Travel Meet Asia convenes in Jakarta

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May 26, 2026

SINGAPORE, 26 May 2026: Indonesia’s leading travel trade show returns to Jakarta from 23 to 24 June, bringing together 1,500 industry professionals and spotlighting Brunei as the Official Partner Country alongside the launch of Visit Brunei 2027.

Travel Meet Asia 2026 will return to Jakarta on 23 to 24 June, bringing together key industry leaders and international exhibitors from the MICE, Corporate and Leisure sectors.

*Photo credit: Messe Berlin Asia Pacific. Travel Meet Asia.*

The event will take place at Swissôtel Jakarta PIK Avenue, reinforcing Jakarta’s position as a strategic hub for travel and tourism exchange.

Organised by Messe Berlin Asia Pacific, Travel Meet Asia continues to grow as a leading marketplace and knowledge platform, with more than 1,500 participants, over 400 quality buyers, 100+ exhibitors and 60+ speakers expected to attend in 2026.

Messe Berlin Asia Pacific Executive Director Darren Seah said: “Travel Meet Asia has established itself as a vital platform for meaningful business exchange and industry dialogue in Southeast Asia. With Jakarta as our host city once again, we look forward to welcoming a growing community of travel professionals and to spotlighting Brunei as our Official Partner Country. The launch of Visit Brunei 2027 adds a strong dimension to this year’s event, highlighting the region’s dynamic and evolving tourism landscape.”

Visit Brunei 2027 launch

Brunei Darussalam, the Abode of Peace, will take centre stage as the Official Partner Country of Travel Meet Asia 2026. This milestone reflects the nation’s commitment to strengthening its global tourism presence through authentic cultural offerings and pristine nature-based attractions. Visitors are invited to discover a serene destination where unspoiled rainforests, rich biodiversity, and enduring traditions come together to create truly memorable journeys.

“We are honoured to be named the Official Partner Country for Travel Meet Asia 2026, a vital platform for regional tourism connectivity. This partnership offers a strategic opportunity for Brunei Darussalam to showcase our unique blend of rich cultural heritage, pristine rainforests, and warm hospitality as we build momentum toward Visit Brunei Year 2027.

“Through the Brunei Pavilion, we invite visitors to discover our diverse offerings, upcoming initiatives and curated experiences. We warmly welcome industry partners to experience first-hand what makes Brunei a peaceful, authentic, and distinctive destination in Southeast Asia,” said Acting Director of Tourism Development Department, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, Hajah Nur Fariza Munyati binti Haji Abd Aji.

Travel Meet Asia 2026 builds on its strategic collaboration with ASITA (Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies), following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen Indonesia’s tourism and MICE sector. The partnership supports Indonesia’s role as a key regional hub for tourism and business exchange.

The 2026 edition will feature a 20% increase in exhibition space compared to the previous year, reflecting strong industry demand and growing market confidence. Confirmed exhibitors include leading hospitality brands, destination representatives and travel service providers such as Accor, Adaaran Maldives, Churchill Safaris, Finland Pavilion, New World Saigon and Tokyu Hotels.

The event offers networking opportunities to engage with key buyers from Southeast Asia and international markets. Participating buyers include Azza Travel & Tours Pte Ltd, Bandar Tour, Chacha L Tours & Travel, Mavp Travel & Tours, MG Bedbank, Myduta Tour, Smile Holiday, Webbeds, Wolo Travel, and Xiaomi.

Buyers from key markets, including Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, are expected to participate.

Running alongside the show, the conference programme will provide in-depth insights into key Southeast Asian travel markets, with sessions curated across six broad themes: Market Insights and Trends, Travel and Destination Marketing, Hospitality and Alternative Accommodations, MICE and Corporate Travel, Travel Technology, and Transportation and Mobility.

(Source: Messe Berlin Asia Pacific)

Malaysians check out lesser-known places

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May 26, 2026

SINGAPORE, 26 May 2026: Digital travel platform Agoda has revealed that value is emerging as an important factor in how Malaysians travel in 2026, influencing everything from accommodation choices to destination planning.

