Travel News Page 205
flydubai launches double-daily service to Bangkok, expanding presence in Thailand
flydubai today announced the launch of double-daily flights to Bangkok, bringing its operations to Thailand to 28 weekly flights. The new service will commence on 15 September 2026, operating from Terminal 3 at Dubai International (DXB) to Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) in Bangkok.
Jetstar helps to grow New Zealand tourism with expanded trans-Tasman services
Jetstar has revealed it carried more than 700,000 customers across the Tasman in 2025 – an increase of nine per cent on the previous year – as it partners with Tourism New Zealand in Australia, on a new campaign. The New Zealand Sale campaign is launching in Australia today with Jetstar offering 20,000 trans-Tasman fares starting from just $164 one-way to further drive inbound travel demand.
Air Canada discloses order for eight Airbus A350-1000s
Air Canada has disclosed a firm order for eight Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, marking a pivotal upgrade to the airline’s long-haul fleet strategy with an additional commitment to Airbus widebody aircraft. The order was listed as undisclosed in November 2025.
Allegris Business Class seats in the Boeing 787-9 now available for booking
With Allegris, Lufthansa introduced a completely redesigned cabin concept for long-haul flights in the summer of 2024. The Allegris cabin has been flying around the world from Munich in the Airbus A350-900 for over a year and a half, and since October 2025, Allegris has also been flying from Frankfurt in brand-new Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
Immersive Theater “SoraCruise” to Open at OSAKAKO Vertiport
Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (JAL), Sumitomo Corporation, Soracle Corporation (Soracle) (*1), and Osaka Metro Co., Ltd. (Osaka Metro) will host the “eVTOL Lab Special Event: The Expo 2025 Legacy～Sora Cruise Immersive Theater” (hereafter, “this event”) at the OSAKAKO Vertiport (*2) starting Sunday, March 8, 2026. This event features the re-opening of the immersive theater “SoraCruise by Japan Airlines” (hereafter, “SoraCruise”), which was highly acclaimed at the 2025 Osaka, Kansai Expo.
Emirates wishes customers ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ and honours the Holy Month
Reflecting the spirit of togetherness and generosity during the Holy Month of Ramadan, Emirates will share thousands of iftar boxes for fasting customers both onboard and at boarding gates, offer complimentary Emirates prayer mats, screen an array of religious content and popular TV shows on ice, and present traditional Ramadan dishes in the lounges.
American Airlines named first-ever Official Airline of Women in Aviation International’s annual conf
As American Airlines celebrates 100 years of connecting people and places around the world, the airline is proud to announce its partnership with global nonprofit Women in Aviation International (WAI). As a strategic partner for 2026, American will serve as the first-ever Official Airline for the 37th Women in Aviation International Conference to be held at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas, March 19-21.
IATA Wings of Change Americas Conference to Be Hosted in Santiago de Chile
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that this year’s Wings of Change Americas (WOCA) Conference will be taking place on 8-9 April in Santiago de Chile, with LATAM as the host airline. The 16th edition of the aviation industry’s premier event in Latin America and the Caribbean is being held under the theme “Beyond Borders – Aviation as a Catalyst for Economic Transformation” and will focus on how strategic collaboration between the aviation sector and government authorities can:
IRENE FORTE SPA OPENS AT THE CARLTON IN MILAN’S FASHION DISTRICT
In a city defined by craft and creativity, Irene Forte Spa expands its “natura e scienza” concept to its eighth European location. This is wellness designed for the Milanese mindset: purposeful, expressive, and deeply sensorial, reflecting the conviction that beauty, like style, begins from within.
British Airways announces the latest release of Avios-Only flights to two of Europe’s summer holiday
British Airways has announced that the latest Avios-Only flights, on which 100% of the seats are exclusively available as Reward Seats, will be flying from London City Airport to Madrid and Toulon Saint-Tropez, as the airline reaches its 50th Avios-Only service.
Riyadh Air Launches Overseas Scholarship Program for Saudi Nationals
Riyadh Air has launched its First Officer Scholarship Program with Guaranteed Employment, creating a new pathway for Saudi nationals to train, qualify, and return home prepared to operate the airline’s Boeing and Airbus fleet as First Officer Pilots.
China Removes Visa Requirements for UK Tourists — Riviera Travel’s China Line‑Up Ready for 2026–2027
UK travellers will be able to enter China visa‑free for up to 30 days from 17 February 2026, removing long‑standing barriers and making it easier to explore one of the world’s most culturally rich destinations. The change brings the UK in line with more than 50 countries already benefitting from simplified entry.