the club with the needs of a rapidly changing tourism landscape.
Recognition at the international level has further reinforced the club’s standing, including being named “Club of the Year” at the Skål World Congress in 2019, a testament to its dynamic programming and strong member engagement. The club has also honoured two of its long-standing members with the prestigious title of Membre d’Honneur, in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the global Skål movement.
The club’s evolution has been closely linked to strong leadership. Over the years, Skål International Bangkok has been guided by experienced professionals drawn from senior roles within the tourism and hospitality industry.
Recent leadership has focused on modernisation and growth. During his presidency, Andrew J. Wood strengthened the club’s international profile and reinforced its position within the global Skål network. Building on this foundation, the current president, James Thurlby, has set a forward-looking agenda centred on membership expansion, strategic partnerships, and increased industry engagement.
Supported by a committed leadership team, including Vice Presidents Marvin Bemand and Andrew Wood, Secretary Jennifer Ferris, Treasurer John Neutze, Events Director Pichai Visutriratana, Membership Director Dr Max Ma, and Young Skål lead Dr Scott Smith, the committee works tirelessly voluntarily in service of the club and its loyal members.
A key element of our modernisation has been the adoption of digital tools. Enhanced communication, a stronger social media presence, and more structured event promotion have enabled the club to reach a wider, more diverse audience while complementing traditional face-to-face networking.
At the same time, Skål International Bangkok has embraced modernisation. Enhanced digital communication, stronger event promotion and an active presence across professional platforms have enabled the club to engage more effectively with both established members and emerging professionals.
Looking ahead, Skål International Bangkok remains focused on the future. Innovation, sustainability and the development of next-generation talent are expected to shape its agenda in the years to come. The club is also placing greater emphasis on supporting women in leadership and promoting greater diversity across the tourism industry, recognising the importance of inclusive growth in building a stronger, more resilient sector. At the same time, a renewed focus on digital marketing and communication ensures the club remains at the forefront of member engagement, strengthening its position as a modern, forward-thinking professional association. With tourism continuing to evolve, the club is well positioned to remain a platform for dialogue, partnership and progress.
As part of the wider Skål International network, spanning hundreds of clubs in more than 70 countries, Bangkok continues to play an important role at both national and regional levels, acting as a bridge between Thailand’s tourism industry and global partners.
As it marks its 70th anniversary, Skål International Bangkok stands as a testament to the enduring value of professional connections. By combining a proud heritage with a forward-looking mindset, it continues to support the growth, resilience and future success of the tourism industry in Thailand and across Asia.
About the author Andrew J Wood is a Bangkok-based travel writer and former hotelier who has lived in Thailand since 1991. With more than four decades in the international hospitality industry, he has held senior leadership roles with several leading hotel groups, including Thistle Hotels, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts and Minor Hotels.
A long-standing member of Skål International, Andrew has served as a Director of Skål International, is a past President of Skål Asia, and was the former National President of Skål Thailand and twice President of Skål International Bangkok. In recognition of his contribution to global tourism, he has received numerous awards, including Skål’s Order of Merit and the President’s Award.
He writes widely on tourism and hospitality trends across Asia and is a regular contributor to international travel and trade publications.
HONG KONG, 1 April 2026: In response to the ongoing volatile situation in the Middle East, Cathay Pacific has adjusted fuel surcharges effective since 27 March.
For tickets purchased in Hong Kong, the surcharge rises from HKD541 to HKD725. Charges vary according to where the tickets are purchased.
Fuel surcharges are included in the fare quoted by online booking channels.
According to the latest price data published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global average jet fuel price increased to USD197.00 per barrel for the week ending 20 March 2026, increasing from USD157.41 per barrel for the week ending 6 March 2026 and USD95.95 per barrel for the week ending 20 February 2026.
In its statement announcing surcharge adjustments, the airline said fuel accounted for approximately 30% of its total operating costs in 2025 and is critical to operations.
To enable a more agile response to volatile jet fuel prices, the airline will review and revise the fuel surcharge every two weeks to better capture upward or downward movements in jet fuel prices.
The increased frequency of the reviews is intended as a temporary measure and will be revisited when the Middle East situation stabilises.
A fuel surcharge is included on all Cathay Pacific tickets. The surcharge is charged on a per-flight-sector basis, irrespective of fare type. It is included in the fare quoted on all of the airline’s direct channels.
Meanwhile, Cathay Pacific adds additional flights and increases seat capacity on flights to Europe, effective from 26 March, to cater for an upsurge in market demand for direct flights following the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
Cathay Pacific will operate extra passenger flights to London, Paris and Zurich, and will also add additional capacity to London during April.
BANGKOK, 30 March 2026: As Songkran approaches, Dusit Hotels and Resorts is inviting travellers to celebrate the season through a curated selection of stays across the country.
From lively city celebrations to unhurried coastal escapes, destinations across Thailand continue to draw travellers seeking a balance between festive energy and time to unwind. Within this context, Dusit’s properties offer distinct settings for experiencing the Thai New Year – whether through immersion in the celebrations or more relaxed, reflective stays.
Dusit Thani Bangkok,
In Bangkok, the reimagined flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok, a one-Michelin-Key hotel, provides a refined base for experiencing the energy of Songkran while maintaining a sense of calm above the city. Located near Silom, one of the capital’s most active festival areas, the hotel combines immediate access to celebrations with elevated comfort overlooking Lumpini Park.
