KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines Group’s Firefly will launch new services to Krabi (KBV), Siem Reap (SAI) and Cebu (CEB) from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) Terminal 1 from November 2025 onwards, while parent airline Malaysia Airlines resumes flights to Chengdu, China from January 2026.
Firefly will also increase frequencies across its network beginning October 2025 by boosting domestic and regional connectivity with additional flights to Singapore, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Penang, and Johor Bahru.
Photo credit: MAG
MH flies to Chengdu
Malaysia Airlines will commence daily flights between Kuala Lumpur and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) beginning 9 January 2026, increasing the airline’s network in Greater China to seven destinations. The airline currently operates flights to Beijing (PKX), Shanghai (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), Xiamen (XMN), Hong Kong (HKG), and Taipei (TPE).
Malaysia Airlines will also increase frequencies on routes from its home base at Kuala Lumpur International Airport to destinations across ASEAN, India, the Maldives, Bangladesh, Australia and New Zealand.
SINGAPORE, 9 September 2025: Celebrate Double Day 9/9 with Vietjet’s special promotion, offering Singapore travellers direct flights to Phu Quoc, Da Nang, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Passengers can book thousands of tickets at up to 99% off base fares and enjoy 20kg of complimentary checked baggage on all international direct flights. However, the deal is only valid today.
Photo credit: Vietjet. Deals on Singapore to Vietnam routes.
From 0100 to midnight on 9 September 2025 (GMT+8), travellers can enter the promo code SUPERSALE99 when booking on the airline’s website or mobile app to secure Eco tickets at discounts of up to 99% (excludes taxes and fees).
The promotion applies across Vietjet’s entire network of international and Vietnam domestic flights for travel between 1 October 2025 and 27 May 2026 (Specific travel periods may apply depending on routes. Blackout dates may apply).
Between 10 September and 23 September 2025, passengers booking Eco tickets on international routes will also receive 20kg of free checked baggage. Select the 20kg option at no extra cost during booking for travel throughout the festive season.
For Singapore-based travellers, the special fares are available for travel between 1 October 2025 and 31 October 2025 on all Singapore–Vietnam routes, which include flights from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang and Phu Quoc.
Vietjet will increase flights on the Singapore – Da Nang route to twice daily from 21 November 2025 and the Singapore – Phu Quoc route to daily flights from 23 December 2025.
GURUGRAM, India, 9 September 2025: Air India has launched a ‘One India’ promotional sale*, designed to offer travellers from India an attractive flat fare* for flights to any destination in Europe.
Photo credit: Air India.
The ‘One India’ sale simplifies travel planning with seamless connectivity across Air India’s extensive network, encouraging travellers from India to explore Europe’s vibrant cities, cultural landmarks, and scenic destinations at a consistent, affordable fare.
The limited-time offer applies to flights from any point in Air India’s domestic network to any of the airline’s European gateways. This means that a traveller pays the same flat fare for a round-trip from Varanasi to Milan via Delhi as they would for a round-trip from Delhi to Milan.
As part of the promotion, all-inclusive, round-trip fares to anywhere in Europe are as follows: INR47,000 in economy class, INR70,000 in premium economy (on applicable routes) and INR1,40,000 in business class.
The all-inclusive, round-trip fares to London (Heathrow) are as follows: INR49,999 in economy class, INR89,999 in premium economy, and INR1,69,999 in business class.
As an added benefit, every ticket booked under this promotional sale offers one complimentary date change, providing greater flexibility to travellers and peace of mind while planning their trips.
Maharaja Club Members
Maharaj Club members enjoy zero convenience fee along with the special sale fares when they book their tickets after logging into the Air India website or mobile app, thereby unlocking further savings.
The ‘One India’ sale rolled out across all channels on 8 September and continues until 11 September 2025, including travel agents worldwide and Air India’s airport ticketing offices and customer contact centre.
