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IATA: February air passenger demand grows 6.1%

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SINGAPORE, 8 April 2026: Global passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), was up 6.1% compared to February 2025, according to the International Air Transport Association’s latest data for February 2026. 

Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), increased 5.6% year-on-year. The load factor was 81.4% (+0.3 ppt compared to February 2025), the highest February figure on record.

International demand rose 5.9% compared to February 2025. Capacity was up 5.3% year-on-year, and the load factor was 80.5% (+0.5 ppt compared to February 2025).

Domestic demand increased 6.3% compared to February 2025. Capacity increased 6.2% year-on-year. The load factor was 82.8% (+0.1 ppt compared to February 2025).

“With an RPK expansion of 6.1%, February was a strong month, showing that the fundamentals for demand growth were in place for a positive year. However, without knowing the length and intensity of the war in the Middle East, it is impossible to quantify the full impact on airline prospects. But some things are already clear. Fuel costs have risen sharply. With tight capacity and thin margins, airfares are already rising. Capacity deployment is also adjusting, particularly for traffic to, from, or through the Middle East, or in areas where fuel supply is an issue. Capacity growth scheduled for March, for example, has eased to 3.3% from earlier predictions of more than 5%,” said IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh.

Regional Breakdown – International Passenger Markets 

International RPK growth reached 5.9% in February compared to a year ago, with growth particularly strong in Latin America. Asian traffic benefited from the Lunar New Year travel demand. Traffic between Europe and Asia was especially robust (+14%), particularly between Asia and Spain and Italy.

Asia-Pacific airlines achieved an 8.6% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 7.3% year-on-year, and the load factor was 86.6% (+1.0 ppt compared to February 2025).

European carriers had a 5.0% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 4.5% year-on-year, and the load factor was 75.6% (+0.4 ppt compared to February 2025).

North American carriers saw a 5.0% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 2.4% year-on-year, and the load factor was 80.9% (+2.0 ppt compared to February 2025).

Middle Eastern carriers saw a 0.9% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 3.8% year-on-year, and the load factor was 79.6% (-2.2 ppt compared to February 2025).

Latin American airlines saw a 13.5% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity climbed 9.3% year-on-year. The load factor was 85.0% (+3.1 ppt compared to February 2025).

African airlines saw a 4.8% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 6.6% year-on-year. The load factor was 74.5% (-1.3 ppt compared to February 2025).

Read the latest passenger market analysis.

IATA passenger market analysis 

(Source: IATA)

Hyatt creates senior leadership role in India

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HONG KONG, 8 April 2026: Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the next stage of growth of Hyatt’s business in India with the appointment of Vikas Chawla in the newly created senior role of President – India & Southwest Asia to lead the business in the region.

Effective 1 April, Chawla will report to Hyatt Group President Asia Pacific, David Udell.

Photo credit: Hyatt. Vikas Chawla has been appointed President – India & Southwest Asia for Hyatt.

“The creation of this new senior leadership role reflects both the scale of opportunity we see in India and our commitment to this market,” said Udell. “Over more than four decades, Hyatt has built a strong foundation in India. As we enter our next phase of growth, Vikas’ extensive experience and entrepreneurial leadership will bring the fresh knowledge, skills and abilities required at the top of our organisation in India. His deep understanding of the Indian consumer will be pivotal to drive our strategic growth in this critical market as we accelerate our brand-led expansion and unlock new avenues for success.”

A seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years of global leadership experience in food and beverage and consulting, Chawla will lead Hyatt’s overall strategy, growth, and performance in India and Southwest Asia.

“I am incredibly excited to join Hyatt at such a dynamic moment in its growth journey in India,” said Chawla. “My ambition is to develop Hyatt’s portfolio further, making it the most preferred hospitality brand amongst discerning travellers in India, the best hospitality brand to work for in India, and to become a significant pillar of growth for Hyatt’s global portfolio.”

India represents one of the most dynamic growth opportunities for Hyatt in the Asia Pacific. Rising middle-class demand for premium travel, luxury experiences, and differentiated dining align closely with Hyatt’s strengths in luxury and lifestyle, experiential offerings and F&B. This has powered Hyatt’s growth in the region, with deals signed in 2025 contributing nearly 5,000 rooms to its India and Southwest Asia pipeline.

