Vietjet celebrates 9/9 with a pop-up fares sale

Anyone thinking about snagging a cheap flight from Australia to Vietnam should keep an eye out for one of budget carrier Vietjet's regular cheap fare blitzes.

Vietjet’s 9/9 Mega Sale, about to launch, offers "up to 99% off base fares" on flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth to Ho Chi Minh City.

On top of that, travellers booking international routes will enjoy 20kg of free checked baggage, making it easier than ever to pack for a long-haul adventure.

The fares sale runs from 3am AEST on September 9 to 2am on September 10. Should you be tempted, and quick off the mark, use promo code SUPERSALE99 when booking direct on www.vietjetair.com or the Vietjet Air mobile app.

The fare deduction exclude taxes and fees but the 23-hour offer applies across Vietjet’s entire flight network with travel valid from October 1 to May 27, 2026.

While those napping up a deal can take advantage of the promotion to explore Vietnam’s vibrant culture, Vietjet also offers connections from Ho Chi Minh City to many domestic Vietnamese destinations and popular hubs across Asia.

To meet growing demand, Vietjet is boosting flights to Ho Chi Minh City: with Melbourne increasing to six flights per week from November 11 and moving to daily from December 6. Sydney grows to six per week from November 13, increasing to daily from December 7, while Brisbane rises to five flights per week from December 6.

But note that flights to Hanoi have been cut.

Meet the ghost airports that sit empty

Tourism booms do not always happen as predicted.

Which means that there are a number of white elephant airports around the world that welcome just a handful of flights; and sometimes none at all. 

In Indonesia, Kertajati International Airport in West Java (above) is one such airport, travel news hub Travel Mole reports.

It is one of four regional Indonesian airports in the same category, alongside Sudirman Airport in Purbalingga (East Java), Ngloram Airport, Blora (Central Java) and Wiriadinata Airport in Tasikmalaya (West Java). 

The four airports, opened with much fanfare between 2018 and 2021, have no domestic flights on some days. 

Kertajati is the only one of the airports to still see regular flights with two weekly flights to Singapore operated by budget carrier Scoot.

The facility was built at a cost of IDR 2.6 trillion (US$159 million). The airport was inaugurated on May 24, 2018, and was conceived to replace the old Bandung airfield in Indonesia’s third-largest city.

Kertajati features a 3000-metre runway capable of catering for wide-body aircraft. It can accommodate 22 aircraft and some 11 million passengers a year.

The airport is located 98km from Bandung, an hour and a half drive by car. 

It is also located 58 km of Cirebon, a large coastal city with a population of 340,000. It takes almost an hour by car to reach the town.

This is where the problem lies. Despite the government initially forcing all the airlines to move their flights from Bandung Husein Sastranegara airport to Kertajati in 2023, the new facility is a complete failure. 

Kertajati never replaced Husein Sastranegara's old airport, a mere 5km from Bandung city centre. 

Last year, Kertajati welcomed a total of around 260,000 passengers. As for the future....

Qantaslink offers new flight options

Good news for would-travellers based in Hobart and Newcastle. 

QantasLink is set to launch new routes from Perth to Newcastle and Hobart later this year, avoiding stopovers in Sydney or Melbourne.

With flights taking off in September, QantasLink will be the only airline offering a direct flight between Perth and Newcastle.

Operating three times a week, the new flights will provide over 45,000 seats each year between the two cities, supporting FIFO workers and mining industry operatives with a non-stop air service into Western Australia.

A direct Perth-Hobart service will also be reinstated by the airline for the first time since 2023 and operate three times a week most months of the year, adding an additional 32,000 seats annually.

Both routes will offer customers improved connectivity into Perth and the airline’s growing western hub, with one-stop connections to a range of Qantas international destinations including London, Paris and Rome (seasonal).

The flights will be operated by QantasLink’s Airbus A319 aircraft. The A319 aircraft, which currently operate intra Western Australia flights have 150 economy seats.

The new services are available for booking on qantas.com now with economy launch fares starting from $299 Perth-Newcastle one-way and $299 Perth-Hobart one-way (sale ends June 2).

"We’re really proud to continue our support for Western Australia’s resource and tourism sectors, with our newest QantasLink routes linking Perth to Hobart once more and Perth to Newcastle for the first time," said Rachel Yangoyan, CEO QantasLink

“These direct services will not only boost inbound visitors to WA but offer more opportunities for those working in the resource sectors across the country with improved options for their travel.”