According to Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report, 63% of travellers are willing to consider lesser-known destinations if it means lower costs, signalling a shift toward more intentional and cost-conscious travel behaviour.

Agoda’s findings also highlight how this value-driven mindset is reflected in both spending habits and destination choices. Malaysian travellers are showing a clear preference for travel that delivers value without sacrificing the overall experience.

Nearly two-thirds (64%) expect to spend USD50 or less per night on accommodation in 2026, while 59% say price is the single most important factor when choosing where to stay. This reinforces that value not only influences openness to discovering alternative destinations but also shapes spending decisions.

Beyond spending considerations, Agoda’s findings also point to a shift in how Malaysians are planning their trips and what they prioritise when they travel.

Local and frequent travel remain part of the picture

Malaysian travellers are also adjusting how often and how far they travel, as value-driven decisions make shorter, more frequent, and closer-to-home trips more appealing. 47% expect most of their trips in 2026 to be domestic, while 37% plan to take four to six trips over the year. The most common trip length is four to seven days (42%), reflecting a shift toward travel that is more manageable, cost-conscious, and easier to fit into everyday life.

Even with affordability a priority, Malaysians are still considering experiences they value most. Relaxation is the top reason Malaysians expect to travel in 2026, cited by 69% of respondents. Culinary experiences follow at 33%, highlighting the continued role food plays in destination appeal. Travel also remains deeply social, with 59% planning to travel with family and 28% expecting to travel with their spouse or partner.

Agoda Country Director Malaysia and Brunei Fabian Teja said: “Malaysian travellers are planning more carefully and placing greater emphasis on value. Agoda’s latest findings show that cost matters, but so does making each trip count. Travellers are looking for options that help them manage their budgets while still enjoying the experiences that matter most, whether that is rest, time with loved ones, or discovering good food. Agoda brings these elements together by making it easier to book flights, accommodation and activities in one place with great value deals.”

(Source: Agoda)

Explora Journeys unveils Summer 2028 Collection

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May 26, 2026

SINGAPORE, 26 May 2026: Explora Journeys has opened sales for its Summer 2028 Journeys Collection, a milestone season defined by the arrival of Explora VI.

Her debut in August 2028 brings the fleet to its full six-ship scale, realising the brand’s original vision on time and exactly as planned at its inception. Spanning 178 destinations across 27 countries, the new collection represents a significant expansion of the brand’s global presence, with all six ships sailing the world’s oceans together for the first time.

The new collection captures the Mediterranean’s allure alongside the landscapes of Northern Europe, Iceland and Greenland. From the Alaskan wilderness to the historic waterways of the North American East Coast during the height of the autumnal shift, every itinerary is shaped by the philosophy of unhurried discovery.

Overnights in cities like New York, Reykjavik and Istanbul are balanced with visits to remote island retreats such as Korčula and the Faroe Islands. In many ports, late departures allow guests to experience the evolving energy from day to night, offering a more soulful connection to each destination.

Summer 2028 Overview

Explora I: From April through October, the ship visits six countries and 25 destinations in the Mediterranean, meandering through the island constellations of the Aegean to the sculpted shores of the Adriatic. Guests can uncover the Cyclades, the Dodecanese and the Turkish Coast, experiencing the nightlife of Mykonos with a late departure and the cultural vibrancy of Istanbul with an overnight stay.

Explora II: Exploring the Western Mediterranean, North Africa and the French and Italian Rivieras, the ship visits 36 destinations across Iberia and the Atlantic edge from April through October. Itineraries weave from the vibrant Balearic Islands to the lush landscapes of Madeira, featuring an overnight stay in Lisbon and late departures from eight ports, including Ibiza, Capri and Casablanca.

Explora III: Returning to the wilderness of Alaska from May through September, the ship navigates 20 destinations across the US and Canada. Itineraries feature scenic sailings through the Inside Passage and the Gulf of Alaska, providing an unparalleled vantage point of Hubbard Glacier, alongside calls at Juneau, Skagway, and smaller communities such as Wrangell and Klawock.

