DOHA, 30 April 2026: Qatar Airways continues to reinstate its global network, announcing the return of daily flights to Bahrain (BAH) and Kozhikode (CCJ), starting 1 May 2026.
These resumptions follow the airline’s recent announcement confirming the return of daily services to Dubai (DXB) and Sharjah (SHJ) from 23 April 2026, and to Damascus (DAM) from 1 May 2026, providing passengers with greater flexibility and enhanced connectivity across the Middle East and beyond.
Photo credit: Qatar Airways.
Building on this momentum, Qatar Airways is advancing the phased restoration of its global network, enhancing passenger access to key markets across six continents.
However, Qatar Airways advises passengers to regularly check its official website or app and ensure their contact details are correct and up to date.
Passengers holding tickets issued by 30 April 2026, with travel dates between 28 February and 15 September 2026, are eligible for:
Complimentary date changes to a new travel date up to 31 October 2026 when rebooking on flights operated by Qatar Airways, subject to availability and fare seasonality.
A refund of the unused ticket value – standard fare rules apply. Refunds may take up to 28 working days to be processed.
If a flight is impacted, passengers will be eligible for:
Additional fee-free changes until 31 October 2026, maintaining the same cabin originally booked, irrespective of fare seasonality.
A refund of the unused ticket value, without penalty. Refunds may take up to 28 working days to be processed.
BANGKOK, 30 April 2026: Spring Airlines has operated four weekly direct flights between Shenzhen (SZX) and Phuket (HKT) since the end of March and now plans to increase flights to daily by September, according to online flight schedules.
Using an A320 aircraft with 180 seats, the airline operates four weekly flights on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday with a flight time of three hours and 40 minutes.
Photo credit: Spring Airlines.
The new route is an important addition to the airline’s Southeast Asian network, mainly serving leisure travellers seeking budget-friendly options between the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen and Phuket, a popular resort island in southern Thailand.
Flight Schedule
9C8781 departs Shenzhen (SZX) at 0555 and arrives in Phuket (HKT) at 0840. (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday). 9C8782 departs Phuket (HKT) at 2320 and arrives in Shenzhen (SZX) at 0405 (plus a day)
Shenzhen is a major hub for Spring Airlines, and the route to Phuket complements flights to Bangkok and Phuket, Thailand, from other hubs such as Shanghai and Guangzhou.
Based on current flight logs and schedule filings, the route is part of the airline’s Spring/Summer 2026 schedule expansion, which officially took effect on 29 March 2026.
While the airline’s other regional routes to Singapore and Japan had earlier restarts, the Shenzhen-Phuket direct connection was scheduled to capture the 2026 post-Songkran and early-summer travel demand.
Spring Airlines is scaling up its presence on the Shenzhen (SZX) to Phuket (HKT) route, aiming for daily flights by the end of September.
This daily schedule is designed to coincide with the start of the peak travel season on Phuket Island, which kicks in October. The expansion is part of a broader optimisation pursued by Chinese LCCs this year that focuses on turning existing successful routes, such as the Shenzhen-Phuket flights, into high-frequency corridors rather than on opening new routes to new destinations.
SINGAPORE, 30 April 2026: Tripadvisor, a travel guidance platform, announced the winners of its annual 2026 Travelers’ Choice® Awards: Best of the Best Things To Do.
The awards highlight the highest-rated experiences and attractions around the world and in the US, based on millions of Tripadvisor reviews and ratings from its global community.
Photo credit: Tripadvisor — Porto City centre.
The Top Experiences, both in the US and globally, are recognised tours that bring travellers closer to their destinations, exploring culture and natural surroundings.
The Unvanquished Tour in Porto City Centre has reclaimed the No 1 Top Experience in the world for the second time, winning in both 2024 and this year. Travellers love this tour for its coverage of Porto’s history, architecture, and local food and drink recommendations.
In the US, outdoor exploration dominates the rankings, with the Lower Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day Tour with Lunch taking the No 1 spot. This full-day experience features stunning Southwest landscapes and is led by a local Navajo guide who explains the canyon’s geology and cultural significance.
Claiming the top spot on the newly introduced New York City list is the Central Park Pedicab Guided Tours, with thousands of five-star reviews. Travellers praised the knowledgeable local tour guides, the photo opportunities along the way, and noted this tour as the best way to see all the highlights of one of the world’s most iconic parks.
