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TransNusa connects Bangkok and Wakatobi

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JAKARTA, 7 July 2026: TransNusa is introducing new routes from Jakarta to Bangkok, Thailand, starting 6 August and connecting Bali to the island destination of Wakatobi during July 2026.

TransNusa becomes the first airline to introduce a new direct route from Bali to Wakatobi, an island that is globally celebrated for hosting the world’s second-largest barrier reef. In 2024, the airline launched a direct route from Bali to the diving haven of Manado. While an exact date for the maiden flight to Wakatobi wasn’t specified in Monday’s announcement, scheduling systems show flights rolling out through July 2026.

Photo credit: TransNusa. TransNusa Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Bernard Francis.

On the regional and domestic network expansion, TransNusa Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Bernard Francis, said that the much-awaited new routes from Jakarta to Bangkok as well as from Bali to Wakatobi and Waingapu will strengthen TransNusa’s international and domestic connectivity network. 

What about Wakatobi?

Wakatobi is a remote, tropical archipelago located in the Southeast Sulawesi province of Indonesia, nestled between the Banda Sea to the northeast and the Flores Sea to the southwest. The name “Wakatobi” is a portmanteau created from the first letters of its four main islands: Wangi-Wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia, and Binongko. The expansive Wakatobi National Park, the third-largest marine park in Indonesia, encompasses the entire regency.

Tourism significance

Wakatobi holds an esteemed status in international tourism; legendary adventurer Jacques Cousteau once famously described the region as an “Underwater Nirvana.” Today, its global renown centres on world-class marine biodiversity, pioneering ecological conservation, and rich seafaring cultural heritage.

Epicentre of Coral Biodiversity: Wakatobi sits directly inside the Asia-Pacific Coral Triangle. It hosts an astonishing 750 out of the world’s 850 known coral reef species and more than 942 distinct fish species. Its complex marine habitats feature 25 distinct coral reef groups—including massive barrier reefs, fringing reefs, and pristine atolls—making it a legendary destination for scuba diving, snorkelling, and professional underwater photography.

Benchmark for Eco-Tourism: The region serves as a model for private- and community-led conservation. Marine protected zones operate strictly via cooperative agreements with local villages. In exchange for safeguarding reef sanctuaries from destructive practices, communities receive support like sponsored clean energy, localised waste management, and educational scholarships. Strict dive rules and continuous environmental monitoring ensure that high-end tourism actively restores, rather than degrades, the surrounding ecosystem.

Living Heritage of Seafaring Nomads: Beyond its marine wonders, Wakatobi offers immersive cultural tourism. It is home to the indigenous Bajo tribe, traditionally known as “sea gypsies,” whose history and way of life are deeply intertwined with the ocean. Travellers frequently participate in “live-in” village packages to observe local wisdom, see traditional handicraft weaving, such as the Homoru sarong, and visit ancient cultural sites.

Introductory fares

Tickets from Jakarta to Bangkok start at USD167.54, while tickets from Bali to Wakatobi start at USD103.30. Tickets from Bali to Waingapu start at USD75.36.

“Our goal is to continue improving accessibility across Southeast Asia by continuously introducing new routes and expanding TransNusa’s international as well as its domestic network,” continued Datuk Bernard, adding that at the initial stage, TransNusa will operate two daily flights for the Jakarta-Bangkok route, three weekly direct flights from Bali to Wakatobi on Monday, Thursday and Sunday, for the Bali-Wakatobi route.

Flight schedule: Bangkok-Thailand

8B381 and 8B38 will depart from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta at 0820 and 1630 and arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok at 1145 and 1955. 

8B382 and 8B38 will depart the Suvarnabhumi Airport at 1230 and 2040, arriving at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta at 1555 and 0005.

Flight schedule: Bali-Wakatobi

8B5662 will depart from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali at 0805 and arrive at Matahora Airport in Wakatobi at 0945. 

8B5663 will depart from Matahora Airport at 1015 and arrive at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali at 1155.

TransNusa will deploy its Airbus A320, which has 174 seats, for its international route and its COMAC C909, which has 95 seats, for its domestic route.