Qantas boosts number of peak season flights to New Zealand

Qantas has announced more flights between Australia and New Zealand, with the airline boosting its capacity across the Tasman by up to 20% during December 2025 and January 2026.

The airline says it will have around 60,000 extra seats between the two countries during the peak summer holiday period.

Sydney to Auckland will see up to six additional flights per week, a 16% per cent increase, while Sydney to Christchurch will see up to seven additional flights per week, a 47% increase and Sydney-Wellington up to five additional flights per week, a 31% increase.

Flights from Melbourne and Brisbane will also see significant boosts.

The increases will see Qantas operate more than 3.3 million seats across the Tasman between January 2025 and January 2026, supporting tourism growth in both New Zealand and Australia.

In addition, Qantas will soon introduce its Boeing 787 Dreamliner on flights between Auckland and Brisbane, bringing premium economy to the route and increasing premium seat choices for customers by up to 80%.

The 787 Dreamliner service will initially operate three times per week from August 2025 and increase to daily from October 2025.

“This year has already seen huge growth in New Zealand for Qantas Group, from the announcement of two new Qantas routes to the refurbishment of our Auckland lounge well underway and the upcoming launch of three more new trans-Tasman routes for Jetstar," said Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace.

“Today we’re so pleased to offer even more Tasman flying for customers, which will mean Qantas will have the most frequency between Australia and New Zealand at one of the busiest travel periods of the year. "

Booked to fly with Swiss? You might check your flight still exists

Have you booked a flight with Swiss International Airlines this northern hemisphere summer?

You might want to check that your flight still exists.

Swiss International, the replacement for Swissair, which went bankrupt in 2002, has announced it will cancel around 1,400 flights between now and October.

The cancellations are down to a pilot shortage, the airline says, and could see up to an average of 15 flights cancelled daily. 

Air passenger rights company AirAdvisor says it could impact up to 50,000 UK travellers alone, new hubs Travel Mole reports.

This includes those with connecting and indirect itineraries.

Swiss operates flights out of UK using London Heathrow, London City, Manchester and Edinburgh.

Anton Radchenko, founder of AirAdvisor, said: “With this latest wave of Swiss cancellations, summer just got more complicated for UK travellers. We’re not seeing a demand problem but a staffing and scheduling bottleneck.

“Flights are getting axed not because people aren’t flying, but because airlines don’t have enough fully trained pilots.”

Customers on cancelled Swiss flights can get a full refund and free re-routing.

“We regret that we are unable to offer the affected connections as originally planned," the airline said.

"In such cases, we inform the affected customers as early as possible.

“Schedule adjustments are made as far in advance as possible to minimise inconvenience and to find the best possible alternative travel solutions.”

Hmm.

Travellers saying "no thanks" to visiting the US

Tourists from around the world are turning their backs on the US as a potential holiday destination.

Already perceived as an expensive, and in some cases dangerous, destination, the recent belligerence of President Donald Trump, aggressive behaviour by Border Force agents and erroneous deportations has seen demand plummet.

The US tourism industry could be approaching crisis point amid a drastic fall in international bookings, local media reports indicate.

There has not only been a huge fall in bookings from neighbour Canada after Trump's stated desire to make that country "a potential 51st state".

Bookings have dropped by an estimated 70% tourism magazine Travel and Tour World reported.

The International Trade Administration (ITA) has reported an overall fall of 17% across Europe in March compared to March 2024.

Denmark saw a reduction of more than 30%, no surprise after Trump's threats to wrest control of Danish autonomous territory Greenland. Other European nations, including Germany, Ireland, Spain, and Norway, saw decreases of more than 20%.

Hotel giant Accor has reported its bookings for European visitors to the US have fallen by 25%..

The Financial Times newspaper in the UK quoted Paul English, co-founder of influential travel website Kayak, as saying that "In just two months [Trump] has destroyed the reputation of the US, shown one way by diminished travel from the EU to the US."

He warned: "This is not only one more terrible blow to the US economy, it also represents reputation damage that could take generations to repair."

The result is that hopes the US travel industry had in a full recovery to 2019 levels of travel bookings this year have officially been dashed, said a leading economist quoted by Hotel News Now.

