Qantas boosts services to Japan

Qantas is going all in on flights between Australia and Japan.

The Australian flag carrier has increased services between Melbourne and Tokyo and added more seats across the Tasman as Japan and New Zealand continue to be popular destinations for Australian travellers.

More than 45,000 seats will be added to Tokyo and Queenstown by early next year.

Qantas has increased its Melbourne-Narita services from daily to 11 flights per week from December 2026 to March 2027 in response to growing demand. 

The new flights will add a total of 30,000 seats to the route.

Japan continues to be a favourite for Qantas customers, with passenger numbers up 8% between October 2025 and March 2026, totalling 350,000 passengers for the period.

In addition, the airline is increasing frequency across the Tasman over the summer peak for travel between Australia and New Zealand, including over 15,000 additional seats between Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane to Queenstown over the summer peak.

Qantas CEO International Cam Wallace said: 
“Japan remains one of the most popular destinations on our international network and is showing no signs of slowing down, with more than half a million Australians visiting between January and May this year alone.

"Adding more capacity out of Melbourne means more Aussies can experience one of the world's great travel destinations, whether they're heading there for the first time or going back for more.”

There was also enthusiasm from Japan National Tourism Oraganization Sydney Office Executive Director Naoki Kitazawa. 

"We're delighted to see even more flights between Melbourne and Narita, further strengthening ties between Australia and Japan,” Kitazawa said. 

“Last year we marked an exciting milestone, with over one million Australians visiting Japan.

“We hope that even more people will be inspired to come and experience Japan.”

Entitled traveller complains about Middle East flight delays

Entitlement is alive and well on social media.

Take this post on a Facebook travel site today:

“Stuck in Sydney. Due to fly to Manchester via Dubai. Not getting any help from Emirates. Tried ‘chat’ but they cut the connection before it even starts. Anyone getting assistance from Emirates?”

No one bothered to tell this self-absorbed person that Trump and Netanyahu's coalition of the crazy has turned the Middle East upside down with its attacks on Tehran.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and top security officials were killed as part of the US and Israel’s ongoing regime change attacks.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, meanwhile has pledged revenge and says it has launched attacks on 27 bases hosting US troops in the Middle East, as well as Israeli military facilities in Tel Aviv.

Explosions continue to be heard in Iran, Qatar and the UAE, Al Jazeera reports.

What Israel call “preventative” or "pre-emptive" attacks are what most civilised people call warmongering. But the timing could not be better for Trump, as he desperately tries to divert attention away from the Epstein Files.

The logic behind the attacks appears to be: "Those nasty foreign people want to have the same weapons we chosen people have. We have to attack them."

The end result is deaths across Iran, airports closed across the region and thousands of flights cancelled.

As one response to our self-absorbed flyer put it: "In the nicest possible way.... pull your head in .... War has broken out..... places are being bombed....Maybe think about how everyone is being impacted and scared.... worst places to be stuck than Sydney.... Emirates will be in touch as soon as they can and with a solution.....Goodness me".

Couldn't have said it better myself.

* Image: Tehran before the bombings  

Stay away from the Middle East, government agencies advise

Avoid the Middle East completely. That is the message from the UK Foreign Office.

The Brits have issued travel warnings for more than a dozen countries across the region.

Civil unrest continues in Iran, particularly in the capital Tehran (above) with possible strikes by the US and/or Israel a possibility. The UK this week temporarily closed its embassy in Tehran.

“There is a heightened risk of regional tension," the FCDO said in the updated advisory. "Escalation could lead to travel disruption and other unanticipated impacts.

"If you are a British national already in Iran, either resident or visitor, carefully consider your presence there and the risks you take by staying.

"British and British-Iranian dual nationals are at significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention. Having a British passport or connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you." 

It cautions travellers in, or going to, Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE, Yemen, Turkey, Israel and Palestine, news hub Travel Mole reports.

“British nationals should take sensible precautions, considering their own individual circumstances.”

Iran has closed its airspace to all flights, while several airlines have suspended scheduled services to Tehran and other cities.

Australia's official SmartTraveller website advises against travel to Iran, Syria, Iraq and Yemen and to "exercise a high degree of caution" in the rest of the Middle East.  

"We continue to advise reconsider your need to travel to Israel overall due to the volatile security situation, armed conflict, civil unrest and terrorism," the website says.

"We continue to advise do not travel to border areas with Gaza (Palestine) or Lebanon."

And if you are flying with Emirates, Etihad or other carriers to the UAE: "Exercise a high degree of caution in the UAE due to the threat of terrorism."

