SINGAPORE, 12 August 2026: Emirates has welcomed its two millionth passenger at London Stansted Airport, marking a significant milestone for the airline’s third London gateway since first launching services in 2018.
Over the past eight years, London Stansted has become an important gateway in Emirates’ UK network, connecting customers from London and the surrounding regions of Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridge, and East Anglia with Dubai.
Photo credit: Emirates. London Stansted 2 million passenger celebration.
Once in Dubai, passengers connect to up to 52 destinations across Emirates’ network across Asia, Africa and Australia. Dubai is the final destination for around 30% of customers travelling from London Stansted, while the remaining 70% connect onwards through Emirates’ Dubai hub, with popular end destinations including India, Australia, Thailand, and Mauritius.
Today, Emirates operates its two daily services between London Stansted and Dubai using its four-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, configured with business, premium economy, and economy class cabins.
SINGAPORE, 12 August 2026: Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has been ranked the world’s most on-time airline for arrivals in July 2026, according to the latest monthly report from Cirium, the global aviation analytics provider.
The airline recorded an on-time arrival rate of 87.24% after operating 16,406 flights during the month.
Photo credit: Saudia.
The ranking comes during the peak summer travel season, making it particularly significant as airlines worldwide manage higher flight volumes and increased operational complexity. Despite these demands, Saudia maintained the highest level of operational reliability among airlines globally.
The result reflects the coordinated efforts of teams across Saudia Group, supported by close collaboration with aviation partners and government entities operating at airports. It also highlights the role of advanced digital systems and artificial intelligence in supporting operational planning, decision-making, and day-to-day operations, helping ensure a more reliable travel experience for guests.
The July ranking marks the third time that Saudia has ranked first globally for on-time performance, with all three rankings achieved during two of the year’s busiest operating periods, including Hajj and the peak summer travel season. Together, these rankings reflect the airline’s ability to maintain consistently high operational standards during periods of sustained demand.
SINGAPORE, 12 August 2026: Bettr, a provider of inclusive and embedded finance and fintech solutions under Ant International, has announced its partnership with Muslim Pro, a popular Islamic lifestyle app serving over 190 million downloads worldwide, to launch an Umrah financing solution in Malaysia.
The solution is designed for eligible Muslims who have the means to undertake the pilgrimage but prefer to spread its cost over time. This flexibility enables individuals and families to manage their cash flow responsibly, maintain regular savings and preserve sufficient liquidity for emergencies and other financial obligations.
Photo credit: Bettr. Using Muslim Pro, eligible users in Malaysia can discover Umrah packages and apply for financing digitally.
The launch marks a significant milestone in Bettr’s Islamic finance initiative. It builds on Ant International’s long-term commitment to supporting Muslim communities worldwide with trusted, inclusive and technology-enabled financial services.
The financing solution uses a Tawarruq structure to provide eligible individuals with payment flexibility in accordance with Islamic finance principles. The process is facilitated by AS-SIDQ, SEDANIA As Salam Capital’s patented digital commodity trading platform for Tawarruq (Commodity Murabahah) transactions. Masryef Advisory Sdn has endorsed the structure. Bhd., an Islamic finance consultancy, to ensure its compliance with applicable Shariah principles.
As one of the world’s renowned Muslim lifestyle platforms, Muslim Pro has long supported Muslims throughout their faith journey, from daily worship to preparing for major milestones such as Umrah and Hajj.
Recognising that financial readiness is often one of the biggest considerations when planning a pilgrimage, the partnership with Bettr enables eligible users in Malaysia to access trusted, Shariah-compliant financing as part of a more seamless pilgrimage planning experience.
Through Muslim Pro, eligible users in Malaysia can discover Umrah packages offered by participating partners, apply for digital financing, and select instalment tenures of 12 to 24 months, subject to applicable eligibility criteria and terms. Users may also settle their financing early in accordance with the applicable terms. Available packages range from standard to premium and may cover travel for individuals or families, including flights, accommodation, meals and ground transportation.