Explora IV: From May through October, the ship traverses Northern Europe and the Baltic Sea, uncovering 51 destinations across 15 countries. Guests can cycle along the historic canals of Amsterdam or stroll the royal parks of Stockholm during overnight stays, while 11 maiden calls, including Runavík in the Faroe Islands and Djúpivogur in Iceland, reveal the region’s more remote shores.

Explora V: Between May and September, the ship explores the Baltic Sea, the Norwegian fjords and the North Atlantic before reaching the volcanic coastlines of Iceland and Greenland. The season then transitions to the North American Eastern Seaboard with overnights in New York City and Quebec City and late departures from Halifax and Boston.

Explora VI: From August to November 2028, the newest ship in the fleet sails the Mediterranean, completing 13 sailings. Starting with her maiden journey from Rome to Barcelona, itineraries weave through Sicily, Sardinia and the French Riviera. As the season mellows into October and November, the ship ventures into the Adriatic to explore the historic ports of Trogir and Dubrovnik, as well as the UNESCO-protected Bay of Kotor.

(Source: Explora Journeys)

T’way Air bargains on summer travel

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May 26, 2026

SEOUL, South Korea, 26 May 2026: T’way Air is offering fare discounts across 18 Japan–Korea routes. Bookings made through 31 May are eligible, with travel valid through 24 October 2026.

The discounts apply to flights between five Korean cities — Seoul (Incheon), Cheongju, Daegu, Busan, and Jeju — and seven Japanese cities: Tokyo (Narita), Osaka, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Okinawa, Kumamoto, and Saga.

Offers available through 31 May

UP to 10% off bookings with promo code 26 MAY, departures from Tokyo (Narita), Osaka, Fukuoka, Saga, Kumamoto, Sapporo, and Okinawa, for travel through 24 October 2026.

¥3,000 Regular Coupon on round-trip bookings, downloadable through 31 May, travel through 24 October 2026.

Summer and fall are Korea’s busiest travel months. In Seoul, the Changdeokgung Palace Moonlight Tour lights up the historic grounds in May, while the Seoul International Garden Show fills the city with colour from May through October.

Fried chicken and beer under the lights along the Han River, warm hotteok at Gwangjang Market, brunch in Yeonnam-dong’s cafés, and late-night runs to the convenience store.
Further south, Waterbomb Festival brings music and crowds to Seoul and Busan in July and August, with Busan closing the season in October as host to its International Film Festival and Rock Festival.

About T’way Air
T’way Air is a South Korea-based low-cost carrier (LCC) providing reliable air travel services since 2010. The airline operates a fleet that includes Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 aircraft, as well as Airbus A330, A320 and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, serving customers across 60 destinations in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia, as well as Oceania, Europe and North America.

(Source: T’way Air)

Alaska serves the London-Seattle route

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May 26, 2026

LONDON, 26 May 2026: Oneworld Alliance expands its presence at London’s Heathrow Airport to 14 member airlines, now that Alaska Airlines has introduced a direct London-Seattle service.

This summer, oneworld airlines will offer nearly 2,800 weekly departures directly connecting London Heathrow to over 160 destinations in more than 60 countries. Alongside an extensive global network, oneworld customers enjoy premium facilities at LHR, including 13 First and Business Class lounges offered by British Airways, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qantas and Qatar Airways across Terminals 3, 4 and 5.

*Flight attendants of all 14 oneworld carriers serving London Heathrow.*

London is also the leading destination for international travellers planning round-the-world trips, with 71% of bookings made so far this year on oneworld’s website, including the city as part of a multi-stop itinerary.

Last year, around 29 million oneworld customers flew from, to or through London Heathrow, of which almost 30% were connecting between oneworld member airlines.

Oneworld’s CEO Ole Orvér said: “With service from the most oneworld carriers and nearly 400 daily departures, London Heathrow is a cornerstone of our global network, where our members work together to deliver smooth connectivity for millions of customers every year. It is also one of the world’s leading business travel markets, with more than 160,000 premium seats offered weekly by our airlines, and we are delighted to welcome Alaska Airlines as it launches its inaugural Seattle service from Heathrow, further expanding travel choices for oneworld customers.”

