Travel Updates by DailyStraits.com

Travellers Deported Over Cigarettes

Perth, June 4: Two Mongolian nationals have had their visas cancelled after Australian Border Force officers allegedly found nearly 18,000 undeclared cigarettes concealed in their luggage at Perth Airport.
The pair were stopped on 3 June after arriving on a flight from Hong Kong. An x-ray examination of their baggage led officers to uncover about 17,989 cigarettes across multiple brands.
The cigarettes were seized and the travellers had their visas cancelled under section 116 of the Migration Act 1958. They will be removed from Australia on the next available flight at their own expense.
The case follows a similar incident in January, when a 24-year-old Swiss student visa holder was stopped at Perth International Airport after allegedly attempting to bring 2,520 cigarettes into Australia. She had declared on her Incoming Passenger Card that she was not carrying more than 25 cigarettes, before officers allegedly found the cigarettes concealed in her luggage.
ABF Superintendent John Eldridge said travellers caught with undeclared tobacco risk losing the goods, having their visas cancelled and facing an exclusion period of up to three years from re-entering Australia.
The seizures come as ABF teams continue targeting illicit tobacco across airports, seaports and air cargo under Operation PRINTWALL. Since the operation began in December 2025, more than one kilotonne of illicit tobacco has been detected, including more than 87 tonnes seized in one week from 13 April 2026.

Emirates Names First Female Captains

Perth, June 4: Emirates has promoted two Emirati pilots, Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al Mheiri, to captain, making them the airline’s first Emirati female captains.
Both pilots joined the airline through the Emirates Group’s National Cadet Pilot Programme and now operate the Boeing 777 fleet. Hanan joined the programme in 2008, while Bakhita began her aviation career with Emirates in 2011.
The promotions mark a milestone for the airline’s efforts to develop Emirati talent and increase female representation in aviation leadership roles.
“When I was 14, I saw the UAE’s first female pilot on TV and was struck by her confidence and presence. From that point on, all I wanted was to become a pilot,” Hanan said.
“My journey at Emirates has been deeply influenced by the mentorship and guidance I received from exceptional training captains and leaders throughout my flying and command journey,” Bakhita said.
Emirates said the National Cadet Pilot Programme, launched in 1993, has produced numerous Emirati pilots who have gone on to become captains, training pilots and senior aviation leaders across the UAE.

Aloft Launches WXYZ Menu

Perth, June 4: Aloft by Marriott Langkawi Pantai Tengah has launched its new WXYZ On Tour beverage menu, bringing a music-inspired cocktail and mocktail program to the hotel’s WXYZ Bar.
The menu features cocktails inspired by iconic artists and regions across the Asia Pacific, combining Aloft’s music-driven brand identity with local and international flavours.
Highlights include signature cocktails such as Déjà Yu, Paw It Like It’s Hot and Spice Up Your Life, alongside regional creations including Kopi Me Softly and Calamansi Me Maybe.
The launch event included lucky cat batik painting, DIY music-themed tattoos and a live band performance. Guests were also introduced to the WXYZ On Tour Drink Passport, which allows them to collect stamps while sampling regional cocktails.
The debut also featured a guest shift by Bastien Michaud, Brand Ambassador for Pernod Ricard Malaysia, who presented cocktails using brands including Havana Club, Malfy Gin and The Glenlivet.
“At Aloft, music is in our DNA,” says Shanmugam Thangavelu, General Manager of Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah. “With WXYZ On Tour, we’ve bottled that energy. Every cocktail tells a story of a region and an artist, offering our guests a backstage pass to the best flavours of Asia Pacific.”

Family Attractions Slash Prices

Perth, June 4: Families planning a winter school holiday getaway can take advantage of discounted attraction tickets in Sydney while exploring similar wildlife and marine experiences across Australia.
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium has launched a limited-time Family Ticket offer, giving visitors savings of up to 40 per cent when booking online in advance for visits between 4 June and 20 July 2026.
The offer includes one adult and two children from $78, two adults and one child from $87, and two adults and two children for $107. Additional child tickets can be added for $20 each, while children under two can visit free with a valid ticket.
Visitors can also upgrade their booking with entry to WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo for an additional $10 per person, creating a multi-attraction experience during the winter school holidays.
The promotion comes as major tourism attractions across Australia seek to attract families during the cooler months. Travellers heading to Melbourne can also explore wildlife and marine experiences including aquariums, zoos and interactive animal encounters, with many operators offering bundled tickets and seasonal promotions.
The SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Family Ticket is available exclusively online and cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. The promotion runs until 20 July 2026, subject to availability.

Qatar Airways Boosts Dubai Flights

Perth, June 5: Qatar Airways will increase services between Doha and Dubai from two to five daily flights from today.
The additional frequencies will be introduced in phases, with the airline increasing to three daily flights from June 5, followed by a fourth daily service from June 15. A fifth daily flight will return during the summer season.
The services between Hamad International Airport and Dubai International Airport will be operated using Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 aircraft.
The expansion will give passengers more flexibility when travelling between Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, with Qatar Airways offering up to 35 weekly flights on the route.
The airline resumed services to Dubai and Sharjah in April, followed by Abu Dhabi in May, as part of its wider regional network restoration.
Qatar Airways said it is continuing to rebuild and expand its global network to more than 160 destinations by this summer.
Passengers are advised to check the airline’s website or app for the latest schedule updates.