(Source: TransNusa)

Visa-free stays in Armenia

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YEREVAN, Armenia, 7 July 2026: Armenia has extended its temporary visa-free entry arrangement for another year, making it more convenient for eligible travellers from across the Gulf to visit the country. 

The temporary visa-free arrangement now runs until 1 July 2027.

Photo credit: Armenia Travel.

The extension keeps Armenia among the most accessible destinations in the South Caucasus for visitors from the region. Eligible citizens of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman, as well as qualifying GCC residents, can continue to travel to Armenia without a visa, subject to the relevant nationality and residency requirements.

Under the arrangement, nationals of eligible countries who hold a valid residence permit issued by the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait or Oman, or by the United States, European Union member states or Schengen Area states, are exempt from the visa requirement from 1 July 2026 to 1 July 2027, provided their residence permit is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Armenia. 

Eligible travellers may stay without a visa for up to 180 days within 12 months. The residence permit must be presented either as a physical card or as a sticker placed in the passport. The full list of eligible countries is available here.

The concession will cut embassy queues and reduce paperwork before departure. 

The timing also suits the season. As the Gulf moves through its hottest months, Armenia offers cool mountain air, green valleys, historic towns, an ancient capital and a completely different climate within a short flight. Close enough for a long weekend and rich enough for a longer holiday, the country continues to grow as a destination for families, couples, culture seekers and travellers looking for nature, food and history in one journey.

“Over the past years, visitors from across the Gulf have come to experience Armenia, its history, culture, landscapes and traditions, and have left with a deeper appreciation of our country. By continuing this arrangement, we remain open to more visitors and greater exchange. We look forward to welcoming even more guests from across the Gulf to discover Armenia and the experiences it offers,” said Lusine Gevorgyan, Chairperson of the Tourism Committee of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia.

Travellers are advised to check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia’s website for the latest updates and the full list of countries eligible for visa-free entry before booking.

The full list of eligible countries is available here.

For more information on tourism in Armenia, visit https://armenia.travel/

(Source: Armenia.travel)

Norwegian acquires Nordic Leisure Travel Group

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SINGAPORE, 7 July 2026: Norwegian has agreed to acquire Nordic Leisure Travel Group (NLTG), the leading hotel and leisure travel experiences company in the Nordics. 

The transaction brings together household names and award-winning brands such as Ving, Spies, Tjäreborg, Globetrotter, and Sunclass Airlines with Norwegian and Widerøe, creating a stronger end-to-end Nordic travel player. 

Photo credit: Norwegian.

The acquisition combines NLTG’s expertise in packaged travel and hotels with Norwegian and Widerøe’s existing network with 27 million passengers. Together, the combined company will create a leading Nordic provider of leisure and business travel. For travellers, this means a wider selection of destinations, simpler bookings, and seamless travel.

The agreement will unite Norwegian, Widerøe, and NLTG under a single ownership structure, creating a vertically integrated travel group in the leisure and business segments. The addition of a new hotel and leisure experience business with its own brands will enable Norwegian, Widerøe and NLTG to develop distinct value drivers, while benefiting from strong group coordination to optimise performance and deliver enhanced customer value. 

The group will be able to offer everything from individual flights across Norwegian’s and Widerøe’s extensive route networks to complete holiday packages with Ving from Norway and Sweden, Spies from Denmark, Tjäreborg from Finland, and Globetrotter. This leading, integrated Nordic travel group will encompass close to 160 aircraft and extensive tour and hotel operations, serving approximately 30 million customers every year. Included in the acquisition are NLTG’s profitable own-concept hotels in Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Thailand and Türkiye, which will now benefit from a steady stream of customers from an expanded network of groups. The transaction is expected to increase annual group operating revenue by close to 50%.

“This transaction will secure Nordic ownership of NLTG and deliver a more comprehensive product for all current and new customers of Norwegian, Widerøe and NLTG,” said Norwegian CEO Geir Karlsen.

