News.
The day's developments across world travel, reported and checked by our newsroom before they reach you.
IATA Survey: Travellers Adopt Biometrics and AI, Face Visa Hurdles
The 2026 Global Passenger Survey by IATA reveals nearly half of travellers use AI for planning, with high satisfaction in biometrics, yet 43% are discouraged by complex entry rules.
Malaysian Border Control Unveils KLIA Hologram Kiosk
The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency introduced a digital kiosk on 26 October 2026, offering real-time, multilingual guidance on entry requirements for international passengers.
Digi Yatra International Trials Begin: Air India, IndiGo Join
The three-month programme, covering Indian e-passport holders flying Air India and IndiGo, runs until December this year, with a wider rollout planned for 2027.
EasyJet to Adopt Starlink Wi-Fi Across Entire Fleet
Installations of the high-speed satellite internet service will commence in early 2027, with the full rollout across the airline's Airbus A320 family completed by early 2028.
Marriott and LG Debut Cloud TV Platform for Guest Rooms
Marriott International and LG Electronics have launched a new cloud-based entertainment and technology platform, currently piloting in 40 North American hotels with global expansion plans.
Hilton Unveils Digital Points Payment for Loyalty Members
Hilton Honors members can now apply loyalty points directly to hotel bills via the app during digital checkout, a feature initially available at 150 US properties.
Bengaluru's Onto Launches Hotel Price Drop Refund Service
The traveltech startup secured $1 million in pre-seed funding, co-led by Singapore-based White Venture Capital, to power its expansion and AI platform development.
YGO, Berlin-based travel tech, secures €8 million for AI platform expansion
Berlin-based YGO has raised €8 million in Series A funding, led by Ventech, to expand its artificial intelligence platform that enables travel companies to integrate their booking inventory with AI agents.
Vrbo Ends Subscription Model, Exempts Select Listings
From October 29, most Vrbo hosts will transition to a 12% commission per booking, a change that has drawn concerns from some property managers.
UN ESCAP Warns Southeast Asia on AI Digital Divide
The UN ESCAP's Asia-Pacific Digital Transformation Report 2026, released on 2 September 2026, highlights varying readiness for AI-native infrastructure across Southeast Asia.
Bilt Rewards Allows Rent Payments to Earn Travel Points
The loyalty programme enables points accumulation on monthly rent and ride-sharing services, convertible to major airline partners like Air Canada Aeroplan and Virgin Atlantic.
Google Flights: 15 Years, A380 & Aviation History 'Easter Eggs'
The travel search engine introduces 15 'Easter Eggs' revealing iconic air travel moments, including Singapore Airlines' A380 launch on the Singapore–Sydney corridor.