Stay up to date with the latest in the travel and hospitality industry, from airline launches and route expansions to new trends and transportation developments shaping the way we explore the world.
This is the August 2025 edition of Airline and Travel News.
THE MILLEN PENANG NAMED BEST LUXURY HOTEL IN GOLD LIST 2025
The Millen Penang, Autograph Collection, has been named Best Luxury Hotel in the 5th edition of the Gold List 2025, unveiled by IM FIRST CLASS to celebrate excellence in luxury travel.
“The Millen has redefined luxury hospitality with its exquisite design, impeccable service, and unwavering dedication to creating unforgettable guest experiences,” said Oo Lean Hooi, Managing Editor of IM FIRST CLASS. “More than just a place to stay, it is a refined journey of elegance — truly deserving of the title ‘Best Luxury Hotel.’”
General Manager Catherine Townsend echoed the sentiment, noting the award reflects the commitment of the entire team. “We are deeply honoured by this recognition,” she said. “It underscores our passion to deliver exceptional service and create remarkable experiences that help position Penang as a world-class tourism destination.”
Situated along George Town’s historic Millionaire’s Row, The Millen Penang combines colonial charm with contemporary design across 146 rooms and suites, many with panoramic views of the city and the Andaman Sea.
Dining is a highlight, with options that include Lili, which showcases inventive Contemporary Malaysian cuisine; Good Society, a stylish coffee salon by day and bar by night; and Blacklinen, offering premium charcoal-grilled meats and seafood. Guests can also unwind at Nut&Meg Spa, inspired by local traditions, or enjoy leisure facilities ranging from a saltwater infinity pool with sweeping sea views to a fully equipped gym, sauna, and steam room.
With its enviable location near George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage core, famed street food, and cultural landmarks, The Millen Penang offers both refined luxury and easy access to exploration.
For more information and reservations, visit themillenhotel.com.
FIREFLY SHIFTS JET OPERATIONS FROM SUBANG TO KLIA
Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) recently announced the relocation of its regional airline Firefly’s jet operations from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB), the capital’s downtown airport (Subang), to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA/KUL) Terminal 1, effective August 19, 2025.
Firefly will continue to operate its turboprop services from Subang, ensuring ongoing connectivity to key regional destinations.
Malaysia Airlines parent MAG says the move is part of its long-term network optimisation plan to enhance operational efficiency and ensure sustainable operations for Firefly’s jet services. Relocating to KUL allows greater scalability for jet operations and reflects MAG’s intent to strengthen network connectivity across the group, MAG adds.
Firefly will commence its Boeing 737-800 jet services from KUL beginning August 19, 2025 with its first flight to Tawau (TWU), followed by a phased rollout to key domestic and regional destinations.
Flights to Kuching (KCH) and Kota Kinabalu (BKI) will commence on August 21; Singapore (SIN) on August 22; Johor Bahru (JHB) on August 23; Kota Bharu (KBR) and Terengganu (TGG) on August 30; and Sibu (SBW) on September 3.
The airline will also increase its existing services from KUL to Penang from two times weekly to six times weekly beginning August 23, 2025, before increasing to 10 times weekly in November 2025.
The routes will be operated by Firefly’s single-class Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Travellers may enjoy complimentary 10kg checked baggage, a 7kg carry-on allowance, and in-flight refreshments.
To learn more, visit fireflyz.com.my.
MILLENNIUM HOTELS AND RESORTS NAMED SINGAPORE’S MOST VALUABLE HOTEL BRAND
Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) has once again been crowned Singapore’s most valuable hotel brand, securing its place in the Brand Finance Hotels 50 2025 global ranking. Valued at USD 421 million, MHR climbed three places to 31st worldwide, marking its second consecutive year in the top 50 and reinforcing its position as a leading force in international hospitality.
Together with sister brand Copthorne, valued at USD 223 million, the combined portfolio now stands at USD 644 million. The recognition reflects the strength of the group’s strategic brand focus and the momentum behind its ongoing transformation.
Over the past year, MHR has invested heavily in innovation and guest-focused growth. Initiatives include the launch of AI-powered assistants AVA and Ask Millie, full GSTC certification across its Singapore hotels, and a revitalised MyMillennium loyalty programme. The group also expanded its lifestyle portfolio with the opening of M Social Resort Penang in July, with further debuts in New York and Florida scheduled in the coming months.
“While growing the number of hotels is important, it’s the strength of the brand that drives sustainable growth and sets us apart,” said Kwek Leng Beng, Executive Chairman of City Developments Limited.
Alex Haigh, Managing Director Asia Pacific at Brand Finance, added: “MHR’s position as one of only two Southeast Asian brands in the global top 50 speaks volumes about its strength. Its focus on innovation, sustainability, and guest-centric experiences has made it a standout in the regional landscape.”
With more than 145 hotels in over 80 destinations, MHR remains firmly on track to expand its global presence, with ambitions to scale to 500 hotels through partnerships, market-driven growth, and brand-led innovation.