The initiative responds to the accelerating adoption of digital technologies across Muslim communities. With a global Muslim population of around two billion, including about 22 million in Malaysia (about 65% of the country’s population), demand is rising for financial services seamlessly integrated into digital lifestyle platforms.
In Malaysia, many Umrah travellers are between 30 and 50 years old and support households of two to five members. For most of them, the cost is planned and saved for well in advance, and flexible repayment can help bridge the remaining gap without disrupting other financial commitments. In line with Islamic guidance that pilgrimage financing should never come at the expense of a family’s other obligations, this solution is intended for individuals and families who have assessed their ability to repay, offering a secure, Shariah-compliant way to manage the cost of their journey with peace of mind.
This partnership combines Muslim Pro’s trusted digital ecosystem with Bettr’s Shariah-compliant financing capabilities to deliver a seamless Umrah planning experience. With user privacy and data security at the core, Bettr leverages credit risk models to assess each applicant’s repayment capability. This inclusive and secure approach lets Bettr serve a broader range of users, including gig workers and small business owners.
“Millions of Muslims turn to Muslim Pro every day for guidance in their everyday lives, and increasingly, that includes planning meaningful moments like Umrah,” said Nafees Khundker, Group Managing Director and CEO, Muslim Pro. “We’re proud to work with Bettr to offer a responsible, Shariah-compliant way for individuals and families in Malaysia to plan their pilgrimage with confidence built on the same trust, privacy and care our community expects from us every day.”
“We believe in what individuals and small businesses can achieve when they are properly supported, and our engagement in Islamic finance is driven by a deep faith in the power of technology to do good,” said Quan Yu, General Manager of Bettr Credit, Senior Vice President of Ant International. “Through partnerships with trusted platforms like Muslim Pro, we aim to scale innovative, Shariah-compliant digital financial products that reflect the Muslim community’s core values, building an inclusive system that leaves no one behind.”
MUMBAI, 12 August 2026: With a focus on Gujarat’s strong and growing travel market, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, has inaugurated its new outlet in Ahmedabad’s Nikol area.
The outlet expands Thomas Cook India’s network to five locations in the city and 12 across Gujarat, strengthening access to its comprehensive portfolio of travel and holiday solutions.
Photo credit: Thomas Cook India.
Ahmedabad is a key travel market for Gujarat and the wider West India region, with travellers increasingly exploring new destinations and experiences through multiple short breaks, weekend getaways and public-holiday travel. The market also has a strong preference for group travel, regional departures and curated experiences tailored to local cultural and dietary preferences.
The new outlet will cater to families, couples, millennials & GenZ, business travellers and GenS (seniors), offering end-to-end solutions including domestic and international holidays, group tours, personalised holidays, cruises and travel insurance.
Thomas Cook India’s AI-powered booking platform further enables customers to plan personalised vacations, check availability and make reservations seamlessly.
Ahmedabad-Gujarat travel trends
Year-round travel: Gujarati travellers are increasingly using public holidays and weekends for multiple short breaks and mini-cations beyond the traditional holiday season.
Strong preference for group travel: Gujarati-specific group tours remain popular, with travellers valuing Gujarati-speaking Tour Managers and vegetarian/Jain food preferences.
Gujarati-specific regional and festive tours: Departures such as Albelu Europe, Aneru Europe, and Adhbhut Asia are gaining popularity, offering curated experiences that cater to Gujarati language and cuisine preferences.
Growing spiritual tourism: Pilgrimage and spiritual travel continue to gain momentum, with Thomas Cook India strengthening its Spiritual Tourism portfolio to cater to this segment.
Distinctive experiences and destinations: Travellers are increasingly seeking differentiated experiences and exploring emerging destinations beyond conventional itineraries.
New connectivity-led opportunities: Improved air connectivity is opening up new outbound travel opportunities, with Sri Lanka emerging as an attractive option. Thomas Cook India has introduced special packages with direct flights to Sri Lanka ex-Ahmedabad, offering greater convenience to travellers.
