Qatar Airways is elevating its culinary offerings through an exciting partnership with renowned French chef Yannick Alléno, whose 19 restaurants across seven countries have collectively earned 17 Michelin stars. This collaboration brings Alléno’s modern French cuisine to both inflight menus and premium lounge dining experiences.

First and Business Class passengers traveling on select flights between Paris and Doha will be the first to savor Alléno’s specially crafted inflight menus. These feature “ingredient-led cooking” and innovative techniques such as fermentation, reflecting the chef’s dedication to culinary artistry and innovation.

On the ground, Alléno’s acclaimed Pavyllon restaurant, known for its locations in Paris, Monte Carlo, and London, will make its airside debut inside Qatar Airways’ First Class Lounge at Doha Hamad International Airport. The lounge restaurant will mirror the Pavyllon concept with counter seating facing an open kitchen, offering guests an immersive dining experience akin to a live culinary performance.

Qatar Airways’ lounges at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport will also showcase a selection of exclusive creations by Alléno, though specific details have yet to be announced.

Thabet Musleh, Qatar Airways’ Chief Retail and Hospitality Officer, emphasized the airline’s commitment to innovation and excellence, stating, “Chef Yannick Alléno one of the most celebrated names in global gastronomy represents a benchmark for excellence that reflects our shared passion for innovation, sophistication, and the art of hospitality.”

This partnership aligns with a growing trend among airlines to collaborate with award-winning chefs to enhance the onboard and lounge dining experience. For example, Air France recently teamed up with Daniel Boulud to create dishes for its La Première and Business Class passengers on flights departing the US, with the rollout starting in July.

Qatar Airways continues to set new standards in luxury travel by combining world-class gastronomy with exceptional service, ensuring that passengers enjoy unforgettable dining experiences both in the air and on the ground.

Shares of Singapore Airlines (SIA) took a sharp tumble in early trading on July 29, plunging as much as 8.6 percent following the announcement of a steep 59 percent decline in the group’s first-quarter net profit for the financial year 2025/26. The stock closed down 7.4 percent at $7.04, marking the largest intra-day drop since August 2024, with heavy trading volume of 38.5 million shares.

SIA reported net profit of S$186 million for the three months ended June 30, down from S$452 million a year earlier. This sharp fall was driven primarily by lower interest income and significant losses shared from associates, chiefly Air India, in which SIA owns a 25.1 percent stake. Air India’s financial results were newly included from December 2024 after the full integration of Vistara into Air India, whereas they were absent from the prior year’s first quarter results, explaining part of the steep decline.

Despite the profit setback, the group recorded strong operational performance: total revenue rose 1.5 percent to S$4.79 billion, supported by record passenger numbers. SIA and its subsidiary Scoot carried a combined 10.3 million passengers in the quarter, a 6.9 percent increase year-on-year, with passenger load factor improving slightly to 87.6 percent as growth in traffic outpaced capacity expansion.

 However, passenger yields fell 2.9 percent due to intensified competition amid capacity increases by other airlines. Cargo revenue also declined amid falling yields and wider capacity over cargo demand.

Analysts pointed to the drag on SIA’s bottom line from Air India’s continued losses and the lingering impact from the Air India Flight 171 crash in June, which led to flight cuts and a reported 20 percent drop in bookings on domestic and international routes. Market reactions included downgrades by several analysts, with target prices lowered and warnings of potential further losses from Air India.

Nonetheless, some experts remain cautiously optimistic about SIA’s outlook, noting stabilizing passenger yields and ongoing strengths in brand, service, and innovation that should help the airline to navigate current market challenges and transition towards renewed growth.

In summary, Singapore Airlines faces near-term headwinds from associate losses and competitive pressure on yields despite solid travel demand and record passenger traffic, reflecting a mixed outlook amid volatile global and regional aviation market conditions.

The US Department of State has rolled out a significant update to its visa policies, tightening the rules for those seeking entry into the country. As of September 2, 2025, nearly all nonimmigrant visa applicants  including children under 14 and adults over 79   will be required to appear in person for a consular interview, a sharp reversal from the previous, more lenient waiver provisions.

Until now, many applicants could bypass the rigorous in-person interview step by qualifying for a visa interview waiver   often through an online eligibility screening, followed by the convenience of mailing in application materials rather than scheduling a visit to the Embassy.

That changes with the new directives, which supersede policies introduced just months ago in February. Now, only select categories of travelers will remain eligible to apply without the standard interview, marking a tightened security and verification protocol by US authorities.

