Jetstar to launch low-cost direct flights to Sri Lanka

Jetstar has launched Australia's first low-cost direct flights to Sri Lanka. 

Flights will take off for the first time in August next year, with the launch of a direct low-cost service from Melbourne to the South Asian nation’s capital, Colombo.

Jetstar will become the first Australian airline to operate this route, flying three times a week between Melbourne and Colombo and offering more than 100,000 seats a year starting from $315. 

The year-round service will be operated by Jetstar’s fleet of 11 widebody Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which are progressively being upgraded to overhaul both the economy and business class cabins.

The interior refit includes more than doubling the number of business class seats and installing wifi so customers can stream entertainment to their own devices.

The addition of a new lie-flat crew rest area to allow flights of up to 16 hours will open the door to other long-haul destinations in the future. 

Seats for the new flights went on sale at midday with one-way fares available between Melbourne (Tullamarine) and Colombo from only $315 at jetstar.com.

“Colombo is an incredible destination, and from August next year, we’re excited to be making it easier for Aussies to experience everything the beautiful country of Sri Lanka has to offer,@ said Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully. 

“This new route out of our home base of Melbourne is part of a huge growth phase for Jetstar. We’ve added new destinations, more aircraft and we’re continuing to expand our international network to give travellers even more choice and opportunities to take off for less.”

Melbourne Airport Chief Executive Officer Lorie Argus welcomed the new flights. 

“We're thrilled to see Sri Lanka, one of the region’s fastest-growing destinations, become Jetstar's 10th international destination from Melbourne," Argus said. 

* Holiday Package Deals including return flights, five night's accommodation, bags, seats, daily buffet breakfasts with guaranteed room upgrades, late checkout and a bottle of wine on arrival at Radisson Hotel Colombo start from $1,102 per person, twin share. 

Why now is a good time to book for the Philippines

Been thinking about a holiday in the Philippines? 

There probably won't be a better time to book than this week. 

. 
Cebu Pacific Air is kicking off the holidays early with its 12.12 Super Seat Fest, offering Australians one-way all-in fares to the Philippines from just $219.

The sale runs from today until December 13 and is valid for for travel from June 1–November 30, 2026. 

From Manila, travellers can connect to 27 domestic destinations, including Palawan, Siargao (above), Davao, and Iloilo, making it easy to explore the best of the Philippines.

With the airline’s wide domestic network, they can also connect through Clark and Cebu to explore more of what the Philippines has to offer.

CEB operates in 37 domestic and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

Flights can be booked at www.cebupacificair.com.

New safety rules? This airline just can't cope

Planning to fly with India's largest airline over the next couple of months?

Good luck with that.

IndiGo has apologised to passengers following several days of major fight disruptions and cancellations and said it may be month before its full schedule is back to normal.

IndiGo "deeply regrets the inconvenience caused", the airline said.

It cited the new pilot duty rules as a major factor, along with bad weather, and some technical issues, news hub Travel Mole reported.

The airline’s troubles stem largely from newly phased-in rules for flight crew which mandate extended rest periods and layovers.

Following emergency talks with the Indian Aviation Ministry, IndiGo said it will proactively cut its number of scheduled flights starting from December 8 in a bid to reduce cancellations.

So cancellations to reduce cancellations.

The airline has said it expects to resume its full flight schedule in February 2026.

IndiGo normally operates about 2,300 flights on average a day. It had reportedly cancelled over 900 flights in just four days leading into the weekend.

IndiGo, despite nearly two years’ notice, is struggling to make a successful transition to meet the new safety rules, Flight Radar reports.

easyJet unveils new cheap flight options from the UK to Europe

One of the thrilling surprises for Australians visiting the UK is the ready availability of flights to exotic destinations for the cost a rail trip back home. 

There may be all sorts of restrictions; the extras can pile up and some of the flights leave from secondary airports. But there are some real bargains to be had if you have a sense of adventure. 

EasyJet - one of the leading budget airlines - has just unveiled two new routes for summer 2026 from the UK to Germany and Italy. 

Seats now on sale to Naples from Liverpool John Lennon Airport and to Munich from London Southend. 

The Naples flights will operate on Mondays and Fridays from August 3, while easyJet’s new flight to Munich will start on September 17, operating twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays and starting ahead of Oktoberfest. 