NEW DELHI, 12 August 2026: Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, has expanded Aviareps’ representation role from South India to a pan-India General Sales Agency (GSA) mandate.
The expanded partnership reflects Maldivian’s continued confidence in India, one of the Maldives’ most important source markets. Through Aviareps India’s nationwide network and market expertise, the airline aims to strengthen further its trade engagement, sales development, and market visibility across key Indian cities.
Photo credit: Aviareps.
Maldivian currently offers five weekly direct flights from Malé to Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, along with twice-weekly services between Hanimaadhoo and Thiruvananthapuram, providing connectivity between the Maldives and India. Supported by the airline’s extensive domestic network, travellers can seamlessly access resort islands, local communities, and business centres across the archipelago.
India continues to play a significant role in Maldivian tourism, contributing nearly 190,000 visitor arrivals to the Maldives in 2025. The market remains a key growth driver for the airline, particularly across leisure, VFR, medical, and business travel segments.
Commenting on the development, Maldivian Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas said: “India remains a key strategic market for Maldivian, both for tourism and regional connectivity. By expanding Aviareps’ Indian mandate, we are streamlining and consolidating our efforts across the country, enabling a more coordinated approach to trade engagement and market development. This reflects our continued confidence in India and our commitment to capturing new growth opportunities as travel demand between India and the Maldives evolves.”
Aviareps Chief Operating Officer, Marcelo Kaiser, said: “This milestone reflects the trust Maldivian has placed in Aviareps and reinforces our commitment to driving the airline’s growth across the Indian market. Through our nationwide network and deep understanding of the travel trade, we look forward to expanding Maldivian’s reach and creating new opportunities for the airline across the country.”
As part of its future growth plans, Maldivian is also evaluating opportunities for network expansion and increased capacity, supported by the recent addition of its Airbus A330 widebody aircraft and ongoing fleet development initiatives.
Maldivian currently operates a fleet of 25 aircraft, including one A320, one A330-200, seven Dash 8 aircraft, eleven DHC-6 Twin Otters, and five ATRs.
MUMBAI, 12 August 2026: Air India and Azerbaijan Airlines, part of AZCON Holding, have entered into a new codeshare partnership.
The cooperation offers greater flexibility, enhanced connectivity, and more convenient travel options between Azerbaijan and India, as well as onward destinations through both airlines’ networks, while strengthening business, tourism, and cultural ties between the two countries.
Photo credit: Air India.
The new codeshare partnership enables Air India to place its ‘AI’ designator code on Azerbaijan Airlines-operated flights between India and Baku, thus opening Baku as a new destination for Air India customers, a market currently not served by Air India’s own metal.
Under this codeshare, Air India’s ‘AI’ code will be applied to Azerbaijan Airlines daily flights operating between Delhi and Baku, and between Mumbai and Baku. Customers from Delhi, Mumbai, and beyond can now travel conveniently to Baku with an Air India ticket on an Air India-operated flight by Azerbaijan Airlines.
The codeshare agreement builds on an existing interline agreement between the two carriers, which allows customers of both airlines to travel seamlessly on a single itinerary that combines flights operated by both carriers. For instance, a passenger travelling from Bangkok can fly Air India to Delhi and, with one itinerary, seamlessly connect onward to Baku on an Azerbaijan Airlines service.
Air India Chief Commercial Officer, Nipun Aggarwal, said: “Through this codeshare, our customers travelling to Baku will enjoy convenience and reliability from booking their ticket to check-in and touchdown. This is part of a broader effort to keep strengthening connectivity between India and the rest of the world.”
Azerbaijan Airlines Chief Commercial Officer, Jamil Manizade said: “India is one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets and an increasingly important destination for both business and leisure travel. Our partnership with Air India is an important step in expanding Azerbaijan Airlines’ international connectivity through strategic partnerships.”
Since its privatisation in 2022, Air India has significantly expanded its global alliance network. Today, the airline maintains 26 codeshare partnerships and more than 120 interline agreements with leading carriers worldwide, providing Air India customers with seamless access to over 1,000 destinations.
