Thailand’s arrivals outlook has weakened, but new rooms and flights are still coming. The test is whether resilient luxury demand and new source markets can deliver the returns that investors want.
Higher transportation costs appear to be squeezing Las Vegas hotels’ pricing power. Yet convention business has helped offset weaker leisure demand in some months
Dubai’s airport is busy, but the long-haul airlines that fill its luxury hotels are mostly staying out until spring. Hotels organizing around a European winter rebound need to plan for a later one.
At this Cornwall addition to The Pig hotel collection, Emilee Tombs finds indulgent farm-to-table dining, a family-friendly beach and plenty of spaces to relax and unwind
Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo are rolling out new travel features, including free airport lounge access, AI-powered searches and flexible booking options.
A woman travelling to Bengaluru reached London after her flight from from Canada was rerouted following a cancellation. She was left stranded at Heathrow without a UK visa after British Airways refused to issue her boarding pass for the connecting flight to I…
A diabetic Aeroméxico passenger traveling with his Great Dane service dog was denied boarding his return flight home from Canada as the airline claimed there was no room for the large pooch.
Mumbai airport capacity to drop 27% to 40 million by Oct 2027 as Terminal 1 shuts for redevelopment until 2030, shifting passengers to Navi Mumbai airport.
Dante Milne, 25, was arrested on Saturday after he sent the text message while onboard United Airlines Flight 1681 from Las Vegas to Newark, New Jersey.
The former operators of what was one of Scotland's oldest ferry crossings has floated the possibility of returning the service to operation due to a months-long bridge closure.
PITTSBURGH, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- "I wanted to create a more advanced way to protect essential flight information during a severe aviation accident," said an inventor from North East, Pennsylvania.
iFi unveils the UP Travel Max It's a Bluetooth adaptor for audio systems that rely on 3.5mm jacks Can be used on flights, in cars, and on your ancient iPods I'm always struck by how odd it is that airlines seem comfortable to let modern tech trends fly straight by. Only last year, I was given a pair
This week’s global railway supply chain news from Railway Gazette International. Salcef Group’s rail contractor PRM Australia has acquired Swietelsky Rail Australia, which provides mechanised maintenance and project services to clients including Australian Rail Track Corp and Sydney Trains.
SPAIN: A serious failure of communications is at the heart of early investigations into the fatal collision between two high speed trains at Urda near Toledo on October 28. Mike Bent analyses how the tragedy unfolded.
Better close-in demand, cost cuts, and second-half 2027 bookings on par with last year at higher prices suggest Norwegian Cruise Line's turnaround plan is starting to take hold, but the company still trails rivals that are already growing yields.
A pilot at WestJet voiced his frustration over ground delays at one of America's busiest airports after his aircraft burned up to 800 pounds (362 kg) of fuel just waiting to depart Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The WestJet captain was operating a flight from Seattle to Calgary on October 8, but was forced to taxi for over 30 minutes just to reach the runway.
With several airlines staying out of Dubai into 2027 and forward bookings well below last year, this winter’s peak season is unlikely to rescue smaller holiday-home operators following the March and April disruption. More exits are likely.
"Russia is deliberately hunting civilians: on trains, at stations, in residential buildings," Ukrainian Prime Minister Sergiy Koretskyi said on the Telegram app.
Thailand’s international arrivals are falling short again, but hotel developers and airlines are still expanding.
The government has cut its 2026 arrivals forecast to 33 million from 36.7 million. Its 2027 target is “at least 33 million,” which carries this year’s reduced ambition into next year. The reduced targets raise questions about the demand assumptions behind new rooms and seats. The exposure is uneven, though: Bangkok’s luxury hotels are outperforming, while Phuket faces a wave of openings.
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Journalist – Aaron is an aviation and travel journalist with 14 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry. His background spans airport operations, aviation infrastructure, and travel consulting, having worked with global organizations across New Zealand, Europe, and North America. Combining industry expertise with firsthand travel experience across more than 52 countries and five continents, Aaron covers airlines, airports, aviation policy, and the wider travel sector. He is based in Canterbury, New Zealand.