This year’s Once in a Lifetime section highlights life-changing experiences, such as snorkelling between tectonic plates in Reykjavik, Iceland. One of the world’s most dramatic snorkelling sites, it’s a glacier meltwater-filled rift formed by the drift of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.
“This is hard-won recognition, shaped by millions of travellers who booked, showed up, and rated what was actually worth their time,” said Tripadvisor Group. Chief Communications Officer Laurel Greatrix.
“There’s a clear theme in this year’s winners: they bring out what makes a destination unique. These aren’t experiences that fill an itinerary — they’re the experiences that give you a better way to understand a place.”
Top Experiences
From immersive city tours and a four-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu to pub crawls and scenic boat cruises, this year’s list spans a world of adventure and culture across the most sought-after destinations.
SINGAPORE, 30 April 2026: Etihad Airways and Air Cambodia have launched a codeshare partnership this week, giving Etihad customers improved flight access to Cambodia’s iconic Angkor Wat temple complex in Siem Reap.
Etihad customers can book flights from across its network to Siem Reap via Phnom Penh on a single ticket, with baggage checked through to their final destination.
Photo credit: Etihad. Codeshare agreement with Air Cambodia.
Beyond the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, Siem Reap offers night markets, traditional Khmer cuisine, and rich cultural experiences that draw visitors from around the world. Air Cambodia passengers will also be able to book Etihad’s service between Phnom Penh and Abu Dhabi.
Etihad Airways Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer Arik De said: “Cambodia is an important and growing market within our network, with increasing demand for travel to and from the destination. This partnership with Air Cambodia enables us to extend that reach, providing our guests with seamless access between Siem Reap and the wider region through a single booking via Abu Dhabi.”
Air Cambodia Chief Commercial Officer Eng Molina added: “The partnership with Etihad strengthens connections between Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Our passengers gain direct access to Abu Dhabi, an important hub for business, trade, and tourism, while Etihad’s customers can explore Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage. We look forward to welcoming more visitors to discover the wonders of Angkor Wat and beyond.”
Additionally, Etihad guests can access Air Cambodia’s Vietnam network through the airlines’ interline partnership, opening up further travel options across Southeast Asia, including Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Phu Quoc.
Etihad introduced flights to Phnom Penh in October 2025.
Etihad postpones return to Chiang Mai
Meanwhile, online booking sites confirm that Etihad Airways will not resume direct flights between its home base in Abu Dhabi and Chiang Mai in northern Thailand during its summer timetable. The airline had previously planned to fly the route four times weekly, effective the first week of April.
Instead, the airline has now scheduled its Abu Dhabi-Chiang Mai service to resume on 25 October at the start of the winter timetable with daily direct flights on a 170-seat A321neo. Flight time will be five hours and 40 minutes.
The suspension is part of broader regional adjustments following the outbreak of hostilities between Israel, the US and Iran since February. During the winter 2025/2026 season, Etihad Airways operated direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Chiang Mai, starting on 4 November, 2025, with four flights weekly (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday).
Daily flights scheduled on 25 October
EY426 departs Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 2115 and arrives in Chiang Mai (CNX) at 0505 (plus a day). EY427 departs Chiang Mai (CNX) at 0850 and arrives in Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 1305.
SHENZHEN, 29 April 2026: PKFARE, a leading travel wholesaler, announced this week the launch of a flight-plus-hotel packaging partnership with Wano, a B2B travel distribution platform, and AirAsia MOVE, a leading online travel agency in ASEAN — both under Capital A’s portfolio of businesses.
This collaboration marks PKFARE’s expansion into hotel packaging services. Under the collaboration, Wano manages flight distribution, AirAsia MOVE drives consumer demand, and PKFARE powers the underlying technology infrastructure that integrates inventory, pricing, and real-time packaging capabilities into a unified system. It also reflects a broader shift in travel behaviour, as AI-driven trip planning and more connected booking journeys push travellers away from standalone flight and hotel purchases towards packaged, experience-led itineraries.
Flight + hotel packaging
The PKFARE, Wano, and AirAsia MOVE packaging model is built around AirAsia Airlines’ real flight schedules, route-level demand, and airline promotional campaigns. This ensures hotel offers are positioned within relevant travel flows, instead of being surfaced through broad, non-specific search results.
PKFARE’s packaging engine dynamically builds bundles based on live flight availability and hotel pricing, improving competitiveness, enhancing conversion, and reducing friction between flight and accommodation components.