BANGKOK, 12 August 2026: Thai Airways International will resume direct service between Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) starting 25 October 2026.
In an announcement posted on the airline’s Facebook page, the airline says it will schedule four weekly flights (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday). Flights on Sunday have different departure times from those on other days.
Photo credit: THAI.
Flights are listed for booking for the winter timetable schedule from 25 October 2026 through 27 March 2027.
The service restores direct connectivity between the Thai capital and China’s Fujian province, targeting both business travel and regional leisure travel to coastal spots such as Gulangyu Island. Xiamen is a major scenic port and special economic island city on the southeast coast of China.
TG previously operated direct flights on the Bangkok (BKK) – Xiamen (XMN) route until 25 March 2020, when global aviation operations stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which closed borders and disrupted travel for two years.
Thai Airways suspended its entire international network to mainland China — including Xiamen, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Kunming — due to global border shutdowns, strict quarantine mandates, and plummeting travel demand at the onset of the pandemic.
But THAI compounded its troubles when it entered court-supervised debt restructuring in late 2020. To reduce operating costs, the airline retired older aircraft types and temporarily consolidated its network around core trunk routes as post-pandemic travel gradually reopened.
Priority was given to high-volume secondary destinations and primary capital routes. The delay in resuming Xiamen service until October 2026 aligns with the delivery schedule for new narrow-body aircraft (such as the Airbus A321neo), which are better suited to serve regional Chinese routes than larger wide-body jets.
Flight Schedule
TG610 departs Bangkok (BKK) at 1040 and arrives in Xiamen (XMN) at 1505 (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday). TG610 departs Bangkok (BKK) at 1235 and arrives in Xiamen (XMN) at 1700 (Sunday).
TG611 departs Xiamen (XMN) at 1610 and arrives in Bangkok (BKK) at 1830 (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday). TG611 departs Xiamen (XMN) at 1755 and arrives in Bangkok (BKK at 2015 (Sunday).
THAI will compete head-on with China’s Xiamen Airlines, the dominant carrier on the BKK-XMN route, offering 21 weekly flights using an A321neo with 208 seats. It schedules daily departures from Xiamen at 0150, 1215, and 1740.
Xiamen Airlines also has an interline agreement with Bangkok Airways, offering connections to domestic holiday destinations such as Krabi, Samui, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.
THAI flies the route four times weekly using an A321neo with 175 seats. Flight time on the route is three hours and 25 minutes. The average round-trip fare is USD330.
LANGKAWI, 11 August 2026: Earth Day’s global theme, “Our Power, Our Planet”, reminds us that meaningful change begins with how we choose to connect with the world around us, and few experiences capture that connection quite like Kubang Badak BioGeo Trail.
Tucked away on Langkawi’s quieter side, Kubang Badak offers visitors a chance to experience the island through a different lens: slower, deeper, and more thoughtfully. Set within a tidal river estuary framed by mangrove forests and dramatic limestone formations, the trail is home to 13 points of interest that uncover the rich natural, geological and cultural heritage of the area.
Explored by boat or kayak, the journey winds through calm mangrove channels where travellers can take in the stillness of the landscape while learning about the ecosystem and conservation efforts
that continue to protect it. Along the route, visitors encounter remnants of Langkawi’s past—from century-old charcoal kilns in Kampung Siam to ancient geosites shaped by time and tide.
One of the trail’s most fascinating stops is Pinang Cave, a remnant of a sea cave believed to have formed nearly 6,000 years ago. Perched 15 metres above sea level, the cave still contains oyster and cockle shells embedded within its surroundings — evidence of ancient sea level changes that once shaped the island’s coastline.
For those looking to savour the journey quite literally, a stop at the Langkawi Oyster Farm offers the opportunity to enjoy freshly harvested oysters and mussels, served at the water’s edge and only accessible by boat.
But beyond its scenic beauty and hidden gems, Kubang Badak represents something greater. Developed as part of Langkawi’s commitment to knowledge tourism, the BioGeo Trail offers visitors a more meaningful way to engage with the island — one rooted in learning, conservation, and sustainable exploration.
