SEOUL, South Korea, 26 May 2026: T’way Air is offering fare discounts across 18 Japan–Korea routes. Bookings made through 31 May are eligible, with travel valid through 24 October 2026.
The discounts apply to flights between five Korean cities — Seoul (Incheon), Cheongju, Daegu, Busan, and Jeju — and seven Japanese cities: Tokyo (Narita), Osaka, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Okinawa, Kumamoto, and Saga.
Photo credit: T’way Air.
Offers available through 31 May
UP to 10% off bookings with promo code 26 MAY, departures from Tokyo (Narita), Osaka, Fukuoka, Saga, Kumamoto, Sapporo, and Okinawa, for travel through 24 October 2026.
¥3,000 Regular Coupon on round-trip bookings, downloadable through 31 May, travel through 24 October 2026.
Summer and fall are Korea’s busiest travel months. In Seoul, the Changdeokgung Palace Moonlight Tour lights up the historic grounds in May, while the Seoul International Garden Show fills the city with colour from May through October.
Fried chicken and beer under the lights along the Han River, warm hotteok at Gwangjang Market, brunch in Yeonnam-dong’s cafés, and late-night runs to the convenience store. Further south, Waterbomb Festival brings music and crowds to Seoul and Busan in July and August, with Busan closing the season in October as host to its International Film Festival and Rock Festival.
About T’way Air T’way Air is a South Korea-based low-cost carrier (LCC) providing reliable air travel services since 2010. The airline operates a fleet that includes Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 aircraft, as well as Airbus A330, A320 and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, serving customers across 60 destinations in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia, as well as Oceania, Europe and North America.
LONDON, 26 May 2026: Oneworld Alliance expands its presence at London’s Heathrow Airport to 14 member airlines, now that Alaska Airlines has introduced a direct London-Seattle service.
This summer, oneworld airlines will offer nearly 2,800 weekly departures directly connecting London Heathrow to over 160 destinations in more than 60 countries. Alongside an extensive global network, oneworld customers enjoy premium facilities at LHR, including 13 First and Business Class lounges offered by British Airways, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qantas and Qatar Airways across Terminals 3, 4 and 5.
Flight attendants of all 14 oneworld carriers serving London Heathrow.
London is also the leading destination for international travellers planning round-the-world trips, with 71% of bookings made so far this year on oneworld’s website, including the city as part of a multi-stop itinerary.
Last year, around 29 million oneworld customers flew from, to or through London Heathrow, of which almost 30% were connecting between oneworld member airlines.
Oneworld’s CEO Ole Orvér said: “With service from the most oneworld carriers and nearly 400 daily departures, London Heathrow is a cornerstone of our global network, where our members work together to deliver smooth connectivity for millions of customers every year. It is also one of the world’s leading business travel markets, with more than 160,000 premium seats offered weekly by our airlines, and we are delighted to welcome Alaska Airlines as it launches its inaugural Seattle service from Heathrow, further expanding travel choices for oneworld customers.”
At London Heathrow, oneworld member airlines operate from:
Terminal 3: Alaska Airlines (effective 22 May 2026), American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Japan Airlines, Qantas, Royal Jordanian and SriLankan Airlines
Terminal 4: Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Oman Air, Royal Air Maroc
Terminal 5: British Airways and Iberia oneworld’s global hubs
BANGKOK, 25 May 2026: Thailand’s premier Indian wedding exhibition, the Masala Wedding Fair, returns for its 13th edition with its most expansive and refined showcase yet.
Together with the Masala Food Festival, the event boasts two worlds that naturally complement one another: celebration and flavour, all under one roof.
The highly anticipated two-day fair will be held on Saturday, 6 June and Sunday, 7 June at the Thai Chitlada Grand Ballroom on the second floor of Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park.
Guests can expect showcases from over 100 exhibitors from Thailand and India, spanning fashion, fine jewellery, culinary experiences, and beverage offerings, complemented by enchanting live performances in dance, vocal, and sound.
With the Masala Food Festival component, the food and beverage line-up of this year’s fair is presented on a notably grander scale, banding together a refined mix of Indian and continental offerings.
