Here’s the latest selection of travel news for Wise Travellers.
Work has begun on creating a new terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport, according to the Gulf emirate's ruler.
At a cost of $35 billion, the new passenger terminal will make the airport five times the size of the current Dubai International Airport, said Dubai ruler and UAE prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Once operational, the airport will handle 260 million passengers annually, with the first phase of the project to be completed within the next decade. The long-term plan is for Al Maktoum to replace Dubai International as potential expansion is constrained by its city-centre location.
A more personalized passenger service is being promised by Qatar Airways with additional high-tech solutions, including real-time insights on flight information, and customer and service information.
This will allow flight attendants to view passengers' profiles, including privilege club members and oneworld members, special service requests and preferences.
The rollout of 15,000 devices will be completed within the initial phase, with more phased stages envisaged to include Hamad International Airport, as well as overseas airports and lounges.
Group CEO Engr Badr Mohammed Al Meer said: "This project is a defining step towards a more connected and insightful interaction between our customers and staff."
Vietnam Airlines has renewed regular daily flights from London Heathrow, offering seven nonstop flights a week to either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. The four weekly Hanoi flights and three to and from Ho Chi Minh City are the UK's only nonstop flights, operating from terminal 4.
There are options to connect to other Vietnamese cities and locations in Southeast Asia. Flight reservations can be made at www.vietnamairlines.com.
Gulf Air has launched new daily flights from Bahrain to Singapore from the UK's London Heathrow and Manchester hubs.
Daily flights from London Heathrow depart 09:30am, arriving into Singapore at 12:30pm the following day. Flights from Manchester operate five times per week and connect in Bahrain for onward travel to Singapore.
Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, serves 54 destinations.
Singapore to get a new 'standard' of hotel – and only the best!
The Standard is opening the brand's fifth Asia Pacific hotel before the end of 2024. The eight-floor hotel, in Orange Grove Road, has 143 rooms, each with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the pool.
The property pays homage to the nearby Botanical Gardens and features works from local artists. Amar Lalvani, Executive Chairman of Standard International, said: "We couldn't be more excited to open in Singapore. This city is going through an incredibly dynamic period and emerging into an important global commercial, cultural, and creative hub."
The Standard's worldwide portfolio includes hotels in Bangkok, Hua Hin, Maldives, and Ibiza.
One of Africa's leading carriers, Ethiopian Airlines, has expanded its network of connections with the launch of a new service from Addis Ababa to Dhaka in Bangladesh.
The inaugural flight was marked with a vibrant celebration attended by the Bangladeshi Ambassador to Ethiopia, top officials, and Ethiopian Airlines' executives.
This new route will operate six times a week, offering enhanced travel options between Bangladesh and Ethiopian Airlines' global network.
Mr Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, remarked, "We are pleased to directly connect Dhaka to the rest of Ethiopian Airlines global network. This route shall provide seamless connections to passengers traveling between South Asia and Africa."
Hospitality leader Accor has announced a new deal that will see the first onsite hotel at Perth Airport.
The new Pullman Perth Airport, expected to open by 2027, will accommodate 240 rooms and suites. It will also house a rooftop restaurant, bar, gym, and meeting facilities.
"The new Pullman Perth Airport hotel will be a world-class facility located at the front door to our major terminals. It will make it even more convenient for international and interstate visitors," commented Dan Sweet, Perth Airport's Chief Property Officer. "This will ensure a fantastic new accommodation offering debuts in Perth."
Andy Probert is an independent journalist and PR writer. He writes about travel, aviation, new tech and business. His work has appeared on the BBC, in The Daily Telegraph, Hurriyet Daily News and other newspapers worldwide.
