DELHI, 3 June 2026: Air India Express has commenced four weekly direct flights between Bengaluru and the popular southern Thailand island resort of Phuket.
The inaugural flight departed from Bengaluru on 1 June, marking the launch of the new service and providing travellers with convenient access to Phuket, renowned for its beaches, nightlife, bustling markets, and rich cultural heritage.
Photo credit: Air India Express.
Flights depart from Bengaluru on Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday using a Boeing 737 MAX 8 with 176 seats. Flight time is three hours and 45 minutes.
This launch further expands the airline’s footprint in Thailand, complementing the Bengaluru–Bangkok service introduced last October.
Air India Express operates nearly 500 weekly flights from Bengaluru, offering direct connectivity to 31 domestic and eight international destinations. This expansion is part of the airline’s continued focus on strengthening international connectivity from key Indian metros to high-demand leisure destinations across Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Air India Express was recently honoured as ‘Airline of the Year’ in both the Domestic and International categories at Bengaluru Airport’s Pinnacle Awards. The airline also received the Domestic Connectivity Award at Wings India 2026, constituted by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in collaboration with the Airports Authority of India and FICCI, recognising its role in enhancing connectivity and expanding access to air travel across India.
Through its recently launched campaign, ‘Xpress Wali Baat Hai’, featuring acclaimed actor Pankaj Tripathi, Air India Express highlights the airline’s signature experience, including comfortable seating, ‘Gourmair’ hot meals, warm Indian hospitality, and a growing network that enhances connectivity across domestic and international destinations.
BANGKOK, Thailand, 1 June 2026: Centara Karon Villas Phuket invites travellers to experience more with its Escape Longer in Phuket offer. Guests who book three consecutive nights pay for only two, creating more time to relax in tranquillity within this serene villa-only retreat.
From now until 31 July 2026, for stays until 20 December 2026, guests looking to extend their travels further can take advantage of Stay 6, Pay 4, Stay 9, Pay 6, or more. Villa stays are further elevated by a selection of curated inclusions, including daily breakfast served in the private villa lounge, afternoon tea, evening cocktails, and a complimentary minibar refill once per day.
Set against Phuket’s lush hillside, this recently opened property combines contemporary modern architecture with a strong sense of space for discerning couples, families, and long-stay travellers seeking comfort and privacy. Each modern villa is designed with soft, flowing lines and a calming palette, complemented by generous indoor and outdoor living areas, while private plunge pools and spa-inspired bathrooms further enhance the sense of exclusivity.
Beyond the villas, guests enjoy full access to three expansive swimming pools, each with its own distinct atmosphere and swim-up bar, as well as a lively lagoon pool featuring waterslides, a children’s water playground, and daily activities. A vibrant Kids’ Club caters to both younger guests and teenagers with games, creative programmes, and dedicated attendants, while a selection of restaurants offer relaxed dining throughout the day. For those seeking wellness and relaxation, Spa Cenvaree provides rejuvenating treatments inspired by Thai, Ayurvedic, and modern therapies.
Blending privacy, thoughtful design, and a full-service resort experience, Centara Karon Villas Phuket is conveniently located just 400 metres from the powder-soft sands of Karon Beach, with cafés, shopping areas, and local attractions all within easy reach.
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.
BANGKOK, Thailand, 1 June 2026: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, Dusit International’s global portfolio of luxury retreats, wellness resorts, lifestyle hotels, and contemporary city stays, is inviting guests worldwide to slow down, reconnect, and restore balance through Well-Fest 2026.
The month-long celebration of restorative wellness experiences is inspired by Global Wellness Day and designed around the evolving needs of today’s travellers.
Running throughout June under the theme “Reset I Reconnect I Reignite,” the campaign, now in its 5th year, continues to evolve alongside changing travel behaviours worldwide, as more travellers seek experiences that support emotional well-being, better sleep, mindfulness, meaningful connection, and healthier lifestyles alongside traditional leisure experiences.
Across participating Dusit Hotels and Resorts worldwide, guests will be invited to begin the day with sunrise yoga, mindful movement sessions, and sound healing rituals; savour wellness dining experiences celebrating locally sourced ingredients; explore restorative sleep experiences; and reconnect through curated activities ranging from ice baths and floating sound therapy to family wellness workshops and moonlight storytelling.
The celebration comes amid continued global growth in wellness tourism. According to the Global Wellness Institute’s 2025 Global Wellness Economy Monitor, the global wellness economy reached a record USD6.8 trillion in 2024 and is projected to approach USD10 trillion by 2029.
