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The Extraordinary Travel Festival returns to Bangkok this October

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Travel advocate and media personality Ric Gazarian just announced that the much-anticipated third run of the Extraordinary Travel Festival is set for 22nd to 25th October in Bangkok, Thailand.

The event’s third edition promises to be an unparalleled convergence of the world’s most accomplished and adventurous travelers.

As Gazarian puts it: “The Extraordinary Travel Festival is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of global exploration and human connection. Following the tremendous success of our previous gatherings, we are excited to bring together this unique community once again in a city that truly embodies the spirit of adventure.”

Who’s on the slate?

Building on the success of past festivals, ETF III will offer attendees a robust schedule of speakers, complemented by vibrant parties and a gala dinner. 

That said, this year’s festival will feature over 20 dynamic speakers, delivering engaging keynotes, insightful breakout sessions, and lively panel discussions. 

The stellar speakers lineup for 2025 includes:

  • Jamie Aleman: Traveled to every country in the world, both the North and South Pole, and has traveled to outer space;
  • Jason Wang: Recently completed how own conquest of Mount Everest, completing all Seven Summits; and
  • Kach Medina Umandap: A traveller who has visited every country in the world and has the distinction of becoming the first to complete this quest on a Filipino Passport.

Gazarian said of this year’s speakers: “Imagine the world’s modern-day Marco Polos gathered in a single location. The energy, enthusiasm, and vast knowledge exchanged about travel and country-collecting at our previous events were truly transformative.”

Truly for travellers

ETF III is designed for both seasoned mega-travellers who have visited all 193 UN sovereign nations, as well as passionate individuals aspiring to push their own travel boundaries.

Attendees will gain invaluable insights, share captivating stories, and learn practical strategies from those who have truly gone the distance. 

While many speakers and attendees have achieved the rare feat of visiting all 193 sovereign countries, an accomplishment that fewer than 400 known people alive today can claim, the festival aims to inspire and inform all who share a deep love for travel, regardless of their current country count.

The largest mega-travel clubs will be prominently represented, including Every Passport Stamp (30,000 members) and Travel Massive (60,000 members), fostering an unparalleled networking environment.

Indeed, the Extraordinary Travel Festival presents a unique opportunity for tourism boards, consumer travel brands, and tour providers to connect with and promote their destinations or brands to the world’s most accomplished and expert travelers.

For more information on the Extraordinary Travel Festival or purchase tickets to the event, visit the official website.

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Abercrombie & Kent commences Bolivian expansion as it acquires Crillon Tours

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Global luxury travel firm Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) announced its acquisition of Crillon Tours, marking its expansion into South America.

This latest acquisition reinforces A&K’s position as the world’s largest network of luxury destination management companies (DMCs). 

The acquisition brings A&K’s global network to more than 3,000 staff, in over 70 offices and 83 countries.

The acquisition of Crillon Tours includes DMC operations and unique properties, thus opening access for A&K to some of South America’s most extraordinary and remote destinations, from the world’s highest navigable lake to the planet’s largest salt desert. 

Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group (AKTG) chief executive Cristina Levis said of the development: “Bolivia represents one of South America’s most extraordinary frontiers, with landscapes and experiences that are truly irreplaceable. This acquisition reflects our commitment to expanding access to the world’s most remarkable destinations whilst maintaining the authentic connections and local expertise that define exceptional travel.”  

Darius Morgan, vice-president at Crillon Tours, pointed out that his company has been operating Bolivia’s most exceptional destinations for over 67 years, building deep relationships with local communities and creating unparalleled access to the country’s natural wonders. 

He said: “Joining AKTG allows us to showcase our extraordinary landscapes to discerning travelers worldwide, whilst maintaining the local expertise and cultural connections that make our experiences truly unique.”

What happens now?

Following the acquisition, the Crillon Tours team will continue serving all its global partners as usual, maintaining their commitment to exceptional service and tailoring experiences to specific client needs.

Likewise, it will continue to operate and grow its current business with the same Bolivian leadership and team. 

Over the next several months, A&K will develop and add its own dedicated DMC team in Bolivia, as well as innovative products and experiences which include luxury camping in the Uyuni Salt Flats, which will complement and elevate Crillon Tours’ existing portfolio. 

Expending the A&K footprint in South America

A&K has operated across South America for decades, with established offices throughout the region including Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, Brazil and Argentina. 

