ITC Hotels Acquires 100% Stake in GHK Hospitality, Expands Ahmedabad Portfolio
ITC Hotels signed a deal to acquire 100% stake in GHK Hospitality’s Welcomhotel Ahmedabad for Rs 155 crores. The acquisition expands ITC’s owned assets in Ahmedabad’s commercial hub.
Thailand Maintains 30-Day Visa-Free Entry for Indian Tourists in 2026
Thailand reversed its plan to end visa-free entry for Indian tourists, approving a 30-day stay limit instead. India remains on Thailand's visa-free list amid policy revisions in 2026.
Europe Faces 57 Flight Cancellations and 1,920 Delays on July 19, 2026
On July 19, 2026, Europe experienced 57 flight cancellations and nearly 2,000 delays affecting major airlines such as British Airways, KLM, and Lufthansa. London Heathrow and Madrid-Barajas were among the busiest airports impacted.
ITB Asia 2026 Hosts Business Traveller Global & Regional Awards in Singapore
ITB Asia 2026 will host the Business Traveller Global & Regional Awards on 21 October at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore, marking the awards' first appearance there. The ceremony celebrates over 40 years of recognising excellence across airlines, hospitality, destinations, and travel services.
Ground Stop at Newark Airport Amid Flash Flooding and Thunderstorms on July 19, 2026
Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding on July 19, 2026, prompted a ground stop at Newark Airport and disrupted flights at LaGuardia. Floodwaters closed highways including the Clearview Expressway and caused emergency road rescues in New York City and northern New Jersey.
FAAN rolls out V-Pass biometric system for domestic air travel in Nigeria
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria is launching V-Pass, a biometric facial recognition system, to enhance domestic airport security. Developed with Verxid Technologies, it will reduce physical ID checks and automate passenger flow.
FAAN Deploys V-Pass Facial Recognition for Domestic Flights from July 2026
FAAN will introduce the V-Pass facial recognition system at Nigerian domestic airports from July 2026. The biometric system aims to enhance security and speed up passenger verification processes.
57 Flights Cancelled and Almost 2,000 Delayed Across Europe on 18 July 2026
On 18 July 2026, Europe saw 57 flights cancelled and around 1,920 delayed, with London Heathrow and Madrid-Barajas hardest hit. British Airways and Lufthansa faced the most cancellations and delays amid airport congestion and Middle East airspace restrictions.
Xi’an-Shiyan High-Speed Rail Opens Crossing Qinling Mountains
The Xi’an to Shiyan high-speed rail line opened on June 30, 2026, spanning 257 km and crossing the Qinling Mountains. It reduces travel time to approximately one hour, with trains operating at speeds up to 350 km/h.
East Midlands Railway Cancels Train Services Amid July 2026 Heatwave
East Midlands Railway cancelled multiple train services from 8 to 17 July 2026 due to extreme heat and related operational issues. Services between Nottingham, Worksop, Leicester, and London St Pancras were among those suspended or reduced amid safety concerns.