At London Heathrow, oneworld member airlines operate from:

Terminal 3: Alaska Airlines (effective 22 May 2026), American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Japan Airlines, Qantas, Royal Jordanian and SriLankan Airlines

Terminal 4: Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Oman Air, Royal Air Maroc

Terminal 5: British Airways and Iberia oneworld’s global hubs

(Source: Oneworld)

Masala Wedding Fair back for 13th edition

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May 25, 2026

BANGKOK, 25 May 2026: Thailand’s premier Indian wedding exhibition, the Masala Wedding Fair, returns for its 13^th edition with its most expansive and refined showcase yet.

Together with the Masala Food Festival, the event boasts two worlds that naturally complement one another: celebration and flavour, all under one roof.

The highly anticipated two-day fair will be held on Saturday, 6 June and Sunday, 7 June at the Thai Chitlada Grand Ballroom on the second floor of Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park.

Guests can expect showcases from over 100 exhibitors from Thailand and India, spanning fashion, fine jewellery, culinary experiences, and beverage offerings, complemented by enchanting live performances in dance, vocal, and sound.

With the Masala Food Festival component, the food and beverage line-up of this year’s fair is presented on a notably grander scale, banding together a refined mix of Indian and continental offerings.

Guests can look forward to Japanese highlights from ISAO, Fatboy Izakaya, and Masu Maki & Sushi Bar, accompanied by a distinguished Indian selection including bespoke desserts from Marigold by Chef Garima Arora, the two Michelin-starred chef behind Gaa, as well as dining destinations NILA, Chit Chaat, Indus, Saras and Punjab Grill. Guilty and Gordon Ramsay Restaurants bring a global reference point that needs little introduction. At the same time, Plant Passion, Kynd Kulture, and Sunbird introduce a health-forward thread running through the wider offering. The beverage programme follows suit in its proportions, with Italasia presenting premium wines and spirits, along with tastings, alongside PRAKAAN, Thailand’s first single malt whisky. For fans of Indian spirits, guests can sample from a diverse array of premium Indian whiskeys, gins, and even feni.

Accompanying the food and beverage offerings, the Masala Wedding Fair & Masala Food Festival presents a wider lifestyle and shopping experience spanning fashion, jewellery, and fragrance.

Featured designers include Suwannee by Sam, a Thai-Indian couture label, alongside Lenskart eyewear and MY ONLY FRAGRANCE from Kyoto, a bespoke perfumery experience centred on personal scent creation. In fine jewellery, Rawat Jewels, Khanna Jewellers, and Envie Jewellery present collections that showcase intricate craftsmanship for both special occasions and everyday wear.

For guests curious about Indian heritage, the Masala Wedding Fair & Masala Food Festival offers an immersive encounter with cultural traditions and celebrations alike.

Expect a varied programme of performances spanning Indian dance, vocal showcases, and musical acts that capture the vivacious energy and spirit of a grand Indian wedding. In addition to entertainment, this year’s edition introduces the tradition of Ayurveda through bespoke offerings presented at the exhibition.

Be it a search for destinations, wedding vendors, culinary affairs, retail therapy, or simply drawn to the vibrancy and flavours of Indian culture, the Masala Wedding Fair & Masala Food Festival offers a full-spectrum experience.

Key Information:

Date: 6 & 7 June 2026

Location: Thai Chitlada Grand Ballroom at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park

199 Sukhumvit Soi 22, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toey, Bangkok, 10110

Time: 1100 to 2000.

Admission is free.

About Masala
Masala is a multi-faceted brand recognised as the voice of Thailand’s Indian community. Producing a range of print and digital media publications, the brand caters to the Thai-Indian lifestyle, covering travel, dining, business, fashion, culture, and people stories that impact society, while also serving as an authoritative guide to Indian weddings across the country.