The Crillon Tours acquisition adds unique properties on Lake Titicaca and a fleet of Airstream caravans operating in the Uyuni Salt Flats to A&K’s expanding South American portfolio. 

A&K plans further investment in these newly acquired assets to elevate them to A&K Sanctuary standards, enhancing the company’s luxury accommodation offering across the continent.

This expansion complements A&K’s existing South American portfolio, which includes the recently launched Pure Amazon riverboat in Peru and the Ecoventura expedition yachts in Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands. 

Beyond travel and tours

This acquisition of Crillon Tours follows A&K’s recent establishment of a DMC in Mexico, the acquisition of Borealis DMC in the Nordics and significant investment in its A&K Sanctuary collection of luxury camps, lodges and riverboats.  

The A&K Sanctuary portfolio is experiencing unprecedented growth, with several landmark openings this year. 

Gorilla Forest Lodge in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has been completely rebuilt, offering the only luxury accommodation inside the gates of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Baines’ Lodge in Botswana’s Okavango Delta has undergone a complete transformation, with the entire lodge being meticulously redesigned and rebuilt. 

Additionally, Pure Amazon, A&K Sanctuary’s first South American riverboat, launched in Peru in mid-2025, taking guests deep into the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve.

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IATA reports 4.6 percent growth in passenger demand in August 2025

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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its air passenger demand for the month of August on Tuesday, 30th September.

Per the report, total demand measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 4.6 percent compared to August 2024. 

Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 4.5 percent year-on-year, and the August load factor was 86 percent, a record high for the month.

Meanwhile, international demand was up 6.6 percent from where it was at end-August 2024, while capacity rose by 6.5 percent year on year.

On the other hand, there was a 1.5 percent increase in domestic air demand compared to August 2024, with capacity up 1.3 percent with a load factor of around 86.3 percent.

IATA director-general Willie Walsh opines that the August passenger demand report confirms that the 2025 peak northern summer travel season reached a new record high. 

Walsh said: “Moreover, planes were operating with more seats filled than ever with a record load factor of 86%. Despite economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, the global growth trend shows no signs of abating, as October schedules are showing airlines planning 3.4% more capacity. Airlines are doing their best to meet travel demand by maximizing efficiency, making it even more critical for the aerospace manufacturing sector to sort out its supply chain challenges.”

August performance in global markets

International RPK growth reached 6.6 percent in August year-on-year, and load factor reached a historic high. 

Indeed, international traffic was by far the dominant driver of growth, accounting for 87 percent of the net increase in global RPK in August.

Performance by region is as follows:

  • Asia-Pacific airlines achieved a 9.8% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 9.5% year-on-year, and the load factor was 85.1% (+0.2 ppt compared to August 2024). Growth was driven by strong demand from China and Japan (+11.8% and +12% respectively). 
  • European carriers had a 5.3% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 5.3% year-on-year, and the load factor was flat (0.0 ppt compared to August 2024). 
  • North American carriers saw a 1.8% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 2.6% year-on-year, and the load factor was 87.5% (-0.6 ppt compared to August 2024). This was the fourth consecutive month of YoY declines in international PLF for North America.
  • Middle Eastern carriers saw an 8.2% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity rose by 6.9% year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.9% (+1.0 ppt compared to August 2024).
  • Latin American airlines saw a 9.0% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity climbed 9.3% year-on-year. The load factor was 84.7% (-0.2 ppt compared to August 2024).
  • African airlines saw a 7.1% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 5.3% year-on-year. The load factor was 79.7% (+1.3 ppt compared to August 2024). 

The domestic passenger scene in August 2025 

Domestic RPK rose 1.5 percent from where it was in August 2024 and contributed only 13 percent of the global increase in August RPK.

This reflects a drop of 25 percent from where it was a year ago. 

Meanwhile, the US domestic load factor year-on-year dropped again for the eighth consecutive month. 

In South America, on the other hand, the sharp expansion in Brazil was helped by government efforts to promote tourism.

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IATA: global air cargo demand up 4.1 percent in August

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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its global air cargo data for August 2025.

The monthly report shows that total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), was up 4.1 percent from the total seen in August of last year.

At the same time, capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), increased by 3.7 percent compared to August 2024.

IATA director-general Willie Walsh said that the results show a sixth consecutive month of year-on-year growth. 

