airline news

The Hosteller opens its latest backpacker retreat in Vagamon, Kerala, blending budget luxury with hilltop views, infinity pool, and stargazing cottages. Young travelers now have an offbeat hill destination featuring premium amenities amid tea plantations.

Rising flight costs and surging energy prices are threatening Thailand's crucial Songkran tourism season (April 13–15, 2026). Hoteliers are calling for government intervention to support domestic travel as the high season approaches.

India joins Canada, US, UK, Japan, Australia and 90 other nations in Thailand's 60-day visa exemption scheme starting 2026, doubling prior limits to boost tourism and business from key markets.

Asia's largest tulip garden in Srinagar opens ahead of schedule due to heatwave, drawing over 10,000 visitors on day one despite unexpected snowfall. Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden showcases vibrant tulips and more, boosting Kashmir tourism in 2026.

Sri Lanka now accepts UPI payments from Indian tourists via LankaQR scans at hotels like Cinnamon and Taj, retailers including Keells and Odel, cutting cash reliance. Over 531,000 Indians visited in 2025; NPCI International expands acceptance in 2026 for smoother travel.

South Korea advances its 30 million inbound visitor target from 2030 to 2028, driven by K-culture boom and regional tourism push. President Lee Jae Myung and KTO lead overhaul with high-speed rail, AI integration, and infrastructure upgrades for sustainable growth.

SITA launches Bag Radar at PTE World 2026, a cloud-based tool using AI and predictive analytics to spot baggage risks like missed connections and mishandled bags early. Airlines and airports gain real-time insights to cut disruptions and costs without major infrastructure changes.

Singapore Airlines deploys Airbus A350 on Singapore-Manila service with premium Business Class and Premium Economy cabins, elevating the short-haul travel experience between Southeast Asia's two major hubs.

Shanghai kicks off 2026 cruise season with visa-free perks and dual luxury port calls in one week, spotlighting Ritz-Carlton Yacht and Seven Seas Explorer. Discover ultra-luxury Yangtze and Asia voyages reviving China's top port.

Shanghai's tourism explodes in 2026 with visa-free entry for Canada and UK citizens driving record arrivals. Spring Festival saw 21.67 million visitors and 25.6 billion yuan spending, up 8.36% and 20.90% year-on-year, fueled by new policies and extended holidays.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) reports 96 delays and 11 cancellations on March 12, 2026, hitting United, Delta, American Airlines amid federal shutdown staffing crisis. [FAA](https://www.faa.gov) cuts flights 10% at 40 airports for safety. Travelers face nationwide disruptions — check status now.

Russia's domestic tourism hit 173.9 million trips in 2025, up 7.4% year-on-year, with Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Krasnodar Krai leading demand. Spending reached 1.94 trillion rubles amid a shift to premium experiences, mirroring booms in Germany, France, Italy, and others.