EasyJet holidays has also launched packages to both cities with flights and accommodation included. 

“We are really pleased to be launching even more new routes and package holidays," said  Kevin Doyle, easyJet UK country manager. 

"By continuing to grow our network, we are providing even greater choice and connectivity from across the UK.” 

As of today, easyJet serves 22 UK airports, offering more than 640 routes to 140 destinations from the UK to Europe and beyond. 

The airline also recently announced new routes from across eight UK airports including new connections to Italy, Spain, France, Greece, Portugal, Cyprus, the Canary Islands, Egypt and Malta. 

Worth checking out. Just don't expect any frills. 

Qantas ups the ante at the pointy end

Qantas is adding extra oomph at the pointy end of its planes.

Customers travelling in first class on the Australian flag carrier can now expect elevated dining options, exclusive Aesop amenity kits, premium Bollinger champagne and redesigned pyjamas as the airline introduces a range of enhancements to its A380 premium cabin.

Rolling out across the airline's international network from this month, the enhancements are described in a media release as "part of the airline's ongoing investment in customer experience and have been shaped by customer insights and inflight trials".

Food will be a priority with Qantas creative director of food and beverage Neil Perry serving up signature dishes from his star Margaret restaurant in Sydney, alongside a range of new menu items featuring Australian producers from across the country.

Think dishes like tartare of yellowfin tuna with gochujang, toasted sesame and baby cos; roasted Wollemi duck with orange caramel, crisp Chinese greens, golden sesame and jasmine rice, and crumbed Margra lamb cutlets with shaved fennel, pine nuts, rocket, salsa verde and lemon.

The new First dining experience will be paired with award-winning Australian wines, a wider selection of cocktails and a signature pour of Bollinger La Grande Année 2015 alongside Pommery Cuvée Louise 2006.

New Aesop amenity kits in three exclusive collectable designs created for Qantas First will be offered to customers alongside the introduction of new navy Qantas-designed pyjamas and loafer-style slippers for inflight comfort.



Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said the updates reflect the airline's ongoing investment in delivering a premium experience across its international network.

“Our customers fly First because they value the quality in every detail," he said. "On longer flights, a fine dining experience, premium amenities and complete comfort really matter, so we've focused on improving each of these areas.

“Our incredible cabin crew have been undergoing inflight trials and an intensive training program. It is great to welcome new premium partners onboard and we look forward to delivering this new experience for our First customers."

First customers will be able to opt to dine on demand throughout the journey to allow for maximum rest.

Qantas First is available on services operated on A380 aircraft to destinations including Singapore, London, Los Angeles, Johannesburg and Dallas. The enhancements are expected to have been rolled out across the network by mid 2026.

Airbus failure causes global flight chaos

An Airbus software glitch is causing chaos around the globe, with thousands of weekend flights cancelled.

Airbus said it was ordering immediate updates to 6,000 of its widely used A320 range of jets - affecting more than half the global fleet.

The news came during the busiest travel weekend of the year in the United States and is causing disruption at airports around the world.

Airbus ordered airlines to undertake software modifications on its A320s after it discovered the risk of errors in the plane's flight control systems.

It was among the largest recalls affecting Airbus in its 55-year history. The plane is flown by more than 350 airlines and some 11,300 A320s are in operation.

The fix involves reverting to earlier software and is relatively simple, but reportedly must be carried out before the planes can fly again, a bulletin issued to airlines says.

The world's largest A320 operator, American Airlines, said some 340 of its 480 A320 aircraft would need the fix. It said it mostly expected these to be completed by Saturday with about two hours required for each plane.

Other airlines affected include Lufthansa, United and easyJet.

In Australia, thousands of travellers’ flight plans were thrown into chaos.

Budget airline Jetstar has cancelled or delayed 90 flights while rolling out urgent software updates to 34 of its planes.

Ditch the pyjamas: American flyers told they need to dress better

Sean Duffy, the US secretary of transportation, doesn't want to punish airlines for cancelling flights or running late; but he does want passengers to dress smarter.

Duffy, you guessed it, is a Donald Trump appointee who clearly favours big business over the Average Joe.

Duffy this week kicked off a new "civility" campaign week that he calls “The Golden Age of Travel Starts With You”. the New York Times reports. 

