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Flydubai resumes flights to Aleppo

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Newsdesk
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DUBAI, 15 July 2026: Flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, will resume its network expansion to Syria with the launch of daily non-stop service to Aleppo International Airport (ALP).

Scheduled to commence on 20 July 2026, Aleppo becomes flydubai’s second destination in Syria, joining the capital city, Damascus. This reinforces the airline’s commitment to opening up previously underserved markets.

Photo credit: Flydubai.

Flydubai Chief Executive Officer Ghaith Al Ghaith said: “We resume operations to Aleppo after nearly 14 years. The introduction of our daily service to Aleppo marks an important milestone in our network expansion strategy. Our primary mandate has always been to support Dubai’s aviation hub by creating direct air links to previously underserved markets. By providing reliable, daily operations to Aleppo, we are not only catering to a strong existing demand for direct travel, but we are also fostering closer economic, cultural and familial ties between the UAE and Syria.”

Historically renowned as a commercial crossroads and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Aleppo is a significant market with high demand for regional business travel, visiting friends and relatives (VFR), and cargo transport. The resumption of direct flights provides a vital link for the Syrian diaspora residing in the UAE and wider Gulf region, significantly reducing travel times compared to indirect routing options.

Flydubai Chief Commercial Officer Hamad Obaidalla added: “Since resuming our flights to Damascus last summer, we have been encouraged by the strong demand for travel on this route. The resumption of our non-stop service to Aleppo builds on this momentum, providing our customers with greater choice and more convenient travel options between Dubai and Syria. The launch of our new daily service also comes at an ideal time to support increased travel demand during the peak summer period, and we look forward to welcoming passengers on board soon.”

Flights on a 170-seat 737-8 feature lie-flat seats in business class and ergonomically designed seats in economy class.

On 1 June 2025, flydubai became the first carrier from the United Arab Emirates to operate a daily service between Dubai and Damascus. Due to growing demand for travel on this route, the carrier has increased the frequency of its flights, now serving the Syrian capital with three daily flights.

The carrier recently added Benghazi, Libya, and Bangkok, Thailand, to its growing network and is set to welcome Pokhara, Nepal, from 23 September 2026.

Flight details

The new direct service is included in the flydubai and Emirates codeshare partnership, enabling passengers to benefit from smoother itineraries, a single ticket, baggage check-in, and access to an extensive combined network.

Flights will operate daily to Aleppo International Airport (ALP) from Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB).

Return Business Class fares from DXB to ALP start from AED8,000 and Economy Class Lite fares start from AED1,800. Return Business Class fares from ALP to DXB start from USD2,000 and Economy Class Lite fares start from USD470.

(Source: Flydubai)

PAL boosts North American flights

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Newsdesk
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MANILA, 15 July 2026: Philippine Airlines (PAL) is expanding its North American network with additional nonstop flights to Vancouver, Toronto and New York, providing customers with more travel options while strengthening connectivity between the Philippines, Canada, the US and Southeast Asia.

PAL will increase Manila–Vancouver services from daily to 10 weekly flights effective 17 November 2026.

Photo credit: PAL.

Manila–Toronto services will increase from three to four weekly flights effective 5 December 2026.

Manila–New York (JFK) services will increase from three to four weekly flights effective 2 December 2026, with a fifth weekly flight during the peak December 2026–January 2027 holiday travel season.

The expanded services further strengthen Philippine Airlines’ leadership in the Philippines–North America market and reinforce its position as the leading Southeast Asian carrier operating the most nonstop flights between the region and North America.

“North America continues to be one of Philippine Airlines’ most important markets,” said Philippine Airlines President Richard Nuttall. “As travel demand grows, these additional flights strengthen our position as the preferred nonstop carrier between the Philippines and North America whilst providing our customers with greater choice, improved connectivity, and more opportunities to travel, do business, and reconnect with family and loved ones. As the Philippine flag carrier, we remain committed to supporting tourism, trade and economic ties between the Philippines and our key North American markets.”