PKFARE, Wano and AirAsia MOVE packaging solution enables hotels to tap into airline-driven demand, shape it, optimise occupancy, and diversify their distribution mix as part of a broader revenue strategy.
PKFARE CEO Jason Song said: “By collaborating with Wano and AirAsia MOVE, we are connecting live airline inventory and route-level demand signals with hotel supply in real time. Unlike static or pre-built bundles, this model allows hotels to participate in packaging with far greater precision — capturing demand that is already intent-driven while gaining access to a distribution layer that is more dynamic, measurable, and scalable than traditional packaging models.”
About PKFARE PKFARE, a subsidiary of DerbySoft Group, is a leading global travel wholesaler focused on curating high-quality content and driving efficiency to fuel real growth. Its live inventory includes 600+ airlines (400+ full-service carriers and 200+ low-cost carriers) and a million hotels across 100+ countries, serving more than 2,000 active clients worldwide.
About Wano Established in September 2025, Wano Connect (Wano) is Capital A’s specialist B2B travel distribution platform and the exclusive distribution system for AirAsia. With a vast network of 16,000 travel agents, 100 OTAs, and aggregators, the company drives superior sales performance and connectivity in the world’s fastest-growing markets.
About AirAsia MOVE AirAsia MOVE is Capital A’s travel platform offering over 700 global airlines and more than a million hotels worldwide, alongside a full suite of travel services including airport transfers, travel insurance, duty-free shopping, attractions, and live-event ticketing.
MALDIVES, 29 April 2026: dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, an all-inclusive lifestyle resort operated by Dusit Hotels and Resorts and located just a seven-minute speedboat transfer from Velana International Airport, has unveiled Feydhoo Hall, a new multi-purpose events venue designed to support the growing demand for destination weddings, corporate retreats, and group travel experiences in the Maldives.
As the country continues to diversify beyond traditional leisure travel, the destination welcomed a record 2.25 million international visitors in 2025, underscoring its global appeal and creating new opportunities to expand into niche MICE segments, including incentive travel, curated group experiences, and small corporate gatherings. Feydhoo Hall has been developed to cater to this shift.
Feydhoo Hall is designed to meet the growing demand for destination weddings, corporate retreats, and group travel experiences in the Maldives.
At the centre of the new event complex is Feydhoo Hall, a 390 sq m multifunctional venue designed to accommodate a wide variety of event formats. The space can host up to 300 guests in theatre-style configuration, 240 guests for banquet events, 200 guests for cocktail receptions, and 144 guests in cluster-round seating, providing flexibility for conferences, weddings, and social celebrations alike.
Complementing the main hall is a collection of integrated event spaces that enable organisers to design dynamic, immersive programmes. The 110 sq m Veranda Terrace offers a relaxed setting for welcome receptions, networking sessions, or breakout discussions. In contrast, the expansive 1,000 sq m event lawn provides a striking open-air backdrop for sunset ceremonies, gala dinners, and large-scale celebrations, accommodating up to 400 guests for cocktail events and 350 guests for banquet-style occasions.
The multifunctional venue can accommodate up to 300 guests in theatre-style configuration, 240 for banquet events, 200 for cocktail receptions, and 144 in cluster-round seating.
For smaller gatherings, the 55 sq m Ekugai Meeting Room provides an intimate, focused environment ideal for executive meetings, strategy sessions, or workshops, hosting up to 30 guests in theatre or dining layout, and 24 guests in cluster-round configuration.
Together, these interconnected spaces allow planners to craft multi-dimensional programmes that balance productivity with memorable destination moments, reflecting a growing preference for events that combine structured agendas with the appeal of an island setting.
“Feydhoo Hall reflects our vision to support the continued evolution of the Maldives as a destination for experiential gatherings and celebrations,” said dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives General Manager. Yogeswaran Veerasamy. “We are seeing growing interest in destination weddings, creative retreats, and boutique conferences where the setting plays as important a role as the programme itself. This new venue allows us to meet that demand while maintaining the vibrant lifestyle energy that defines the dusitD2 brand.”
For event guests wishing to stay at the resort, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives offers 127 contemporary villas across seven categories, ranging from 77 to 306 sq m, each blending modern comfort with tropical island charm. Most feature open-plan interiors, expansive outdoor decks, and private plunge pools.
