News

GIC acquired 16 Marriott Four Points Flex hotels in Japan from KKR for about $800 million. Marriott will continue to operate the properties under the existing brand.

Turkmenistan’s State Migration Service launched its electronic visa system on October 1, 2026, removing the prior invitation letter requirement. The system includes online visa applications and remote registration for foreign nationals.

Ryanair canceled more than 1,000 flights on October 3, 2026. The cancellations resulted from a collapse in UK air traffic control affecting airports nationwide.

Ryanair cancelled over 1,000 UK flights in September 2026 amid two air traffic control failures. Additional disruptions came from Belgian strikes and Mount Etna ash clouds.

ITB Asia 2026, Asia’s largest travel trade show, started on October 1 in Singapore. The three-day event focuses on business networking among MICE, leisure, and travel sectors.

FAAN will start deploying the V-Pass facial recognition system at Nigerian domestic airports in July 2026. The program aims to standardize biometric processing nationwide.

Hamad International Airport and Qatar Airways launched a biometric Fast Pass system in 2026. The system features over 700 biometric touchpoints to streamline passenger screening.

Ryanair canceled over 1,000 flights in September 2026 after two UK air traffic control failures. More than 1,300 flights were grounded on September 8 alone at major UK airports.

A trackside fire on 27 September 2026 near Clapham Junction damaged signalling equipment, disrupting Southern and Gatwick Express services into London Victoria. Repairs and train cancellations continued into Monday afternoon with normal service expected from 4:24 pm.

Avanti West Coast will be renationalised from 7 March 2027, ending private operation. The UK government will also consider owning new trains to reduce leasing costs from private companies.