Guests can look forward to Japanese highlights from ISAO, Fatboy Izakaya, and Masu Maki & Sushi Bar, accompanied by a distinguished Indian selection including bespoke desserts from Marigold by Chef Garima Arora, the two Michelin-starred chef behind Gaa, as well as dining destinations NILA, Chit Chaat, Indus, Saras and Punjab Grill. Guilty and Gordon Ramsay Restaurants bring a global reference point that needs little introduction. At the same time, Plant Passion, Kynd Kulture, and Sunbird introduce a health-forward thread running through the wider offering. The beverage programme follows suit in its proportions, with Italasia presenting premium wines and spirits, along with tastings, alongside PRAKAAN, Thailand’s first single malt whisky. For fans of Indian spirits, guests can sample from a diverse array of premium Indian whiskeys, gins, and even feni.
Accompanying the food and beverage offerings, the Masala Wedding Fair & Masala Food Festival presents a wider lifestyle and shopping experience spanning fashion, jewellery, and fragrance.
Featured designers include Suwannee by Sam, a Thai-Indian couture label, alongside Lenskart eyewear and MY ONLY FRAGRANCE from Kyoto, a bespoke perfumery experience centred on personal scent creation. In fine jewellery, Rawat Jewels, Khanna Jewellers, and Envie Jewellery present collections that showcase intricate craftsmanship for both special occasions and everyday wear.
For guests curious about Indian heritage, the Masala Wedding Fair & Masala Food Festival offers an immersive encounter with cultural traditions and celebrations alike.
Expect a varied programme of performances spanning Indian dance, vocal showcases, and musical acts that capture the vivacious energy and spirit of a grand Indian wedding. In addition to entertainment, this year’s edition introduces the tradition of Ayurveda through bespoke offerings presented at the exhibition.
Be it a search for destinations, wedding vendors, culinary affairs, retail therapy, or simply drawn to the vibrancy and flavours of Indian culture, the Masala Wedding Fair & Masala Food Festival offers a full-spectrum experience.
Key Information:
Date: 6 & 7 June 2026
Location: Thai Chitlada Grand Ballroom at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park
199 Sukhumvit Soi 22, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toey, Bangkok, 10110
Time: 1100 to 2000.
Admission is free.
About Masala Masala is a multi-faceted brand recognised as the voice of Thailand’s Indian community. Producing a range of print and digital media publications, the brand caters to the Thai-Indian lifestyle, covering travel, dining, business, fashion, culture, and people stories that impact society, while also serving as an authoritative guide to Indian weddings across the country.
KUCHING, 25 May 2026: The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2026 continues to receive strong backing from strategic partners across aviation, media, sustainability, hospitality, mobility, and corporate sectors, reaffirming industry confidence in one of the region’s internationally recognised music and cultural festivals.
At a time when international tourism markets are navigating shifting travel sentiment, economic pressures, and geopolitical developments, the commitment shown by both public- and private-sector partners reflects the enduring trust placed in RWMF’s cultural relevance, international reputation, and long-term tourism value.
YB Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister for Tourism Sarawak delivering his speech representing YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak during the RWMF 2026 Sponsors’ Appreciation Day held today at Sheraton Hotel Kuching.
Speaking during the RWMF 2026 Sponsors’ Appreciation Day held last week at Sheraton Hotel Kuching,YB Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister for Tourism Sarawak, representing YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative
Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, said the continued support received for RWMF reflects growing confidence in Sarawak’s tourism direction and the international value of culture-led tourism.
“Festivals such as RWMF do far more than entertain. They shape destination identity, strengthen international visibility, encourage cultural exchange, and create meaningful connections between people and places,” he said.
“Through RWMF, the world not only hears music. The world encounters Sarawak, our rainforest, our traditions, our communities, our hospitality, and our spirit.”
The appreciation event brought together sponsors, strategic partners, media organisations, tourism stakeholders, collaborators, and supporting agencies contributing towards the upcoming 29th edition of the festival.
This year’s sponsorship ecosystem reflects continued industry confidence and collaborative support across multiple sectors, reinforcing RWMF’s role as an established regional platform for cultural exchange, destination visibility, tourism engagement, and international connectivity.
Official partners for RWMF 2026
Malaysia Airlines and Firefly are the official airlines.
TV Sarawak as the Official Broadcast Partner, Astro Radio comprising Era FM Sarawak, Sinar FM, Mix FM and Lite FM as Official Radio Partners, and Ripcurl as the Official Apparel Partner.
The festival is further strengthened by organisations across the sustainability, hospitality, beverage, media, mobility, and corporate sectors, includingCuckoo International (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, F&N.
