From weather warnings to travel rule changes that could cost you, we round up the latest travel news and updates from around the globe each month (newest updates top of page).
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As festive-season travel ramps up, Qatar Airways has issued a reminder that passport issues remain one of the biggest causes of denied boarding and entry.
Key checks include ensuring your passport is valid for long enough, has enough blank pages, and is free from damage, stains or torn pages.
The airline is also urging travellers to store passports carefully and check them well in advance of departure — because last-minute fixes can be stressful, costly, and sometimes impossible.
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Flying out of Thailand next year will cost more following the country’s Civil Aviation Board’s approval of a 53% increase in international passenger service charges, raising the fee from THB730 (R390) to THB1,120 (R600). Domestic charges remain unchanged at THB130 (R70).
Airports of Thailand says the higher fee could generate an additional THB10 billion annually, with funds earmarked for airport services, safety and infrastructure upgrades across its six major airports, including Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Phuket.
Expected to take effect early next year, the charge will be built into ticket prices at purchase.
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Uzbekistan has received its first high-speed trains from South Korea, marking a major step in modernising the country’s transport network.
The new trains can reach speeds of up to 250km/h and are designed to operate in extreme heat, dust and sandstorm conditions.
The trains will initially serve key routes including Tashkent–Bukhara and Tashkent–Khiva, with more deliveries expected through 2027. Officials say the project will cut travel times, improve comfort, and support tourism and economic growth across the region.
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Qatar Airways has boosted capacity across its winter (South African summer) schedule, adding nearly 3,000 additional flights this year.
Increased frequencies have been rolled out to major destinations including Kuala Lumpur, Lagos, Shanghai and Singapore, alongside earlier expansions to Cape Town (now up to 12 flights per week), Johannesburg (18 flights per week), London, Dublin, Phuket and Toronto.
Highlights include more weekly flights to Kuala Lumpur and Lagos, increased services to Shanghai from January, and the deployment of the Airbus A380 on select Singapore routes. The airline continues to expand connectivity via Doha, supported by a fleet offering free, high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi across cabins.
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A luxury-focused theme park is set to open in Mexico in 2026, blending high-end accommodation, immersive attractions and curated dining experiences.
Designed to appeal to affluent travellers, the park aims to offer a more refined alternative to traditional theme park experiences. Further details on attractions and pricing are expected closer to launch.
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Qantas has officially launched its non‑stop services from Perth to Johannesburg (South Africa) and Auckland (New Zealand), marking a significant boost in global connectivity from Western Australia.
The Perth–Johannesburg flights operate three times weekly on Airbus A330 aircraft, complementing Qantas’ existing Sydney–Johannesburg service and creating smoother links between South Africa and Australia. The new Auckland‑Perth service also runs three times weekly, offering easier travel between New Zealand and Africa via Perth.
The expanded services come amid strong demand, and are expected to further strengthen tourism and business travel between South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.
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Disney Parks have unveiled a slate of new attractions, experiences and upgrades scheduled to roll out in 2026 across multiple destinations.
The announcements include new rides, refreshed park areas and expanded entertainment offerings aimed at boosting capacity and guest experience.
More detailed timelines and park-specific updates are expected over the coming year.
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South African Airways (SAA) and Turkish Airlines have signed a new codeshare agreement aimed at improving international flight connections between Africa and major global hubs.
The partnership allows Turkish Airlines to place its flight code on a range of SAA services across southern Africa — including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and key regional destinations — while SAA will add its code to Turkish Airlines’ flights between Istanbul and South African cities, as well as major European gateways like Frankfurt and London.
The deal is designed to make travel to and within Africa more seamless for international tourists, strengthen tourism flows, and unlock easier transit via Istanbul to markets in Europe, Asia and the Americas.