His work has been published in Simple Flying and featured by MSN, SAM CHUI Aviation & Travel, EIN News, Pakistan Defence, and Climate Depot.
Dutch flag carrier KLM commences its first long-haul Airbus A350-900 service today. KLM will operate the state-of-the-art aircraft to Canada's largest and busiest airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). The airline will initially operate the route with this aircraft up to five times weekly, before moving the rotation to a daily service next March.
Toronto is the first of many new A350 destinations for the SkyTeam partner, with plans from the airline to serve Montreal and multiple destinations in Africa.
Toronto is the largest city in Canada, and its metropolitan population surpasses six million. As such, Toronto Pearson caters to a large number of passengers, and it serves the greater Southern Ontario region. The airport is one of just a handful with operations to all six inhabited continents, and welcomes a large number of European operators.
KLM has operated flights from Amsterdam to Toronto for more than half a century, with this year marking 52 years of service to the city, and more than 75 years to Canada. The airline first commenced services on April 29, 1974. Today, however, marks the latest chapter in the airline's history with Toronto, with the Ontario capital playing host to the airline's first Airbus A350-900 flight.
KL691 is scheduled to depart from Amsterdam today just after lunch, for the over eight-hour journey across the North Atlantic, for a late afternoon arrival into Toronto. Return service KL692 will depart just before 7:00 PM, and operate overnight for an early morning arrival back to Europe. Full schedule details below as per the carrier's website:
KLM has a total of 22 Airbus A350-900s that are set to be delivered to the airline over the next few years, with its first A350-900 only being delivered on October 2. The aircraft carries the nickname De Nachtwacht / The Night Watch, and has otherwise been used for crew training and testing up until today, during which time it has made multiple round-trip flights to the Norwegian city of Stavanger.
Found an error? Send it info@simpleflying.com so it can be corrected.
While the A350-900 will head for Toronto as part of its first revenue flight, it will be followed by a number of additional destinations as more aircraft are delivered and the aircraft type is cemented into the carrier's fleet. The next destination will be the second largest city in Canada, where it will operate three times a week to Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL).
Africa is next on the airline's radar, with the carrier adding a triangle service from Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro (JRO) and Dar Es Salaam (DAR). The Kenyan capital of Nairobi (NBO) will follow on January 5. Full details of the upcoming deployment of this aircraft are in the table below, as confirmed by Aeroroutes:
Kilimanjaro (JRO) and Dar es Salaam (DAR)
Dar es Salaam (DAR) and Kilimanjaro (JRO)
KLM's newest aircraft was fabricated by European aircraft manufacturer Airbus and took its first test flight under French registration F-WZMM on September 4, 2026, according to ch-aviation. The aircraft was then delivered on October 2 and registered in the Netherlands under PH-ZNA.
The jet is configured with a total of 331 seats, across three classes including 34 World Business, 26 Premium Comfort, and 271 Economy. It is equipped with the latest in-flight tech, including 4K Panasonic Astrova screens, high-speed Wi-Fi via Viasat, and built-in Bluetooth audio.
These A350s are set to replace KLM's aging Boeing 777-200ER, as well as the remaining A330-200 and A330-300, as part of a widebody fleet renewal program.
Lately, Canada's second-largest airline, WestJet, has been making several changes to its US network. Simple Flying recently reported that the carrier had cut services to several major US destinations, including Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).
However, these are not the only changes to its network. WestJet has also removed flights to Kauai, a Hawaiian island. Notably, the airline has connected the island to Canada for the past 16 years, but the latest cancelation means Kauai will no longer have any nonstop flights to Canada.
The Calgary-based airline first started flying to the island in December 2009. It operated seasonal winter flights between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Lihue Airport (LIH), using its Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 737-800 aircraft. According to historical schedule data from aviation analytics provider Cirium, WestJet also offered one weekly flight from Calgary International Airport (YYC) during the winter 2021-22 season.