The additional North America frequencies will improve connectivity via Manila to key destinations across Southeast Asia, including Jakarta, Bali, Phnom Penh, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hanoi. Through PAL’s partnerships with American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and WestJet, customers will also enjoy improved onward connections to numerous destinations across the US and Canada.

The Airbus A350-900 will initially operate additional Toronto and New York services before transitioning to PAL’s new Airbus A350-1000 as additional aircraft join the fleet. 

The A350-1000 will also begin serving San Francisco in August 2026, offering more premium seating and further strengthening PAL’s competitiveness on the US West Coast.

(Source: Philippine Airlines)

Centara expands Vietnam Portfolio

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Your Stories
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BANGKOK, 14 July 2026: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is proud to unveil the first details of Centara Hotel & Residences Van Don, a new bayfront destination set to open in Q4 2026. 

Marking the group’s second property in Vietnam, this hotel brings Centara’s warm, Thai-inspired hospitality, world-class service, and Signature Experiences to one of the country’s most promising coastal locations.

Set within the Ao Tien High-Class Port and Tourism Urban Area, the property enjoys uninterrupted views across the serene waters and limestone formations of Bai Tu Long Bay. Just 15 minutes from Van Don International Airport, the hotel offers convenient access to both natural landmarks and key transport hubs, positioning it as an ideal base for leisure and business travellers alike.

Designed for couples, families, groups, and extended stays, the hotel offers 481 rooms and suites across 12 categories. Every room is equipped with a kitchenette, modern décor, and functional layouts for added flexibility and comfort throughout guests’ stay.

Beyond accommodation, Centara Hotel & Residences Van Don introduces an all-in-one lifestyle offering, from diverse dining experiences spanning Vietnamese, Italian, Chinese, and international flavours to versatile MICE venues, including two ballrooms and multiple meeting rooms. Guests will also enjoy both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a Kids’ Club, a fitness centre, and SPA Cenvaree, along with family-friendly activities, premium shopping, and curated bay tours.

To stay tuned for more details about Centara Hotel & Residences Van Don, visit Centara Hotel & Residences Van Don.

Emirates debuts A380 on Delhi route

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Your Stories
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DUBAI, 14 July 2026: Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, will introduce its flagship A380 to Delhi from 25 October, making the Indian capital the third gateway in the country to be served by the iconic double-decker. Other A380 destinations are Mumbai and Bengaluru.

The A380 will operate on flights EK512/513 in a four-class configuration, complementing the deployment of Emirates’ retrofitted B777 aircraft, also in a four-class layout featuring Premium Economy, across its three other daily flights.

Photo credit: Emirates.

From October, Premium Economy will be offered on flights to six Indian cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Kochi, giving customers travelling to and from India greater choice when planning their travel.

Delhi-Dubai

Passengers on the Delhi–Dubai route will now enjoy expanded options, with four cabin classes on all daily services. Premium Economy will feature on EK513, operated by the A380, as well as on the Boeing 777-operated EK511, EK515 and EK517.

Kolkata-Dubai

From 25 October, Emirates’ daily Kolkata–Dubai service, EK570/571, currently operated with a Boeing 777, will be served by the airline’s next-generation A350. With flights EK572/573 operating five times weekly on a four-class retrofitted B777, Premium Economy will be available across all 12 weekly flights between Kolkata and Dubai.

Emirates serves nine gateways across India — Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram — operating 167 weekly flights to Dubai and onward to its global network, spanning almost 140 destinations. 

(Source: Your Stories — Emirates)

Air India moves to Jodhpur’s new airport terminal

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Newsdesk
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JODHPUR, India, 14 July 2026: Air India has confirmed that all of its flights to and from Jodhpur Airport (JDH) will operate from the airport’s new terminal building, effective 12 July.

Air India currently operates 14 weekly flights between Jodhpur and Mumbai and 12 between Jodhpur and Delhi, providing convenient connectivity to key domestic and international destinations via its hubs.

Photo credit: Air India. Jodhpur opens new airport terminal building.