The campaign came with a 1960s-parody public service announcement that spliced together scenes of the country’s early air travellers, dressed in suits and hats, along with present-day clips of in-flight brawls and airport meltdowns.

In the background, Frank Sinatra sings “Come Fly With Me”.

 
The Transportation Department’s accompanying news release chastised fliers for forgetting to say “please” and “thank you” and for not helping older or pregnant passengers put their bags in the overhead bins.

“Are you dressing with respect?” asks the video. “Are you keeping control of your children?”

Data does back up the feeling that travellers in the US have become more unruly. 

Since 2019, the Federal Aviation Authority has reported a 400% increase of in-flight outbursts - ranging from disruptive behaviour to violence in the air. 

Duffy thinks getting passengers to dress better is one of the keys to reducing incidents. 

 

"Are you helping a pregnant woman or the elderly with placing their bags in the overhead bin?" he asks. "Are you dressing with respect?

"Are you keeping control of your children and helping them through the airport?

"Are you saying thank you to your flight attendants?

"Are you saying please and thank you in general?"

Sound like Americans need classes in how to behave like adult human beings. 

"Bringing civility back, I think, enhances the travel experience for everybody,” Duffy told Fox News. “Let’s maybe go back to an era where we didn’t wear our pajamas to the airport.”

While there is no doubt flying bogans are on the rise it is hard not to see the irony in taking advice on etiquette from a man whose boss likes to grab women "by the pussy", tells reporters to be "Quiet Piggy!" and how thinks his political opponents' opinions are "Punishable by Death".

 

And, unfortunately, the "dress better" initiative came just a few days after a Duffy decision to scrap a proposal that would have required airlines to compensate passengers for significant travel disruptions within carriers’ control. 

So airlines will not be held accountable for improving customer service.

* Sean Duffy is an American politician, attorney, and former television presenter who has been US secretary of transportation since January, 2025. 

Image: Erica Vigilante, Scop.io

Switch that power bank off now!

Wanting to use a power bank during your flight on Qantas or Virgin Australia?

No go from next month after a series of incidents - including fires - on several carriers.

Australia’s big two airline groups are to ban the inflight use of all power banks, news hub Travel Mole reports. 

Virgin will start imposing restrictions from December 1 with Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar imposing similar restrictions effective from December 15.

Virgin says it will allow Ino more than two power banks to be carried - and they must be accessible and within sight during the flight.

They cannot be used or charged, and high-power devices (above) must get advance airline approval.

“Globally, more lithium battery-powered devices are now being carried by travellers, and while these items are generally safe, this move will minimise any potential risks,” Virgin COO Chris Snook said.

While power bank use is banned, the airlines said charging devices will still be permitted using in-seat charging ports where available.

Where available being the key.

Several international carriers including Emirates, Singapore Airlines and Vietnam Airlines have banned the use of power banks on board.

Image: Maksim Chernyshev, Scop.io 

Emirates upgrades its fleet; codeshares with South African Airways

It has been a big week for Emirates Airlines, which has entered a new phase of refitting its aircraft and entered into a new deal with South African Airways.

Emirates' retrofit program sees 60 A380s and 51 Boeing 777s set to receive cabin innovations including next-generation, fully immersive in-flight entertainment systems and upgraded wifi connectivity.

Emirates will introduce the latest seating designs and a new onboard lounge on 60 A380s, paired with Panasonic's advanced Astrova inflight entertainment system.

“Emirates’ retrofit programme is about continuously elevating standards across our entire fleet," says Sir Tim Clark, the airline's president.

"Working with our long-standing partners, we're taking this commitment a step further with the aim of delivering product consistency at scale, in tandem with next-generation innovations in seating, entertainment, and connectivity being brought into service with our newly delivered fleet.

"Our customers expect an excellent experience every time they fly Emirates, and this investment ensures we deliver on that promise in the years to come, wherever they travel with us.”

Business class on both the A380 and Boeing 777s will receive a major upgrade while Emirates is installing fleet-wide Starlink connectivity.

Meanwhile, Emirates and South African Airways are working towards a reciprocal codeshare agreement, ahead of the busy peak travel season.