Alas, the airline's service to Garden Island has now ended. The airline operated its last scheduled flight to the island on April 12, 2026, and confirmed that it would not return for the 2026-27 winter season. Nevertheless, it will continue serving three other Hawaiian airports: Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA), Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu, and Kahului Airport (OGG) on Maui.
WestJet's Hawaii Network For Winter 2026/27 Season
Frequency is based on the airline's November schedule
The second potential cut, however, remains unconfirmed. But according to some sources, WestJet could withdraw from Orange County, California, by the end of March 2027, if not sooner. It currently operates two weekly flights between YYC and John Wayne Airport-Orange County Airport (SNA), on Thursdays and Sundays, using its 737 MAX 8 aircraft.
The Canadian airline first entered the Orange County market in 2011, operating flights from both Calgary and Vancouver. The Calgary service was subsequently discontinued in 2012 and returned in 2021, while flights from Vancouver continued until 2024. If WestJet withdraws completely, Air Canada would be the only airline offering nonstop flights between Orange County and Canada through its daily Vancouver service.
Should WestJet decide to leave, it would be interesting to see how its operating allocation at John Wayne Airport is redistributed. The airport operates under strict capacity restrictions, and airlines are allocated a limited number of average daily departures (ADDs). According to the airport's proposed allocations for 2027, the Calgary-based airline was assigned approximately 2.3 ADDs.
For now, it remains to be seen what will happen. The airline's next schedule update could make any changes clearer. Nevertheless, the US remains one of WestJet's busiest international markets. For the winter 2026-27 season, the carrier has scheduled around 6,325 flights to the country, offering more than 1 million seats. On its busiest days, the airline will operate more than 50 US-bound flights.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is its busiest US destination this winter, accounting for more than 1,000 scheduled flights. In fact, between November and March 2027, the airline's capacity to Phoenix is up by approximately 27.5% compared with the same period a year earlier. Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) follows as the second-busiest destination, with more than 800 flights scheduled during the season, followed by Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
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It is now easier to reach one of north Greenland’s most popular tourist destinations as a new international airport has opened in Ilulissat.
The airport marks a new chapter for travel to and around Greenland, making it easier to reach more destinations in the ice-capped territory.
Opening Thursday, 29 October, the airport is found on Greenland’s west coast near the town of Ilulissat, famous for its Unesco World Heritage-listed icefjord, where skyscraper-tall ice walls dwarf even the largest of ships.
Visitors will also find Disko Bay nearby, known for its gigantic floating icebergs and plenty of opportunities to whale watch.
Travellers will be able to reach this natural marvel by landing on a new 2,200-metre runway, replacing the previous 845-metre runway.
A new terminal building of approximately 5,000 square metres has also been built, allowing Ilulissat to welcome larger aircraft and direct international flights from Copenhagen, Denmark.
Before the airport opened, travellers would have previously had to fly from Copenhagen to Nuuk or Kangerlussauq and transfer to a domestic aircraft.
Reopening as an international airport means that passengers can reach Ilulissat directly in five to six hours from Europe or North America.
It’s first international arrival, operated by Air Greenland on an Airbus A330neo, left Copenhagen at 10am on Thursday and is scheduled to arrive 11.40am local time.
The aircraft will then depart Ilulissat at 1.40pm for a return flight to Copenhagen.
From November 2026, this route will be operated by Danish charter airline Jettime using a Boeing 737-800, with an initial schedule of one weekly direct flight and additional departures during certain seasons.
The airport then plans to expand its flights in April 2027 with Air Greenland’s new Airbus A320neo on the route.
By summer, the airline says it will operate six direct flights per week between Copenhagen and Ilulissat.
Icelandair will also connect Ilulissat with Keflavík airport in Iceland during the summer season, providing another gateway for travellers from Europe and North America alongside Copenhagen’s transfers.
