Here’s the latest news from the world of travel.
AUSTRALIA: Airline Jetstar is set to change its carry-on baggage policy from February 2027. It will end its 7kg carry-on weight limit in favour of a size-based carry-on baggage model.
As part of the changes, passengers will be allowed one underseat bag, such as a backpack, handbag or laptop bag. Those requiring more carry-on baggage can pre-purchase Priority Carry-on, which includes a second, larger bag for the overhead locker.
The policy shift occurred after research and feedback from staff and customers. One of the main issues highlighted was having bags weighed at the gate and then struggling to find space in overhead bins.
Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully said: “To make packing easier, we’ve decided to remove the 7kg weight limit. From next February, the main thing customers will need to think about is the size of their carry-on. By giving customers an underseat bag with the option to add Priority Carry-on, we can make better use of overhead bin space, streamline boarding and help more flights depart on time.”
DUBAI: Fliers who favour crypto over cash and credit cards can now utilise their digital money at Dubai International Airport.
Dubai Duty Free has become the first airport retailer in the Middle East to accept cryptocurrency payments, introducing Crypto.com Pay across its retail network at DXB, Al Maktoum International Airport, and its online store.
The new payment option allows travellers to make purchases using supported cryptocurrencies through the Crypto.com App. In-store, customers scan a QR code at checkout to complete their transaction. Online shoppers can also pay by scanning a QR code, while mobile users are directed to the Crypto.com App to authorise payment. All transactions are processed through Crypto.com’s regulated payment infrastructure.
The move is another step in Dubai’s ambition to become a global leader in digital payments and financial innovation.
CHINA: Thousands of travellers have been grounded in China and Taiwan in the wake of Typhoon Dolphin.
The typhoon caused widespread travel disruptions across eastern China, with Shanghai’s two major airports cancelling more than 1,300 flights. Shanghai Hongqiao and Pudong airports cancelled about 60% of scheduled flights last weekend. Flights from Taiwan to China were also grounded after Dolphin brought heavy rains.
With wind speeds of 160 km/h, forecasters said the storm should reach Zhejiang province and the northern parts of neighbouring Fujian province. Up to 400 mm of rain is expected in some areas over the coming days.
SPAIN: Flights have been disrupted by Groundforce crews beginning an indefinite strike at Barcelona-El Prat Airport’s Terminals 1 and 2. The timing coincides with one of Spain’s busiest travel peaks. Airlines have warned passengers to expect delays, cancellations and baggage issues for the foreseeable future.
A union call for an open-ended strike involving 1,179 staff, including check-in and boarding teams, began August 4. Estimates suggest up to two million passengers could be affected.
The actions are in protest at excessive workloads, routine overtime, insufficient rest periods and growing safety concerns.
INDONESIA: Indonesia enjoyed its strongest first-half tourism performance since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. The nation welcomed 7.45 million international visitors between January and June 2026, a 5.7% increase compared with the same period last year. The strong trend could push the country to record more than 17 million overseas arrivals by year’s end.
Indonesia’s performance was the second-best across Southeast Asia, with Vietnam recording a 14.9% year-over-year increase to 12.3 million foreign arrivals.
While Malaysia saw a 2.5% year-over-year increase, Thailand saw a 3.1% decline in foreign arrivals for the first six months of 2026.
GERMANY: Lufthansa Group is to launch Starlink high-speed wifi for the first time on a Lufthansa-operated Airbus A320neo aircraft on August 19.
Starlink will then be rolled out across the fleets of Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines, before being introduced at other group airlines, including ITA Airways, Lufthansa City Airlines and Eurowings. Lufthansa said the service would be fitted on all airlines’ fleets by 2029.
The group is making Starlink internet available at no charge for all Lufthansa Group Miles & More loyalty programme members and Travel ID users.
Dieter Vranckx, chief commercial officer of the Lufthansa Group, said: “We’re making high-speed internet an integral part of the travel experience across all travel classes and on all Lufthansa Group airlines: that is how we understand premium.”
CANADA: A Porter Airlines flight had to be cancelled when a young child refused to buckle up, forcing the plane back to the terminal and delaying it past the airport’s runway closure.
The Toronto-based airline said the parent and crew repeatedly tried unsuccessfully to secure the child in the seat before returning the plane to the terminal in Victoria International Airport in British Columbia to remove the parent and child, according to local media.
Porter said removing the parent and child, along with their baggage, delayed the Toronto-bound flight past the airport's 12:30 am runway closure, forcing the remaining passengers to disembark and be rebooked on a flight the following day.
USA: Delta has announced plans to deliver the most comprehensive Seattle-Tokyo offering ever, reinforcing Seattle's role as Delta’s premier Pacific gateway and greater access to Japan.
Delta is launching a new nonstop service between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Tokyo-Narita International Airport from late March 2027. The new route complements Delta’s existing nonstop service between Seattle and Tokyo-Haneda, creating two ways to Tokyo for customers.
Jeff Arinder, Vice President, International Network Planning, said: “Japan continues to be one of the most important and beloved destinations in Delta’s global network and adding Seattle–Narita service gives our customers even more choice when planning their travel.”
Andy Probert is a British-born, Cyprus-based journalist who covers aviation, hotels, travel, and various topics for publications worldwide.