"Our pre-inauguration forecast expected international travel to nearly fully recover in 2025 to 2019 levels. We're now pushing that out to 2029," said Adam Sacks, president at Tourism Economics.

"Now we're looking at a full 10 years between pre-pandemic and what will be full recovery. And, of course, that comes with significant economic losses."

Image: The Statue of Liberty, New York. Jorge Ibarra Hernandez, Scop.io

"Without us, your are on your own": travel agents issue a reminder

It is easy nowadays to book yourself directly with airlines and hotels.

Using a travel agent may seem a little old fashioned - and sometimes more expensive. Until the excrement hits the fan.

Then a travel agent may have the clout to rescue your trip.

With thousands of Australians impacted by the closure of one of the world’s most important airports, London Heathrow, and flight cancellations due to the ash cloud in Indonesia, Australian travel agents took the opportunity to remind potential customers what it is they do: solving problems, rebooking flights, and getting stranded travellers home.

The fire and subsequent power outage at Heathrow created significant travel chaos: disrupting flights worldwide and leaving Australian travellers scrambling for solutions. 

The ripple effect on Australians' travel plans was substantial, compounded by ongoing cancellations and delays due to volcanic activity in Indonesia.
"When travel plans fall apart, accredited travel agents are the difference between a quick resolution and being stuck in limbo," the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA), which represents travel agents, operators, wholesalers and ITOs, said in a statement.

"Members are working around the clock to support Australian travellers, demonstrating why professional travel assistance is essential. Travel agents are rebooking flights, securing alternative routes, and ensuring travellers make it to their destinations with minimal disruption." 

In times of crisis, travel agents negotiate with airlines and suppliers on behalf of their clients, ensuring fair outcomes, ATIA says.

"The reality is clear: travellers who book through accredited agents and travel businesses have a trusted advocate when the unexpected happens. 

"ATIA urges Australians to always book with an ATIA-accredited travel business to ensure they have the support they need when global events impact their plans."

ATIA CEO Dean Long says: “The scale of disruption caused by Heathrow’s shutdown and the Indonesian ash cloud demonstrates just how critical Australia’s travel agents and businesses are when things go wrong. 

"Every day, ATIA-accredited travel businesses are working behind the scenes to rescue stranded travellers, reroute itineraries and provide trusted advice in real time.

“When the unexpected happens, choosing an ATIA accredited travel business means having the support you need to get back on track - because without a travel agent, you really are on your own.”

See www.atia.travel 

Image: Aleksei Popov, Scop.io

Airport chaos from Heathrow to Bali

From London to Denpasar, flights around the world are being delayed and rescheduled.

London Heathrow Airport (above) will be closed all day Friday as emergency services deal with a significant fire in the vicinity, local media reported.

All flights in and out have been cancelled or diverted after a fire at a nearby substation caused a major power outage.

In Bali, meanwhile, flights have been cancelled due to a volcano erupting.

"Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport and should contact their airline for further information. We apologise for the inconvenience," Heathrow Airport said on Facebook.

At least 120 flights bound for Heathrow have been diverted, flight tracking website FlightRadar24 recorded.

Flights were to land at nearby airports, including Gatwick.

Meanwhile, travellers have been stranded after flights to and from Bali were cancelled and delayed due to volcanic ash caused by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi on the south-eastern part of the remote Indonesian island of Flores.

The volcano was sending rocks, lava and ash about nine kilometres into the sky, Indonesia's Centre for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation said.

Visitors and tourists were ordered to maintain an eight-kilometre distance from the volcano.

There is also a threat of rain-induced lava floods in rivers that originate at the mountain's peak. 

As of Friday morning "several international flights had been cancelled, six of them Jetstar flights bound to Australia and one Air Asia flight to Kuala Lumpur,” Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport spokesperson, Andadina Dyah, said in a statement.

Several other flights - domestic and international and including to Thailand, Singapore and Australia - had been delayed.

Major Australian airport closed as cyclone arrives

One of Australia's busiest airports has been closed for at least two days as the east coast of the country braces for Tropical Cyclone Alfred, described as a "once in 50 years event". 

Brisbane Airport's domestic and terminals international terminals were not accepting flights after Thursday afternoon (local time) but was to remain open for stranded passengers and essential airport workers who need shelter. 