Its 2027 schedule includes three weekly flights between Keflavík and Ilulissat from 3 June to 16 October.
Linda Kleist, CEO of Visit Greenland, said: "The opening of Ilulissat International airport marks another important milestone for Greenland.
“Together with the new airports in Nuuk and Qaqortoq, it creates new opportunities for tourism across our regions.
“But infrastructure alone does not create lasting value. What matters is how we build on these opportunities together – strengthening local businesses, creating opportunities across our communities and shaping tourism development that respects our nature, culture and way of life.”
Greenland opened its first commercial international airport two years ago in its capital, Nuuk.
Before this, anyone wishing to make it to Nuuk had to fly first to the former military airport of Kangerlussuaq from Copenhagen, and then change planes for a domestic transfer.
Read more: Ryanair warns Brits of new 60-minute luggage rule coming into force next month
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Thailand Keeps Building for Tourists Who May Not Come
Confirmed
Thailand’s arrivals outlook has weakened, but new rooms and flights are still coming. The test is whether resilient luxury demand and new source markets can deliver the returns that investors want.
Not yet confirmed
Reported by one outlet so far — not yet corroborated by another.
Today's list
Smart Packing Hacks for Airport Savings
Before your next trip, ditch unnecessary expenses and optimize your airport experience with these simple packing habits. By adopting these strategies, you can save money without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
1
Roll Clothing
Rolling your clothes instead of folding them saves space in your luggage and reduces wrinkles, making you look put-together without extra ironing.
2
Pack Multipurpose Items
Choosing items that serve multiple purposes, like a sarong or a travel wallet, reduces the number of bags you need to carry and saves you money on baggage fees.
3
Use Reusable Bags
Using reusable bags for carry-on items and shopping reduces single-use plastic waste and saves you money on bag fees or purchases.
4
Pack Snacks and Water
Packing your own snacks and water saves you money on airport food and drink prices, and ensures you stay hydrated and energized during your journey.
5
Wear Bulky Items
Wearing your bulkiest items, like your coat or boots, saves space in your luggage and reduces the need for extra bags or purchases.
6
Use Travel-Sized Toiletries
Using travel-sized toiletries reduces the amount of liquid you need to carry and saves you money on duty-free purchases or airport shops.
7
Take Advantage of Airport Lounges
Using airport lounges or membership programs can save you money on food, drinks, and other amenities, and provide a more comfortable and relaxing airport experience.
United passenger who spooked Las Vegas plane into turning around with hijacking text claims missive was just 'banter between coworkers'
Dante Milne, 25, was arrested on Saturday after he sent the text message while onboard United Airlines Flight 1681 from Las Vegas to Newark, New Jersey.
By MELISSA KOENIG, US REPORTER and ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: 20:43 EDT, 28 October 2026 | Updated: 08:06 EDT, 29 October 2026
What happened
A New Jersey man whose text message about hijacking the plane he was on forced the aircraft to return to Las Vegas has claimed the missive was just 'banter between coworkers.
The detail
Dante Milne, 25, was arrested on Saturday after he sent the text message while onboard United Airlines Flight 1681 and was charged with making a threat or offering false information in an act of terrorism.
The wider picture
His attorney, James Gallo, told a judge on Tuesday that Milne intends to plead not guilty in the case after he told police how he drunkenly sent the text message to a colleague sitting in a different row but never intended to actually hijack the plane.
What comes next
Milne had said he consumed beer and shots at a bar at Harry Reid International Airport before he boarded the plane to Newark, New Jersey.
Additional context
He then exchanged text messages with another passenger whom he met at a three-day apprenticeship training program associated with his work as an underwater welder.
Analysis
It was in one of those text messages that Milne allegedly wrote: 'I'm gonna hijack this b h and crash ur row only.
Local impactFollow how this story develops and what it means for you.
Source: United passenger who spooked Las Vegas plane into turning around with hijacking text claims missive was just 'banter between coworkers' (dailymail.com) · Oct 29, 2026
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