Travel Updates by DailyStraits.com

Malaysia Airlines Sees Growth

Perth, May 11: Malaysia Airlines maintained on-time performance above 90 per cent throughout April, marking its second consecutive month above that level.
The airline also recorded stronger passenger demand, with year-on-year traffic up 30 per cent in March and 8 per cent in April.
According to Bryan Foong, Chief Executive Officer of Airline Business at Malaysia Aviation Group, reliability and flexibility remain key for travellers.
“We recognise that travellers today are navigating a more uncertain environment, and that reliability and flexibility remain important when planning their journeys. Our focus continues to be on delivering safe and dependable operations, while providing our customers the flexibility and support they need as travel patterns continue to evolve. The operational consistency we have seen in recent months, together with continued customer demand across key markets, is an encouraging reflection of the steady progress being made across the airline. Above all, our priority is to ensure customers feel supported and confident throughout their journey with us.”
Malaysia Airlines has also launched its “Now Boarding” campaign, offering flexible fare options, family travel perks and direct booking incentives.

Free Mum Tickets Offered

Perth, May 11: Families visiting selected SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and other Merlin Entertainments attractions across Australia and New Zealand can claim a free adult “Mum” ticket as part of a Mother’s Day promotion running from May 10 to 14.
The offer includes one free adult ticket when purchased with at least one full-priced adult or child general admission ticket. Bookings must be made online at least one day in advance, with the final cut-off at 11:59pm on May 13.
Participating attractions include WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Madame Tussauds Sydney, Sydney Tower Eye, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium and SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium.
The promotion applies to general admission tickets only and excludes combo passes.
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Sabah Rethinks Tourism

Perth, May 11: Sabah is revising its tourism strategy as global aviation challenges affect airline capacity and connectivity into Kota Kinabalu.
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the state would use a flexible planning framework to monitor global developments affecting air links and travel demand.
“We are already seeing these changes impacting airline capacity, with route suspensions and reduced frequencies affecting connectivity into Kota Kinabalu, and we are closely monitoring developments to ensure our tourism planning remains responsive,” he said.
Affected routes include temporary AirAsia suspensions on Singapore–Kota Kinabalu, Jakarta–Kota Kinabalu, Ho Chi Minh–Kota Kinabalu, Sibu–Kota Kinabalu and Bintulu–Kota Kinabalu. Batik Air has also suspended its Seoul–Kota Kinabalu service.
Sabah recorded 932,970 arrivals up to March 2026, comprising 537,317 domestic and 395,653 international visitors.
Jafry said arrivals remained on track towards the original four million target as of March, but the target may be revised depending on airline connectivity and market conditions.
“The Ministry, together with STB, will continue engaging airline partners and industry stakeholders to strengthen connectivity and improve accessibility into Sabah… In the current environment, we must remain adaptive and responsive,” he said.

Qatar Airways Adds Americas Routes

Doha, May 11: Qatar Airways will launch flights to Caracas, Venezuela, and Bogotá, Colombia, from July 22, 2026.
The airline will operate two weekly services every Wednesday and Sunday on the Doha–Bogotá–Caracas–Doha route.
The new services will make Caracas and Bogotá Qatar Airways’ 15th and 16th destinations in the Americas, strengthening links between the Middle East and South America.
The schedule is designed to provide onward connections through Hamad International Airport to markets including Australia, China, Japan, Lebanon, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.

Experience Vivid From Above

Perth, May 12: Vivid Sydney returns from May 22 to June 13, transforming the city into a waterfront playground of light installations, live music and family-friendly experiences.
For those wanting a different view of the festival, The Sydney Tower Eye is offering one of the best vantage points in the city, with sweeping views across Sydney after dark.
The attraction’s Vivid SKYWALKs are also returning, giving visitors the chance to see the city illuminated from above. This year, guests can also watch the Vivid Drone Show light up the night sky from SKYWALK.

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