An update from Qantas Group also stated Qantas and Jetstar flights would be suspended with international operations to stop running until at least midday on Saturday. 

The category two cyclone is expected to make landfall somewhere between the Sunshine Coast and Coolangatta late on Friday or early Saturday. 

The latest weather forecast suggests the cyclone will likely make landfall between Noosa and Coolangatta.

“If the system crosses at high tide, there is the risk of seeing storm surges up to 1.5 metres, particularly around the Redland bay area and the Gold Coast,” the Bureau of Meteorology’s Matthew Collopy told local media. 

"Heavy to locally intense rainfall is expected across Queensland’s south-east from later on Thursday until “at least Saturday”.

Up to 700 millimetres of rain is expected, with authorities telling everyone in the cyclone zone to “pray for the best but prepare for the worst”.

Schools and many businesses are closed and major sports events have been cancelled and many smaller airports shuttered. 

How Elon Musk is inconveniencing Qantas customers

Multi-billionaire Elon Musk is the man to blame for delaying multiple Qantas flights to South Africa.

Flights operated by the Australian flag carrier have been disrupted by falling space junk.

Qantas says its Sydney to Johannesburg flights are being delayed because of debris entering the atmosphere in part of the southern Indian Ocean, news portal Travel Mole reports.

The flights cross a section of the southern Indian Ocean that Musk's SpaceX operation uses for re-entry into the atmosphere.

Qantas says it has had "repeated" delays in recent weeks to avoid deliberately decoupled parts of rockets as they return to earth.

Qantas says it gets little notice of this from SpaceX that it is unable to reschedule in advance.

Qantas operations centre boss Ben Holland told Travel Weekly that the unpredictability of the re-entries poses significant challenges for flight scheduling.

“Over the past few weeks we’ve had to delay several flights between Johannesburg and Sydney due to advice received from the US Government regarding the re-entry of SpaceX rockets over an extensive area of the Southern Indian Ocean,” he said.

“While we try to make any changes to our schedule in advance, the timing of recent launches have moved around at late notice which has meant we’ve had to delay some flights just prior to departure. Our teams notify customers of changes to their flight as soon as we know it will be impacted.”

South African Airways flights have also reportedly been impacted by SpaceX’s operations. 

Arrogant Americans thinking they own the planet. Nothing new there. 

New Indian airline preparing for liftoff

Vistara, Go First and Jet Airways are just three of literally dozens of Indian airlines to be liquidated or swallowed up over the years.

But India is the third-largest domestic airline market behind the US and China and a new player is about to enter the fray.

Soon-to-launch Air Kerala expects to take to the skies in the second quarter of 2025, news hub Travel Mole reports.

Air Kerala chairman Afi Ahmad has announced a big recruitment drive is underway for technical and operational teams, while sales and marketing roles are being filled in the UAE.

“Pilot and cabin crew recruitment has begun. The chief pilot and pilot trainers have also been hired,” Ahmad said.

Captain CS Randhawa, the president of the Indian Pilots Federation, was hired as the airline’s VP of Operations.

Harish Kutty, CEO of Air Kerala, said, “We are focused on recruiting pilots and pilot training crew from India as they are well aware of Indian regulations. We can recruit foreign trainers; however, we feel it is better to have Indians for now.”

The airline is still waiting for its air operator certificate (AOC) from regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

“As soon as we receive the AOC, we will begin operations,” Ahmad said. 

 airline, owned by parent company Zetfly Aviation, plans to start domestic flights to regional cities.

It has signed the Letter of Intent (LOI) for the first three aircraft from ATR.

Air Kerala hopes to launch international services to the UAE some time in 2026.

Kutty said the airline is targeting cost-conscious customers.

“Our prime focus will be to convert luxury bus and second-class AC train passengers in India to flight passengers,” he said.

This week, the airline signed an MoU with Kannur International Airport Limited.

The airport’s MD, Dinesh Kumar, said: “This collaboration with Air Kerala highlights Kannur Airport’s role as a vital gateway. We are committed to providing resources and support needed for Air Kerala to succeed.”

Bangkok remains Asian travel favourite

The Thailand capital of Bangkok (above), a perennial favourite with travellers in Asia, topped the list of international flight destinations in 2024 for users of flights booked through the Agoda travel platform.

Bangkok led Singapore, Seoul. Kuala Lumpur, and Tokyo as the top five destinations.