Guests also enjoy access to a wide range of all-inclusive leisure and wellness experiences, including the signature Namm Spa, a multi-court sports centre, and several distinctive restaurants and bars such as Midi, the Mediterranean-inspired beach club, Soi, showcasing modern Thai flavours, The Cocoon, a lively café-bar concept, and Baravelli, the resort’s all-day dining venue.
SINGAPORE, 29 April 2026: The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) has opened its regional German National Tourist Office (GNTO) in Singapore, marking a significant step in expanding Germany’s tourism outreach across Southeast Asia.
The GNTO is based at the Singapore-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (SGC). Tourism executives and institutional partners celebrated the launch of the GNTB’s Singapore office on the evening of 28 April.
The establishment of a dedicated base in Singapore underscores the growing importance of Southeast Asia as a key inbound market for Germany. Between 2015 and 2025, overnight stays from Southeast Asia in Germany increased by 216,204 (+14%), reflecting resilient demand and continued travel interest in the destination.
In 2025, the region accounted for 1.73 million overnight stays in Germany. Southeast Asian travellers are also a high-value segment: in 2025, travel-related revenue reached EUR 1. 34 billion, with an average length of stay of 10.3 nights.
The GNTB was represented in the Southeast Asia market from 2017 to 2020, but the office closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The return to Singapore reflects renewed momentum and long-term commitment to the region, supported by positive regional economic fundamentals, with Southeast Asia projected to record 4% economic growth in 2025. (Source: Germany Trade & Invest – GTAI).
The Singapore GNTO will serve as a hub for the GNTB’s sales and marketing activities across key ASEAN markets, including Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. In close collaboration with the German travel industry, private -sector partners, and trade associations, the GNTO develops targeted campaigns to strengthen Germany’s position as a preferred business and travel destination.
The establishment of our Singapore GNTO marks an important milestone in strengthening Germany’s tourism presence in Southeast Asia. As a dynamic and well-connected market, Singapore provides an ideal platform to deepen engagement with key ASEAN countries.
Following a competitive tender process, we have opted to establish our GNTO within the Singapore-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce, given its strong network and support for German-Singapore business cooperation. We look forward to working closely with our partners to further position Germany as a diverse and attractive destination for both leisure and business travellers,” said German National Tourist Board (GNTB) CEO Petra Hedorfer.
With this new GNTO, the GNTB expands its footprint in Asia, complementing its existing presence in Tokyo and Beijing and strengthening its on-the-ground engagement with Southeast Asian markets. The Singapore GNTO will also support stronger partnerships with airlines, the travel trade, and tourism stakeholders, and enable more market-specific activations aligned with evolving traveller preferences.
SINGAPORE, 29 April 2026: Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company presented the highlights of its 2026 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, earlier this week, promising a new development phase anchored in “global expansion, sustainable growth, and long-term value creation for shareholders, underscored by a 30% dividend payout on its 2025 results.
In 2025, Vietjet recorded positive business results, exceeding the set targets. The airline operated 135 aircraft, including 101 aircraft based in Vietnam, across 254 routes. It transported 28.2 million passengers on more than 153,000 flights.
Vietjet’s 2026 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders marks the beginning of a new phase of development, driven by a global vision, sustainable growth, and long-term shareholder value.
Strong 2025 Performance exceeds targets
Vietjet reported consolidated revenue of VND82.093 trillion (SGD3.98 billion), while profit after tax reached VND2.123 trillion ( SGD102.90 million). This represented a 51.2% increase and achieved 120% of the company’s target. The airline also contributed VND10.537 trillion (SGD510.07 million) in direct and indirect taxes and fees.
At the AGM, shareholders approved a 30% dividend payout in shares, reflecting Vietjet’s continued commitment to delivering value to investors.
In 2025, Vietjet also placed orders for 100 Airbus A321neo aircraft, with 50 additional purchase options, and 20 Airbus A330neo wide-body aircraft. These orders position Vietjet among the airlines with the largest aircraft order books globally.
These figures reflect Vietjet’s efficient, safe and reliable operational capacity, growth momentum, and outstanding resilience amidst a volatile global aviation industry.
Global strategy — scaling up the ecosystem
Entering 2026, Vietjet remains committed to its strategy of “Fly the world – Reach new heights”, with a focus on expanding its international network and strengthening its aviation ecosystem.
