Here’s the latest travel news from around the globe:
Passengers who were injured on a London-Singapore flight when it encountered severe turbulence will be compensated by the airline; it has been disclosed.
The airline said that those who suffered minor injuries would receive $10,000, while an initial $25,000 would be made to those with more serious injuries. Compensation talks for those needing further assistance for their specific circumstances would be ongoing.
One person died, and more than 100 people required medical treatment, with some suffering spinal cord and brain injuries, as the airline flew over Myanmar. It was diverted to Bangkok.
Singapore Airlines has offered full refunds to passengers and several hundred more to those for expenses due to the diversion.
Windstar Cruises has announced a new addition to its fleet, Star Seeker, which will be committed to cruising Alaska and the Far East from 2026. It is a return to the region for the cruise company after it last sailed in Alaska and Japan in 2023.
Plans are for Star Seeker to sail between seven- and 11-day cruises in Alaska from May to August 2026 before heading to Japan for its popular 10-day Grand Japan cruises.
Windstar President Christopher Prelog said: "We are really happy to be able to bring back Alaska and Japan for our guests as we know these are popular destinations."
Star Seeker will be delivered in December 2025, and another vessel, Star Explorer, in December 2026. Both will have 112 suites for a guest capacity of 224 and will be similar to the line's current Star Class motor yachts.
Qatar Airways will return to Lisbon's Humberto Delgado Airport this summer with six weekly round flights. The Portuguese capital is the airline's 47th European destination, and it offers a new route from Europe into Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
"We are thrilled to welcome back Lisbon to our global network," confirmed Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer Thierry Antinori.
Train trip itineraries offered by Intrepid Travel are being expanded throughout Asia and Europe. Three new itineraries covering 40 rail trips will offer iconic routes, such as Bangkok to South Thailand and Varanasi to Agra, in India. Other special itineraries will include Rome to Pompeii, Paris to Istanbul and Paris to Madrid.
Sri Lanka is to be bolstered by two properties from Global hotel operator Minor Hotels. The NH Collection Hotels & Resorts and NH Hotels & Resorts brands will be located in the capital, Colombo, and one in Bentota.
The hotels join Minor Hotels' three properties in Sri Lanka – Anantura Kalutara Resort, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort and Avani Kalutara Resort and over 90 NH Collection and 230 NH hotels and resorts worldwide.
Fiji Airways has become the newest member airline to the global airline alliance oneworld, making it the 15th full airline member.
Nat Pieper, oneworld CEO, said: "We have had a highly successful relationship since the airline joined as a oneworld connect partner five years ago." Fiji Airways has a hub at Nadi International Airport and serves 26 destinations in 15 countries and territories globally, including oneworld hubs at Sydney, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, and Tokyo.
The announcement comes in the same year as the 25th anniversary of the oneworld airline alliance, which was founded by American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas.
Oman carrier SalamAir is to launch twice-weekly flights on a new route from its Muscat hub to Delhi, India, starting in early July.
Captain Ahmed Al Shidhani, Acting CEO of SalamAir, said: "We are thrilled to add Delhi flights to our growing list of destinations in India. Delhi is a city of great historical significance and economic vitality, making it an ideal addition to our network."
SalamAir recently unveiled a thrice-weekly route to Cairo Sphinx International Airport from June 15.
Free in-flight Starlink wifi is to be rolled out by Qatar Airways, with three initial Boeing 777-300 aircraft receive connectivity by late 2024. It will spark a two-year phased rollout across the entire fleet.
It will mean that passengers will enjoy complimentary high-speed wifi of up to 500 Megabits per second per plane. Complementary connectivity will be available with a 'one-click-access' to enjoy internet-based services.
Mike Nicholls, Starlink Engineering Vice President at SpaceX, said: "High-speed, low-latency internet is the future of aviation connectivity."
Andy Probert is an experienced freelance business travel journalist and PR specialist.