Building on its existing footprint of 55 hotels across nine brands across India and Southwest Asia, the first Destination by Hyatt property in Asia Pacific, Hari Bagh Jaipur, is set to debut in 2026. The Destination by Hyatt brand represents a diverse collection of independent hotels, resorts and residences that are individual at heart yet connected by a commitment to embody the true spirit of each location. The arrival of the Destination by Hyatt brand will mark Hyatt’s second collection brand in India, and Hari Bagh Jaipur will mark the third Hyatt hotel in Jaipur.

Looking ahead, Hyatt plans to continue strengthening its brand presence in key gateway markets, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, New Delhi, and Hyderabad.

(Source: Hyatt Hotels Corporation)

Air Astana Group names CEO

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SINGAPORE, 8 April 2026: Air Astana veteran Ibrahim Canliel has stepped up to become the new Chief Executive Officer of Air Astana Group, the airline reported over the weekend

Ibrahim Canliel has served as the airline’s Chief Financial Officer since 2017 and, over the previous 14 years, was a member of the leadership team that shaped the carrier’s strategic and financial development, culminating in its becoming a UK and Kazakhstan publicly listed company in 2024.

Photo credit: Air Astana. Air Astana veteran Ibrahim Canliel steps up to become the group’s new CEO.

In the new CEO capacity,  Canliel will focus on strengthening operational resilience, supporting sustainable growth and advancing the group’s dual-brand strategy across Air Astana and FlyArystan.

Commenting on his new appointment, Canliel stated: “I am delighted and feel privileged to take the helm as CEO of the Air Astana Group today. Whilst this is a significant milestone personally, it also provides continuity to all our 7,000 employees and stakeholders.”

“The Air Astana Group is the clear leader in Central Asia and the Caucasus; not only from a fleet and passenger numbers perspective, but also in operational standards, service levels and international coverage. It is my commitment to protect and enhance our founding principles: ensuring the highest global operational, safety and services standards; preserving the utmost level of corporate governance; and maintaining commercial and financial independence.”

“Our location, with almost half of the World’s population living in our vicinity, gives us a unique strategic advantage that we will harness. I am excited to have the opportunity to write the next chapter of the success story and to strengthen further our position as the airline of choice for travel in our region.”

(Source: Air Astana)

MATTA Fair reflects trust and confidence

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KUALA LUMPUR, 8 April 2026: Acknowledging the 58th edition of the MATTA Fair once again scored a record turnout of travel consumers, MATTA President Nigel Wong emphasised that the focus remains on strengthening trust and confidence within the travel industry.

“Today, travel is about assurance; it’s about trusting the right providers. At MATTA, we place strong emphasis on building trust between travellers and our licensed members.

Photo credit: MATTA. MATTA president Nigel Wong reflects on the travel fair’s track record for delivering trust and confidence for travel consumers.

“When visitors engage with MATTA members, they are dealing with accountable, credible professionals who can manage every aspect of their journey, from planning and booking to on-the-ground support. This is where real value lies, and this is what gives travellers peace of mind,” he said.

“From here on, our role is to continue strengthening this industry, ensuring that travellers are supported, protected and able to plan with confidence,” he added.

Looking ahead, MATTA also continues to align its efforts with national tourism priorities, particularly in support of Visit Malaysia 2026. With Malaysia targeting significant growth in international arrivals and tourism receipts, platforms like the MATTA Fair play a key role in driving both inbound and outbound travel and strengthening industry readiness and collaboration.

The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) closed on Sunday evening, reporting impressive statistics. Traversing 40,820 square metres across 10 halls, the fair recorded its largest participation to date, with 2,051 booths and 332 participating organisations. This includes 210 tour and travel agencies, alongside National Tourism Organisations, State Tourism Organisations, hotels, theme parks and service providers, signalling continued confidence in the industry’s growth trajectory.

These figures come at a time when travel demand remains resilient, supported by stronger inbound and outbound interest among Malaysians and steady recovery across domestic and international markets. MATTA Fair continues to respond to these shifts by creating a more comprehensive and accessible platform for both industry players and consumers.

Travel has always given people something to look forward to, whether it is visiting somewhere new or returning to a familiar place. Moving forward, through initiatives like MESTI, we are placing more attention on sustainability.

As we move further into Visit Malaysia 2026, MATTA continues its efforts to support the industry. We will continue to provide a steady and trusted platform for the industry and for consumers to plan their travels with greater confidence,” said Wong.