The ‘One India’ sale fares are available for travel until 31 March 2026.
Travellers, including Maharaja Club members, can save up to INR3,000 per passenger by using the promo code FLYAI.
*Fares are subject to availability and may vary due to local taxes and exchange rates.
Air India’s flights to Europe
Air India operates non-stop flights to 10 points in Europe — London (Heathrow), London (Gatwick), Paris (Charles de Gaulle), Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Milan, Copenhagen, Vienna, and Zurich.
KUALA LUMPUR, 8 September 2025: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents declared the 57th edition of the MATTA Fair featured a record-breaking 2,049 booths from 334 participating companies.
Taking place from 5 to 7 September 2025 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), the biannual national fair yet again earned recognition as the country’s ‘Largest Consumers’ Travel Fair, by the Malaysia Book of Records.
Photo credit: MATTA. Opening ceremony for MATTA Fair 5 to 7 September.
Show organiser MATTA noted that the 57th edition attracted a record turnout of travel consumers, drawn to the show by an expanded array of travel packages for domestic and international travel offered by licensed travel agencies, airlines, cruise lines, and hotels.
With the support of MATTA’s partners, the fair recognises the commitment of Sabah as MATTA Fair’s Malaysia’s Favourite Destination, RHB Bank as the Exclusive Platinum Sponsor, Malaysia Aviation Group as the Official Airline Partner and Premier Sponsor, AmLeisure as the Fair’s Media Partner, and Mayoly and Duria as sponsors.
As a leader in sustainable tourism, MATTA presented the largest-ever MATTA Eco & Sustainable Tourism Initiative (MESTI) pavilion. This initiative is powered through collaborations with leading sustainability-focused brands, including RHB Bank, Sabah Tourism Board, Penang Global Tourism, Resorts World Genting, Royal Selangor, AMPSPA, Easy Motorbike, and Pos Malaysia.
Through this meaningful step toward sustainability, MATTA has partnered with independent auditors to measure the carbon footprint of the MATTA Fair across all three days of the event. This initiative aims to understand the impact of the MATTA Fair and take tangible action to promote sustainable practices. MATTA is setting new standards for responsible and sustainable tourism events, while also strengthening its reputation among travellers, partners and industry leaders who value transparency and environmental stewardship.
MATTA Fair consumer highlights
Buyers’ Contest:
MATTA’s flagship crowd favourite, the Buyers’ Contest, returned with exciting prizes. Visitors visiting the MATTA Fair September 2025 who spent a minimum of MYR100 on any travel and holiday packages stood a chance to win round-trip flight tickets to Paris, Japan, Perth and many other destinations. Plus, visitors could also win a brand-new EV Bike.
Ride & Reels: Vlog Your Journey
The Ride & Reels campaign encouraged visitors to commute to the fair sustainably, vlogging their journey for a chance to win tech prizes.
Spin & Win
Visitors who spent a minimum of MYR300 gained a chance to spin the wheel for exclusive gift merchandise.
“This MATTA Fair was a bold step toward a more sustainable and connected future. From its humble beginnings as a modest exhibition, we have now evolved into Malaysia’s largest and most recognised travel Fair, and today it stands as a symbol of how far our industry has come. Moving closer to Visit Malaysia 2026, the MATTA Fair is our way of telling the world that Malaysia is ready to welcome travellers not just with open arms, but with open hearts,” said MATTA President Nigel Wong.
KUALA LUMPUR, 8 September 2025: Sarawak’s participation at MATTA Fair Kuala Lumpur 2025 focused on Kuching’s selection as the 8th destination under Malaysia Airlines’ Bonus Side Trip (BST) programme.
The airline’s international initiative positions Sarawak and the state capital, Kuching, as a must-visit destination for global travellers, while the MATTA Fair provided the ideal stage to share this milestone with a broad audience.