The airline is targeting key long-haul markets, including Europe and the US, while developing a modern fleet comprising Airbus A321neo, Airbus A330neo and Boeing 737-8 aircraft. Vietjet is also deepening strategic partnerships with leading global aviation companies, including Rolls-Royce, CFM and Pratt & Whitney.
As part of its long-term development strategy, Vietjet is pioneering the establishment of an International Aviation Finance Centre, in collaboration with the Vietnam International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City. The airline is also investing in its wide-body fleet and Business class cabins, which have been well received by customers, particularly on long-haul routes.
Vietjet Chairwoman, Dr Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo, affirmed the airline is committed to delivering value not only through the 2025 results, but through a future of disciplined, sustainable growth and expanding opportunities.
Vietjet’s Board of Directors and Independent Member Dr Philipp Rösler shared: “Vietjet has long prepared for the expansion of its flight network to Europe. With a model that combines cost-effective management and essential services, Vietjet will maintain its competitive cost advantage while providing a wonderful experience for passengers on long-haul flights.”
The airline is investing in a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul centre at Long Thanh, while also carrying out ground self-handling services at Vietnam’s two largest airports, Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat, to optimise operational costs.
Vietjet continues to develop the Vietjet Aviation Academy as part of its strategy to secure a pipeline of high-quality aviation talent. In 2025, the academy organised 15,198 courses for 162,100 trainees, representing increases of 53% and 30% respectively compared to 2024.
The airline is also diversifying ancillary products and services to grow revenue, while expanding financial and technological cooperation with global partners. These initiatives are designed to support disciplined, efficient and sustainable growth.
SINGAPORE, 29 April 2026: Air Canada took delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR in Hamburg earlier this week, a next-generation single-aisle aircraft designed to fly longer routes efficiently and with greater passenger comfort.
The arrival of this aircraft, leased from SMBC Aviation Capital, marks an important milestone in Air Canada’s fleet renewal and growth strategy, with a total of 30 A321XLR aircraft (15 to be leased, 15 to be acquired directly from Airbus SAS).
Photo credit: Air Canada.
“The Airbus A321XLR introduces a dynamic new component to Air Canada’s growth strategy, greatly expanding our flexibility to launch new international routes and improve our offering on existing markets. This game-changing aircraft will shortly be deployed across the Atlantic from Montréal and Toronto, while also becoming a staple on key North American transcontinental markets,” said Air Canada Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, and President of Cargo, Mark Galardo.
“By combining transatlantic range with a significant reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions, the A321XLR will further empower Air Canada to unlock ambitious new routes with unprecedented efficiency. We are very proud to see our latest-designed aircraft take flight under the iconic maple leaf,” said Airbus Commercial Aircraft EVP Sales Benoît de Saint-Exupéry.
The A321XLR delivery is the latest step in Air Canada’s multi-year fleet modernisation programme, which focuses on customer experience, operational resilience, and fuel-efficiency improvements compared with older-generation aircraft.
In addition to the A321XLR, Air Canada has announced orders for eight A350-1000s, with deliveries starting in 2030, and 14 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners. It also continues to take deliveries of the Canadian-built Airbus A220, with 23 aircraft remaining on its firm order of 65. Five Boeing 737 MAX aircraft on lease are scheduled for delivery in 2026.
The event will be hosted by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO).
Photo credit: PATA.
“For the first time in a decade, the Association’s flagship travel mart will be organised in Macao, China,” said PATA CEO, Noor Ahmad Hamid. “We had the opportunity to experience the destination’s world-class hospitality in 2010 and 2017 during the first and second PATA Travel Marts held in Macao, and most recently in 2024 during the PATA Annual Summit. Furthermore, MGTO has also been a longstanding supporter of the PATA Gold Awards for more than 30 years.”
He added: “We look forward to jointly working with MGTO in preparation for the travel mart, as well as bringing our global network of leading exhibitors and buyers to the destination next year.”
PATA Travel Mart is one of Asia Pacific’s longest-standing international travel trade exhibitions. Structured as a three-day event, PTM 2027 will feature networking and contracting opportunities to help travel and tourism organisations gain access to influential decision-makers across the Asia Pacific. Buyers and exhibitors will expand their professional network and strengthen existing business partnerships to reinforce their foundation and ensure robust growth.
Alongside the main travel trade show, PTM 2027 will offer delegates access to a full-day insight forum on the latest tourism trends, the PATA Gold Awards 2027 celebration, and additional social functions across the three-day programme.