Marketing Sdn Bhd as Non-Alcoholic Beverage Partner, Plaza Merdeka & The Waterfront Hotel Kuching, Media Exchange, Avis Budget Malaysia, Carlsberg Marketing Sdn Bhd, Solarvest Borneo Sdn Bhd (Sarawak), PETROS, and Trienekens (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd.
Together, these sponsors, partners, and collaborators play an important role in strengthening RWMF’s reach, experience, and continued growth as one of Sarawak’s key cultural and tourism platforms.
Sarawak Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Dr Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor said RWMF continues to be shaped by the collective commitment of partners, sponsors, media, collaborators, vendors, performers, crew, and tourism stakeholders who contribute to the festival experience.
“One of the most meaningful things about the Rainforest World Music Festival is that no single organisation can build it alone,” she said. “Every edition of RWMF is shaped by people and partners who continue to contribute their time, expertise, resources, creativity, and belief into making the festival what it is today.”
She added that each sponsor and strategic partner contributes to different parts of the visitor journey, from accessibility and hospitality to media visibility, sustainability implementation, mobility, and the overall festival experience.
As part of its ongoing sustainability efforts, RWMF 2026 will continue to implement initiatives such as Green Ruai, Green Warriors, recycling, water refill stations, waste-reduction measures, and eco-conscious festival operations to encourage more responsible festival experiences and visitor behaviour.
RWMF 2026 is expected to feature over 200 performers from multiple countries, building on the festival’s growing international profile as one of the region’s established music and cultural festivals. The festival was also ranked No 8 in the Top 10 category at the Transglobal World Music Chart – Festival Awards 2025.
Taking place under the theme “Regenerations: Roots & Rhythms,” RWMF 2026 continues to highlight the evolving relationship between heritage and contemporary cultural expression while reinforcing Sarawak’s positioning as the Gateway to Borneo.
The Sponsors’ Appreciation Day concluded with sponsor appreciation presentations, a group photo session, and media engagement activities, celebrating the partnerships and collaborations that continue to shape Sarawak’s cultural and tourism landscape ahead of RWMF 2026.
For more information on Sarawak attractions and tourism, visit: Sarawak Tourism Board.
SINGAPORE, 25 May 2026: Global conflict, policy change and socio-political instability are having an escalating and measurable impact on the international meetings and conferences industry, according to findings from the 2026 Global Socio-Political Impact Survey, led by the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO).
Conducted in partnership with five global business events associations: AIPC, AMC Institute, ICCA, IFES and PCMA, the survey gathered responses from 130 organisations across the globe, providing insight into how the current geopolitical environment is affecting events, destinations, participants and Professional Conference Organisers (PCOs).
IAPCO President Sissi Lignou (left) and CEO Martin Boyle at the IAPCO Press Conference at IMEX Frankfurt 2026.
The findings indicate a significant increase in industry disruption compared with 2025, with 73.84% of respondents saying global conflicts have impacted their ability to plan or host international meetings, up from 53.92% in 2025.
This near-20-percentage-point increase shows that global instability is no longer a background concern for the sector; it is now a central factor in conference planning, destination selection, risk management, and participation.
The research also found that 65.38% of respondents had experienced travel disruptions affecting clients and/or participants, up from 41.67% in 2025, while 58.46% reported reduced international attendance or participation. Almost half reported increased costs to their teams, and 48.46% said costs had increased for clients and/or participants.
IAPCO President Sissi Lignou said the findings demonstrate that geopolitical instability is no longer a peripheral challenge for the sector.
“Conferences and meetings are where knowledge is shared, research is advanced, relationships are built, and industries move forward. These findings show that global socio-political instability is now directly affecting that essential exchange,” said Lignou. “IAPCO Accredited PCOs play a critical role in helping associations, destinations and participants navigate this uncertainty with professionalism, agility and care.”
The impact is already being felt across the event lifecycle: 33.07% of respondents said they had frequently or occasionally had to cancel, postpone or relocate events, or withdraw planned participation due to safety concerns or regional instability. A further 42.31% reported a shift away from destinations perceived as politically or regionally unstable, with respondents avoiding conflict-prone regions.
The survey also highlights the growing influence of government policy on future event planning. 59.32% of respondents said US government policies enacted in 2025 and 2026 had affected their ability to plan and execute events for 2026, 2027 and 2028.
Funding cuts that affect academic and scientific experts’ ability to travel, alongside visa and immigration policies that affect international participants, staff, and speakers, were identified as the most significant policy-related challenges.