A limited-time Songkran Escape in Bangkok package features a two-night stay with daily breakfast, a one-time Thai set dinner at Pavilion, and curated festive experiences, including access to the Songkran Feast in the Park event at Suan Dusit Arun Roof Park (13–14 April). Additional privileges include a Porsche transfer, cocktails at 1970 Bar, and a Songkran-themed welcome set.
Packages start from THB40,060++ for two nights in a Premier Room, with additional savings available for Dusit Gold members. The offer is available for bookings made until 13 April 2026, for stays between 11 and 19 April 2026.
Dusit Thani Hua Hin
Along the Gulf of Thailand, Dusit Thani Hua Hin presents a more relaxed interpretation of the season. Set within expansive beachfront grounds, the resort offers an environment well-suited to longer stays and multi-generational travel. Seasonal programming includes traditional Thai dining experiences, open-air celebrations, and wellness-focused activities, as well as extended-stay options.
Under the Long Escape — Stay Longer, Save More offer, guests can save up to 15% on stays of four nights or more, with Dusit Gold members enjoying an additional 20% off. Rates start from THB2,601++ per night. The offer is available for bookings until 31 December 2026, for stays through 31 March 2027.
Dusit Thani Pattaya
For a livelier seaside setting, Dusit Thani Pattaya combines direct beachfront access with proximity to Pattaya’s key attractions. The property offers a dynamic mix of relaxation and activity, supported by a range of seasonal offers and additional privileges for direct bookings.
These include a limited-time Breakfast On Us offer, with daily breakfast available for bookings made by 19 April 2026 for stays through 31 July 2026. Dusit Gold members can also enjoy up to 25% off stays booked by 31 May 2026, valid for stays between 19 April and 30 September 2026. In addition, guests booking by 31 May 2026 via dusit.com receive a THB500 hotel credit per stay.
Across Thailand, Songkran remains a time centred on connection, bringing together families, friends, and communities. Through its distinctive Thai-inspired gracious hospitality, Dusit Hotels and Resorts continues to reflect this spirit by offering environments that support both celebration and relaxation, rooted in local culture and meaningful guest experiences.
Additional offers and seasonal experiences are available across Dusit’s properties in Thailand. For more information, visit dusit.com.
BANGKOK, 30 March 2026: From Himalayan sound healing to underwater shipwreck adventures and sky-high urban gardens, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is redefining the modern hotel stay with a collection of immersive experiences designed to connect travellers more deeply with each destination.
Rooted in Thai hospitality and shaped by local culture, these initiatives invite guests to slow down, explore, and engage with the spirit of place – whether that means discovering a traditional ritual in Bangkok, browsing a seaside community market, or diving into a thriving underwater ecosystem in the Maldives.
Across its portfolio, Centara is moving beyond the traditional idea of accommodation, creating moments that reflect its philosophy of meaningful travel, cultural authenticity, and heartfelt service.
In a softly lit sanctuary, the resonant tones of handcrafted singing bowls and gongs create waves of vibration designed to calm the mind and restore balance. Guided by local practitioners, each session blends breathwork, meditation, and sound therapy – a practice rooted in centuries-old Himalayan healing traditions.
Surrounded by mountain serenity, the experience offers something increasingly rare in modern travel: a moment of stillness.
Just minutes from the island’s reef lies the Kudhi Maa Shipwreck, a 52-metre sunken Japanese cargo ship intentionally submerged in 1999 that has since transformed into a vibrant artificial reef. Today, certified divers glide past coral-covered structures as schools of batfish, fusiliers, and reef predators circle the wreck.
The experience combines exploration with marine education, offering a rare opportunity to witness how nature can reclaim and transform a man-made structure into a thriving underwater habitat.
Upon arrival, guests are invited to pause at a traditional Thai water jar and gently cleanse their hands before making a quiet wish. Known as the Sacred Water Ritual, the gesture reflects an ancient Thai belief that water is the origin of life – the symbolic “cradle” from which all journeys begin. In the bustle of Bangkok, it offers a moment of calm and connection to Thai cultural traditions.
Perched on the hotel’s 26th floor, an organic rooftop garden grows herbs, greens, and vegetables used directly in the hotel’s kitchens.
With Bangkok’s skyline as its backdrop, the garden brings the farm-to-fork philosophy to life in one of Asia’s busiest shopping districts.
For chefs, it means the freshest ingredients possible. For guests, it offers a glimpse into a more sustainable approach to luxury hospitality.
A Personalised Island Story in Koh Samui
At Centara Reserve Samui on Koh Samui, luxury feels more personal — shaped around how each guest wants to experience the island. The resort’s Reserve philosophy is built on four ideas: time, space, culture and touch.
There’s no fixed way to stay. Mornings might begin with a slow beachfront breakfast, while the rest of the day unfolds through spontaneous island discoveries or quiet moments by the sea. It’s a more fluid, intuitive take on luxury — one that prioritises feeling over formality.
One highlight is “Capture Your Journey,” a complimentary 20-minute photography session where a dedicated Reserve photographer captures guests in the resort’s most scenic settings, turning special holiday moments into lasting memories.
Experiences That Go Beyond the Stay
Across mountains, islands, and cities, these experiences reflect Centara’s belief that travel should inspire curiosity, connection, and discovery — shaped by real people, real places and a genuine sense of Thailand.
Whether through wellness rooted in ancient traditions, community-led encounters, marine exploration or thoughtful, sustainable dining, each stay is designed to feel personal and grounded — less about polished perfection, and more about authentic moments that stay with you.
Because at Centara, the most memorable part of a journey is rarely just where you stay, but the connections and experiences that unfold along the way.