There are exceptions to the tougher rules. The following applicants may still qualify for the interview waiver under specific criteria:

• Diplomats and Foreign Government Officials: Those applying under classifications such as A-1, A-2, C-3 (excluding certain attendants and staff), G-series, NATO categories, or TECRO E-1 for official or diplomatic missions.
• Renewals of B-1, B-2 Visas or Border Crossing Cards: Travelers renewing a full-validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa, or Mexican Border Crossing Card within 12 months of expiration provided they were at least 18 years old when the last visa was granted. Additional conditions include applying from their home country or residence, a clean visa refusal history (unless previously remedied), and no signs of ineligibility.

Despite these exceptions, consular officers retain the authority to request an interview for any applicant at their discretion, further emphasizing the department's commitment to rigorous immigration screening.
For the vast majority of nonimmigrant visa hopefuls, planning an in-person Embassy visit will now be standard. The overhaul aims to enhance security, but it will also likely increase wait times and logistical demands for travelers and families seeking entry to the United States.

As always, applicants are advised to check eligibility during the online registration process. The site’s updated questionnaire will determine whether a person will be directed to schedule an interview or can proceed via the waiver program  now reserved for the narrow categories outlined above.

Visa seekers are urged to review the new guidelines thoroughly and prepare for in-person interviews as the default pathway to US entry starting this September.

Türkiye’s leading airports, Istanbul and Antalya, recently shattered single-day passenger traffic records amid ongoing rapid growth in air travel and tourism.

On July 26, Antalya Airport welcomed 225,118 passengers, surpassing its previous peak of 223,217 set in August 2024. The breakdown included 203,348 international and 21,770 domestic travelers. Antalya also handled 1,217 flights that day 1,074 international and 143 domestic matching its highest-ever number of aircraft movements. The surge followed the opening of new terminal facilities earlier in 2025, designed to accommodate increased demand in this popular Mediterranean tourist destination.

The very next day, July 27, Istanbul Airport reached an unprecedented 272,132 passenger movements in 24 hours the busiest single day ever recorded by a European airport. This historic milestone reinforced Istanbul Airport’s status as a European aviation powerhouse. The airport began simultaneous triple runway operations in April 2025, becoming the first in Europe with this capability and second worldwide after the U.S. This advanced infrastructure supports high traffic volumes and operational efficiency.

Istanbul Airport served nearly 80 million passengers in 2024, making it Europe’s largest and second-busiest airport. It also became Europe’s busiest air cargo hub last year, according to the Airports Council International Europe’s 2024 report. Moreover, weekly Eurocontrol data consistently ranks Istanbul Airport among Europe’s top airports by daily flights. The airport's passenger traffic in the first half of 2025 totaled around 39.1 million, with 8.1 million domestic and 30.9 million international passengers. Sabiha Gökçen Airport in Istanbul also recorded significant traffic, with over 22 million passengers in the same period.

Across Türkiye, the total number of air passengers reached approximately 108.8 million in the first six months of 2025, with domestic flights serving 46.6 million passengers and international flights 62.2 million. Key tourism hubs such as Antalya, İzmir, and Muğla collectively hosted about 23.9 million passengers in this period. Antalya Airport alone handled 9.57 million passengers in the first five months of 2025, underscoring its growing importance in Türkiye’s tourism infrastructure.

The country’s airports are also focusing on environmentally friendly operations to balance growth with sustainability. Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu emphasized the role of these airports in boosting Türkiye’s tourism and trade sectors while maintaining efficient and eco-conscious operations.

This context of expanding infrastructure, record-breaking passenger numbers, and strategic development highlights Türkiye’s increasing significance as a global aviation hub connecting Europe, Asia, and beyond. The combined growth at Istanbul and Antalya airports exemplifies the dynamic rise of Türkiye's air travel network poised for further expansion in the coming years.

Singapore Airlines Group (SIA), widely regarded as one of the world’s leading carriers, reported a sharp 58.8% year-on-year drop in net profit to S$186 million for the first quarter ending 30 June 2025, despite a small 1.5% increase in total revenue to S$4.79 billion. The results reflect a complex operating environment marked by lower interest income, losses from associated companies, and intensified competition, even as passenger demand remains robust.