With single ticket fares and unified baggage handling, Emirates customers will be able to enjoy seamless access from Johannesburg to three domestic points in South Africa - Cape Town, Durban and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), as well as a further thirteen regional points in Africa including Abidjan, Accra, Gaborone, Dar es Salaam, Kinshasa, Windhoek, Lagos, Lusaka, Lubumbashi, Harare, Victoria Falls, Windhoek, and Mauritius.

The codeshare will enable Emirates to tap into feeder traffic from South Africa, and regionally alongside long-haul connecting passengers from the UK and US.

This builds on the existing codeshare partnership that provides South African Airways customers with access to Dubai on Emirates’ soon-to-be 56 weekly flights from three gateways.

Based in Dubai, Emirates is one of the two flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates.

 

See emirates.com, flysaa.com or travel agents.

Qantas chooses Adelaide as technology hub

Qantas has chosen Adelaide as the location for a new technology hub opening next year.

The Australian flag carrier is establishing a new Product Innovation Centre in Adelaide to accelerate the delivery of “intuitive, world-leading digital experiences” for the millions of customers who travel with the airline each year.

The Centre is projected to be home to more than 420 highly-skilled technology roles over the next three years, bringing critical innovation capability in-house, the airline says.

The new purpose-built technology and innovation centre, which is being supported by the South Australian Government, will be based in Adelaide’s CBD and open in March 2026.

It will become the home of the airline’s technology product development teams, where product managers, digital experience designers, software engineers, and data and AI specialists will come together to cha ge how customers interact with Qantas.

Qantas is also partnering with Adelaide University to build graduate recruitment pathways directly into the Centre, creating opportunities for South Australian students to help shape the future of travel.

The centre will enable the airline to bring more critical innovation and technology skills in-house, supporting major initiatives, from the growth of its domestic and international network to new customer experiences and AI tools that help frontline teams serve customers better. 

For customers, Qantas says the centre will help deliver better digital experiences at every stage of the journey. From enhanced app functionality, seamless check-in to smarter baggage tracking. It will also develop AI-powered tools that help when travel doesn’t go to plan.

Qantas Group Chief Executive Officer Vanessa Hudson said the centre would transform how the airline delivers customer experiences.

“Innovation has been a core part of the airline’s DNA for more than 100 years,”Hudson said. “This centre marks a new chapter in our efforts to reimagine the travel experience for the millions of customers who fly with us.

“Technology and AI is critical to lifting the customer experience at every part of the journey, from booking to inflight and baggage collection. This new hub will bring the best Australian skilled talent together to build digital products and experiences that make travel easier and more personalised.

“Adelaide gives us access to world-class universities, a thriving tech community, and the ability to scale our in-house capability. It’s an investment in Australian innovation that will deliver real benefits for our customers.”

South Australian Premier the Hon Peter Malinauskas said:
“This historic agreement with Qantas will help supercharge growth in new highly skilled, high tech jobs.

“Through strategic partnerships under this agreement, including the collaboration between Adelaide University and the Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML), we are building a strong pipeline of talent with advanced AI and digital skillsets. 

“This initiative will ensure South Australia remains at the forefront of emerging technologies and future workforce opportunities.”

The new Qantas Product Innovation Centre is the latest in a series of investments by the national carrier in South Australia, including the recently opened lounge precinct at Adelaide Airport and the return of international flights from Adelaide to Auckland which launched earlier this month.

Visit the Philippines on the cheap - but you'll need to move quickly

Fancy bargain air fares from Australia to the Philippines for trips next year?

You’ll need to move smartly.

Leading Philippines’ carrier Cebu Pacific this week launched its 11.11 Super Seat Fest but offers only apply this week.

Guests from Australia can book flights to Manila for $219 for a one-way all-in fare until November 15. The travel period runs from June 1 to October 31, 2026.

From Manila, travellers can connect to 27 other domestic destinations. Those seeking beach or nature escapes can visit Boracay for its white-sand beaches, Bohol for its marine sanctuaries, or Palawan for its lagoons and limestone cliffs.

For visitors interested in cultural and adventure activities, options include surfing in Siargao, hiking and exploring natural attractions around Davao, or discovering heritage sites and local cuisine in Iloilo and other provincial cities.

With the airline’s domestic network, travellers can connect through Clark, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao for access to more destinations across the Philippines.

CEB operates flights to 37 domestic and 26 international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

It offers various payment options, including credit or debit cards and e-wallets, to book flights and buy add-ons.