Confidence soars for RWMF success

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May 25, 2026

KUCHING, 25 May 2026: The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2026 continues to receive strong backing from strategic partners across aviation, media, sustainability, hospitality, mobility, and corporate sectors, reaffirming industry confidence in one of the region’s internationally recognised music and cultural festivals.

At a time when international tourism markets are navigating shifting travel sentiment, economic pressures, and geopolitical developments, the commitment shown by both public- and private-sector partners reflects the enduring trust placed in RWMF’s cultural relevance, international reputation, and long-term tourism value.

YB Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister for Tourism Sarawak delivering his speech representing YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak during the RWMF 2026 Sponsors’ Appreciation Day held today at Sheraton Hotel
Kuching.

Speaking during the RWMF 2026 Sponsors’ Appreciation Day held last week at Sheraton Hotel Kuching, YB Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister for Tourism Sarawak, representing YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative

Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, said the continued support received for RWMF reflects growing confidence in Sarawak’s tourism direction and the international value of culture-led tourism.

“Festivals such as RWMF do far more than entertain. They shape destination identity, strengthen international visibility, encourage cultural exchange, and create meaningful connections between people and places,” he said.

“Through RWMF, the world not only hears music. The world encounters Sarawak, our rainforest, our traditions, our communities, our hospitality, and our spirit.”

The appreciation event brought together sponsors, strategic partners, media organisations, tourism stakeholders, collaborators, and supporting agencies contributing towards the upcoming 29th edition of the festival.

This year’s sponsorship ecosystem reflects continued industry confidence and collaborative support across multiple sectors, reinforcing RWMF’s role as an established regional platform for cultural exchange, destination visibility, tourism engagement, and international connectivity.

Official partners for RWMF 2026

Malaysia Airlines and Firefly are the official airlines.

TV Sarawak as the Official Broadcast Partner, Astro Radio comprising Era FM Sarawak, Sinar FM, Mix FM and Lite FM as Official Radio Partners, and Ripcurl as the Official Apparel Partner.

The festival is further strengthened by organisations across the sustainability, hospitality, beverage, media, mobility, and corporate sectors, including Cuckoo International (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, F&N.

Marketing Sdn Bhd as Non-Alcoholic Beverage Partner, Plaza Merdeka & The Waterfront Hotel Kuching, Media Exchange, Avis Budget Malaysia, Carlsberg Marketing Sdn Bhd, Solarvest Borneo Sdn Bhd (Sarawak), PETROS, and Trienekens (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd.

Together, these sponsors, partners, and collaborators play an important role in strengthening RWMF’s reach, experience, and continued growth as one of Sarawak’s key cultural and tourism platforms.

Sarawak Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Dr Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor said RWMF continues to be shaped by the collective commitment of partners, sponsors, media, collaborators, vendors, performers, crew, and tourism stakeholders who contribute to the festival experience.

“One of the most meaningful things about the Rainforest World Music Festival is that no single organisation can build it alone,” she said. “Every edition of RWMF is shaped by people and partners who continue to contribute their time, expertise, resources, creativity, and belief into making the festival what it is today.”

She added that each sponsor and strategic partner contributes to different parts of the visitor journey, from accessibility and hospitality to media visibility, sustainability implementation, mobility, and the overall festival experience.

As part of its ongoing sustainability efforts, RWMF 2026 will continue to implement initiatives such as Green Ruai, Green Warriors, recycling, water refill stations, waste-reduction measures, and eco-conscious festival operations to encourage more responsible festival experiences and visitor behaviour.

RWMF 2026 is expected to feature over 200 performers from multiple countries, building on the festival’s growing international profile as one of the region’s established music and cultural festivals. The festival was also ranked No 8 in the Top 10 category at the Transglobal World Music Chart – Festival Awards 2025.

Taking place under the theme “Regenerations: Roots & Rhythms,” RWMF 2026 continues to highlight the evolving relationship between heritage and contemporary cultural expression while reinforcing Sarawak’s positioning as the Gateway to Borneo.