Operating from its hub at Changi Airport, the Group includes flagship Singapore Airlines and its budget arm, Scoot. While total revenue edged up, operating profit fell by 13.8% to S$405 million. One of the major profit drags was a S$122 million swing to losses from associates, primarily Air India, in which SIA holds a 25.1% stake. This marks the first quarter SIA’s accounts reflected Air India’s financial performance, following the integration of Vistara into Air India in December 2024.

The Group also faced a decline in interest income due to reduced cash balances and recent interest rate cuts, along with softer passenger yields pressured by increased capacity from competitors. Passenger yields fell 2.9% to 10.0 cents per revenue passenger-kilometre as airlines throughout the region ramped up flights.

Despite these headwinds, the Group reported a record passenger count of 10.27 million in Q1 FY2025/26, a 6.9% increase year-on-year. Singapore Airlines carried 6.82 million passengers with a load factor of 86.6%, while Scoot served 3.45 million passengers at an impressive load factor of 91.5%. The overall group load factor increased slightly to 87.6%, underscoring robust travel demand during the quarter.

However, the cargo segment was softer; flown cargo revenue declined 1.9% and cargo yields fell by 4.4%, with capacity growth outpacing demand, leading to a cargo load factor drop to 56.9%.

Financially, SIA Group remains resilient with strong shareholder equity at S$15.8 billion, total debt reduced to S$11.5 billion, and S$7.8 billion in cash and bank balances, though slightly down due to loan repayments and capital expenditures. The debt-to-equity ratio improved to 0.73, and the Group retains S$3.3 billion in undrawn committed credit lines to support liquidity.

The fleet remains modern and expanding, with 204 aircraft in operation averaging just under eight years in age, and 72 new aircraft on order. Network expansion continues with new Scoot routes to Iloilo City in the Philippines and Vienna, Austria. Following the recent closure of Jetstar Asia, SIA is boosting capacity on Asian routes and adding new destinations including Da Nang, Kota Bharu, and Nha Trang.

SIA is also advancing sustainability initiatives with new agreements to acquire sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), aiming to reduce over 9,500 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. The Group’s strategic focus includes strengthening its presence in key growth markets like India, where it holds a significant stake in Air India, and pursuing a commercial joint venture with Malaysia Airlines, pending regulatory approval.

Looking ahead, while summer travel demand remains strong, SIA acknowledges ongoing volatility from geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, and competitive pressures. The Group signals a disciplined, forward-looking strategy emphasizing operational excellence and investment in high-potential routes to navigate this challenging environment.

In summary, Singapore Airlines Group showcases resilience with record passenger growth and solid financial footing, even as profit is weighed down by external factors including Air India’s losses and market competition. The carrier is well-positioned to adapt and expand amid ongoing industry challenges.

IndiGo Airlines, India’s largest low-cost carrier, has aggressively expanded its cockpit workforce by recruiting over 1,000 pilots in the past two years, bringing its total pilot strength to 5,456 by the end of FY25. This milestone surpasses the combined pilot count of Air India and Air India Express, which stands at 5,449, underscoring IndiGo’s dominant position in the Indian aviation sector.

This rapid increase in pilot numbers coincides with IndiGo’s substantial fleet growth, currently operating 434 aircraft, with over 920 more on order, including long-range Airbus A321XLRs and A350s to support its international ambitions. The accelerated hiring is a strategic move to maintain operational reliability in the face of soaring passenger demand and an industry-wide shortage of pilots. It also differentiates IndiGo from competitors like Akasa Air, which faced pilot resignations and flight cancellations in late 2024.

India’s aviation market is witnessing unprecedented growth, with domestic air travel rising to 165 million passengers in FY25 a 17% increase over pre-pandemic levels and international travel up 49% to 34 million. Responding to this surge, IndiGo has also strengthened its cabin crew roster to over 10,212 personnel.

IndiGo is leading industry efforts in gender diversity, with women constituting 16% of its pilot workforce approximately three times the global average and aiming to reach 1,000 female pilots by 2025. The commitment to inclusivity was highlighted when the airline onboarded 77 female pilots on India’s 77th Independence Day.

Financially, IndiGo posted a profit after tax of ₹7,258 crore for FY25, marking its second consecutive year of profitability, in contrast to losses reported by other carriers such as Air India and Akasa Air.
Despite a 17% decrease in the issuance of Commercial Pilot Licenses (CPLs) in 2024, government data indicates there is currently no shortage of trained pilots in India, though the demand forecast is significant, with an estimated need for 21,500 pilots by 2034. IndiGo’s proactive recruitment and diversity initiatives position it well to meet the challenges of India’s rapidly expanding aviation market.