flyadeal targets Asian expansion as part of international growth strategy

June 10, 2025

flyadeal, Saudi Arabia’s low-cost carrier and a subsidiary of the Saudia Group, is planning to expand into Asian markets as part of its strategy to strengthen its international footprint.

Currently, 80 per cent of flyadeal’s operations are domestic, with the remaining 20 per cent international. The airline aims to achieve an equal split of 50 per cent domestic and 50 per cent international operations within the next two to three years.

Greenway: this growing fleet will enable us to expand into South-east Asian markets including Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand; photo by Rohit Kaul

“We currently operate a fleet of 38 aircraft which is expected to grow to 98 over the next four years. This expansion includes a mix of A320s and A321s with deliveries beginning next year. Additionally, we have recently placed an order for 10 widebody A330neos, scheduled for delivery starting in 2027. This growing fleet will enable us to expand into South-east Asian markets including Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand,” said Steven Greenway, CEO of flyadeal, while speaking to TTG Asia on the sidelines of his recent visit to New Delhi.

The airline is also planning to begin operations in India and expand its network in Pakistan as part of its South Asia plans. In India, flyadeal is interested in operating at new airports under development in Mumbai and Delhi NCR. Presently, the carrier operates flights to Karachi, Pakistan, and intends to add four to five more destinations in the next year, including Lahore.

“We are particularly interested in new airports coming up just outside of Mumbai and Delhi. While we had initially planned to launch operations in India this year, limited aircraft availability forced us to postpone. However, with new aircraft deliveries starting next year, including the arrival of the A321, we will finally have the flexibility to enter the Indian market,” added Greenway.

The carrier is also in talks with an Indian airline for a codeshare and interline agreement to expand its reach in the region.

flyadeal expects to begin operations to Syria in the next few months. To support its international growth, the airline is also exploring integration with the Amadeus Global Distribution System in the near future.

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Bangkok names new GM

By TTG India

June 9, 2025

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Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Bangkok has appointed Björn-Henning Buth as the hotel’s new general manager, who will spearhead the hotel’s continued drive for excellence in the heart of Bangkok and introducing fresh perspectives that enhance guest satisfaction and business growth.

He brings over 20 years of leadership experience across Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and China, including 15 years as a general manager within Radisson Hotel Group.

Hilton to open Waldorf Astoria and Hilton Hotels at Delhi’s GMR Aerocity

By TTG India

June 9, 2025

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Hilton has signed agreements for two new hotels in partnership with GMR Group-led Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), under the Waldorf Astoria and Hilton Hotels & Resorts brands.

Both properties will be located in GMR Aerocity, New Delhi, a mixed-use district at Delhi International Airport.

Hilton expands its India footprint with two new hotels at Delhi International Airport’s GMR Aerocity, including the country’s first Waldorf Astoria

The projects mark the debut of Waldorf Astoria in the capital and are part of Hilton’s broader expansion in the National Capital Region, where it already operates four properties.

The Waldorf Astoria New Delhi will offer 150 rooms and suites, dining outlets, event spaces and wellness facilities. It will also include Peacock Alley, the brand’s central social venue.

The 350-room Hilton at GMR Aerocity will be the first under the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand in New Delhi. The hotel will cater to both business and leisure travellers, offering accommodation, dining and meeting facilities.

The signings are part of Hilton’s aim to grow its luxury portfolio to 150 properties across Asia-Pacific. Other upcoming Waldorf Astoria hotels in the region include those in Jaipur, Kuala Lumpur, Sydney, Shanghai, Tokyo, Xi’an and Hanoi.

In India, Hilton plans to expand its luxury portfolio to include Waldorf Astoria, LXR Hotels & Resorts, and Signia by Hilton. These will join existing Conrad Hotels & Resorts properties in Bengaluru and Pune. In May, Hilton announced the introduction of LXR Hotels & Resorts in India with The Den, Bengaluru.

Hilton is also expanding its overall brand presence in India. The company plans to grow from five to ten brands, adding Waldorf Astoria, LXR Hotels & Resorts, Signia by Hilton, Curio Collection by Hilton and Spark by Hilton to its current portfolio, which includes Conrad, Hilton, DoubleTree, Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton by Hilton.

Chris Nassetta, president & CEO, Hilton, said: “The signing of a Waldorf Astoria and Hilton in Delhi Aerocity with our partners at GMR-led DIAL underscores Hilton’s long-term commitment to India. As we continue to accelerate our growth in South Asia, these landmark properties and partnerships play a pivotal role in expanding Hilton’s portfolio and delivering exceptional, elevated experiences for global travellers.”