Tokyo is a new entry, replacing Ho Chi Minh City compared to last year's list, indicative of the popularity of Japan with visitors.

Agoda reported that in 2024, the most international passengers booking flights through its platform originated from Singapore, followed by Thailand, South Korea, Japan, and Indonesia.

"Each of the top flight destinations has a special charm that draws people in," said Andrew Smith, senior vice president for supply at Agoda.

All the most popular destinations combine modern attractions and cultural heritage.

Bangkok's lively streets, Singapore's iconic skyline, and Seoul's fusion of tradition and innovation offer diverse experiences. Kuala Lumpur's cultural landmarks and Tokyo's eclectic charm enhance their appeal.

See agoda.com/flights

Cheap air fares on sale for one week only

Fancy committing to a cheap trip to Asia next year?

How about flying from Sydney or Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur for $299, or from Perth for $199 on AirAsia X .

Or Sydney to Bangkok from $299 on Thai AirAsia X, or Perth to Bali from $159, or Cairns to Bali for $179.

All are on offer this week as AirAsia X (AAX) celebrates its 17th anniversary today, marking nearly two decades as a pioneering force in medium-haul, low-cost air travel since 2007.

The all-in one-way fares are inclusive of airport taxes, fuel surcharges, and other applicable fees.

AAX says it has connected more than 48 million guests across 20 medium-haul routes in Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and beyond.

Its sale also offers discounted fares to destinations from Kuala Lumpur including Taipei, Chongqing, Nairobi, Almaty and more.

The sale fares are available until November 10 via airasia.com or the AirAsia MOVE app (formerly airasia Superapp). 

Travel periods are April 21, 2025, to March 28, 2026.

“Our journey over the past 17 years showcases our dedication to making travel accessible to millions across the globe," says AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail.

"As we celebrate this milestone, we are preparing for an exciting step forward: unifying AirAsia’s aviation services under one group. With this acquisition, recently approved by our shareholders, we will be combining AirAsia’s short and medium-haul routes into a single, more efficient operation.

"This change will allow us to strengthen connections across our network, opening up even more destinations, enhancing service, and laying the groundwork for lower fares in the future. For our guests, this means greater choice, more seamless travel options, and access to an expanded route network, all while maintaining the affordability AirAsia is known for."

British Airways cancels hundreds of flights

British Airways has been forced to cancel hundreds of long-haul flights over the next few months, blaming what it says are engine issues. 

BA says it has been forced to ground several aircraft, news portal Travel Mole reports.

The airline will cut daily flights from London Gatwick to New York JFK over the northern hemisphere winter.

BA blames delays on receiving spare parts and replacement Trent 1000 engines that power its Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

The airline operates a fleet of 40 787s.

Five of its 787s are to be grounded and it says some Boeing 777 planes also need routine maintenance.

“We’ve taken this action because we do not believe the issue will be solved quickly," the airline said in a statement. "We want to offer our customers the certainty they deserve.” 

BA will cut one flight a day from London Heathrow to Doha and postpone the re-start of Kuala Lumpur flights, which were scheduled to resume next month.

Qantas axes Shanghai flights; adds Brisbane-Manila

Qantas has announced a shake-up to its Asia flight network, dumping Sydney-Shanghai, but adding Brisbane-Manila (above).

Qantas will drop flights to Shanghai from July 28, citing "low demand".

The Australian flag carrier resumed its Sydney-Shanghai service in October last year after it was paused during Covid, but demand has not recovered as anticipated.

Qantas will continue to monitor the Australia-China market closely and says it will look to return to Shanghai when demand has recovered.

Customers can continue to travel to Shanghai and other destinations in China on Qantas flights to Hong Kong with onward connections on partner airlines.

Customers booked to travel on Shanghai flights after July 28 will be contacted and offered a full refund, or can contact Qantas or their travel agent to discuss rebooking on alternative flights.

Aircraft used on this route will be redirected to boost flying to other destinations across Asia where there is increasing demand or new tourism opportunities.

Customers will have access to a new international route out of Brisbane with the flying kangaroo set to begin flights to Manila from October 29 operating four days per week with Airbus A330 aircraft.

This will mark the first time the airline has flown between the two cities in more than 10 years.

The flights add to Qantas’ existing daily service from Sydney and will add more than 100,000 seats between Australia and the Philippines each year.