Through this meaningful step, MATTA has introduced TRUST, an additional system designed to help travellers more easily identify legitimate MATTA members. This initiative strengthens consumer confidence by ensuring that members and travellers engage with credible and accountable operators, while raising the standard of professionalism across the industry.

For the latest updates, visit mattafair.org.my

(Source: MATTA)

TransNusa flies double daily to Lombok

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JAKARTA, 8 April 2026: Indonesian airline TransNusa has announced the launch of a new direct domestic flight connecting Jakarta and Lombok, to strengthen further access to one of Indonesia’s key tourism and regional travel hubs.

TransNusa Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Bernard Francis, said that the introduction of this new route comes on the back of the airline’s focus on increasing and strengthening connectivity while boosting domestic tourism.

Photo credit: TransNusa. Lombok is home to the diving haven of Gili.

“Lombok is not only rapidly growing as a domestic and international tourist destination, but the island is also the main gateway for tourism in the West Nusa Tenggara region through its Lombok International Airport,” Datuk Francis said, adding that Lombok attracts more than 1.2 million tourists annually.

Lombok is home to the diving haven Gili and Mount Rinjani National Park, one of Indonesia’s most iconic volcanic landscapes. The island offers dramatic trekking routes, cascading waterfalls and panoramic mountain views, attracting adventurers and nature lovers from around the world. Beyond its mountains, Lombok has also built a global reputation as a world-class surfing and diving destination, with pristine beaches, coral reefs, and consistent waves drawing surfers year-round.

TransNusa will initially operate two daily flights, with the first scheduled flight departing Jakarta in the morning and the second in the afternoon.

Ticket sales opened in mid-March, with the inaugural flight scheduled for 17 April 17, 2026.

Flight details

8B5161 will depart Jakarta’s Soekarno–Hatta International Airport at 0500 and arrive at Lombok International Airport at 0800. 
8B5162 will depart from Lombok International Airport at 0830 and arrive at Soekarno–Hatta International Airport in Jakarta at 0930. 

The second scheduled flight 8B5165 will depart Jakarta’s Soekarno–Hatta International Airport at 1500 and arrive at the Lombok International Airport at 1745. The return service, 8B5166, will depart Lombok International Airport at 1815 and arrive at Jakarta’s Soekarno–Hatta International Airport at 1915.

Ticket prices for TransNusa’s scheduled Jakarta-Lombok route start at IDR899,000, CNY390, USD55, MYR225, AUD80, and SGD69. 

Meanwhile, TransNusa’s additional scheduled flight for its Jakarta-Yogyakarta flight, 8B5530, will depart Jakarta’s Soekarno–Hatta International Airport at 1040 and arrive at the Yogyakarta International Airport at 1150. 
Flight 8B5531 will depart Yogyakarta at 1320 and arrive in Jakarta at 1430.

The airline deploys A320s configured with 174 seats on the new routes.

(Source: TransNusa)

SOTC presents spiritual travel packages

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Newsdesk
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MUMBAI, 8 April 2026: SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company in India, has announced a special association with renowned singer and Padma Shri awardee Anuradha Paudwal, for its spiritual range of packages.

The collaboration comes as spiritual tourism continues to see strong momentum in India, with travellers increasingly seeking journeys that combine faith, culture and meaningful experiences.

Photo credit: SOTC. (Left) Padma Shri Anuradha Paudwal and SOTC Travel President & Country Head – Holidays and Corporate Tours, SD Nandakumar.

Through this association, SOTC aims to deepen its engagement with devotees and inspire travellers to explore curated pilgrimage experiences across India and the Indian subcontinent.

SOTC’s Darshans portfolio offers thoughtfully designed spiritual journeys that combine seamless travel with meaningful devotional experiences. Packages include curated itineraries, ritual and Darshan assistance where available, comfortable stays, vegetarian meals and dedicated tour managers. The packages target senior citizen travellers, ensuring comfort and accessibility.

SOTC Travel President & Country Head – Holidays and Corporate Tours, SD Nandakumar said: “Spiritual tourism is witnessing strong momentum in India as travellers increasingly seek journeys that are meaningful and rooted in faith. With our Darshans portfolio, we aim to create pilgrimage experiences that combine devotion with comfort, seamless planning and thoughtful curation. Our focus is to simplify the travel experience so devotees can devote themselves entirely to their spiritual journey.