IAPCO CEO Martin Boyle noted the research reinforces the critical role of IAPCO Accredited PCOs in supporting informed decision-making: “This research reflects the reality of what PCOs around the world are seeing every day. The meeting and conference industry is operating within increasing complexity, and the role of the Accredited PCO has never been more important.
“From contingency planning and destination advice to stakeholder confidence, budget management and participant safety, PCOs are helping clients adapt to changing global conditions while making informed decisions in a fast-changing world,” said Boyle.
The findings come as IAPCO members continue to deliver significant global impact. In 2025, IAPCO Accredited PCOs organised 23,512 meetings and events worldwide, managed 7,718,808 participants from 187 office locations, and generated EUR17.36 billion in economic impact.
IAPCO says the findings reinforce the need for stronger industry advocacy, reliable data and deeper collaboration across associations, destinations and professional organisers.
Through its global network, IAPCO is working with accredited PCOs, Strategic Partners and destinations to better quantify the impact of global instability on the meetings sector, strengthen contingency planning and advocate for the value of international meetings and conferences.
Martin Boyle added: “The global meetings industry exists to bring people together around issues that matter: science, medicine, education, business, policy and progress. When conflict, policy and instability restrict participation, the impact reaches far beyond individual events. It affects research visibility, the exchange of ideas, and the ability of communities and industries to progress collectively.”
The full report, The Global Socio-Political Impact Survey 2026, is available on the IAPCO website.
DOHA, 25 May 2026: Qatar Airways Group announced last week a post-tax profit of QAR7 billion (USD1.94 billion) for the financial year 2025/26.
The results demonstrate robust performance in the final month, marked by military hostilities in the Persian Gulf, reaffirming its position as one of the most resilient groups in global aviation.
Photo credit: Qatar Airways
Throughout the financial year 2025/26, the airline carried more than 41.8 million passengers, maintaining extensive global connectivity through Hamad International Airport. The group’s cargo division transported more than 1.43 million tonnes of chargeable weight, advancing its position as the world’s largest air freight carrier with a 12% global market share.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Hamad Al-Khater, said: “It is not often that a single financial year asks an organisation to demonstrate both the best of what it can achieve and the depth of what it can withstand. The 2025/26 financial year did both, and the Qatar Airways Group rose to each in turn.
“These results speak to the strength of this Group across every measure that matters — a strong balance sheet, industry-leading operations, partnerships of real depth, and people who maintained the standards this group is known for, even under the most demanding conditions.
“Behind every result are 57,800 people, working across more than 90 countries. In the final weeks of the financial year, many of them were managing an active crisis with a standard of professionalism that defines this organisation as much as any financial metric, and it deserves to be recognised.
“We are actively rebuilding our global network with the confidence that comes from a balance sheet that has never been stronger, partnerships that proved their depth when we needed them most.”
Key achievements during 2025/26
Record-breaking fleet expansion: Qatar Airways Group signed landmark agreements with Boeing and GE Aerospace to acquire and service up to 210 aircraft and 400 engines, among the most significant fleet commitments in commercial aviation history.
World’s Best Airline: For a Record Ninth Time: Qatar Airways was named World’s Best Airline 2025 by Skytrax, an unprecedented recognition that cements its excellence in global aviation.
Cirium Platinum Award for Operational Excellence: Recognising the airline’s 86% on-time performance and elite operational standards, placing it among the world’s top five most punctual carriers.
World’s Most Connected Widebody Fleet: Qatar Airways operates the world’s first and largest Starlink-equipped widebody fleet, with high-speed in-flight connectivity live across Boeing 777, Airbus A350, and Boeing 787-8 aircraft, bringing seamless, free in-flight internet to passengers on routes worldwide, including long-haul and ultra-long-haul.
Looking ahead, Qatar Airways continues to rebuild its global schedule, reaching more than 160 destinations by summer 2026.
HONG KONG, 25 May 2026: AirAsia will relocate its check-in services for international flights departing from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to Terminal 2 (T2) from Terminal 1 (T1), effective 28 May 2026.
Affected guests will receive notifications of this change through their registered contact details. AirAsia members will also receive push notifications in the AirAsia MOVE app.
Photo credit: AirAsia.
Other AirAsia operations, such as boarding flights and baggage claim (for arriving guests), will still be carried out in the old terminal (T1).
Passengers departing from HKG are required to return to T1 after completing check-in in T2, including baggage drop-off.
Both T1 and T2 of HKG Airport are connected. However, it takes approximately a five-minute walk between the two terminals. Check-in counters are available at Row V, International Departure, T2.