The Sponsors’ Appreciation Day concluded with sponsor appreciation presentations, a group photo session, and media engagement activities, celebrating the partnerships and collaborations that continue to shape Sarawak’s cultural and tourism landscape ahead of RWMF 2026.

For more information on Sarawak attractions and tourism, visit: Sarawak Tourism Board.

(Source: Your Stories — Sarawak Tourism Board)

Global instability disrupts meetings

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May 25, 2026

SINGAPORE, 25 May 2026: Global conflict, policy change and socio-political instability are having an escalating and measurable impact on the international meetings and conferences industry, according to findings from the 2026 Global Socio-Political Impact Survey, led by the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO).

Conducted in partnership with five global business events associations: AIPC, AMC Institute, ICCA, IFES and PCMA, the survey gathered responses from 130 organisations across the globe, providing insight into how the current geopolitical environment is affecting events, destinations, participants and Professional Conference Organisers (PCOs).

*IAPCO President Sissi Lignou (left) and CEO Martin Boyle at the IAPCO Press Conference at IMEX Frankfurt 2026.*

The findings indicate a significant increase in industry disruption compared with 2025, with 73.84% of respondents saying global conflicts have impacted their ability to plan or host international meetings, up from 53.92% in 2025.

This near-20-percentage-point increase shows that global instability is no longer a background concern for the sector; it is now a central factor in conference planning, destination selection, risk management, and participation.

The research also found that 65.38% of respondents had experienced travel disruptions affecting clients and/or participants, up from 41.67% in 2025, while 58.46% reported reduced international attendance or participation. Almost half reported increased costs to their teams, and 48.46% said costs had increased for clients and/or participants.

IAPCO President Sissi Lignou said the findings demonstrate that geopolitical instability is no longer a peripheral challenge for the sector.

“Conferences and meetings are where knowledge is shared, research is advanced, relationships are built, and industries move forward. These findings show that global socio-political instability is now directly affecting that essential exchange,” said Lignou. “IAPCO Accredited PCOs play a critical role in helping associations, destinations and participants navigate this uncertainty with professionalism, agility and care.”

The impact is already being felt across the event lifecycle: 33.07% of respondents said they had frequently or occasionally had to cancel, postpone or relocate events, or withdraw planned participation due to safety concerns or regional instability. A further 42.31% reported a shift away from destinations perceived as politically or regionally unstable, with respondents avoiding conflict-prone regions.

The survey also highlights the growing influence of government policy on future event planning. 59.32% of respondents said US government policies enacted in 2025 and 2026 had affected their ability to plan and execute events for 2026, 2027 and 2028.

Funding cuts that affect academic and scientific experts’ ability to travel, alongside visa and immigration policies that affect international participants, staff, and speakers, were identified as the most significant policy-related challenges.

IAPCO CEO Martin Boyle noted the research reinforces the critical role of IAPCO Accredited PCOs in supporting informed decision-making: “This research reflects the reality of what PCOs around the world are seeing every day. The meeting and conference industry is operating within increasing complexity, and the role of the Accredited PCO has never been more important.

“From contingency planning and destination advice to stakeholder confidence, budget management and participant safety, PCOs are helping clients adapt to changing global conditions while making informed decisions in a fast-changing world,” said Boyle.

The findings come as IAPCO members continue to deliver significant global impact. In 2025, IAPCO Accredited PCOs organised 23,512 meetings and events worldwide, managed 7,718,808 participants from 187 office locations, and generated EUR17.36 billion in economic impact.

IAPCO says the findings reinforce the need for stronger industry advocacy, reliable data and deeper collaboration across associations, destinations and professional organisers.

Through its global network, IAPCO is working with accredited PCOs, Strategic Partners and destinations to better quantify the impact of global instability on the meetings sector, strengthen contingency planning and advocate for the value of international meetings and conferences.

Martin Boyle added: “The global meetings industry exists to bring people together around issues that matter: science, medicine, education, business, policy and progress. When conflict, policy and instability restrict participation, the impact reaches far beyond individual events. It affects research visibility, the exchange of ideas, and the ability of communities and industries to progress collectively.”