According to Walsh: “Volumes continue to grow even as global trade patterns change. Air cargo has benefitted from a shift from sea for some high value goods as shippers try to minimize the risk of tariff changes.  And growth patterns indicate some being diverted away from North America, fueling stronger growth for the Europe–Asia, Within Asia, Africa–Asia, and Middle East–Asia trade lanes. This adaptability is vital as shippers navigate the evolving landscape of US tariff policy.”

Factors taken into consideration in the August report

  • The global goods trade grew by 5.4 percent year-on-year in July;
  • Jet fuel prices in August were 6.4 percent lower year-on-year, marking the fourteenth consecutive month of year-on-year declines;
  • Global manufacturing in August showed rising optimism in manufacturing PMI, with a rebound to 51.75, the strongest reading since June 2024;
  • Sentiment on new export orders, however, remains below 50 at 48.73, reflecting persistent caution amid tariff uncertainty.

Regional performance in August 2025

Asia-Pacific airlines saw a 9.8 percent year-on-year growth in air cargo demand in August, while capacity increased by 6.9 percent year-on-year.

However, North American carriers saw a 2.1 percent year-on-year decrease in growth for air cargo in August, the slowest growth of all regions; capacity subsequently decreased by one percent year-on-year.

Meanwhile, European carriers saw a 3.2 percent year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in August, while capacity increased 4.2 percent year-on-year.

Middle Eastern carriers also saw a 2.7 percent year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in August., and capacity increased by 4.3 percent year-on-year.

Latin American carriers likewise saw a 2.1 percent year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in August, while capacity increased by five percent year-on-year.

African airlines saw an 11 percent year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in August, the strongest rise of all regions; capacity in the region was up 12.3 percent.

How the trade lanes fared in August

It should also be noted that freight volumes in August 2025 increased significantly across most major trade corridors. 

Europe–Asia and Within Asia posted robust double-digit growth, while Middle East–Asia, North America-Europe, and Africa-Asia also saw notable gains. 

In contrast, Asia–North America, Middle East–Europe and Within Europe recorded declines.

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Atlas Ocean Voyages introduces its enhanced culinary programme

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Luxury expedition cruise firm Atlas Ocean Voyages introduces its enhanced culinary programme helmed by corporate executive chef René Aflenzer.

Under Aflenzer’s visionary leadership, guests aboard Atlas’ luxury expedition yachts will discover an array of innovative dishes that celebrate artistry, seasonality, and authentic regional flavors.

Cruise line president and chief executive James A Rodriquez said of this latest offering: “Our culinary programme is one of the cornerstones of the Atlas experience. Chef René’s commitment to quality and innovation continues to elevate the dining experience for our valued guests. His creativity, passion, and the talented team of culinary professionals aboard our ships are delivering beyond expectations. Our guest feedback and consistently strong ratings are proof that Atlas dining is truly exceptional.”

In addition to onboard dining, Atlas Ocean Voyages continues to expand its Epicurean Expeditions, with new 2026 and 2027 expeditions returning to the Mediterranean. 

These immersive sailings offer guests exclusive culinary-focused programming, including guest chefs, wine pairings, market-to-table experiences, and shoreside tastings designed to connect travelers with the rich gastronomic traditions of the regions they explore.

A stellar menu

Atlas’ 2025 menu rollout is divided into distinctive categories, offering guests a wide range of dining options designed to inspire the senses:
Starter course highlights

  • Chilled Tomato Essence – smoked cherry tomato, basil oil
  • Raw Hamachi – aqua de chile espuma, soybean-parsley & dill salad, herb oil
  • Cured Mackerel – verjus dressing, parsley oil, Giaveri Oscietra caviar
Signature Main Course highlights
  • Chilean Seabass Tiradito – yuzu-passion fruit leche de tigre, pickled cucumber, crispy quinoa
  • Lobster Ravioli – garlic butter sauce, salmon skin
  • Veal Tenderloin – finished with Porto wine au jus
Plant-Based course highlights
  • Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad – herbed white beans
  • Roasted White Onion – wild mushroom ragout, hazelnut, parsnip cream
  • The Aubergine Mess – hummus, lychee, fresh herbs, chimichurri
  • Additional offerings include kartofelnie, plant-based moussaka, vegetable curry, and more
Dessert course highlights
  • Infinity Chocolate Peanut Butter cake
  • Pistachio Tart | Pistachio Caramel Sauce | Crumble

Inspired by travel

Aflenzer recently returned from a sourcing journey across Argentina, where he collaborated with local farmers, vintners, and artisans to bring the freshest seasonal ingredients to guests aboard Atlas’ luxury expedition yachts. 