See www.cebupacificair.com or book directly via the Cebu Pacific app.

Where to discover a lie-flat bed in premium economy

Fancy booking a premium economy seat and finding you have snagged a lie-flat seat?

Thai Airways has launched lie-flat seats as a premium economy option on select regional routes, repurposing business class seats previously used by Virgin Atlantic, Thai correspondent Barry Wood advises.

The move offers some lucky passengers lie-flat comfort without the business-class price tag. Which has to be a winner.

The new Premium Economy Plus class has debuted on routes from Bangkok to Chennai, Dhaka, Hyderabad, Jakarta, and Kathmandu.

Rather than investing in fresh interiors, Thai Airways is instead making use of its newly leased Airbus A330-300s, originally configured for Virgin Atlantic.

These aircraft come fitted with 31 Zodiac UCS3 lie-flat Upper Class seats in a 1-1-1 herringbone layout, 48 standard premium economy recliners, and 185 economy seats.

Although these seats have been retired from top-tier business offerings, they still offer an upgrade from your average premium economy seats with fully-flat beds, 11.1-inch HD screens, and power outlets.

Business Traveller reports that the Thai Airways move is “a smart way to monetise ageing lie-flats on routes with weak premium demand without the overheads of business class service.”

Qantas to offer flyers more legroom

 

Sick of feeling cramped when you fly?

Qantas today unveiled a new cabin product that it promises will offer a better experience.

The Australian flag carrier is "enhancing the on-board experience across its domestic and short-haul international fleet" with the introduction of Qantas Economy Plus, which is designed to give customers more choice with extra legroom seating, priority boarding and priority access to overhead baggage space.

Qantas says the Economy Plus seats will give customers up to 40% more legroom.

The new product will be available from February, 2026, on the Airbus A321XLR, A220 and Boeing 737 aircraft which operate on the airline’s domestic network as well as to New Zealand and Pacific Islands.

High-tiered frequent flyers will receive complimentary access to Qantas Economy Plus.

The launch comes as Qantas continues a fleet renewal program, which includes 48 next generation A321XLR aircraft on order.

The first two A321XLR aircraft began flying on the domestic network in September, with a third set to arrive before the end of the year.

The airline will begin reconfiguration of its 737 aircraft in December.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said Qantas Economy Plus will give customers greater flexibility with how they choose to travel and provide additional value for frequent flyers.

“This is an evolution of our economy offering and delivers more choice for our customers while recognising our most loyal frequent flyers with expanded benefits, in the areas we know they value the most,” Hudson said.

“We’re always looking for ways to enhance the onboard experience and maximise comfort for our customers. We believe this new seating product will be popular with our corporate and leisure travellers when it launches next year.”

Platinum members and above will receive complimentary access to Qantas Economy Plus when making their flight booking and Gold members will receive complimentary access at check-in, subject to availability.

Qantas Economy Plus will also be available for purchase on Qantas’ 737, A321XLR and A220 fleets, including on any short-haul international routes they operate, from February 2026 and pricing will be announced closer to the launch.

Image: Qantas

Budget airline rakes in the cash

 

Ryanair is the European budget airline that a lot of people love to hate.

They dislike the fact that you pay extra for almost everything other than your seat. They hate the fact that Ryanair enforces luggage limits, and will gouge you at every opportunity.

That said, Ryanair is laughing all the way to the bank.

The airline this week reported a big jump in first-half year profits by more than 40% to €2.54 billion, travel news hub Travel Mole reported.

It cited a strong Easter period and saw passenger traffic grew 3% to a record 119 million people.

Revenues over the first six months of the year were up 13% to €9.82 billion

Ryanair Group CEO Michael O’Leary, said: “Fares benefitted from having the full Easter holiday in Q1 and we achieved a full recovery of the 7% fare decline we suffered in last year's Q2.

"Ancillary revenue was solid, rising 6% to €2.91 billion.”

The airline said operating costs rose 4% to €6.96 billion.

Ryanair now has 204 Boeing 737 Max aircraft in its 641-strong fleet.

Qantas links Adelaide with Auckland

 

Qantas has launched its first international service from Adelaide in more than a decade, with direct flights to Auckland taking off this morning.

The route unlocks adds more than 30,000 seats between the two cities, boosting tourism in both directions.