“Padma Shri Anuradha Paudwal has been synonymous with spiritual devotion for decades and resonates deeply with millions of Indian devotees. Our association with her for our Darshan’s portfolio beautifully blends the spirit of faith and devotion that defines these journeys, and we hope it inspires more travellers to embark on meaningful spiritual experiences.”

Sharing her thoughts on the collaboration, Padma Shri Anuradha Paudwal said: “Devotional music has always been a pathway for people to connect with faith and experience spiritual peace. Pilgrimage journeys carry that same spirit of devotion and reflection. I am delighted to associate with SOTC’s Darshans initiative, which enables devotees to experience sacred destinations with comfort and ease. Through these thoughtfully designed spiritual journeys, travellers can focus on the deeper purpose of pilgrimage while immersing themselves in the spiritual energy of these destinations. I believe this collaboration will encourage more people to undertake journeys that nurture faith and inner connection.”

(Source: SOTC)

HK Express starts Wuxi flights

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Newsdesk
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HONG KONG, 8 April 2026: HK Express will launch a new service from its home base in Hong Kong to Wuxi in the Chinese Mainland effective 17 July.

The two-hour and 30-minute flight will touch down near the shores of Taihu and open the door to experience the charm of Jiangnan’s classic water towns. 

Travellers can also take the high-speed rail to connect with Shanghai and other nearby cities (one-hour trips), or book open-jaw flights to explore Wuxi and Changzhou in a single trip.

To celebrate the launch, the airline is offering a limited-time flash sale to kick-start the Chinese Mainland tour with one-way Ultra Lite fares to all Chinese Mainland destinations starting from just HKD68, bookable on the airline’s website.

The airline will operate a daily round-trip flight deploying a 180-seat Airbus A320 on the route with a flight time of two hours and 30 minutes between Hong Kong (HKG) and Wuxi Sunan Shuofang Airport (WUX). It marks the airline’s seventh destination in the Chinese Mainland.

Flight schedule

Yangtze River Delta Expansion: This route strengthens the carrier’s presence in the region, joining existing services to Ningbo, Shaxian, Beijing (Daxing), Sanya, and Nanjing. (Plus regional spots like Changzhou and Yiwu).

Market Competition: HK Express enters a market already served by full-service carriers such as  Shenzhen Airlines, offering a low-cost alternative for travellers heading to Wuxi from Hong Kong using a 164-seat Boeing 737-800.

The service will run daily through 24 October 24, 2026, marking the end of the summer flight timetable.

(Source: HK Express plus additional reporting)

MH boosts flights to East Asia cities

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KUALA LUMPUR, 8 April 2026: Malaysia Airlines expands its East Asia footprint with the return of direct flights to Fukuoka, Japan, and the launch of new services to Shenzhen and Changsha, China. 

Commencing between July and September 2026, the airline will introduce new services between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Shenzhen (SZX) and Changsha (CSX) in China, alongside the resumption of services to Fukuoka (FUK) in Japan, which has been paused since September 2006.

Photo credit: MAG. Official launch of new services during the MATTA Fair last weekend.

With the launch of these destinations, Malaysia Airlines will serve nine destinations in China. The airline already flies to Beijing (PKX), Shanghai (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), Xiamen (XMN), Hong Kong (HKG), Taipei (TPE), and Chengdu Tianfu (TFU). 

Ticket sales for the new services commenced over the Easter weekend.

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), President and Group Chief Executive Officer Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar said: “Both Shenzhen and Changsha align perfectly with our network strategy, driven by robust demand across both business and leisure segments. The return to Fukuoka further enhances our network depth. As the only carrier operating direct flights on this route, we are proud to offer passengers a seamless non-stop experience that eliminates the need for transit. These developments demonstrate our ongoing commitment to optimising our network and delivering a more integrated travel experience for our customers.”

Beyond the East Asia expansion, Malaysia Airlines will increase flights on key routes, namely Brisbane, Australia; Manila, Philippines and Colombo, Sri Lanka, to meet rising demand while supporting growing tourism and trade links. 

In addition, the airline will operate ad hoc Kuala Lumpur–London flights on 18 and 22 April 2026 to accommodate passengers affected by recent disruptions at Middle Eastern carriers.

Centara and OR Launch budget hotel brand

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Your Stories
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BANGKOK, 6 April 2026: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, announced a strategic joint venture with PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR) to launch a new budget hotel brand, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued growth and expansion into new market segments.