These partnerships ensure that locally sourced fish, prime proteins, fresh produce, regional wines and seafood are featured throughout the onboard dining experience.

Aflenzer said of the gustatory experience guests can expect onboard: “Food is an integral part of exploration. Guests deserve a culinary journey as rich and inspiring as the destinations we visit. Our menus are designed to surprise and delight, blending creative presentation, exceptional quality, and fresh regional flavors.”

Atlas guests can enjoy Chef Aflenzer’s creations across all onboard dining venues, including the elegant Main Restaurant, the al fresco 7Aft Grill, casual Paula’s Pantry grab-and-go café, and 24-hour room service.

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Marine Medical Solutions calls for stronger protective measures for seafarers

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OneCare Group’s Marine Medical Solutions issued a call for stronger safeguarding measures to protect the health of seafarers.

The proposed measures include the introduction of mandatory declarations for crew members living with HIV, Hepatitis B, or Hepatitis C.

Company founder and chief executive Dr Jens Tülsner declared: “Seafarers living with HIV or Hepatitis should never face discrimination. These conditions can be managed, and they should have the same opportunities as their colleagues. But at the same time, the nature of life at sea means that accidents happen, and blood-borne transmission poses a real risk. The industry must find a balance between protecting privacy and ensuring safety.”

Bridging a critical gap

Currently, seafarers are not required to declare these conditions before boarding a vessel; while this is intended to avoid stigma and discrimination, Marine Medical Solutions believes it leaves a gap in safeguarding at sea.

As a result, the company proposes that seafarers with such conditions should be required to sign a confidential declaration acknowledging their responsibility to protect others. 

This would involve committing to manage their health responsibly onboard and, where appropriate, to inform designated personnel if they believe disclosure is necessary for the safety of the crew.

Company executives believe that introducing such measures would strengthen trust, remove stigma, and provide a clear framework for safeguarding in the maritime workplace.

As Tülsner explains: “This is not about exclusion, but about responsibility. A simple safeguarding contract would protect everyone: it would reassure colleagues, support those living with HIV or Hepatitis, and reduce the risk of misunderstanding or unsafe practices onboard.”

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SITA’s new cloud platform is set to revolutionise air traffic communication

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Aviation industry tech provider SITA has launched SITA ATC Bridge, an innovative and easy-to-use SaaS (Software as a Service) cloud-based digital platform.

Through this latest innovation, aviation stakeholders can now replace legacy systems with a secure, seamless, and simplified solution designed to maintain operational efficiency.

The platform supports Civil Aviation Authorities, Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs), and regulators who need fast, dependable, and scalable communication across the ICAO ATS Messaging Handling System (AMHS). 

By reducing the cost and complexity of legacy systems, ATC Bridge opens the door to more accessible and resilient connectivity, even for emerging markets.

SITA senior vice-president of communications and data exchange Martin Smillie said of this new offering: “Across the industry, air navigation service providers are being asked to do more with less: handle growing traffic volumes and modernize systems, often with tight budgets. Legacy communication systems make that harder by being expensive, rigid, and complex to maintain. SITA ATC Bridge changes that. By moving to a secure, cloud-based platform, we’re giving aviation authorities the flexibility, speed and resilience they need to collaborate across borders and keep pace with the demands of modern air traffic management.”

Note that, as of press time, this new SITA service is the subject of a pending patent. 

What exactly is SITA ATC Bridge?

A cost-effective, secure, and fully managed SaaS cloud communication platform, ATC Bridge will support global air traffic communication in a modern, agile way. 

It is tailored for fast deployment, budget-conscious procurement, and modern operational needs, where the exchange of large and frequent messages is becoming more mission critical and necessary. 

ATC Bridge delivers seamless critical scalability, security and reliability for both mature and emerging ANSPs.

Likewise, this innovative solution introduces a new ATC Message Handling System (AMHS) Gateway that makes it possible to exchange large messages securely and reliably. 

Because it is cloud-based, there is no need for physical installations, and users can access the system remotely from any location. 

This allows aviation authorities to collaborate in real time across borders and departments, making sure they are more responsive and can operate more efficiently.