The seasonal route will operate until early May four times per week using Boeing 737-800 aircraft, featuring complimentary wifi. 

It comes as the Australian national carrier announced a major sale across its international network yesterday, including one way economy fares from Adelaide to Auckland from $359 for travel between February and May 2026.

Qantas CEO International Cam Wallace said it was a significant day for the airline and South Australians.

“Today we’re celebrating a major milestone for Qantas and South Australians with the return of international flying from Adelaide.

“South Australians can now reach New York in around 21 hours and with just one stop via Auckland on our QF3 service, while the new route also opens up greater opportunities for inbound connections throughout South Australia and beyond through our domestic network.

“We’ve seen significant growth across our international network over the past 18 months and we’re pleased to bring more of that choice and connectivity to South Australia.“

“We’re excited to welcome Qantas’ international return to Adelaide," said Adelaide Airport managing director  Brenton Cox. 

"This is a much-anticipated milestone, which helps meet the growing customer demand for travel between Adelaide and New Zealand. Along with a direct service to Auckland, the service opens up a one-stop connection with New York.”

Tourism New Zealand CEO Rene de Monchy was similarly enthusiastic, saying: “It’s fantastic to welcome back Qantas’ direct flights from Adelaide to Aotearoa New Zealand. With 1.47 million Australians visiting New Zealand over the past year, these direct services play a vital role in strengthening connectivity and making trans-Tasman travel even more seamless.

“We’re excited to continue welcoming South Australians to New Zealand, now with even more travel options that make it easier than ever to experience the unique magic of a 100% Pure New Zealand holiday.”

Qantas currently operates nearly 280 services per week from Adelaide to more than 14 destinations around Australia.

UK domestic airline cancels all flights; flyers stranded

A domestic airline in the UK has suspended operations and all of its flights have been cancelled.

Customers of Eastern Airways, which operated regional services from airports across the UK, were being urged not to go to airports for booked journeys as flights will not be operating, the UK Civil Aviation Authority said.

The airline flew to destinations including Aberdeen, Humberside, Gatwick, Newquay, Teesside International and Wick John O’Groats, its website says.

On Monday morning, the company filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator at the insolvency and companies court within the high court, local media said

Selina Chadha, consumer and markets director at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “We urge passengers planning to fly with this airline not to go to the airport as all Eastern Airways flights are cancelled.

“Eastern Airways customers should visit the CAA website for the latest information.”

In response to the suspension of Eastern Airways operations, London North Eastern Railway, ScotRail, TransPennine Express and Northern would offer free standard-class travel to Eastern Airways staff and customers on suitable routes operated, the Civil Aviation Authority said.

To access this support, people should show an Eastern Airways employee ID, boarding pass or flight confirmation to station staff.

Founded in 1997, Eastern Airways employed around 280 people.  

Malaysia Airlines urged to ban in-flight alcohol

A consumer group has urged Malaysia Airlines to ban alcohol from all domestic and international flights.

The Rural Malaysia Consumer and Ecology Association (Rural Malaysia) released a statement calling on the national airline to “take a brave and principled step”.

Secretary-General M.S. Anuar Mahmod insisted it isn’t a religious issue but about “social responsibility, flight safety, public health and national identity.”

The group wants Malaysian Airlines to follow the likes of Saudi Arabian Airlines, Kuwait Airways, EgyptAir, Iran Air and Royal Brunei Airways - all from countries where alcohol is heavily restricted or banned outright.

But tourism industry leaders are warning that banning alcohol could impact not only the airline’s bottom line but Malaysia’s international image, too, news hub Travel Mole reported.

It would negatively impact the country’s reputation as a tolerant nation, they say.

Sri Ganesh Michiel, president of the Malaysian Tourism Federation, says the availability of alcohol on board is simply what global travellers expect. It doesn’t mean the airline is being culturally insensitive.

It will put the airline at a competitive disadvantage, tourism stakeholders say.

“Malaysia is known as a moderate tourism country. We emphasise values like tolerance, acceptance, and inclusiveness," said Nigel Wong, president of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents.

"That’s what makes Malaysia so appealing as a tourism destination.”

Lufthansa planning to can domestic flights

German airline powerhouse Lufthansa is poised to cancel up to 100 flights a week on domestic routes. 