“At Dusit, well-being is a key component of the stay experiences we curate across each of our brands, from lifestyle-focused ASAI Hotels in vibrant neighbourhoods to secluded ultra-luxury Devarana Dusit Retreats,” said Florence Jaffre, Corporate Director of Wellness and Kids’ Experience, Dusit International. “Today’s travellers are increasingly looking for experiences that help them slow down, sleep better, feel mentally lighter, reconnect with family and friends, and return home feeling genuinely restored. Well-Fest celebrates this and reflects our commitment to creating experiences that feel restorative and meaningful across all our properties.”
The Well-Fest 2026 programme is structured around three interconnected themes inspired by Devarana Wellness, Dusit’s group wellness concept:
• Reset – encouraging rest, mindfulness, recovery, and deeper balance.
• Reconnect – creating opportunities for shared experiences, community, and meaningful connection.
• Reignite – inspiring movement, creativity, vitality, and renewed energy.
The campaign also explores wellness through three lifestyle dimensions increasingly shaping modern hospitality experiences: mindful sleep, nourishing food, and revitalising play.
Experiences will vary across destinations and brands, allowing participating properties to reflect local culture, wellness traditions, culinary heritage, and guest preferences through distinctive programming, with packages and pricing tailored by property.
Selected properties will also offer a Well-Fest Pass, featuring priority access to workshops and activities, depending on the property.
In Thailand, the Michelin Key-recognised luxury flagship, Dusit Thani Bangkok, will offer holistic wellness journeys that combine mindful dining, restorative sleep experiences, sound healing, spa treatments, fitness, and personalised wellness rituals inspired by Thai healing traditions. Meanwhile, Dusit Thani Hua Hin will offer experiences including “Fire & Frost Retreat” sessions that combine Muay Thai and ice baths, “Sunset Floating Sound Healing,” and family-focused wellness activities. At the same time, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket will offer guided cycling journeys, mindful beach walks, wellness-focused dining, and creative wellness activities inspired by nature and local culture.
In the Maldives, Dusit Thani Maldives will invite guests to reconnect with nature through floating sound bath experiences, Ayurvedic-inspired wellness dining, and ocean adventures exploring the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll.
In Japan, the Michelin Key-recognised Dusit Thani Kyoto will offer immersive wellness experiences inspired by nature and seasonality, including its “Dusit Farm Retreat” programme, WATSU healing sessions, and sound bath therapy designed to encourage deeper connection and relaxation.
Elsewhere across the portfolio, guests can also explore experiences such as “Rope Flow” movement sessions at Dusit Thani Manila, “Sunrise Reset” wellness rituals, and “Bedtime Story – Moonlight Tale” evening experiences at Dusit Hotel Le Palais Tu Hoa Hanoi, alongside additional wellness experiences inspired by local culture, movement, mindfulness, and meaningful connection.
The initiative reflects a broader transformation taking place across hospitality, where wellness is increasingly woven into the overall stay experience rather than treated as a standalone spa offering. This philosophy sits at the heart of Devarana Wellness, Dusit’s group wellness concept.
Well-Fest 2026 starts today, 1 June, and continues through 30 June 2026 at participating Dusit Hotels and Resorts worldwide.
KUALA LUMPUR, 1 June 2026: Tourism Malaysia and Singapore Airlines signed a Memorandum of Understanding last week to strengthen joint tourism promotions and international market outreach.
The partnership underscores a shared commitment to promoting Malaysia as a preferred travel destination and to improving cross-border access by leveraging Singapore Airlines’ extensive global network across key markets in Europe, Australia, and the Asia-Pacific.
Tourism Malaysia and Singapore Airlines signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a new milestone in strengthening joint tourism promotions and international market outreach.
This partnership also supports Malaysia’s aviation and tourism recovery by strengthening regional hub connectivity through Singapore.
Tourism Malaysia Director General Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim said: “With global travel demand continuing to rebound, this collaboration with Singapore Airlines comes at a critical time as we accelerate efforts towards Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) and beyond. Through this MoU, we aim to amplify Malaysia’s visibility in high-yield markets, enhance connectivity, and roll out impactful joint campaigns that will stimulate demand and drive quality tourist arrivals into the country.”