AirAsia strongly encourages all passengers, including those making group bookings, to check in online via the airasia.com website or the AirAsia MOVE app.
Mobile and web check-in services are available from 14 days up to one hour before departure. Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least three hours before the scheduled departure time.
TAIPEI, 25 May 2026: Taiwan-based carrier Starlux Airlines has won a Skytrax Five-Star Airline rating, marking the second consecutive year the airline has gained the distinction.
Regarded as the global benchmark for airline excellence, Skytrax recognises carriers that deliver exceptional quality across every stage of the passenger journey. For Starlux, which launched operations in 2020, the continued recognition underscores the airline’s rapid emergence as a leading premium carrier built on service excellence, operational consistency, and a long-term vision to redefine luxury travel.
This recognition comes at a pivotal stage in the airline’s continued international expansion as it scales its long-haul network while maintaining the top-tier service standard that has defined its brand since launch.
As part of its long-haul fleet development, the airline recently introduced its first Airbus A350-1000 and will launch service to Prague on 1 August, marking the airline’s first European route.
About Starlux Airlines Starlux is a boutique international airline serving 31 destinations across Taiwan, the US, Japan, Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. Passengers travelling between Asia and North America can connect through Taipei to five US routes: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Ontario, CA, and Phoenix.
DELHI, 25 May 20226: Air India officially opened its newest signature lounge at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on 23 May, marking another pivot in the ongoing upgrade of the airline’s product and services.
‘The Maharaja Lounge’ is located near Gate A1 in the International Terminal at SFO. Spread over 3,300 sq ft, the lounge features contemporary interiors that blend modern design sensibilities with elements rooted in Indian aesthetics. The lounge offers a seating capacity of 80 guests. It is available to Air India’s first and business class guests, and Platinum and Gold members of the airline’s Maharaja Club loyalty programme.
Photo credit: Air India.
Air India, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Campbell Wilson, said: “The opening of the Maharaja Lounge at San Francisco builds on the recent launch of our flagship lounge at Delhi, marking the beginning of a new generation of signature lounges for Air India. North America has long been a key pillar of Air India’s network, and our continued investments reflect both this commitment and our ambition to introduce a new standard of travel experiences in the region in the time to come.”
The airline’s newest lounge mirrors the design philosophy of the recently launched flagship Maharaja Lounge in Delhi, positioning this as the second in a series of signature lounges envisioned by Air India.
ABU DHABI, UAE, 25 May 2026: Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, has launched a new frequent flyer partnership with Bangkok Airways’ FlyerBonus programme, enabling members of both loyalty programmes to redeem rewards when travelling across either airline’s network.
Etihad Guest members can now redeem miles for award travel across Bangkok Airways’ network to popular tourist destinations in Thailand, such as Samui Island.
Photo credit: Etihad Airways.
Regionally, the partnership applies to PG’s flights to Luang Prabang, Laos, and Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Bangkok Airways’ FlyerBonus members can redeem their points to explore Etihad’s expanding global network, including new destinations like Palma de Mallorca, Krakow and Salalah via its award-winning hub in Abu Dhabi.
Etihad Guest Miles earned can be redeemed across a wide range of rewards, including flights, cabin upgrades, hotels, holidays and shopping through the Etihad Guest Reward Shop, offering members flexibility and choice at every stage of their journey.
Etihad Guest Managing Director Mark Potter said: “Partnering with Bangkok Airways further enhances the value of the Etihad Guest programme, creating more opportunities for members to redeem their miles on every journey, wherever they choose to fly… Thailand is one of our most valued and in-demand markets. This partnership gives our members access to some of the region’s most desirable destinations while redeeming Etihad Guest Miles along the way.”
The new partnership launches as Etihad continues to expand its presence across Southeast Asia. In 2025, Etihad launched multiple new destinations across the region, including Krabi, Chiang Mai, Phnom Penh, Hanoi and Hong Kong, further strengthening connectivity from Abu Dhabi to key Asian markets and creating more opportunities for Etihad Guest members to redeem miles across an increasingly diverse network.
Etihad operates direct flights from Abu Dhabi to four popular leisure destinations across Thailand: Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi and Chiang Mai.
Bangkok remains one of Etihad’s most popular destinations, with six daily flights. From October, Etihad will introduce its flagship A380 on the evening service, significantly increasing capacity ahead of the peak winter travel season and offering travellers greater choice and seamless connectivity between Southeast Asia, Abu Dhabi and beyond.