Reduced passenger numbers, higher taxes and airport fees at German airports were reasons given by Lufthansa, which says many domestic routes are no longer profitable.

The decision follows a recent one by Ryanair to cut back on its flights in and out of German destinations. 

Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr said around 100 weekly domestic air links are now under review, news hub Travel Mole reported.

“Without a reduction in the burden on our home markets, further cuts will be unavoidable,” Spohr told Welt am Sonntag.

The decision comes as Lufthansa also plans to eliminate about 4,000 administrative positions as part of a wider cost-reduction effort.

“Routes such as Munich–Münster/Osnabrück or Munich–Dresden are under review,” Spohr said. “We operate these flights at a loss every single day.”

He noted that the cost of operating within Germany has nearly doubled since 2019 due to higher air traffic control fees, airport charges, and environmental taxes, making some services unsustainable.

Unlike international traffic, domestic air travel in Germany has failed to return to pre-pandemic levels. Industry groups attribute this to a decline in business travel. 

Many businesses have permanently shifted to videoconferencing while there is also major competition from high-speed rail services. 

If implemented, Lufthansa’s reduction could affect smaller regional airports such as Dresden, Münster/Osnabrück, Nuremberg, and Saarbrücken. 

These all rely heavily on connections to Munich and Frankfurt. 

Good news and bad news for Rex flyers

A low-profile US aviation company is poised to run Australian rural airline Regional Express (Rex).

Air T has secured a deal to take over Rex, which went into administration last year with large debts and has been propped up with government money.

Rex is regional airline that serves numerous small towns across Australia,

It has been able to continue flying regional routes thanks to more than a $100 million government bailout.

The airline’s troubles were created when it attempted to compete with the major airlines - Qantas and Virgin Australia - on mainline big city routes.

More details on the deal could be released this week, news hub Travel Mole reported.

Air T operates various aviation divisions in the US, including charter and maintenance services. It also operates some FedEx services and a facility with access to hard-to-find aircraft parts which would help keep Rex’s Saab 340 aircraft running.

Over 30 of Rex’s 56 Saabs are currently in service, with the remainder grounded awaiting parts and engines.

There was also some bad news for Rex frequent flyers this week with the airline's loyalty program, Rex Flyer, suspended after the company managing the program was placed into voluntary administration.

Rex Flyer Pty Ltd is now in the hands of administrator EY (formerly Ernst and Young), which said it is now assessing the next steps for the loyalty brand and will issue an update to members as soon as practicable.

The development followed confirmation of Air T's agreement with Rex administrators to buy the the Rex business and retain staff, but also to pursue growth opportunities.

"The proposed acquisition contemplates a continuation and growth of Rex’s regional airline business and continuing employment for its workforce," Minneapolis-based Air T said on its website.

Air T has said it expects to close the acquisition of Rex by the end of the year, so long as creditor and
other approvals are obtained.


In a statement, a spokesperson for Federal Transport Minister Catherine King said the announcement is a “positive step towards bringing Rex out of voluntary administration”.

Established in 1980, Air T has widespread freight and transport interests.

Here is a link to the Air T statement: https://airt.com/2025/10/21/agreement-regional-express-holdings/

Is one of the most famous airline names set for a comeback?

One of the most famous airline brands in the world could be set for a comeback more than 30 years after going out of business.

Pan American World Airways, originally founded as Pan American Airways, was once the largest international air carrier and was the unofficial flag carrier of the US for much of the 20th century.

The first airline to fly worldwide, it pioneered innovations such as jumbo jets and computerised reservation systems.

Now Pan Am Global Holdings, the entity managing the Pan Am brand, has announced it is exploring the feasibility of reintroducing Pan Am as a scheduled commercial airline.

Craig Carter, CEO of Pan Am Global Holdings, has said the initiative "aims to honour Pan Am's legacy while adopting a sustainable and forward-thinking approach to modern air travel".

The company has filed for a Part 121 scheduled operator license in the US, travel news hub Travel Mole reports.

It is working with consulting firm AVi8 Air Capital, which has formulated a start-up business plan.

The firm says it has experienced airline professionals in place to assist with the certification process and has support from lessors.

It is suggested the revived Pan Am would operate Airbus aircraft and be based in Miami.

The original Pan Am was founded 98 years ago but shut down in 1991.