Here's the latest from the world of travel.
Australia: Be ready for a shake-up as Qantas has outlined a July 2026 shift in policy for those on Jetstar International flights.
Qantas Gold, Platinum, and Qantas Club members on Jetstar international flights presently enjoy lounge access and other complimentary lounge invitations. However, all that changes on July 1.
"Customers who wish to continue accessing the Qantas lounge when flying with Jetstar can still do so by booking a Qantas codeshare flight operated by Jetstar, a Jetstar domestic flight, or a Jetstar Business Max fare," Qantas said.
Only top Platinum One-tiered members can use the lounges when travelling with Jetstar. The change will mostly impact leisure routes into New Zealand, Bali and wider Asia, and come in the wake of a planned overhaul by Qantas of its loyalty programme, and noting customer feedback.
World: Passengers are becoming tuned into new rule changes affecting power banks they take aboard flights as lithium battery fires are becoming one of aviation's fastest-growing safety risks.
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has introduced new rules regarding the use of power banks to improve flight safety. Passengers will be allowed to carry a maximum of two power banks on flights. Charging these devices during the flight is prohibited.
The regulation was implemented in line with increasing technical assessments regarding the risks posed by lithium batteries carried by passengers. ICAO said the step is part of its long-term strategy to enhance aviation safety.
The measures were approved by the 36-nation ICAO Council, and will be communicated to the organisation's 193 member states.
Denmark: Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has begun daily direct flights between Copenhagen and Istanbul, signaling stronger ties between Turkey and the Scandinavian region while providing passengers with greater accessibility and comfort.
The collaboration with SAS is a significant milestone in IGA Istanbul Airport's strategy to expand its airline partnerships and destination network. It also aims to meet the growing passenger demand between Scandinavia and Turkey.
Server Aydın, Deputy General Manager for Commercial Affairs at IGA Istanbul Airport, said: "We are delighted to welcome SAS, to Istanbul. We believe this collaboration, which is an important part of our airport's sustainable growth strategy, will strengthen economic and cultural ties between the Scandinavian countries and Turkey."
Henrik Winell, Vice President of Scandinavian Airlines SAS Network, added: "It will offer a vital role in connecting people, businesses, and communities across regions. With our punctual and reliable service, we connect Scandinavia to the world and the world to Scandinavia."
Thailand: Ticket prices and fuel surcharges are increasing at Bangkok Airways in April. CEO Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth said domestic fares will rise by 15 to 20%, though prices will stay within the government-approved ceiling. For international routes, such as flights to the Maldives, a fuel surcharge of $50-$60 has already been applied.
The airline has hedged roughly 30% of its fuel at $80-$90 per barrel to manage costs for the rest of the year.
Puttipong said conditions were looking positive at the start of the year, but turbulence in late February prompted a review of growth targets.
China: China Southern Airlines is ramping up flights to Turkey, following Turkey's lifting of visa requirements for Chinese citizens.
Weekly flights on the Beijing Daxing–Istanbul route have been increased from three to four. On the Guangzhou–Istanbul route, capacity has risen to ten flights per week, while the Urumqi–Istanbul route has been upped from one to three weekly flights.
Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka is planning to allow visa-free entry to 40 nations to bolster tourism and travel to the destination.
Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau chairman Buddika Hewawasam told TTG Asia that parliamentary approval was expected "any moment now" and that the plan would take effect shortly.
Some of the nations included are the UK and most of Europe, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Nepal, China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, France, the US, Canada, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, New Zealand, Kuwait, Norway, Türkiye and Pakistan.
Nationals from India, China, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia are already eligible for visa-free entry under an existing arrangement.
The free-visa scheme was first announced in July 2025, with cabinet approval granted at the time. It followed an earlier August 2024 announcement allowing visa-free travel for nationals of 35 countries, which was not implemented.
Malaysia: Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has opened its newly relocated and expanded lounge at Langkawi International Airport, marking a significant upgrade to the island's only airport hospitality suite.
Now situated in the landside area to serve both arriving and departing passengers, the facility has been redesigned to accommodate 63 passengers and features a dedicated private dining area.
The refreshed space also serves as a cultural hub, debuting the Proudly Local campaign, which features island-inspired artworks from The People Art Gallery, and a signature Spicy Chicken Langkawi Luxe with Trio Sambal to provide travellers with an authentic taste of the region.
To mark the opening, Plaza Premium is offering a buy one lounge access, get a complimentary companion access promotion, valid through June 7, 2026. Standard access rates for the new facility start at $29.30 for a one-hour stay.
Thailand: The Bangkok Post has reported that Thailand is considering regulations requiring international tourists to obtain accident insurance before entering the country.
The move, in light of rising unpaid medical bills and accident risks, places a mounting strain on public healthcare.
The Ministry of Public Health estimates unpaid medical bills from foreign patients amount to at least 100 million baht annually, with major tourism hubs such as Phuket and Chiang Mai most affected.
A proposed 300 baht entry fee for air arrivals remains under cabinet review, but attention is shifting towards compulsory insurance, said the Post.
Vietnam: Marriott International has signed an agreement with Sun Group to develop 10 hotels and resorts across Phu Quoc and Vung Tau, adding about 4,500 rooms to its portfolio between 2026 and 2030, reports TTG Asia.
The agreement includes projects under eight Marriott brands and will introduce W Hotels and Moxy Hotels to Vietnam for the first time. The developments are part of Sun Group's integrated tourism projects in both destinations.
Seven properties will be located in Phu Quoc, including hotels under the W Hotels, Marriott Hotels, Westin Hotels & Resorts, Le Méridien and Courtyard by Marriott brands.
Additional projects on Hon Thom Island include Moxy Hotels and Fairfield by Marriott.
In Vung Tau, three properties are planned under the Marriott Hotels, Moxy Hotels and Four Points by Sheraton brands, within the Blanca City development.
Phu Quoc has seen increased tourism development in recent years, supported by infrastructure projects and attractions, such as a cable car to Hon Thom island, theme parks and entertainment facilities.