In the spirit of Our Power, Our Planet, Kubang Badak reminds us that our greatest power lies in how we choose to experience places like these. By embracing slower, more conscious travel, we not only deepen our appreciation for nature but also help protect it. The best way to honour our planet is to experience its wonders with care.
KUALA LUMPUR, 11 August, 2026: Preparations are well underway for the Asia Pacific Aviation Safety Seminar 2027 (APASS 2027), which will take place from 7 to 9 September 2027 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Organised by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) and hosted by Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) with the support of the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), APASS 2027 will bring together aviation leaders, safety professionals, regulators, aircraft and engine manufacturers, maintenance organisations, air navigation service providers, training organisations and technology partners from across the Asia Pacific region and beyond.
Recognised as the Asia Pacific region’s flagship aviation safety forum, APASS is led by airlines, providing a unique platform for the exchange of operational experience, collaborative problem-solving and the sharing of practical safety initiatives.
Under the theme Shaping the Future of Safe Aviation, APASS 2027 will explore how the aviation community can collectively shape the future of safe aviation by embracing emerging technologies, strengthening operational resilience, advancing human performance and fostering collaboration across the global aviation community.
The three-day programme will feature keynote addresses, plenary discussions, specialist technical streams and interactive workshops covering a broad range of contemporary operational issues, including:
Flight operations;
Engineering and maintenance;
Cabin safety and aviation security;
Human factors and organisational resilience;
Artificial intelligence, digital transformation and risk management;
Emerging technologies, sustainability and regional collaboration.
Commenting on APASS 2027, AAPA Director General Wong Hong said: “The Asia Pacific region continues to lead global aviation growth, bringing with it both tremendous opportunities and increasingly complex operational challenges. APASS 2027 reflects our collective commitment to shaping the future of safe aviation through innovation, strong leadership, operational resilience and trusted collaboration across the aviation community.”
Malaysia Airlines Group welcomes the opportunity to host APASS in Kuala Lumpur and strengthen regional partnerships to advance aviation safety.
MAG President and Group Chief Executive Officer Captain Nasaruddin A Bakar said: “As the aviation industry continues to evolve, maintaining the highest standards of safety requires a shared commitment to continuous learning and collaboration. At MAG, these principles guide the way we operate every day, and we look forward to engaging with industry partners to exchange operational experience, share best practices and strengthen aviation safety across the region.”
The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has also expressed its support for APASS 2027, recognising the importance of regional collaboration in implementing international aviation safety standards.
Building on more than two decades of success, APASS 2027 will continue to provide practical operational insights and collaborative solutions that help shape the future of safe aviation.
BANGKOK,11 August 2026: IHG Hotels & Resorts confirms the signing of Kimpton Phang-Nga Natai Beach, a new-build resort, under development by Natai Venture Co Ltd.
Set to open in 2028, the 150-key beachfront resort will introduce the Kimpton brand to Phang Nga, one of Thailand’s emerging coastal destinations.
Photo credit: IHG.
The latest signing strengthens IHG’s growing presence in southern Thailand. It adds to a strong pipeline of future Kimpton properties across Thailand, including Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Hua Hin, Khao Yai and Pattaya.
Kimpton Phang-Nga Natai Beach will feature 150 rooms, suites, and villas, along with all-day restaurants, beach and lobby bars, a spa, swimming pools, a fitness centre, a kids’ club, and versatile function spaces.
Located on Natai Beach in Phang Nga, a 30-minute commute from Phuket International Airport, the resort is well positioned to capitalise on the destination’s growing appeal.
The upcoming Andaman International Airport in Phang Nga, scheduled to open in 2032, will enhance regional connectivity and support the region’s long-term growth as a vibrant travel destination.
IHG currently operates 42 hotels across 11 brands in Thailand, with a further 39 properties in the pipeline, and is committed to introducing new brands and new stay experiences across the country. Kimpton Phang Nga Natai Beach is the second IHG resort to be signed in Phang Nga after InterContinental Phang Nga Bay Resort.