The new terminal, which covers 23,342 sqm, features 20 check-in counters, advanced security screening systems, state-of-the-art baggage handling facilities, and six aerobridges, enabling a smoother airport experience.

To ensure a smooth journey during the transition to the new facility, passengers travelling from Jodhpur city to the airport this week should arrive well in advance to allow adequate time to clear security and pass through the new terminal.

(Source: Air India)

Air Zimbabwe launches London services

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 14 July 2026: Chapman Freeborn, a global aircraft charter and leasing specialist and part of Avia Solutions Group, has supported Air Zimbabwe with a tailored ACMI* capacity solution for the planned resumption of direct scheduled services between Harare and London Gatwick.

The route is expected to restart by the end of July 2026, reconnecting Zimbabwe and the UK after more than 14 years. The service will be operated by Spanish carrier Plus Ultra using an Airbus A330 aircraft under a long-term ACMI agreement, with initial operations expected to include three weekly frequencies between Harare and London Gatwick.

Photo credit: Chapman Freeborn.

Under the ACMI structure, Plus Ultra will provide the aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance, while the flights will operate under Air Zimbabwe’s flight code. Chapman Freeborn provides the ACMI and contract management support needed to help shape the long-haul operating structure for the route.

The route represents more than the return of an air service. It re-establishes an important commercial, tourism and cultural link between the two countries, while improving travel options for the Zimbabwean diaspora, business travellers and tourists. 

It is also expected to support direct air freight capacity for time-sensitive exports, including horticultural and perishable products destined for the UK market.

“This is an important milestone for Air Zimbabwe and a significant step in restoring direct connectivity between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom. We are proud to have played an important role in supporting this project, working closely with Air Zimbabwe and Plus Ultra to help deliver the right structure for the route.

“Across Africa, we continue to see growing demand for flexible capacity solutions as airlines look to rebuild networks, respond to passenger demand and manage fleet requirements more efficiently. ACMI can play an important role in supporting that growth, particularly on strategic routes where speed, flexibility and operational reliability are essential,” said Chapman Freeborn President – IMEA Linas Dovydenas. 

Chapman Freeborn’s ACMI team supports airlines worldwide with short-, medium- and long-term capacity requirements across narrowbody, widebody, regional and cargo aircraft. 

The company provides tailored aircraft leasing and ACMI solutions that help carriers manage capacity, restore routes and respond to complex operational requirements.

*ACMI: Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance.

(Source: Chapman Freeborn)

Thai DMC Tripseed wins silver

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Newsdesk
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CHIANG MAI, Thailand, 14 July 2026: Tripseed, the Chiang Mai-based B2B destination management company, has been awarded silver in the Local Economic Benefit category at the 2026 Responsible Tourism Awards, Southeast Asia. 

The winners were announced last week at the 2026 International Conference on Responsible Tourism and Hospitality (ICRTH) in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia.

Photo credit: 2026 International Conference on Responsible Tourism and Hospitality (ICRTH). (Centre) Tripseed, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer Ewan Cluckie.

The awards, hosted by ICRT Southeast Asia under the chairmanship of Prof Dr Hiram Ting, recognise organisations that use tourism to create lasting benefits for local communities across the region. 

Prof Ting, who also serves as a Global Chair of the Responsible Tourism Awards alongside Professor Harold Goodwin, chaired ICRTH 2026, which brought delegates from across the region to Sarawak.

Tripseed’s entry focused on business conduct rather than product. The judges recognised the company for responsible business leadership demonstrated through tax transparency, reduced economic leakage, and maximised local economic benefit, and credited it with broadening the responsible business agenda.

Evidence cited in Tripseed’s presentation

Thailand’s first publicly available GRI 207-aligned tax disclosure by a destination management company, covering the 2024 financial year and showing corporate income tax of THB1,176,496.70, a tax-to-revenue ratio of 2.36%, 3.1 times the average of the 17-company peer sample benchmarked for that year; a second annual report covering 2025 was published in May 2026.