Better security and lower ownership costs

Security is central to the design when it comes to SITA ATC Bridge. 

The platform includes encryption, strict access controls with connection authentication, anti-virus protection and regular audits. 

Automatic updates keep systems aligned with international aviation standards and ICAO and IATA protocols, giving customers peace of mind that their operations remain compliant. 

It also provides advanced options such as anti-virus protection and connection authentication.

The solution also lowers the total cost of ownership by removing the need for expensive hardware, software licenses, or ongoing IT maintenance. 

Instead, customers can choose a flexible subscription-based pricing model that scales with their needs.

With ATC Bridge, aviation stakeholders gain a scalable, affordable, and resilient communication solution that strengthens stability across global air traffic operations. 

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Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings launches Loyalty Status Honoring Program

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Global cruise firm Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd announced the launch of its new Loyalty Status Honoring Program today, 30th September.

This new programme enables guests to have their loyalty status honoured across all three of the company’s cruise brands, namely Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Beginning with sailings departing on 15th October this year, members of Latitudes Rewards, Oceania Club, and the Seven Seas Society will be able to have their loyalty tier honoured at the closest corresponding tier across all three brands on a per-cruise basis.  

As company president and CEO Harry Sommer puts it: “We want our guests to feel rewarded whenever they choose to sail within our family of award-winning cruise brands. With the new Loyalty Status Honoring Program, our guests can experience more of what makes each brand special, while still enjoying the loyalty recognition they’ve worked hard to achieve.”

With 34 ships sailing to more than 700 destinations worldwide, the NCLH Loyalty Status Honoring Program empowers guests to discover new ways of travelling, whether it’s enjoying exciting sailings aboard Norwegian Cruise Line, indulging in The Finest Cuisine at Sea with Oceania Cruises, or experiencing unrivaled, all-inclusive cruising with Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Charting the course via brand exploration

NCLH’s Loyalty Status Honoring Program underscores the company’s Charting the Course strategy by encouraging brand exploration, strengthening guest loyalty and elevating the overall guest experience. 

By honouring loyalty across its portfolio, the company is deepening its connection with guests while opening the door to new ways of experiencing its award-winning brands.

That said, loyalty programme members across the three brands can enjoy the following perks:

  • Recognition Across Cruise Brands: Members of Latitudes Rewards, Oceania Club, and Seven Seas Society will now see their loyalty status honoured across all three cruise lines, making it easier than ever to explore all brands while enjoying recognition;
  • Elevated Guest Experience: Guests can sail confidently knowing their loyalty is valued no matter which brand they choose, enhancing every voyage with the perks they’ve earned;
  • More Ways to Explore: With 34 ships sailing to more than 700 destinations, the program unlocks a broader range of vacation styles, itineraries and experiences across the company’s portfolio; and
  • Commitment to Loyalty: This program underscores the company’s dedication to rewarding its most loyal guests while encouraging them to discover the unique offerings of each brand.

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StarDream Cruises introduces new itineraries from Malaysia and Singapore

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StarDream Cruises launched several highly anticipated new itineraries today, 30th September.

These new options offer Malaysian travellers greater convenience and accessibility from Port Klang, Melaka, and Singapore.  

Right on time for the year-end school holidays and the winter holiday season, these new itineraries are sailing from 19th December  2025 to 2nd February 2026.

Guests can look forward to exciting new experiences aboard Star  Voyager, sailing from Port Klang. 

On the other hand, the Genting Dream will operate departures from Port  Klang between 20th April 2026 and 29th March 2027, complementing its regular year-round  sailings from Melaka and Singapore. 

Departures from Malaysia

StarCruises: Star Voyager Sailings from Port Klang  

Sailing Period: 19 December 2025 – 2 February 2026 

Back by popular demand, the Star Voyager will return to Malaysia with a special series of  festive and school holiday roundtrip sailings from Port Klang Cruise Terminal, offering: 3 Night Cruises to Pulau Bintan & Singapore (Friday departures) – a perfect  weekend escape. 

  • 4 Night Cruises to Phuket & Singapore (Monday departures) – an ideal mix of island  adventure and city discovery.

Travellers can look forward to Singapore’s world-class shopping and attractions, with the ship  conveniently berthing at Singapore Cruise Centre, directly connected to a shopping mall and  MRT station.