The full report, The Global Socio-Political Impact Survey 2026, is available on the IAPCO website.

(Source: IAPCO)

Qatar declares profit in FY 2025/26

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May 25, 2026

DOHA, 25 May 2026: Qatar Airways Group announced last week a post-tax profit of QAR7 billion (USD1.94 billion) for the financial year 2025/26.

The results demonstrate robust performance in the final month, marked by military hostilities in the Persian Gulf, reaffirming its position as one of the most resilient groups in global aviation.

Throughout the financial year 2025/26, the airline carried more than 41.8 million passengers, maintaining extensive global connectivity through Hamad International Airport. The group’s cargo division transported more than 1.43 million tonnes of chargeable weight, advancing its position as the world’s largest air freight carrier with a 12% global market share.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Hamad Al-Khater, said: “It is not often that a single financial year asks an organisation to demonstrate both the best of what it can achieve and the depth of what it can withstand. The 2025/26 financial year did both, and the Qatar Airways Group rose to each in turn.

“These results speak to the strength of this Group across every measure that matters — a strong balance sheet, industry-leading operations, partnerships of real depth, and people who maintained the standards this group is known for, even under the most demanding conditions.

“Behind every result are 57,800 people, working across more than 90 countries. In the final weeks of the financial year, many of them were managing an active crisis with a standard of professionalism that defines this organisation as much as any financial metric, and it deserves to be recognised.

“We are actively rebuilding our global network with the confidence that comes from a balance sheet that has never been stronger, partnerships that proved their depth when we needed them most.”

Key achievements during 2025/26

Record-breaking fleet expansion: Qatar Airways Group signed landmark agreements with Boeing and GE Aerospace to acquire and service up to 210 aircraft and 400 engines, among the most significant fleet commitments in commercial aviation history.

World’s Best Airline: For a Record Ninth Time: Qatar Airways was named World’s Best Airline 2025 by Skytrax, an unprecedented recognition that cements its excellence in global aviation.

Cirium Platinum Award for Operational Excellence: Recognising the airline’s 86% on-time performance and elite operational standards, placing it among the world’s top five most punctual carriers.

World’s Most Connected Widebody Fleet: Qatar Airways operates the world’s first and largest Starlink-equipped widebody fleet, with high-speed in-flight connectivity live across Boeing 777, Airbus A350, and Boeing 787-8 aircraft, bringing seamless, free in-flight internet to passengers on routes worldwide, including long-haul and ultra-long-haul.

Looking ahead, Qatar Airways continues to rebuild its global schedule, reaching more than 160 destinations by summer 2026.

(Source: Qatar Airways)

AirAsia flight check-in at HKG T2

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May 25, 2026

HONG KONG, 25 May 2026: AirAsia will relocate its check-in services for international flights departing from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to Terminal 2 (T2) from Terminal 1 (T1), effective 28 May 2026.

Affected guests will receive notifications of this change through their registered contact details. AirAsia members will also receive push notifications in the AirAsia MOVE app.

Other AirAsia operations, such as boarding flights and baggage claim (for arriving guests), will still be carried out in the old terminal (T1).

Passengers departing from HKG are required to return to T1 after completing check-in in T2, including baggage drop-off.

Both T1 and T2 of HKG Airport are connected. However, it takes approximately a five-minute walk between the two terminals. Check-in counters are available at Row V, International Departure, T2.

AirAsia strongly encourages all passengers, including those making group bookings, to check in online via the airasia.com website or the AirAsia MOVE app.

Mobile and web check-in services are available from 14 days up to one hour before departure. Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least three hours before the scheduled departure time.

(Source: AirAsia)

Travel Meet Asia convenes in Jakarta

Malaysians check out lesser-known places

Explora Journeys unveils Summer 2028 Collection

T’way Air bargains on summer travel

Alaska serves the London-Seattle route

Masala Wedding Fair back for 13th edition

Confidence soars for RWMF success

Global instability disrupts meetings

Qatar declares profit in FY 2025/26

AirAsia flight check-in at HKG T2

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