Singapore Airlines, Regional Vice President South East Asia Louis Leonard Arul said: “Singapore Airlines’ partnership with Tourism Malaysia reinforces our strong commitment to Malaysia’s tourism growth and global connectivity. Through this MoU, we will align our efforts in key overseas markets with targeted campaigns and promotional initiatives that showcase Malaysia’s rich heritage, warm hospitality and stunning natural beauty. Leveraging Singapore Airlines’ extensive global network and seamless connectivity via Singapore, we aim to bring more visitors to Malaysia from around the world, supported by our industry-leading cabin products and world-class service.”
The MoU, effective as of May 2026, is valid for one year, strengthening the partnership between Tourism Malaysia and Singapore Airlines to increase tourist arrivals, reinforce the momentum of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), and sustain growth into 2027.
SINGAPORE, 1 June 2026: LOT Polish Airlines launched on 30 May flights from its home base, Warsaw, to Crete and Mallorca, two popular summer destinations in the Mediterranean.
Flights to both destinations operate three times per week during the summer season, providing convenient access to two Mediterranean islands famed for their beaches and rich local culture.
Photo credit: LOT Polish Airlines flies to Mallorca and Crete.
The seasonal flights connect Warsaw with two popular Mediterranean destinations — Heraklion, Crete, and Palma de Mallorca, Mallorca.
Flights on the Warsaw-Mallorca route operate three times per week – on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Flight LO447 departs from Chopin Airport at 1135 with the return flight LO448 scheduled at 1550.
LOT Polish Airlines’ flights from Warsaw to Heraklion are also three times a week, on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays. On Mondays and Saturdays, flight LO619 departs from Warsaw Airport at 1145, with the return flight LO620 scheduled for 1640 local time. On Fridays, the departure to Heraklion is scheduled for 1020, and the return flight to Warsaw for 1520.
The two summer routes allow passengers to travel directly from Warsaw to some of the most popular Mediterranean islands.
Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is one of the most popular Greek holiday destinations, offering a blend of history, culture, and relaxation by the Mediterranean Sea.
Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the Balearic Islands, has long remained one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe, attracting tourists with its picturesque beaches, charming old town, and well-developed tourist infrastructure.
Tickets are available through all sales channels, including the airline’s website and mobile app, as well as LOT travel agents.
BANGKOK, 1 June 2026: Amazon Web Services (AWS), which built and hosts the Thailand Immigration Management System (THIM), the country’s first web and mobile application for national immigration management, confirmed the rollout last week of the pilot version.
Developed by Digital Identity Co Ltd in partnership with the Thailand Immigration Bureau, THIM leverages AWS cloud services to modernise Thailand’s immigration process to welcome more than 30 million visitors annually.
Photo credit: AWS.
Now available for download as part of a pilot, THIM is designed to help travellers save time and complete their arrival card in just three minutes, offering a more convenient and streamlined border experience by reducing wait times at checkpoints.
For the first time, international tourists visiting Thailand can complete their arrival registration digitally before they land. The app currently supports English, Russian, Japanese, and Chinese languages, with plans to add more languages in the coming months.
“Thailand’s immigration system serves approximately 30 million international tourists annually, and it is our responsibility to ensure that every traveller’s experience at our borders reflects the modern, welcoming nation we are. THIM positions Thailand at the forefront of Southeast Asia’s digital immigration transformation through a national mobile platform. By embracing cloud technology, we have reduced processing times significantly while strengthening our national security capabilities,” said Immigration Bureau Deputy Commissioner Police Major General Pratya Prasarnsuk.
“The border is Thailand’s front door,” said Digital Identity Co Ltd CEO Natakorn Tanachaihirun.
“We built THIM to make sure it’s wide open and secure at the same time. This is just the beginning of what a cloud-native services centre can do for the Immigration Bureau and the millions of travellers it serves.”
Powering faster borders
THIM’s architecture leverages AWS services deployed in the AWS Asia Pacific (Bangkok) Region and is underpinned by three pillars.
Document verification: Using AI-powered optical character recognition (OCR), text is extracted from passports to support e-KYC workflows
Compute and orchestration:Amazon EC2 for scalable compute capacity, Amazon EKS for containerised workloads, and Elastic Load Balancing for high availability – especially important during peak travel periods
Security and compliance: Amazon GuardDuty for continuous threat detection, AWS Security Hub for centralised security posture management, and AWS Key Management Service (AWS KMS) and AWS Certificate Manager (ACM) for end-to-end encryption of and secure communications between systems to ensure data security for sensitive traveller data, such as passport numbers
“Across Southeast Asia, we’re seeing a fundamental shift in how governments think about digital infrastructure, not as a back-office upgrade, but as a strategic enabler of national competitiveness and citizen trust,” said AWS Thailand Country Manager Vatsun Thirapatarapong.