The launch took place on 6 September 2025 at MAG Arena, Level 3, Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), marked by a handshake ceremony between Puan Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Tourism Board, and Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officer of Airlines, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG).
It represented a significant step forward for Sarawak’s tourism journey ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
The BST programme, offered exclusively by Malaysia Airlines, is designed to encourage international travellers to discover more of Malaysia during their trip. Passengers flying into the country on international tickets can add an extra domestic destination at no additional fare, paying only the applicable taxes. With Kuching’s inclusion, Sarawak becomes the first and only Bornean destination in the programme, expanding its reach beyond Peninsular Malaysia.
This outcome stems from the partnership between the STB and MAG, formalised in 2024 to enhance air connectivity and joint tourism promotion in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Kuching’s inclusion in the BST programme reflects a key result of this collaboration.
By being part of the BST programme, Sarawak is positioned as the natural gateway to Borneo, offering international visitors experiences anchored in its CANFF pillars of Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food, and Festivals. Highlights include living cultures shaped by 34 ethnic groups, the twin UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Gunung Mulu National Park and Niah National Park, distinctive gastronomy with Kuching recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, and globally renowned festivals such as the Rainforest World Music Festival. Sarawak’s ability to deliver this complete experience within a single journey distinguishes it from other destinations, while strengthening its brand as ‘More to Discover.’
“Inclusion in Malaysia Airlines’ Bonus Side Trip (BST) programme reflects the strong partnership we have built with Malaysia Aviation Group since the signing of our Memorandum of Understanding in 2024,” said Sarawak Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Puan Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor. “Through this initiative, Sarawak is broadening its international reach and reinforcing its commitment to sustainable tourism growth as we prepare for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.”
About Sarawak Tourism Board Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) is the key promoter for Sarawak and has built a strong track record of global recognition for its innovative campaigns, destination branding, and commitment to sustainability. In 2025, STB’s “Gateway to Borneo” campaign received the PATA Gold Award for Best Destination Marketing Campaign (Destination Management Organisation – Asia).
SINGAPORE, 8 September 2025; Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, the parent company that operates Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, celebrates 10 years of expansion in the Asia Pacific.
The anniversary coincides with the official opening of its new Sydney office, harbourside location in the heart of Barangaroo, marking a decade since the company first established its presence in the region.
(Photo credit: Tim Faircloth). (L-R): Steve Odell, SVP International and Consumer Sales, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Ben Angell, Vice President and Managing Director Asia Pacific for Norwegian Cruise Line.
Last week, the three cruise lines honoured the milestone with a tri-brand celebration at their new Sydney office, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the Asia Pacific headquarters.
Since establishing its inaugural sales and marketing hub in Sydney in October 2015, the company has grown from approximately 20 employees across Australasia to 200 staff engaged in sales, public relations, marketing, administrative services, and operations.
This regional success has unfolded alongside NCLH’s global expansion, from a fleet of 22 ships in 2015 to 34 vessels in 2025, offering more than 71,000 berths and itineraries to over 700 locales worldwide. Thirteen new vessels will join the fleet by 2036.
SINGAPORE, 8 September 2025: Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas marked a construction milestone, completing its float-out ceremony last week.
The ship continues to take shape at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, ahead of its summer 2026 debut in Europe. The teams behind the construction celebrated the float-out moment ahead of its August 2026 debut.
Photo credit Royal Caribbean. Legend of the Sea float-out from dry dock.
The third in Icon Class lineup is set to make waves and deliver the boldest experiences yet across eight onboard neighbourhoods that will feature a Category 6 waterpark and the Crown’s Edge — part skywalk, part ropes course and part thrill ride.
Legend will deliver summer 2026 adventures in Europe on seven-night Western Mediterranean vacations before making a grand Caribbean debut in November 2026 with six-night Western Caribbean and eight-night Southern Caribbean vacations.
Legend will also be the vacation company’s fourth ship, fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG), featuring industry-leading environmental programmes with applications ranging from waste heat recovery systems to shore power connections. Royal Caribbean Group plans to introduce a net-zero cruise ship by 2035.