“We’re always looking to ensure that we have the right aircraft, on the right routes and at the right time of year to best meet the needs of our customers," says Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace

“Since Covid, the demand for travel between Australia and China has not recovered as strongly as expected. In some months, our flights to and from Shanghai have been operating around half full.

“That’s why we’ve decided to suspend this route and boost flying to other popular destinations with a new route from Brisbane to Manila and additional flights to Singapore and Bengaluru."

Mozambique has designs on reviving mass tourism

Once upon a time - a lifetime ago - Lourenco Marques was one of the hottest tourism destinations in Africa.

South Africans, particularly, flooded to the capital of Mozambique for sun, surf and piri piri prawns.

LM, as it was universally known, is now Maputo (above). 

And moves are underway to bring mass tourism back to the African nation, some 30 years after the former Portuguese colony was ripped apart by a bloody civil war.

LAM (Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique), the flag carrier of Mozambique, recently launched flights between Maputo and Cape Town, which the airline says is part of its strategy to be a “strong competitor in the region”.

LAM has undergone a recent restructuring process and is currently expanding its routes and connections. Also recently launched was a Maputo-Lisbon flight, which will help bring European tourists to Maputo, South African website Tourism Update reported.

LAM commercial director Firmino Naftal says the three times weekly Maputo to Cape Town flight targets both the leisure and the business segments.

Cristovao Gemo, Consul General of Mozambique in Cape Town, said the launch of the route was more than just a convenient mode of transport, but was a bridge between the two nations, fostering greater cultural exchange, trade and tourism.

“Cape Town, known for its breath-taking landscapes, rich history and warm hospitality, has long been a sought-after destination for travellers from all corners of the globe," he said. 

"On the other hand, Maputo with its pristine beaches, vibrant markets and rich culinary diversity offers an experience that is both enriching and unforgettable.” 

In its bid to grow its regional presence, LAM has established flights between Johannesburg and holiday destinations Inhambane, Vilankulo and Beira, with plans to launch a flight between Johannesburg’s Lanseria Airport and Mozambique’s Xai Xai.

It has also recently launched flights to Lusaka in Zambia with a stop-over in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Naftal also said work was underway to introduce flights to Nairobi, Kenya, and Lilongwe in Malawi.

A new 20,000 sqm cultural centre, built by Chinese contractors, was inaugurated in Maputo late last year.

The Mozambique Ministry of Culture and Tourism has called the Mozambique China Cultural Centre in the grounds of the Eduardo Mondlane University in Maputo, a “key project that will greatly contribute to the development of cultural exhibition and dissemination, as well as to the promotion of cultural creative industries from all over the country and the world”.

The centre boasts a variety of rooms for theatre productions, musical shows and corporate events, including a 1,500-seat auditorium.

Anantara, and Beyond and Radisson Blu are among the high-end international hotel brands operating in Mozambique, along with South Africa's Southern Sun.    

Is Kazakhstan on your travel radar?

Have you got some Kazakhstani tenge that you are keen to spend?

The Kazakh capital of Almaty is about to become a viable holiday destination for Australians with news that AirAsia X (AAX) will be flying direct Kuala Lumpur four times a week from March 14 next year.

Kazakhstan, a Central Asian country and former Soviet republic, extends from the Caspian Sea in the west to the Altai Mountains at its eastern border with China and Russia. Its largest metropolis, Almaty, is a long-standing trading hub.

AAX's entry into Central Asia marks a significant milestone for the medium-haul airline, opening up new horizons for globetrotters, adventure seekers, foodies, and those who are looking to explore different cultures.

Almaty offers a blend of tradition and modern lifestyles.

FlyThru connecting services are on sale now from Perth, Melbourne and Sydney.

Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan, His Excellency Bulat Sugurbayev said: “The AAX entry into Kazakhstan signifies a remarkable milestone in our nations' relations.

"This strategic initiative not only strengthens the cultural and economic ties between Kazakhstan and Malaysia but also provides affordable options for travellers in the region to explore the captivating beauty of Almaty, and the whole of Kazakhstan - the world’s 9th largest country with digital competitiveness outpacing several European, Asian, and American nations.

"The direct connectivity between Kuala Lumpur and Almaty is poised to elevate tourism and trade, enhancing the bonds between our two nations. We welcome this great milestone and look forward to the positive impact it will bring to both countries.”