Sunclass Airlines, NLTG’s subsidiary airline, operates a fleet of 12 medium- and long-haul Airbus aircraft. The Sunclass, Norwegian, and Widerøe networks have limited overlap. Norwegian’s close to 390 routes are concentrated on scheduled traffic to key destinations in the Nordics, Europe, and nearby countries. At the same time, Sunclass operates to approximately 25 destinations focused on leisure charter, enabling improved utilisation and increased coverage when routes are coordinated within the combined group. NLTG also operates its own travel retail platform, Airshoppen, whose growth and development strategy will be strengthened within the enlarged group.

The consideration for the acquisition is approximately SEK7.94 billion, comprising a cash component of SEK3.5 billion and 300 million consideration shares in Norwegian kroner, based on the latest 5-day average share price (VWAP) of NOK 14.95 and the SEK/NOK exchange rate of 1.01. In addition, up to 30 million additional shares payable to be determined during the fourth quarter of 2026

(Source: Norwegian)

Flydubai celebrates its first flight to Bangkok

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DUBAI, UAE, 7 July 2026: Flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, has celebrated the launch of its daily operations to Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) in Bangkok, marking its second destination in Thailand alongside Krabi. 

The inaugural flight departed from Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB) on 1 July, offering passengers more options to connect to one of Southeast Asia’s most popular destinations.

Photo credit: Flydubai. Water cannon welcome at Bangkok DMK airport.

The launch of operations to Bangkok not only complements the carrier’s direct service to Krabi but also marks another milestone in flydubai’s network expansion, as the airline continues to respond to strong demand for travel between the UAE and Thailand. Due to its proximity to downtown Bangkok, Don Mueang International Airport offers passengers travelling from Dubai convenient access to the city’s vibrant attractions. ​

Flydubai Chief Executive Officer Ghaith Al Ghaith said: “Thailand remains a key destination for both leisure and business travel and our direct service to Don Mueang International Airport, which offers convenient access to central Bangkok, introduces a new gateway to the Thai capital that our customers will benefit from, supporting the growth of trade and tourism flows while reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading global aviation hub.”

Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, who attended the welcome reception, said: “The Middle East, particularly the UAE, is one of Thailand’s most important long-haul markets, bringing high-quality, high-spending travellers, with 188,447 visitors arriving from the region between 1 January and 21 June 2026 alone. Starting with one daily flight and operated with Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, this route will add much-needed capacity to Thailand this summer, building momentum through to our year-end peak season and reinforcing Thailand’s position as a leading destination for Middle Eastern travellers.

Bangkok marks the latest addition to flydubai’s growing network, following the recent launch of flights to Benghazi in Libya and the planned flights to Pokhara in Nepal scheduled from September, reflecting the airline’s commitment to opening up underserved markets.

Flight details

The Bangkok service is offered as part of the flydubai and Emirates codeshare partnership, enabling passengers to benefit from seamless connections through Dubai on a single ticket, with checked baggage through to their final destination and access to an extensive combined network.

Flights will operate daily from Terminal 3 at Dubai International (DXB), with return business class fares from DXB to DMK starting at AED11,100 and economy class Lite fares starting at AED3,000.

Return business class fares from DMK to DXB start from THB83,900, and economy class fares start from THB22,100.

(Source: Flydubai)

Explora Club celebrates its first year with discounts

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 7 July 2026: Explora Journeys celebrates the first anniversary of its loyalty programme with privileges throughout July 2026. 

Until 31 July 2026, Explora Club members can access 5% savings on a selection of future Journeys. For Explora Club Silver members and above, this is combined with the existing Explora Club Member Benefit, offering an additional 5% saving. 

Photo credit: Explora Club. Cruise benefits for its first club anniversary.

This limited-time offer also features an accelerated referral structure — any member introducing a guest new to the brand during July unlocks 200 Future Journey Credits and double Explora Club points (1,000) for both parties upon travel completion.  

Explora Club is also expanding its Status Match programme by introducing eligibility for guests of Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises, bringing the total number of participating brands to 13.

The celebration continues on board throughout July with exclusive Explora Club cocktail parties for members sailing during the month. Hosted by the ship’s leadership team and dedicated hosts, the events will feature chilled champagne, canapés, and a signature anniversary cocktail, as well as musical performances and a celebratory toast.