Aman Kapoor, CEO, airport land development, GMR Group, added: “This partnership positions GMR Aerocity, New Delhi, as a globally benchmarked destination, reinforcing its role as an unparalleled strategic urban centre connecting India to the world. Partnering with Hilton for these two renowned brands reflects our commitment to bringing best-in-class experiences to one of the region’s most important travel and business hubs.”

Aviation roundup: Air Astana, Air New Zealand and more

By TTG India

June 6, 2025

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Air Astana expands network with new flights from Atyrau and Almaty
Air Astana has expanded its international network with several new routes and enhanced partnerships.

On May 27, 2025, the airline inaugurated direct flights from Atyrau to Tbilisi, operating three times weekly on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. This route strengthens connectivity between western Kazakhstan and Georgia and is expected to attract both leisure and business travellers.

On May 31, 2025, Air Astana launched a new service from Atyrau to Baku, Azerbaijan, also operating three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Additionally, on June 1, 2025, Air Astana commenced direct flights from Almaty to Frankfurt using Airbus A321LR aircraft, scheduled on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

This new route complements existing services from Astana and Uralsk to Frankfurt. Air Astana currently operates several international flights from western Kazakhstan, including Uralsk to Frankfurt, and Atyrau to Istanbul, Dubai, and Amsterdam.

The airline has also signed an updated codeshare agreement with Lufthansa for the Almaty-Frankfurt route, enhancing passenger connectivity through both airlines’ networks.

Air New Zealand restores jet service to Hamilton from Christchurch
Christchurch is set to strengthen its position as a national hub for business and leisure travel, with Air New Zealand introducing a new year-round domestic jet service between Christchurch and Hamilton from September 18, 2025.

Domestic jet flights will return to Hamilton for the first time in 25 years, with selected services operated by a 171-seat Airbus A320 running five times weekly.

The introduction of the A320 will increase capacity on the route by 14 per cent, adding 25,000 extra seats annually. The jet flights will complement existing ATR 72 turboprop services, providing passengers with more options, greater seat availability and faster travel between two of New Zealand’s key cities.

China Eastern Airlines; photo by Markus Mainka

China Eastern Airlines launches Lanzhou-Kuala Lumpur flight
China Eastern Airlines has launched a new direct route connecting Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province in northwest China, to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital. This inaugural service marks the first direct air link between Lanzhou and Malaysia and aims to enhance tourism and economic ties between the two countries.

The Lanzhou-Kuala Lumpur route will operate three times weekly using an Airbus A320 aircraft with 156 seats. It complements the existing daily Kunming-Kuala Lumpur flights and provides additional connections via Kunming, expanding access for travellers from key Chinese cities to Malaysia.

The inaugural flight was welcomed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport by Samuel Lee Thai Hung, deputy director general of Tourism Malaysia, along with representatives from China Eastern Airlines, Malaysia Airports Holdings, Tourism Malaysia, and AeroDarat, the airline’s ground handling partner.

T’way Air connects Jeju and Kaohsiung with new direct route
South Korea’s low-cost carrier T’way Air has launched a new Jeju-Kaohsiung service, creating a direct link between Taiwan region’s south and South Korea’s island destination.

Since its inaugural flight on April 22, the service operates four times weekly using Boeing 737-800 aircraft. This route marks T’way Air’s third direct connection between southern Taiwan region and South Korea, joining its Gimpo-Kaohsiung and Incheon-Kaohsiung services.

The airline’s broader Taiwan region-South Korea network also includes Gimpo-Songshan, Jeju-Taipei, Daegu-Taipei, and Incheon-Taichung routes.

Long weekends drive Asia-Pacific travel demand, observes Agoda

By TTG India

June 6, 2025

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Asia’s regular stream of public holidays is supporting steady growth in the Asia-Pacific travel industry, as travellers across the region look to maximise their leisure time. According to Agoda, long weekends are driving a rise in short-stay travel within the region, offering hoteliers a chance to capture increasing demand.

Agoda recorded an 80% month-on-month increase in accommodation searches from Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore ahead of the Hari Raya long weekend. Top destinations included Japan, Thailand, China, South Korea and Taiwan.

Hoteliers are advised to take advantage of additional public holidays to maximise occupancy and revenue

A similar pattern was observed during Thailand’s Songkran long weekend, with Hong Kong, Osaka, Shanghai and Seoul among the most searched cities. During Vietnam’s recent Liberation Day and Labour Day long weekend, Bangkok, Singapore, Tokyo and Seoul ranked highest in search volume.

Several long weekends remain across Asia-Pacific in 2025, offering ongoing travel opportunities in countries including Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. Notable holidays include Deepavali in Malaysia on October 20, the Philippines’ National Heroes Day on August 25, Singapore’s Mid-Autumn Festival on October 6, and multiple significant dates in Thailand such as Queen Suthida’s Birthday in early June and King Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday in late July. These holidays present prime occasions for travellers to take short breaks and for hotels to capture increased demand.