For more details, visit millenniumhotels.com.
AIRASIA X TO LAUNCH NON-STOP KL-ISTANBUL FLIGHTS
AirAsia X will begin non-stop flights from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul this November, marking the long-haul budget carrier’s return to Europe and a renewed push toward building a global low-cost network.
The Kuala Lumpur–Istanbul route will operate four times weekly, serving Sabiha Gökçen International Airport on the city’s Asian side. According to AeroRoutes, flight scheduling data confirms the new service, though the airline has yet to issue an official statement.
The move follows AirAsia’s tentative deal to acquire up to 70 extended-range Airbus jets, announced during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent visit to France. The new aircraft form part of CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes’s broader strategy to reconnect with European destinations and eventually expand into North America.
AirAsia X previously flew to London and Paris between 2009 and 2012 before shelving those routes amid falling demand and the introduction of a carbon emissions levy. In recent years, the carrier has cautiously rebuilt its network, adding destinations such as Almaty, Kazakhstan. However, not all launches have stuck — its Nairobi service, introduced as its first African route, will be discontinued from September 1 due to low demand.
For details and bookings, visit airasia.com.
PARK HYATT OPENS IN KUALA LUMPUR’S MERDEKA 118
Hyatt recently announced the opening of Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, marking the luxury brand’s entry into Malaysia. (Feature photo shows the hotel’s reception area.) Located between levels 75 and 114 of the iconic Merdeka 118 – the tallest skyscraper in Asia Pacific, the hotel promises to provide discerning travellers a refined home in the sky with unparalleled views of the Malaysian capital’s skyline.
Each of the 252 guestrooms and suites has floor-to-ceiling windows offering sweeping views of the city, with the suites featuring expansive living areas, a full bath with a separate rain shower and aromatherapy shower steamer, double vanity, a walk-in dressing room, personal study area, and in select rooms, private dining spaces overlooking the cityscape.
“We are proud to be part of the new Merdeka 118 precinct, with its rich, historical significance and its proximity to the vibrant Petaling Street Chinatown,” said Herman Kemp, general manager of Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur. “From locally inspired art and design to purposeful wellness and elevated culinary concepts rooted in Malaysian culture, our guests will discover enriching experiences from this unique vantage point and through the Park Hyatt brand’s distinctive take on understated luxury.”
For curated culinary experiences, guests may choose between three venues – Merdeka Grill, Cacao Mixology & Chocolate, and Park Lounge.
Merdeka Grill reimagines a modern grill experience with premium cuts, sustainable seafood, and locally sourced produce, complete with a curated beverage programme.
Park Lounge invites guests to rediscover heritage flavours through all-day dining, including Malaysian traditional signature dishes such as Botok Ikan and Gulai Taucu Minang, or afternoon tea experiences.
Meanwhile, Cacao Mixology & Chocolate — the city’s first chocolate-themed bar — celebrates the richness of cacao with chocolate themed cocktails, small batch distilleries spirits and zero proof specialities.
Located on the 99th floor, Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur has a light-filled yoga movement studio, a state-of-the-art fitness centre featuring the Integrity+ Series premium cardio equipment from Life Fitness, private treatment suites with ensuite dressing rooms, and a 30-metre infinity pool overlooking the city.
Discover more at hyatt.com.
MIAT MONGOLIAN AIRLINES TO LAUNCH SINGAPORE ROUTE
Beginning November 4, 2025, MIAT Mongolian Airlines will be flying twice weekly between Singapore and the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar, making it easier for travellers to explore the city and the natural beauty of Mongolia. The new service will be the only nonstop passenger link between the Mongolian capital and Singapore.
MIAT will deploy its two-class widebody Boeing 767-300ER aircraft between its Ulaanbaatar base and Singapore’s Changi Airport. These aircraft feature 15 angled-flat business class seats in a 2-1-2 configuration, as well as 237 economy class seats in a 2-3-2 configuration.
MIAT has just a single Boeing 767-300ER remaining in its fleet after taking delivery of two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, which currently fly to destinations including Frankfurt and Istanbul.
The flag carrier also has four smaller Boeing 737 aircraft, with more 737 Max jets on order, which predominantly operate on shorter regional flights including to Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, and Bangkok.
In the future, MIAT plans to launch long-haul service to Australia and the U.S. West Coast with its 787-9 Dreamliners.
For details, visit miat.com.
PHILIPPINE AIRLINES TO INCREASE SEATTLE SERVICE
Philippine Airlines (PAL) will increase services between Manila and Seattle to five weekly flights from the current thrice-weekly service starting November 25.
Coming one year after the inaugural launch in October 2024, the nonstop route offers the only direct air link between the Philippines and the U.S. Pacific Northwest.