Through this partnership, Centara and OR will develop a network of budget hotels located adjacent to PTT Station service complexes, creating a convenient and accessible accommodation option for modern travellers.

Photo credit: Centara Hotels & Resorts.

The collaboration combines Centara’s hospitality expertise with OR’s extensive nationwide network of service stations and lifestyle retail spaces.

The first phase of the project will see the development of six budget hotels across Thailand, with openings planned between 2027 and 2028. The properties will be strategically located in Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Phuket, Chon Buri and Songkhla, targeting travellers moving along major highways and regional transport routes.

Each property will feature approximately 69–80 rooms, with rates expected to start from THB 800–900 per night, while the Bangkok property is planned to offer around 120 rooms with rates of THB 1,200–1,300 per night. Designed to deliver clean, safe and comfortable accommodation at an accessible price point, the hotels will cater primarily to domestic travellers, road trippers and business travellers seeking convenient overnight stays.

The joint venture represents an investment of approximately THB700 million, with Centara holding a 51% stake and OR holding 49%. By leveraging OR’s ecosystem of more than 2,000 PTT Station locations nationwide, the project unlocks new opportunities to serve travellers at highly accessible locations that already offer fuel services and electric-vehicle charging, as well as food and beverage outlets, convenience retail, and rest areas.

The collaboration will also connect and leverage the loyalty programme integration between CentaraThe1, The 1, and OR’s Blue Plus programme. With a collective membership base of more than 40 million, Centara and OR can co-create enhanced benefits, superior experiences, and greater value for customers across both organisations in the future.

“This partnership represents an exciting new chapter for Centara as we expand into the budget hotel segment and continue to diversify our portfolio,” said  Centara Hotels & Resorts Chief Executive Officer Thirayuth Chirathivat. “By combining Centara’s hospitality expertise with OR’s nationwide network of high-potential locations, we are creating a new hospitality concept designed to serve modern travellers who value convenience, reliability and exceptional value. With service stations located along major transport routes, this concept will provide travellers with clean, safe, and comfortable accommodation exactly where they need it.”

He added that the concept is designed to meet the needs of travellers commuting by car, including sales professionals, business travellers, and families and friends on road trips seeking short overnight stays during inter-provincial journeys.

The move into the budget segment reflects Centara’s long-term growth strategy to broaden its portfolio across multiple market segments while capturing emerging opportunities within Thailand’s evolving travel landscape. As demand for convenient and affordable accommodation continues to grow, the new brand will complement Centara’s existing portfolio, which spans luxury resorts, upscale hotels, lifestyle properties, and family-focused destinations.

“This partnership marks an important milestone that reflects the combined strengths and expertise of Centara and OR in jointly developing a budget hotel project to respond to evolving travel behaviour in today’s landscape,” said PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR) Chief Executive Officer Peekthong Thongyai.

“At OR, we see travel not simply as reaching a destination, but as a meaningful experience along the way. This collaboration, therefore, strengthens our OR ecosystem and enables us to better serve modern travellers with a more complete and integrated journey experience.

For more information about PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR), visit https://www.pttor.com/en/home

For more information about Centara Hotels & Resorts, visit https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/

About Centara
Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 90 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Vietnam, Laos, Japan, Nepal, Oman, Qatar and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands – Centara Reserve, The Centara Collection, Centara Grand, Centara, Centara Life and COSI Hotels – ranging from luxury island retreats and upscale family resorts to affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology.

De Brito joins Pullman Ninh Binh

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Newsdesk
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HANOI, 6 April 2026: Pullman Hotels & Resorts has appointed David Stanley De Brito as General Manager of Pullman Ninh Binh, the first internationally branded hotel in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, opening on 1 May 2026.

De Brito brings more than 30 years of international hospitality experience to the role, with a strong track record in hotel openings, operational leadership, and commercial performance across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. 

David Stanley De Brito.

Before joining Pullman Ninh Binh, he served as Area General Manager for Accor in Japan, where he oversaw operations across a portfolio of hotels, including Grand Mercure Ise Shima. 

The 283-key Pullman Ninh Binh is a new landmark in the heart of this up-and-coming Vietnamese destination. De Brito will be responsible for leading the overall operations and strategic direction of Pullman Ninh Binh, with a focus on establishing the hotel as a leading address for both business and leisure travellers in Northern Vietnam. 

(Source: Pullman Hotels & Resorts)

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