Hotels can tap into rising demand for long weekend and short-stay travel by creating targeted packages that appeal to regional travellers. By aligning offers with public holiday periods and consumer preferences, properties can increase bookings and drive revenue.

Effective strategies include content marketing that highlights local attractions for weekend visitors, launching extended stay deals in partnership with travel platforms, and offering extras like late check-out or attraction tickets. With wellness travel on the rise, hotels can also attract premium guests through curated experiences such as spa retreats and local culinary packages designed for quick getaways.

“The opportunity for hotels and airlines to secure bookings and incentivise travellers to extend their trips and add ancillary items to boost revenue over long weekends has never been greater,” said Andrew Smith, senior vice president of supply, Agoda.

“Hotels should ensure they are using the right data to target the hottest consumers from across the Asia-Pacific region and ensure that their service offerings are tailored to their regional tastes.”

Marriott India marks World Environment Day 2025 with planting of 100,000 trees

By TTG India

June 6, 2025

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Marriott India has met its World Environment Day 2025 goal of planting 100,000 trees across more than 150 hotels in the country. The initiative builds on the group’s ongoing environmental efforts and expands the impact of its 2024 Two Trees per Room campaign, which saw over 32,600 trees planted by 4,900 volunteers.

This year, more than 15,000 Marriott volunteers participated in the effort, working with local reforestation partners to plant trees in areas selected for ecosystem restoration, biodiversity, and climate resilience. The project also aimed to benefit surrounding communities through improved green cover and environmental health.

Le Meridien Ahmedabad contributed to Marriott’s 100,000-tree initiative by planting 700 trees across the hotel and surrounding areas

Each Marriott property in India led its own local drive, contributing to the national total. Le Meridien Ahmedabad, for example, planted around 700 trees within and around the hotel grounds.

Sanjay Gupta, chairman of the Marriott India Business Council, said the 100,000-tree initiative reflected Marriott’s long-term commitment to sustainability and its goal of creating lasting environmental impact.

Prashant Chadha, general manager of Le Meridien Ahmedabad, added that the campaign highlighted what collective action can achieve. He said: “We’re not only enriching the environment but also creating a legacy of care for future generations. It’s an inspiring reminder that when we come together, we can grow more than forests, we grow hope.”

Beyond tree planting, Marriott India continues to invest in sustainable operations through energy efficiency, waste reduction, and responsible sourcing. The group aims to lead environmental performance across the hospitality sector through measurable and ongoing action.

oneworld alliance adds three senior leaders to executive team

By TTG India

June 5, 2025

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oneworld alliance has appointed three senior executives to its leadership team as part of its strategy to strengthen global operations and collaboration.

Stephan Nagel has been appointed vice president – global partnerships. He brings over 25 years of experience in aviation, having held roles at Qatar Airways, Air Berlin, Star Alliance and Lufthansa. In his new role, he will lead strategic partnerships across the alliance, including with member airlines, technology platforms and loyalty partners.

From left: Stephan Nagel, Chris Kelly Singley and Guido van Til

Chris Kelly Singley joins as vice president – communications and marketing. She has more than 20 years of experience in the aviation and aerospace sectors, with previous roles at JetZero, Boeing, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. She will oversee global communications and marketing strategy, including media relations, employee engagement and stakeholder outreach.

Guido van Til has been named vice president – digital. He brings experience in digital transformation across the aviation and retail sectors, having worked with brands such as Rituals, Dyson and Air France-KLM. At oneworld, he will lead the alliance’s digital strategy and delivery, with a focus on customer experience and integrated platforms.

ECKO Hotels and Resorts welcomes Shekhar Chandra as GM

By TTG India

June 5, 2025

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Ecko Hotels & Resorts has appointed Shekhar Chandra as general manager – operations and pre-opening.

With more than 20 years of experience in the hotel industry, he has held senior roles with companies including Royal Orchid Hotels, Wyndham Worldwide, Radisson, Hilton Hotels and Ministry of Sound.

In his new role, Chandra will be responsible for managing pre-opening and operational activities, ensuring efficiency and supporting the brand’s focus on sustainability, community engagement and technology integration.

New hotels: Monarto Safari Park, Dusit Hotel AG Park, Chengdu and more

By TTG India

June 5, 2025

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Monarto Safari Park, Australia
Monarto Safari Resort, located within Monarto Safari Park in South Australia, is positioned inside the largest open-air safari outside Africa, offering views of free-roaming giraffes, rhinos and lions.

The resort includes 78 guestrooms and suites, two swimming pools, a day spa, and dining facilities. It also features event spaces including a 150-person conference room, a 10-person boardroom, and a poolside lawn accommodating up to 120 guests.