They can also enjoy Pulau Bintan’s sandy beaches and laid-back resort lifestyle,  as well as Phuket’s tropical beauty, golden beaches and vibrant nightlife. 

Dream Cruises: Genting Dream Sailings from Port Klang & Melaka Sailing Period: 20 April 2026 – 29 March 2027 
  • 3 Night Cruise to Penang & Singapore (Select Monday Departures) From 20 April 2026 to 29 March 2027, enjoy added convenience with departures from  Malaysia’s main cruise hub, Port Klang Cruise Terminal (PKCT). Alternatively,  travellers may continue to embark year-round from the centrally located ICQS Terminal  in Melaka. Set sail for two of the region’s most vibrant destinations – Singapore, with  its world-class shopping, attractions and modern cityscape, and Penang, where  UNESCO-listed heritage streets meet a globally renowned culinary scene. 

 

Departures from Singapore

StarCruises – Star Voyager sailings from Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC) Travellers from Malaysia can also choose to embark the Star Voyager from Singapore between 20 November 2025 and 5 February 2026 to enjoy the following: 

  • 3 Night Cruises to Penang / 3 Night to Port Klang & Pulau Bintan (Thursday  departures)  
  • 4 Night Cruises to Phuket & Penang / 4 Night to Port Klang & Pulau Bintan (Sunday departures) 
Dream Cruises – Genting Dream sailings from Marina Bay Cruise Centre  Singapore (MBCCS) 

NEW 2026 / 2027 Season 

  • 2 Night Weekend Getaway (Friday departures): High Seas escape with extended  return at 2:00 PM. 
  • 2 Night Cruises to Melaka / 2 Night to Port Klang (Sunday departures). 3 Night Cruises to Penang & Melaka / 3 Night to Penang & Port Klang / 3 Night  to Phuket (Tuesday departures) / 3 Night to Pulau Redang (Fridays, 29 May & 7  August 2026). 
  • 4 Night Cruises to Koh Samui & Pulau Redang (Special Departures – 1 June & 10  August 2026) 
  • 5 Night Cruises to Bangkok (via Laem Chabang) & Koh Samui (21 June 2026  departure) / 5 Night to South & North Bali (13 December 2026 departure). 

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Etihad Airways launches First Flight from Abu Dhabi to Peshawar

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Etihad Airways  celebrated its inaugural flight to Peshawar (PEW), expanding its network in Pakistan and providing convenient access for travellers from Pakistan to the UAE, GCC and across Etihad’s wider network. The new direct service connects Abu Dhabi to Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, a city renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage, and role as a gateway to trade and tourism. The route is expected to serve strong demand from the more than 1.5 million Pakistanis living and working in the UAE, while also enhancing two-way travel for trade, business and leisure.

Peshawar becomes Etihad’s fourth nonstop destination in Pakistan, alongside Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, further strengthening the airline’s footprint in the region and offering guests more choice and flexibility across its growing network.

“The launch of Peshawar reflects Etihad’s commitment to building a robust global network. With Pakistan being home to one of the largest expatriate communities in the UAE, we are pleased to launch this new route offering more flexibility for the community’s travel needs,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways.

“With this new service, we are going beyond connecting families and friends, we are also welcoming more visitors from Pakistan to discover Abu Dhabi as a vibrant global business and tourism destination.”

Etihad will initially operate five flights per week to Peshawar, increasing to convenient daily flights commencing 20 November. The flights will be operated by Etihad’s Airbus A320 aircraft, offering 8 Business seats and 150 Economy seats, ensuring comfort, convenience, and Etihad’s renowned hospitality for all guests onboard.

Etihad’s Expanding Footprint

Flights to Peshawar launch as Etihad prepares for significant expansion across South Asia in the coming weeks. The UAE’s national airline will celebrate inaugural flights to the island of Sumatra (Medan) in Indonesia, Phnom Penh in Cambodia, Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa, and holiday paradise destination Krabi in Thailand in early October.

In early November, Etihad will touch down for the first time in new destinations across Asia and North Africa including the Tunisian capital Tunis; Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam; Chiang Mai in northern Thailand; the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong; Algiers, Algeria’s capital on the Mediterranean sea; and Medina in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Flight schedule

 

Flight Number Departure Airport Departure Time Arrival Airport Arrival Time Frequency Aircraft
EY276 AUH 02:20 PEW 06:30 Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun A320
EY277 PEW 08:00 AUH 10:25 Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun A320

 

 

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