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Qatar Airways to launch FIFA World Cup 2026 travel packages

Qatar Airways’ leisure division, Qatar Airways Holidays, is set to launch travel packages for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The much-awaited tournament will have 48 teams competing during the biggest World Cup ever, with more than 104 planned matches across three countries and 16 host cities. The travel packages will include international flights, domestic flights, transfers to various cities, hotel accommodation in four and five-star hotels, airport and stadium transfers, and match tickets. The packages are the first chance for football lovers and sports enthusiasts around the world to secure their seats at the historic FIFA World Cup 2026™. Qatar Airways is the Official Global Airline Partner of FIFA for a multi-year partnership extending till 2030, committed to delivering excellence in connecting millions of fans seamlessly through Qatar Airways’ expansive network and world-class loyalty programme and hospitality. As the official Global Airline partner of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, following the success of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, Qatar Airways Holidays serves as the authorised travel package provider of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and will launch these packages in phases in the build-up to the tournament next year.

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Singapore Airlines Enhances In-Flight Dining with New Shahi and Ruchi Thalis

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has unveiled its refreshed Shahi Thali and Ruchi Thali experiences for Suites, First Class, and Business Class customers, enhancing the in-flight dining journey between India and Singapore from May 1, 2025. The revamped menus have been conceptualised and developed in collaboration with Chef Sanjeev Kapoor from the Airline’s International Culinary Panel (ICP). Singapore Airlines elevates in-flight dining with refreshed Shahi Thali and Ruchi Thali and new serviceware (2)Singapore Airlines elevates in-flight dining with refreshed Shahi Thali and Ruchi Thali and new serviceware (2) The airline hosted an exclusive preview event for select members of the media, where Chef Sanjeev Kapoor personally showcased the updated thalis. Attendees also had the opportunity to sample the new dishes, experiencing first-hand the variety and authenticity the refreshed menus offer. SIA’s updated Shahi Thali, a unique Indian meal that features a spread of traditional delicacies for Suites and First Class customers, will feature eight components in its main course, up from the previous six. It will comprise six vegetable or meat dishes, rice, and a paratha (Indian bread), providing customers with a wider variety of flavours. The main course will be complemented by cold and hot appetisers, dessert, and a refreshing Indian lassi (yoghurt drink). Enhancing the premium dining experience, the meal will be presented on a hammered-finish, copper-coloured steel Thali platter, served with similarly designed cutlery for an authentic Indian culinary experience.

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Indian Air Travel Grows 8% in March 2025, Led by Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet

In March 2025, Indian airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet, collectively contributed to a remarkable over eight percent growth in the country’s air travel, with domestic carriers transporting more than fourteen million passengers. This surge in passenger traffic highlights the ongoing recovery and expansion of India’s aviation sector, fueled by rising consumer demand, greater accessibility to air travel, and the continued strengthening of airline networks. Major players like IndiGo maintained their market dominance, while Air India, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet also played key roles in meeting the growing needs of both leisure and business travelers, all contributing to a thriving and competitive aviation landscape in India. Indian airlines experienced significant growth in passenger traffic in March 2025, according to the latest data released by the government. The total number of passengers carried by domestic airlines during the month reached 14.5 million, reflecting an 8.79% increase compared to March 2024. This surge in passenger numbers underscores the growing demand for air travel within India, as the aviation sector continues to recover and expand. Growth in Passenger Traffic In March 2025, Indian domestic airlines carried 14.542 million passengers, up from 13.368 million in the same month the previous year. This increase in passenger traffic indicates that the aviation sector in India is on an upward trajectory, as airlines continue to meet the growing demand for air travel. Several factors have contributed to this growth, including the rising middle-class population, greater connectivity between cities, and an overall increase in disposable incomes, which has encouraged more people to opt for air travel over other modes of transportation.

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Singapore Tourism to Grow as New Road Pricing Takes Effect June 2025

Starting June 3, 2025, Singapore will implement revised Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) charges across major expressways and arterial roads, aiming to tackle increasing traffic congestion during peak hours. The new rates, based on real-time traffic data collected earlier in the year, reflect a strategic effort by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to manage road usage without expanding physical infrastructure. These changes, including increases in toll charges on routes such as the Central Expressway (CTE), Pan-Island Expressway (PIE), and Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE), are designed to smooth traffic flow and encourage commuters to adjust their travel times, ultimately reducing peak-hour congestion and supporting the Smart Mobility 2030 vision. As a result, both daily commuters and businesses in high-traffic areas will be directly affected by these updated charges. Starting June 3, 2025, Singapore will introduce new Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) charges on key expressways and arterial roads in response to increasing traffic congestion during peak hours. Announced in May 2025 by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), these adjustments aim to more effectively manage road usage and ease traffic flow. Commuters traveling through high-traffic zones should take note of revised toll rates and schedule changes, as these may impact their daily travel costs.

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Malaysia-Uzbekistan Travel Soars with AirAsia X’s New Kuala Lumpur-Tashkent Flights in October

AirAsia X is set to launch direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Tashkent starting in October 2025, marking a significant step in enhancing travel connections between Malaysia and Uzbekistan. This new route will provide a convenient and efficient travel option for both business and leisure travelers, making it easier for Malaysians to explore Uzbekistan’s rich cultural and Islamic heritage, while also opening doors for Uzbek tourists to visit Malaysia. The three-times-a-week service reflects AirAsia X’s commitment to expanding its network and fostering stronger ties between the two nations, especially in the tourism sector. AirAsia X is set to launch direct flights between Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Tashkent, Uzbekistan, starting in October 2025, marking an important milestone in the enhancement of travel ties between the two nations. This new route, which will operate three times a week, provides a crucial link for both leisure and business travelers, significantly improving accessibility and opening up new opportunities for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. The introduction of this service highlights AirAsia X’s continued expansion of its flight network, which is a part of its strategic growth plan in the region.

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Ho Chi Minh City Offers Free Bus Rides for Reunification Day

Ho Chi Minh City will offer free bus rides across all routes on April 30 to commemorate Vietnam’s Reunification Day and show appreciation to its passengers, as announced by the city’s Department of Transport and Public Works on Friday. The Public Transportation Management Center announced that all passengers traveling on both city and interprovincial bus routes linked to Ho Chi Minh City will benefit from complimentary service. Advertisement This offer extends to oversized baggage that would typically incur extra charges. Passengers will continue to receive tickets and retain all their usual service privileges. Transport operators have been directed to adhere to approved service schedules, issue tickets properly, and refrain from collecting any fares, including those for baggage, on April 30. Drivers and staff are expected to fully comply with these directives.

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