AirAsia X CEO, Benyamin Ismail said: “This is an entirely new market for AAX and a strategic route to expand into, bringing other parts of the world closer to south-east Asia.

"As our first foray into Central Asia, the expansion into the Kazakh market is a strong testament to our vision and determination to explore new territories as well as resuming services to our most popular destinations post pandemic.

"The move to introduce direct flights to Almaty is expected to foster significant trade, commerce and education interchange, considering Kazakhstan's status as the wealthiest country in Central Asia.

“As AirAsia X celebrates 16 years of connecting people this month, we remain committed to providing unmatched connectivity with the best value fares to everyone’s old and new favourite destinations. With this new route we aim to not only enhance travel opportunities between two great and populous destinations, but also to bolster the existing bonds between Kazakhstan and Malaysia in addition to enriching socio-economic sectors in both nations.”

Fares from from Kuala Lumpur start from RM1,499 (under $500) all-in one-way with economy seats or from RM3,399 (around $1200 one way on a premium flatbed.

There will be flights from Kuala Lumpur returning from Almaty every Tuesday, Thursday. Saturday and Sunday.

New Korea path from Melbourne

Seoul searching?

The South Korean carrier Asiana Airlines has unveiled plans to launch seasonal Melbourne flights linking Victoria with South Korea.

The new route will kick off from December 26, industry portal Travel Mole reports.

The full-service carrier will operate two direct flights a week between Melbourne Airport and the South Korean capital of Seoul using Airbus A350 aircraft.

With a population of more than nine million people, Seoul is a global economic hub and the major gateway for outbound tourism.

Fares are now on sale with Melbourne flights operating every Tuesday and Thursday to Seoul.

“We are excited to welcome Asiana to Melbourne and to add Seoul to our growing network," Melbourne Airport Chief of Aviation Jim Parashos said.

Melbourne Airport's ties with South Korea have been growing, with Korean-based Lotte taking over the operation of the airport’s duty free business in June.

Asiana Airlines is set to merge with national flag carrier Korean Air once approval is finalised by several overseas regulators.

Sumo wrestlers a weighty problem for airline

It is every airline passenger's worst nightmare: being seated next to a giant sumo wrestler.

But its also became a problem for Japan Airlines (JAL), which had to lay on an extra plane this week to solve a weighty problem.

The airline was flying dozens of sumo wrestlers to a competition. And wrestlers can way 120kg, rather than the 70kg of an average passenger.

That meant a flight carrying the wrestlers would have been overweight, the airline said.

A total of 27 sumos were booked on two flights to Amami Oshima, a small twon with a regional airport incapable of handling larger planes.

That meant that JAL had to lay on an extra plane to take 14 of the battling behemoths, Travel Mole reported.

“It is extremely unusual for us to operate special flights due to weight restrictions on this aircraft,” a JAL spokesperson told local media.

“We found there were many reservations for sumo wrestlers and when we checked their weight we found that the flight might be overweight.”

Amami Oshima in the south-west of Japan is well-known for its sumo wrestling heritage.

The sumo culture is so rooted in the region that there are sumo wrestling rings in each village and in school grounds.

Image: Jonny Dub scop.io

 

A different option for flying between the UK and Canada

 

Don't trust Air Canada in case they lose your bags?

There is another option for flying between the UK and Canada. Canadian carrier Air Transat has unveiled an upgraded summer 2024 transatlantic flight schedule from the UK and Ireland.

It is offering passengers more opportunities to explore Canada next northern summer, Travel Mole reports.

From May 2024, Air Transat will be offering twice-daily transatlantic flights to Toronto, and daily flights to Montréal, from London Gatwick Airport.

It will also continue its weekly direct service to Québec City from Gatwick - the only UK air link to the city.

Air Transat is also increasing flights from other regional airports in the UK and Ireland with an increase in flights from Glasgow, Manchester and Dublin to Toronto.

Overall, Air Transat will offer up to 43 direct transatlantic flights every week from the UK and Ireland to destinations across Canada.

London Gatwick to Toronto economy return fares start from (around $840 per person).

Sonia Kurek, Air Transat commercial director for UK & Ireland, said: “We’re delighted to offer more choice and flexibility than ever before for summer 2024.

“We’re confident that Air Transat will be the airline of choice to Canada for many passengers next summer.”