“THIM is a proof-point that when you pair visionary leadership with world-class cloud technology, you can deliver outcomes that once seemed mutually exclusive: a seamless traveller experience and stronger national security, achieved together.”
THIM is designed to serve as a comprehensive digital services centre for the Immigration Bureau, with planned capabilities to facilitate appointment bookings, e-Extension, issuance of transaction-related certification documents, and other immigration-related digital services.
Visitors can download the app on the Apple and Android stores.
KUALA LUMPUR, 1 June 2026: Preliminary April 2026 traffic figures released last week by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed stable international passenger demand, with growth moderating amid heightened geopolitical and economic uncertainties.
Asia Pacific airlines carried a total of 32.4 million international passengers in April, broadly unchanged from the same month last year. In revenue passenger kilometre (RPK) terms, demand nevertheless increased by 3.3% year-on-year, reflecting relatively firmer traffic on longer-haul routes.
Available seat capacity increased by a marginal 1.4% year-on-year, as sharply higher fuel costs constrained growth. As a result, international passenger load factors remained high, averaging 84.8% for the month, up by 1.6 percentage points.
Meanwhile, the conflict in the Middle East led to supply chain disruptions and higher prices, prompting accelerated stockpiling as businesses and consumers sought to secure products ahead of further cost increases. This, in turn, lent support to growth in the air cargo market. International air cargo demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), increased by 4.1% year-on-year in April. Offered freight capacity expanded by 4.4%, resulting in a 0.2 percentage point decline in the average international freight load factor to 60.5% for the month.
Commenting on the results, AAPA Director General, Wong Hong, said: “International passenger traffic continued to show resilience in April, supported by sustained demand on longer-haul routes. Overall, Asia Pacific airlines carried a combined total of 135 million international passengers during the first four months of the year, representing a 5.1% increase compared to the corresponding period last year.”
“Meanwhile, the start of the second quarter saw accelerated expansion in global manufacturing activity, with increased purchases of consumer and intermediate goods driving demand for air shipments. Growth in April helped lift international air cargo demand during the first four months of 2026 to 5.3%.”
Wong Hong added: “The conflict in the Middle East continues to add volatility to energy markets, keeping jet fuel prices elevated and further intensifying cost pressures for airlines. In April, jet fuel prices rose to an average of US$165 per barrel, reaching levels last seen in 2022 following the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war.”
Looking ahead, Wong Hong said: “Despite signs of the conflict easing, growing macroeconomic uncertainty, coupled with inflationary pressures, continues to weigh on the outlook for both passenger and air cargo markets in the months ahead. Nevertheless, Asia Pacific airlines remain vigilant in managing costs and carefully deploying capacity to optimise yields and profitability in this challenging operating environment, without compromising safety standards.”
SINGAPORE, 1 June 2026: The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Universal Music Singapore (UMSG), a division of Universal Music Group, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to amplify Singapore’s appeal as a global destination.
Together, STB and UMSG will use the power of music to raise Singapore’s profile and inspire travel to the country. The three-year partnership draws on UMSG’s network of international artistes, market insights and global media channels to create a platform that introduces Singapore to new, global audiences.
Representatives from STB and UMSG at the MoU Signing Ceremony
The strategic partnership between STB and UMSG will highlight Singapore’s story through music via integrated marketing campaigns, fan activations, and travel partner collaborations, while elevating the city’s position as a must-visit travel destination. There will also be opportunities to showcase local talent alongside international artistes, telling authentic stories through their shared passions.
Singapore Tourism Board Assistant Chief Executive, Marketing Group, Kenneth Lim said: “We are seeing more consumers engaging with content and communities that resonate with their own passion points and interests, especially in entertainment and lifestyle. This multi-year partnership with Universal Music Singapore allows us to tap into this trend by forging deeper connections with our global audiences through music. What excites us most is creating truly exclusive, Singapore-only experiences within Southeast Asia, such as intimate fan events at iconic locations. We’re not just creating content; we’re crafting memorable moments that give fans compelling reasons to visit Singapore.”