Iran protests cause airline issues across the Gulf

Flights in the Gulf region are being cancelled over the weekend as a result of political protests in Iran.

Major international airlines have cancelled dozens of flights to and from Iran as a result of safety and logistical concerns, news hub Travel Mole reports.

Demonstrations in Iran have no been running for over two weeks, initially triggered by the country's deepening economic crisis. They have since evolved into a broader nationwide movement.

In response, authorities have imposed extensive internet outages and communication blackouts in several regions, complicating flight co-ordination, passenger communications and airport operations.

Turkish Airlines announced on Friday that it had cancelled 17 scheduled flights to Iranian cities including Tehran Airport (above), Tabriz and Mashhad for Friday and Saturday, citing regional developments.

Passengers were advised to check the airline’s website for updated flight information. Turkish low-cost carrier AJet and Pegasus also cancelled all their flights to Iran over the same two-day period.

Disruptions have extended right across the Gulf.

Data from Dubai Airport showed that multiple flights operated by Emirates and flydubai to Tehran were suspended on Friday.

Services to other Iranian cities - including Bandar Abbas, Lar, Mashhad and Shiraz - were also cancelled.

A flydubai spokesperson told local newspaper The National. “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and revise our flight schedule accordingly.”

In Abu Dhabi, national carrier Etihad Airways suspended all its flights to Iran until Tuesday at the earliest.

In Qatar, flights from Doha to Iran were cancelled on Friday.

Iranian airlines including Iran Air, Mahan Air and Qeshm Air are continuing to operate flights as scheduled.

Raffles Bali offers a slice of the high life

If you want to do Bali in style, then Raffles Bali is worth considering. 

The exclusive resort this week announced the introduction of its private heliport, a facility designed to offer in-house guests a new way to explore the Indonesian island from above. 

Situated within the resort's 23-hectare estate, the heliport began operations recently.

The heliport provides for a curated selection of aerial journeys, allowing travellers to discover Bali's varied landscapes from up on high. 

Scenic routes transport guests over Uluwatu's dramatic cliffs, the turquoise bays of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, the volcanic contours of the Kintamani highlands, and the lush rice paddies of Ubud. 

Raffles Bali says personalised day trips may be arranged. Perhaps an underwater excursion in Nusa Penida, or a private picnic set amid the UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih rice terraces. 

Charter flights may also be tailored for guests wishing to design their own itinerary, offering the freedom to move across Bali and neighbouring islands.

The experiences are organised by Raffles butlers, who oversee all arrangements, co-ordinating flight schedules, managing personalised requests. 

Situated in the Jimbaran Bay, Raffles Bali offers 32 villas featuring private pools and tropical gardens. 

Culinary opportunities include "Krug Ambassade" signature restaurant Rumari, The Writers Bar and beachfront Loloan Beach Bar and Grill. 

Guests can enjoy relaxation and wellness at Raffles Spa and partake in authentic cultural activities hosted by community experts.

I've added this one to my "to do" list. 

See raffles.com and accor.com 

New destinations help boost Western Australia

It's all happening in Western Australia with new international flights to and from Perth and a wave of new accommodation options around the state.

Qantas has introduced two new non-stop international services this month.

Travellers can now fly from Perth direct from Auckland and Johannesburg.

Each route operates three times per week, offering greater flexibility for holidaymakers, business travellers, and those visiting friends and family.

The new HYDE Perth hotel (above), meanwhile, will open its doors in March, 2026.

Located on Pier Street, this 121-room hotel will be HYDE’s first ground-up, purpose-built hotel globally.

Its star attraction hero will be FARRA - a Grecian-inspired dining, pool and terrace venue which combines Mediterranean influence with West Australian produce.

Local artists and musicians will helm a cultural program, while DJ residencies, live sets, poolside gatherings, and wellness sessions will also be on the agenda.

In Margaret River, winery Aravina Estate has unveiled 21 new eco accommodation offerings as part of a brand expansion.

The contemporary cabins (above) are set high on Wildwood Ridge and offer views of the property’s spectacular lake and vineyards, enhanced by floor-to-ceiling windows.

There is a choice of one-bedroom, two-bedroom, accessible and honeymoon cabins.

Aravina’s offerings include a cellar door, restaurant and pizza bar, craft brewery, and the state's first Surf Museum.

Nearby, Grandis is the latest cabin from Tree Chalets on a stunning property located just 15 minutes outside of Busselton.

Offering a relaxing tree-stay, the property features walking trails and more than 1,000 towering Rosegum trees. Guests can elevate their stay with grazing boards and hampers on arrival.

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.