HONG KONG, 8 September 2025: Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) launched a new free local tour service last Friday designed exclusively for transfer passengers to explore Hong Kong’s culture and iconic attractions, all within a single layover.
Tour participants can enjoy fast-track immigration clearance upon arrival and departure at HKIA, ensuring smooth access in and out of the restricted areas and timely boarding.
AAHK Chief Executive Officer Vivian Cheung.
The new tour service is jointly organised by Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) and Trip.com. Air-to-air transfer passengers with a layover of at least seven hours can join for free.
The launch ceremony, hosted at the airport last Friday, was officiated by AAHK, Chief Executive Officer Vivian Cheung and Trip.com, Jane Sun.
Designed for transit passengers, the free half-day tours include the “Heritage and Local Lifestyle Citywalk”, which provides guided walks through the neighbourhoods of historic Hong Kong, and the “Victoria & West Kowloon Waterfront Journey”, featuring the city’s iconic harbour night views.
Beginning in December 2025, the “Serenity & Stories: A Harmony Journey” will showcase Hong Kong’s countryside.
To join the tours, travellers must hold a valid visa or meet the entry requirements set by the Hong Kong SAR Government. Eligible transfer passengers can either pre-book the service online before their departure to Hong Kong or register on-site at HKIA upon arrival.
The Free Layover Tour is the first service of HKIA’s wider Transfer Programme, which will include offerings, such as interactive mobile games and cultural workshops, to elevate the transfer experience at HKIA for passengers with varying layover durations and interests.
SINGAPORE, 8 September 2025: Set to take place from 6 to 8 October 2025 at Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Web in Travel (WiT) has confirmed its 2025 theme: The Next 20, marking the event’s 20th anniversary.
WiT has chronicled the evolution of travel through the digital age. As artificial intelligence accelerates, demographics shift, and societal change reshapes the global landscape, “The Next 20” will explore how travel must reinvent itself to remain relevant, resilient, and human.
Photo credit: WiT.
Will AI rewrite how we discover and book travel, or rewire the traveller’s brain entirely? Will science and art converge to spark a new travel renaissance? What becomes of intermediaries when the funnel flattens and choice becomes conversation?
“As we embark on The Next 20, we’re not just looking ahead, we’re mastering reinvention,” said Web in Travel CEO and co-founder Siew Hoon Yeoh. “The Next 20 belongs to those who can see what’s coming, build what’s needed and lead with imagination, not just innovation.”
Featured speakers include leaders from Expedia Group, Booking.com, Klook, JetBlue Ventures, Trip.com, and GlobalTix, among others.
The programme will include WiT’s signature Coffee Chats, debates, and panels, as well as invite-only sessions such as the Next Generation Leaders Unconference and the Global Travel Tech Thinktank. For more information and registration, visit the official WiT Singapore 2025 website
SINGAPORE, 8 September 2025: United will resume flights to Tel Aviv, Israel, from Chicago O’Hare and Washington Dulles international airports on 1 and 2 November, respectively.
This marks the first time United has operated these flights since 2023. United offers more flights to Tel Aviv than any other US airline. It will be the only airline operating flights between Tel Aviv and both Chicago and Washington, DC. Flights from Chicago begin on 1 November and will operate four times weekly. Three weekly flights from Washington, DC will start on 2 November.
“The resumption of these flights underscores United’s longstanding commitment to Tel Aviv,” said United’s senior vice president of Global Network Planning and Alliances. Patrick Quayle.
United currently offers twice daily flights between Tel Aviv and Newark/New York, and has flown more to Tel Aviv this year than any other US airline. United’s services to Tel Aviv are subject to a detailed assessment of operational, safety, and security considerations in the region.
In the past, United flew from San Francisco (SFO) to Tel Aviv, but the route is currently suspended.