PAL will introduce new Tuesday and Thursday departures from Manila and Seattle from November 25, for an overall five times weekly service operating each Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. These flights offer connections to numerous U.S. destinations via Alaska Airlines, PAL’s frequent flyer partner.
PAL operates the Seattle services with Boeing 777-300ER widebody aircraft that accommodate 370 passengers, with 42 seats in 2-3-2 business class and 328 in 3-4-3 economy class.
With Seattle, PAL now serves eight destinations in the U.S. and Canada, offering nonstop flights to New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Toronto, Honolulu, and Guam.
“Our decision to increase frequencies to Seattle highlights the importance of the U.S. market to the Philippine Airlines global network, and in particular the great value of Seattle as a gateway, not just to the Washington and Oregon areas, but to cities across the United States that we can now serve through our ongoing partnership with Alaska Airlines,” said PAL president, Richard Nuttall.
Learn more at philippineairlines.com.
BATIK AIR MARKS FIRST INTERNATIONAL ROUTE FROM SUBANG WITH BANGKOK SERVICE
Batik Air has launched a milestone non-stop service linking Subang’s Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB) with Bangkok, Thailand, marking the airport’s first-ever international route. The inaugural Subang–Bangkok flight on July 28, 2025, strengthens regional connectivity and underscores plans to position SZB as a key travel hub for the Klang Valley.
The new route, operated by a Boeing 737, connects SZB with Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) under flight number OD533. It represents a significant step in expanding Malaysia–Thailand travel links while offering passengers greater convenience by bypassing Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Batik Air also launched direct Subang–Kuching flights the same day, enhancing access to East Malaysia. Together, the new services expand the airline’s footprint from Subang and give travellers more choice for both regional and domestic journeys.
“With these new routes, we are not only deepening our presence in Subang but also bringing travellers closer to the destinations they love – whether it’s exploring Bangkok’s vibrant streets or experiencing Kuching’s rich cultural charm,” said Batik Air CEO Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy.
For information and booking, visit batikair.com.my.
ISTANBUL AIRPORT BREAKS ONE-DAY PASSENGER RECORD IN EUROPE
Türkiye’s Istanbul Airport (IST), one of two airports in the city, has announced it has overtaken London Heathrow as the European airport to handle the most passengers on one given day.
The airport recorded 134,893 arrivals and 137,239 departures on July 27, 2025 (a total of 272,132), topping Heathrow’s 268,000 figure recorded on June 30, 2024.
It says the achievement underscores its “growing significance in global aviation”, which is backed by its official title of “the world’s most connected airport” as recognized in the ACI Europe 2025 Airport Industry Connectivity Report.
Travel data provider OAG also recently named Istanbul Airport as the busiest airport in Europe, with Heathrow ranked second. Its rankings are based on the number of available seats, determined by the frequency of international and domestic flights.
The airport began operating three runways in April this year, which enables it to accommodate 148 aircraft movements an hour (up from 120 before the launch of the third runway). It currently offers connections to over 330 destinations worldwide, while Reuters reported in March that Heathrow serves 230 destinations.
New routes to the Turkish hub include Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways’ service from Tokyo, Air Europa’s service from Madrid, and most recently, KM Malta Airlines’ flights between the city and Malta. Icelandair is also set to begin a service from Reykjavik to Istanbul in September.
The airport is undergoing a four-phase construction project, due to be completed in 2028, as part of a strategic effort to drive growth and become the largest airport in Europe.
Learn more by visiting istairport.com.
AIRASIA X TO LAUNCH TO LAUNCH DIRECT TASHKENT-KL FLIGHTS IN OCTOBER
AirAsia X will expand its Central Asian network this year with the launch of direct flights between Tashkent and Kuala Lumpur, beginning October 15, 2025. The new service marks a milestone for the airline as it builds on its growing presence in the region, following its successful entry into Almaty.
The route will operate three times a week, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Flight D7123 will depart Tashkent at 7:30pm and arrive in Kuala Lumpur at 6:10am the following morning. The return service, D7122, will leave Kuala Lumpur at 1:25pm and touch down in Tashkent at 6:15pm.
AirAsia X chief executive officer Benyamin Ismail said forward bookings for the route are already encouraging. “This service not only strengthens our footprint in Central Asia but also supports key initiatives such as Visit Malaysia Year 2026,” he said. Uzbekistan, meanwhile, has set an ambitious goal of welcoming 15.8 million international visitors in 2025, with Malaysia expected to contribute significantly to that target.
Officials in Tashkent have also welcomed the launch, noting the economic and cultural benefits the service is expected to bring. The route will allow Uzbek travellers seamless Fly-Thru connections via Kuala Lumpur International Airport to over 130 destinations across Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Australia.
Beyond tourism, the new flights highlight deepening ties between Malaysia and Uzbekistan in trade, education, and cultural exchange. With fares starting from USD199 one-way, the service underscores AirAsia X’s mission to make medium-haul travel more accessible.
For details and bookings, visit airasia.com.