(Source: Explora Club)

Riyadh Air flies the Dreamliner to Cairo

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, 7 July 2026: Riyadh Air celebrated the launch of its fourth destination with the inaugural flight, RX331, connecting Riyadh to Cairo, and RX332 returning to Riyadh last week.

The celebration marked the arrival of the airline’s first flight operated on one of its brand-new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, with a second daily service at the end of June.

Photo credit: Riyadh Air.

Twice-daily flights between Cairo and Riyadh address the significant demand on one of the busiest regional routes, connecting the capitals of Saudi Arabia and Egypt. 

Cairo offers unparalleled historical depth, iconic attractions, and a thriving business environment. Home base to EgyptAir, who have signed an MoU with Riyadh Air in 2024 during the Dubai Airshow, the enhanced connectivity will also allow travellers to easily access the rapidly growing business landscape, modern entertainment, and cultural experiences, allowing them to explore the distinct appeal and abundant opportunities of both capital cities,

(Source: Riyadh Air)

Qantas boosts flights across the Tasman

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Newsdesk
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SYDNEY, 7 July 2026: Qantas has increased services between Melbourne and Tokyo and added more seats across the Tasman, as Japan and New Zealand remain popular destinations for Australian travellers. 

More than 45,000 seats will be added to Tokyo and Queenstown by early next year.

Photo credit: Qantas.

Qantas has increased its Melbourne–Narita services from daily to 11 flights per week between December 2026 and March 2027 in response to growing demand. The new flights will add a total of 30,000 seats to the route.

Japan continues to be a favourite for Qantas customers, with passenger numbers up 8% between October 2025 and March 2026, totalling 350,000 passengers for the period.

In addition, the airline is increasing frequency across the Tasman over the summer peak for travel between Australia and New Zealand, including:

Over 15,000 additional seats between Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane to Queenstown over the summer peak.

Up to 10% increase between Sydney and Auckland over the same period, due to bigger aircraft and additional flights.

Qantas CEO International Cam Wallace said: “Japan remains one of the most popular destinations on our international network and is showing no signs of slowing down, with more than half a million Australians visiting between January and May this year alone.”

Japan National Tourism Organisation, Sydney Office Executive Director Naoki Kitazawa added: “We’re delighted to see even more flights between Melbourne and Narita, further strengthening ties between Australia and Japan. Last year we marked an exciting milestone, with over one million Australians visiting Japan.”

(Source: Qantas)

AirAsia checks potential for regional flights to Hua Hin

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Newsdesk
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HUA HIN, Thailand, 6 July 2026: Thai AirAsia, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and the Ministry of Transport, held a consultation meeting last week with 60 tourism business operators in Hua Hin and Cha-am to study the feasibility of opening an international route from Hua Hin Airport. 

Photo credit: AirAsia. Thai AirAsia checks the potential for regional flights to Hua Hin Airport with local tourism leaders in Hua Hin.

Key standouts conclusions

International direct flight routes could be established to Singapore, Taipei, Shanghai, and Kuala Lumpur. 

The target tourist groups include families of three to five people and honeymoon couples. 

Golf/water sports activities and wellness spa are the top attractions, as well as promoting regional events

However, the successful establishment of regional flights to Hua Hin from key regional cities and aviation gateways would require the government and airport operators to increase benefits and incentives for airlines and tourism operators to attract tourists, including reduced fees at the Hua Hin Airport.

Priority tasks

Developing infrastructure and improving transportation links within and between cities would be required, along with Investment projects to create new tourist attractions in the area.

Proactive marketing efforts, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) overseas offices, will be undertaken to promote flight routes and the city of Hua Hin to a wider audience.

AirAsia will use the information received to study further and consider opening international routes in the future.