Tripseed’s Economic Distribution Disclosure Initiative (EDDI) identified the company’s economic leakage across its touring products, noting that vehicle transport was the main source of leakage for products originating in central Thailand. However, a switch to a locally based, women-led provider in 2025 lifted estimated provincial retention from approximately 64% to approximately 92%

234 multi-day bookings in 2025 generating 2,459 booked days in Thai communities, with multi-day itineraries consistently over 80% of annual guest volume

A shift in guest seasonality from 73% high season in 2024 to 59% high season and 41% low season in 2025, extending reliable income for guides, drivers, accommodation providers, and food vendors

A worker protection policy under which contracted guides receive their full fee if a booking is modified, postponed, or cancelled

Since judging concluded, Tripseed has also become the first business of its kind in the world to be accredited under the Fair Tax Foundation’s new National Business Standard for the Fair Tax Mark.

Tripseed Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer Ewan Cluckie said: “Local economic benefit is one of the most-claimed and least-evidenced ideas in travel. We built our entry on audited figures: what we pay in taxes, where our procurement funds go, and how much of a guest’s spend is genuinely retained locally. We are honoured that the judges recognised that approach, and we would be delighted if this award encourages other operators and the trade partners who contract them to ask for the same evidence.”

(Source: Tripseed)

Hilton lands in Langkawi

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 14 July 2026: Hilton announced on Monday the opening of Hilton Burau Bay Langkawi Resort, expanding its flagship brand’s presence in Malaysia. 

“The opening of Hilton Burau Bay Langkawi Resort reflects Hilton’s commitment to bringing its flagship brand’s experience to Malaysia’s most renowned leisure destinations,” said Hilton Area Vice President and head of Southeast Asia Alexandra Murray.

Photo credit: Hilton. Hilton Burau Bay Langkawi Resort.

Spanning almost 22 acres, the resort features 251 rooms and suites across the Terrace, Deluxe Rooms, and Executive Suites categories, each offering a private terrace or balcony overlooking the rainforest, mountains, or sea.

The resort also features four restaurants and a wellness experience that extends across the resort’s three distinct swimming pools – a family-friendly hub, a dedicated kids’ pool and a secluded adults-only retreat. 

The opening reinforces Hilton’s strategic momentum in Malaysia, joining a diverse portfolio that includes the recently opened Hilton Shah Alam Glenmarie and Hilton Garden Inn Kota Kinabalu Tuaran. The resort’s debut sets the stage for a landmark year of growth, with Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur and Conrad Kuala Lumpur due to open later this year.

Hilton Burau Bay Langkawi Resort is part of Hilton Honors, the guest loyalty programme for Hilton’s 27 brands. To celebrate the opening of Hilton Burau Bay Langkawi Resort, Hilton Honors members can earn 5,000 points with a minimum three-night stay. This offer is valid from now to 31 October 2026.

Hilton Burau Bay Langkawi Resort is located at 103 Teluk Burau, Mukim Padang Matsirat, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia.

(Source: Hilton)

MATTA Connect 2026 visits Perak

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Newsdesk
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KUALA LUMPUR, 14 July 2026: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents will host the second edition of MATTA Connect 2026, Malaysia’s premier Business-to-Business (B2B) travel marketplace, taking place from 29 to 30 July 2026 at the Ipoh Convention Centre (ICC) in Perak. 

Adding further significance to the second edition, Yang Berhormat Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Malaysia (MOTAC), has confirmed his attendance as the guest of honour at the closing dinner on 30 July 2026, where he will also deliver the keynote address.

Photo credit: MATTA.

Building on the success of its inaugural edition, MATTA Connect 2026 is set to bring together buyers, sellers and travel industry stakeholders from across Malaysia and the ASEAN region, creating an unrivalled platform for business networking, destination promotion and strategic partnerships.

The Minister’s participation reflects the Government’s continued commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s tourism industry through close collaboration with the private sector. His presence at the Closing Dinner further reinforces the importance of MATTA Connect as a strategic platform for industry engagement, business growth and regional tourism cooperation.