The partnership builds on STB’s previous successful collaborations with UMSG artistes, including Nick Jonas’s appearance at Singapore Art Week, OneRepublic’s social content exploring the inspiration behind their instrumental track ‘Singapore’, and Billie Eilish’s live performance filmed at Gardens by the Bay. These moments demonstrate the power of authentic, artist-led storytelling to inspire travel and position Singapore as a dynamic cultural destination.
SINGAPORE, 1 June 2026: Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), was down 3.4% compared to April 2025 due to the dramatic decline in passenger demand in the Middle East, according to data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for April 2026.
Excluding the Middle East, demand increased by 1.2%. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), decreased by 2.9% year-on-year. The load factor was 83.1% (-0.4 ppt compared to April 2025).
International demand fell 5.3% compared to April 2025. Excluding the Middle East, demand grew by 1.9%. Capacity was down 5.1% year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.9% (-0.2 ppt compared to April 2025).
Domestic demand was flat compared to April 2025. Capacity increased 0.8% year-on-year. The load factor was 81.9% (-0.7 ppt compared to April 2025).
“The 46.6% fall in demand for carriers in the Middle East due to war in the region was so acute that it dragged overall demand down 3.4%. The situation for air transport remains highly volatile. The cost of jet fuel more than doubled in April, which is pushing airfares up. Forward schedule data is showing a reduced offering in the coming months, indicating that airlines are balancing high fuel costs and weaker demand,” said IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh.
Regional Breakdown – International Passenger Markets
International RPK fell -5.3%, with capacity falling -5.1%. However, this decline was caused by continuing heavy falls in demand for Middle East carriers. Excluding the Middle East, RPK increased by 1.9%. North America was flat, and all other regions reported growth.
Asia-Pacific airlines achieved a 3.0% year-on-year increase indemand. Capacity increased 0.7% year-on-year, and the load factor was 87.5% (+1.9 ppt compared to April 2025), a record high for April. There was a notable slowdown in traffic on the Japan-China corridor due to ongoing political tensions.
European carriers saw a 0.9% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 0.3% year-on-year, and the load factor was 84.9% (+0.6 ppt compared to April 2025). Direct traffic between Europe and Asia increased 15.3% as it replaced traffic transiting through the Middle East.
North American carriers saw a 0.0% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity decreased 1.1% year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.9% (+0.9 ppt compared to April 2025).
Middle Eastern carriers saw a -48.1% year-on-year decrease in demand. Capacity fell 38.4% year-on-year, and the load factor was 70.1% (-13.1 ppt compared to April 2025). Traffic was affected by the ongoing war in Iran, though the decline slowed slightly compared to March as an uneasy ceasefire came into effect.
Latin American airlines achieved an 8.9% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity climbed 7.2% year-on-year. The load factor was 84.6% (+1.4 ppt compared to April 2025).
African airlines saw a 2.2% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 1.2% year-on-year. The load factor was 77.9% (+0.7 ppt compared to April 2025).
PENANG, 1 June 2026: PCEB and EV specialist, Edaran Otomobil Nasional Berhad (EON), have entered into a collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, which marks a significant milestone in strengthening Penang’s business events industry through the introduction of electric vehicle solutions.
The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to enhancing Penang’s position as a preferred destination for conferences, conventions, exhibitions, and corporate events, while creating greater opportunities for industry engagement, business networking, and corporate visibility.
The MOU was signed by Mohammad Azwan Bin Yahaya, COO Automotive Retail, EON Berhad, and Ashwin Gunasekeran, PCEB CEO and witnessed by YAB Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, YB Wong Yuee Harng, State Assemblyman for Pengkalan Kota and PCEB Director; and May Tan, Head of Operations, Premium Division, EON Berhad.
In line with Penang’s green initiatives, it will introduce EON as the official mobility partner for conferences and business events in Penang. Deploying EVs will support greener event operations while encouraging the adoption of environmentally responsible practices within the business events ecosystem.
Penang’s Chief Minister, YAB Chow Kon Yeow, welcomed the collaboration and highlighted its alignment with the state’s broader sustainability agenda.
“This collaboration reflects Penang’s continued commitment towards building a more sustainable and future-ready business events industry. The introduction of electric vehicles into the ecosystem of conferences and business events is a meaningful step in supporting greener mobility solutions while enhancing the overall visitor experience,” said the chief minister.
PCEB Chief Executive Officer Ashwin Gunasekeran noted: “By bringing together the business events and automotive industries, we can create greater opportunities for engagement, innovation and industry visibility, while further enhancing Penang’s position as a leading destination for regional and international business events.”