Dusit Hotel AG Park, Chengdu, China
Dusit Hotel AG Park, Chengdu has opened within Tianfu Agricultural Expo Park, 30 minutes from the city centre and airport, and 20 minutes from Xinjin high-speed rail station.

The hotel offers 250 guestrooms and villas set around landscaped gardens. Facilities include an all-day dining restaurant, a Chinese restaurant with private dining rooms, a specialty restaurant, lobby lounge, indoor pool, gym, children’s club, mahjong rooms, and a conference hall with three meeting rooms.

Located within a 2.7km² park dedicated to agricultural innovation and tourism, the property also offers cultural experiences such as visits to the Sichuan Opera and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

Crowne Plaza Lucknow, India
IHG Hotels & Resorts has opened Crowne Plaza Lucknow, its 50th operational hotel in India. It features 110 rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, bar, club lounge, gym, outdoor pool, as well as 3,700m² of meeting and event space.

Located along Lucknow-Sultanpur Road, the hotel offers access to Shahid Path, the city’s IT hub and the cricket stadium.

voco Quang Binh Resort – By IHG, Vietnam
voco Quang Binh Resort – By IHG is now open in Dong Hoi, the capital of Quang Binh province in Vietnam. The resort serves as a gateway to Quang Binh’s attractions such as Son Doong Cave, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Nhat Le and Da Nhay beaches, and local cultural sites.

The all-suite-and-villa resort features 68 suites and beachfront villas sized between 43m² and 300m². Upon arrival, guests receive a signature local welcome treat, Cu Đơ, a traditional peanut and caramel candy.

Wellness facilities include a spa, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, and salon. The hotel also offers indoor and outdoor pools, a gym, pool bar, and a restaurant offering local and international dishes.

Philippines set to welcome Indian tourists with new visa-free entry policy

By Rohit Kaul

June 4, 2025

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Indian tourists may soon be able to travel to the Philippines without a visa for short stays as the South-east Asian nation prepares to introduce a visa-free entry policy allowing Indian nationals to visit for up to 14 days.

The move, pending official confirmation, is already generating strong optimism among travel industry stakeholders who expect a strong growth in outbound traffic from India.

The eased visa rules could unlock stronger travel demand from India, attracting a broader range of visitors to the Philippines; Manila in the Philippines, pictured

“Visa-free access removes one of the major friction points in travel planning, particularly for last-minute bookings and group tours. We expect a 30 to 40 per cent surge in outbound travel to the Philippines from India over the next 12 to 18 months. This facility will positively impact segments like FITs and incentive travel,” said Sandeep Khetarpal, founder of ZOTRAV, a B2B travel marketplace.

Michael Hobson, CEO of Manila-based Lanson Place Hospitality echoed this sentiment, stating that visa-free access is likely to “enhance interest from India”.

Indian citizens holding a valid visa or permanent residency from countries such as the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore, or any Schengen Area nation will also qualify for an extended 30-day visa-free stay in the Philippines, reported financial daily newspaper Mint.

“The Philippines is still gaining ground compared to more established South-east Asian favourites like Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore or Bali. It appeals more to travellers seeking offbeat, experience-driven holidays rather than conventional tourist circuits. Destinations like Manila, Cebu, Boracay, Puerto Princesa and El Nido are popular among Indian visitors,” noted Rajeev Kale, president & country head – holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India).

Industry stakeholders also expect the easing of visa requirements to open doors to a wider demographic of travellers.

“Earlier, the Philippines mostly attracted seasoned tourists due to visa complexities and limited direct connectivity. With the visa barrier removed, we foresee strong demand from young couples, families and Gen Z travellers looking for aspirational yet seamless travel experiences,” SD Nandakumar, president & country head – holidays & corporate tours, SOTC Travel, remarked.

Nandakumar predicts double-digit growth in Indian outbound travel to the Philippines, especially as awareness increases.

In response to a query from TTG Asia, the Embassy of the Philippines in New Delhi advised awaiting an official announcement on the visa-free entry policy for Indian nationals.

flyadeal targets Asian expansion as part of international growth strategy

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Bangkok names new GM

Hilton to open Waldorf Astoria and Hilton Hotels at Delhi’s GMR Aerocity

Aviation roundup: Air Astana, Air New Zealand and more

Long weekends drive Asia-Pacific travel demand, observes Agoda

Marriott India marks World Environment Day 2025 with planting of 100,000 trees

oneworld alliance adds three senior leaders to executive team

ECKO Hotels and Resorts welcomes Shekhar Chandra as GM

New hotels: Monarto Safari Park, Dusit Hotel AG Park, Chengdu and more

Philippines set to welcome Indian tourists with new visa-free entry policy

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