“Following the success of our inaugural edition last year, MATTA Connect has established itself as an important platform for tourism businesses, buyers and destination partners to forge meaningful collaborations and unlock new business opportunities. We are honoured to welcome YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing to this year’s event, whose presence reflects the importance of strong industry-government collaboration in driving Malaysia’s tourism growth,” said MATTA President Nigel Wong.

The two-day programme will feature structured B2B business-matching sessions, a Business Forum, destination presentations, and networking opportunities designed to facilitate high-quality business engagements among international buyers, tourism suppliers, destination management companies, airlines, hotels, attractions, and travel service providers.

Further strengthening the event’s regional significance, the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) will attend MATTA Connect 2026, bringing together tourism leaders from across Southeast Asia and creating additional opportunities for cross-border collaboration and business development.

Ahead of the main event, selected semi-hosted international buyers will participate in an exclusive five-day, four-night Pre-Tour Programme from 24 to 28 July 2026, experiencing some of Perak’s signature tourism attractions, including Ipoh, Kuala Kangsar, the Lenggong Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Royal Belum Rainforest. The programme is designed to provide buyers with first-hand destination experiences before they participate in scheduled business meetings, enabling them better to promote Perak and Malaysia in their respective international markets.

Complementing the business matching sessions, the Business Forum will feature presentations by destination partners and industry experts, providing delegates with valuable insights into emerging tourism trends, digital transformation, innovation and market opportunities, further enhancing MATTA Connect’s value as a knowledge-sharing platform for the travel trade.

MATTA Connect 2026 is supported by Tourism Perak, alongside destination partners Penang Global Tourism and the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO). RHB Bank Berhad is the Official Bank Partner, while Spritzer EcoPark Sdn Bhd and Hup Seng Hoon Yong Brothers Sdn Bhd are supporting partners. MATTA is pleased to collaborate with hotels, including 1969 D’Kelly Hotel, MU Hotel, AC Hotel by Marriott, Hotel Excelsior, and Weil Hotel, playing an integral role in supporting the successful organisation of this year’s event.

“MATTA Connect is where partnerships are built, and business opportunities take shape. More than a business-matching event, it is a platform for the travel industry to connect, collaborate, and grow. We invite tourism businesses, buyers and industry professionals to join us in Ipoh and be part of Malaysia’s premier B2B travel marketplace,” said  MATTA Connect 2026 Organising Chairman Ken Chong.

Registration ongoing

Registration for MATTA Connect 2026 is open until 18 July 2026. Travel trade professionals, tourism organisations, buyers and sellers are invited to join Malaysia’s premier B2B travel marketplace and connect with industry leaders, international buyers and key decision-makers from across the region.

For registration and further information, visit www.mattaconnect.com,  or contact the MATTA Secretariat at +603-2774 1150, or email [email protected].

(Source: MATTA)

HR Asia Awards honours Vietjet

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 14 July 2026: Vietjet has been named one of the best companies to work for in Asia 2026 at the HR Asia Awards 2026 for the sixth consecutive year. 

The airline also brought home its first HR Asia Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) Award, recognising its commitment to building an inclusive, people-centric workplace.

Photo credit: Vietjet.

The annual HR Asia Awards recognise organisations across the region for strong human resource practices, employee engagement and workplace culture. Vietjet was among the leading companies in Vietnam recognised at this year’s awards.

The DE&I Award category recognises organisations that foster diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces where employees from different backgrounds are respected, supported and given equal opportunities to grow.

The two awards reflect Vietjet’s continued focus on building an open, professional and globally connected workplace as it expands its operations across Asia and other global markets.

Vietjet currently employs nearly 10,000 employees from more than 68 countries and territories. Close to 30% of its workforce comes from across Asia, while almost 30% comprises young professionals aged between 20 and 30.

The recognition comes as Vietjet continues to expand its regional network, including its connectivity with Singapore. The airline currently operates direct services from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang and Phu Quoc, connecting travellers with Vietnam’s major business, cultural and leisure destinations. The airline will further expand its network with a new direct service between Singapore and Nha Trang, starting 11 December 2026.

(Source: Vietjet)

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