Here's a summary of the latest travel news from around the globe:
Air New Zealand has abandoned its 2030 target to cut carbon emissions, blaming the problems of sourcing sustainable jet fuel and delays in getting more fuel-efficient planes.
The airline remains committed to cutting emissions and achieving the overall goal of net zero emissions by 2050. Air NZ said it will devise a new short-term emissions target, adding, "In recent months, it has become apparent that potential delays to our fleet renewal plan pose an additional risk to achievability."
New Zealand's location and size of its aviation market contribute to the lack of viable, sustainable aviation fuel development locally.
MSC Cruises has extended partnerships with two European airlines for an expanded Fly & Cruise holiday programme. The cruise line will continue to partner with Jet2 and Vueling for its Fly & Cruise holidays, offering a more streamlined journey from airport to ship.
Guests can fly from Manchester to Rome or Barcelona, Glasgow to Rome, Edinburgh to Naples and Rome, Belfast to Palma, or Bristol to Palma.
MSC Cruises' Mediterranean fly & cruise itineraries throughout 2025 include visits to Santorini, Cannes, and Naples. Itineraries include a seven-night sailing visiting Genoa, Naples, Messina, Valletta, Barcelona and Marseille on MSC World Europa.
The southern Thai island of Koh Nang Yuan has warned tourists that plastic items and styrofoam boxes are not allowed to be brought along. This includes small water bottles, unless there are multiple-use recyclable ones.
Koh Nang Yuan residents have had rules limiting single-use plastics for several years.
Inbound visitors will be given glass bottled water instead of plastic and instructions on where to collect empty glass bottles after use.
Uber has rolled out an extra tool to help riders stay safe. It is providing more control over their trip, with the ability to choose what in-app safety features to use. This can then be customised depending on when and where they are ordering a ride.
The Safety Preferences tool can enhance customer safety, especially at night. Riders can choose up to three safety features to automatically turn on based on the time or location.
This can be utilised for all trips, trips after 9pm, or even every time a customer leaves a bar or restaurant.
Anabel Diaz, Head of EMEA Mobility, said: "What we heard from riders, especially women, is that they wanted to have more choice and more control over their safety features."
Qatar Airways has expanded its existing order for Boeing 777X aircraft by adding 20 Boeing 777-9 jets. The agreement includes an additional 40 GE9X engines to power the aircraft.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Stephanie Pope said: "Qatar Airways is a leader in our industry, and we are honored the airline added 20 more 777-9 jets."
London Stansted experienced its busiest-ever June passenger traffic, handling 2.8 million passengers, 153,000 more than the previous best in June 2019. It took the airport's rolling yearly traffic total to 29 million passengers. The June total is an increase of 8.3% from last year.
During the month, Stansted recorded its first ever 100,000-plus passenger day. The 100,800 passengers on 28 June was also the third busiest day ever at Stansted.
Operational performance in June remained good, with 97% of departing passengers passing through security in 15 minutes or less. The top destinations during the month were Dublin, Istanbul, and Palma, with Spain, Italy, and Germany being the most popular countries.
Marriott has expanded its portfolio of Autograph Collection Hotels in Japan, opening The Osaka Station Hotel, the brand's fifth property in the country and first in Osaka.
The 418-room hotel is located in JP Tower Osaka in the city's Umeda district, approximately 30 minutes by public transport from Osaka Itami Airport (ITM). The hotel is connected to the West Exit of JR Osaka Station in the Osaka Station City complex.
Each of the hotel's rooms are arranged in an L-shape along the perimeter of the building, allowing guests to enjoy different views from the east, west, north and south, whilst specialty suites boast views from approximately 170 meters above the ground.
"Umeda is a microcosm of Osaka's blend of the traditional and the modern, providing visitors with a rich and varied experience that captures the essence of this dynamic city," said Shinji Sato, General Manager, The Osaka Station Hotel, Autograph Collection.
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) in China has upgraded the airport experience for passengers by installing the latest passenger verification and check-in solutions from SITA.
Pudong Airport is the busiest international hub in China, with half of its total passenger traffic made up of international travelers. As more international routes reopen post-pandemic, the number of flights and passengers is expected to rise further.
With the need for faster and easier operations at the airport, SITA has deployed 52 kiosks and 14 self-service bag drops across the airport, allowing international passengers to independently check-in early before counters open.
Andy Probert is an experienced freelance business travel journalist and PR specialist.