Thai AirAsia CEO, Pairach Pornpatthananangkoon, acknowledged the government’s push to advance policies to stimulate the economy and distribute income to the regions by upgrading transportation and tourism infrastructure, particularly the development of Hua Hin Airport to accommodate international flights fully, 

“Currently, AirAsia operates four domestic flights per week on the Hua Hin-Chiang Mai route from Hua Hin Airport, and will increase this to daily direct flights in October. We are very pleased to be the first airline to study and reopen international routes, in line with the government’s development plan. We are confident that Hua Hin will become a popular destination for the international market, as it caters to both mainstream and premium markets, offering unique health and sports tourism activities,” said Pairach.

(Source: AirAsia)

T+L leads relaunch of Phuket resort

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Newsdesk
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PHUKET, 6 July 2026: Travel + Leisure Co. (NYSE:TNL) has relaunched the former Wyndham Sea Pearl Resort Phuket following a transformation and repositioning, unveiling a new identity as Club Wyndham Patong Hill Phuket. 

The resort debuts as a new premium offering and is the first Club Wyndham-branded resort in Thailand.

Photo credit: T+L. Club Wyndham Patong Hill Resort.

The leading leisure travel company holds a direct stake in the resort through two of its vacation clubs, Club Wyndham South Pacific and Club Wyndham Asia. Now the 242-room resort is being introduced as a reimagined vacation destination within the Club Wyndham portfolio, with investment in elevated guest experiences, contemporary design, and enhanced service standards.

Extensive work is already underway at the resort, positioned as a retreat featuring eight pools, Carissa Day Spa, the restaurant and bar Alfa Fire & Grill, the pool bar, and the fitness centre, all of which are being progressively renovated.

A central element of the transformation is the creation of a village square precinct – the social heart of the resort. 

As part of the property’s transformation, Travel + Leisure Co has made ongoing investments in service excellence, expanding the resort team and providing specialised training led by the company’s hospitality experts. 

“Club Wyndham Patong Hill Phuket represents an exciting new chapter for this resort as it is reintroduced as a premium holiday experience in Phuket. With its location, expansive grounds, tranquil surrounds and incredible facilities, Club Wyndham Patong Hill has long had the potential to become one of the area’s go-to destinations – a potential we intend to see fully realised,” said Travel + Leisure Co  President and Managing Director, International Operations, Barry Robinson.

“We are focused on investing in both the physical product and the guest experience, ensuring it reflects the signature standards that vacation club owners and guests expect across the Club Wyndham portfolio. The continued evolution of the resort will further enhance its appeal as a standout destination,” he added. 

Club Wyndham Patong Hill can be booked by Club Wyndham South Pacific and Club Wyndham Asia members, and by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts portfolio members, as an independent resort under the Trademark Collection by Wyndham brand. It is also accessible through Wyndham Rewards, the award-winning loyalty program of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, which has more than 124 million enrolled members worldwide and gives them access to more than 8,400 hotels across 25 brands.

Travel + Leisure Co. is the developer of Club Wyndham South Pacific and Club Wyndham Asia and has a portfolio of more than 100 properties across the Asia Pacific region.

(Source: T+L)

Saudia scores Middle East APEX award

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Newsdesk
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JEDDAH, 6 July 2026: Saudia, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, won the 2026 APEX Award for Best Cabin Service in the Middle East. 

The award was presented during the APEX Awards ceremony held in Dublin, Ireland, last week, as part of the Future Travel Experience (FTE) EMEA event, a leading aviation industry platform focused on innovation and the future of the guest journey.

Photo credit: Saudia.

APEX’s global airline ratings programme is built on independent, verified passenger feedback, placing the voice of travellers at the centre of the awards process. 

For the 2026 awards, more than 1 million flights from over 600 airlines worldwide were evaluated, with assessment categories covering cabin service, seat comfort, food and beverage quality, entertainment systems, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Saudia Chief Guest Experience Officer Rossen Dimitrov said: “This award is a tribute to Saudia’s cabin crew, whose professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail define the onboard experience for our guests every day. It reflects the strength of our service culture and the progress we are making in bringing Saudi hospitality to life with greater consistency across our global network. As we continue to invest in the guest journey, our focus remains on delivering an experience that is thoughtful, reliable, and distinctly Saudia.”

 (Source: Saudia)

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