The measure was originally scheduled to take effect on 1 October 2026. However, Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Ameen announced the postponement during the country’s National Tourism Day celebrations on 3 October, providing overseas tourism businesses with an additional six months to prepare.

The new tax framework extends the Maldives’ existing 17% TGST to certain tourism products and booking services sold by foreign companies without a fixed place of business in the country. It covers accommodation, meals, transportation and other tourism-related activities, as well as associated booking and agency services.

Under the regulations, affected overseas suppliers are required to register with the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA), which has established a dedicated registration process and has been working to inform businesses of their obligations.

The Maldivian government estimates that extending the tax to overseas tourism sellers could generate an additional 1.6 billion Maldivian rufiyaa (approximately €90 million) in revenue, as the country prepares for its Visit Maldives Year 2027 tourism campaign.

However, the proposal has faced opposition from international travel associations, which have warned that the additional financial and administrative burden could make holidays in the Maldives more expensive and potentially discourage visitors.

The Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) has called for a review of the policy, arguing that the tax could place further pressure on travel businesses already dealing with geopolitical uncertainty, rising operating costs and weakening demand in certain markets.

European tourism organisations have also urged the government to reconsider the measure, warning that operators could be forced either to absorb the additional costs or pass them on to travellers.

Despite the announced postponement, uncertainty remains over the legal implementation of the decision. The UK’s Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) has requested formal confirmation from Maldivian authorities, particularly as the legislation had already entered into force on 1 October.

“Until there is official confirmation and proper engagement between the government and industry, the situation remains difficult for members,” said Susan Deer, ABTA’s director of industry relations.

The tax debate comes as the Maldives prepares for a major year of international tourism promotion. In addition to its Visit Maldives 2027 campaign, the island nation has been announced as the official Host Country of ITB Berlin 2027, one of the world’s leading travel trade exhibitions.

The postponement offers temporary relief to overseas tourism businesses, although industry representatives continue to seek greater clarity on how the tax will be applied when the new deadline approaches.

L’article Maldives postpones 17% tourism tax on foreign travel agencies until April 2027 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The woman, a national of El Salvador, was travelling aboard Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas when the incident occurred on the morning of Friday, 9 October 2026. According to the Greek coastguard, the Bahamas-flagged vessel was sailing approximately 72 nautical miles southwest of Zakynthos when the passenger entered the water.

A coastguard spokesperson told AFP that the woman later explained she had jumped because “she wanted to disembark”. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. 

Following reports that the passenger had gone overboard, Greek authorities launched an extensive search and rescue operation involving coastguard patrol boats, nearby merchant vessels and a Super Puma helicopter from the Hellenic Air Force. The Odyssey of the Seas also participated in the search.

After nearly 20 hours in the water, the woman was located in the early hours of Saturday, 10 October, by the cargo ship MSC Rossella III, which was sailing under the flag of Madeira and assisting with the operation.

According to reports, the crew first spotted a flashing light attached to a circular lifebuoy, which helped them identify the woman’s position in the darkness. She was found conscious inside the flotation device, approximately 70 nautical miles southwest of Zakynthos and around two nautical miles from where she had reportedly entered the sea.

The woman was subsequently recovered by a coastguard rescue boat and provided with first aid before being transported to the port of Katakolo, on the western coast of the Peloponnese. She was later transferred by ambulance to a hospital in Pyrgos for medical examinations and observation.

According to AFP, the medical checks also included a psychiatric evaluation ordered by a local prosecutor. The Katakolo Port Authority has launched an investigation into the incident. 

The Odyssey of the Seas, operated by Royal Caribbean International, is a large cruise ship capable of accommodating more than 4,000 passengers across 16 decks. The vessel was travelling through the Mediterranean when the incident occurred.

The incident is not the first involving a cruise passenger surviving an extended period at sea. In August 2018, British tourist Kay Longstaff was rescued by Croatian coastguards after spending approximately 10 hours in the Adriatic Sea following a fall from the Norwegian Star.

L’article Cruise passenger rescued after spending 20 hours at sea off Greek island est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Vassilikos, representing the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (HCH), will continue leading HOTREC for another two years. Morten Thorvaldsen, from the Norwegian Hospitality Association (NHO Reiseliv), was also re-elected Vice-President, while Adrian Cummins, representing the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI), will remain Treasurer.

The newly elected Executive Committee includes eight representatives from national hospitality associations across Europe: Hans Kant from the Netherlands, Ludo Geurden from Belgium, Ramon Estalella from Spain, Markus Luthe from Germany, Roberto Calugi from Italy, Elisabeth Haglund from Sweden, Simona Constantinescu from Romania and François Gauthier from France.

“It is a great honour to have the confidence of HOTREC members for a third consecutive mandate as President,” Vassilikos said, highlighting the contribution of millions of hospitality entrepreneurs and employees to European economies and local communities.

“At a time of great geopolitical turbulence and rapid economic, technological and regulatory change, our responsibility is to ensure that our joint voice is heard clearly and strongly at European level,” he added.

Alongside the Executive Committee, HOTREC members elected representatives to its Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee and Financial Committee for 2027-2028.

Sami Nisametdin, representing the Finnish Hospitality Association (MaRa), was re-elected Chair of the Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee. He will work alongside representatives from Italy, Romania, Sweden and Denmark. Meanwhile, Bernard Zenzerović from Croatia and Jóhannes Þór Skúlason from Iceland will serve on the Financial Committee.

HOTREC members are scheduled to meet again for the organisation’s 94th General Assembly in Santorini, Greece, from 21 to 23 April 2027.

The elections come as Europe’s hospitality industry continues to navigate challenges related to competitiveness, digitalisation, sustainability, labour shortages and an evolving EU regulatory environment. 

During the meeting in Vilnius, HOTREC members discussed key developments shaping European tourism, including energy efficiency, digital payments, distribution and the European digital identity wallet. The agenda also covered recent EU policy developments, the future of restaurants and gastronomy, and ways to strengthen the hospitality sector’s resilience.

Marie Audren, Director General of HOTREC, emphasised the importance of translating industry concerns into European policy action.

“Our priority remains clear: turning the realities faced by hospitality businesses into practical European policy solutions. Together, we will continue defending competitiveness, supporting a sustainable and innovative sector, and ensuring that tourism remains firmly on the European agenda,” she said.

Against this backdrop, the association is calling for firm EU action to ensure fair and transparent digital markets and create a level playing field for hospitality businesses across Europe. A recent HOTREC study highlighted growing concerns over market concentration, revealing that Booking Holdings and Expedia Group together account for more than 85% of Europe’s online travel agency (OTA) bookings.

L’article HOTREC announces European hospitality leadership for 2027-2028 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

At the centre of the latest debate is Rye, a bakery in Manhattan’s SoHo neighbourhood opened by Austrian baker Martin Auer. The establishment specialises in a single product: a 1.5-kilogram loaf of 100% rye sourdough, made using organic rye flour imported from Austria. Customers can purchase a whole loaf for $60, half for $30 or a quarter for $15.

Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram

Публикация от RYE BY MARTIN AUER (@rye.martinauer)

The bread contains just three conventional ingredients – flour, water and salt – with time described as the fourth. According to co-owner Tim Auer, the price reflects the loaf’s size, the cost of importing ingredients, the bakery’s Manhattan location and a lengthy production process.

“The price is also the result of all the efforts and costs that went into this, whether that’s importing the organic rye flour from Austria or baking it right here on site on Lafayette Street,” Auer told People.

Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram

Публикация от RYE BY MARTIN AUER (@rye.martinauer)

However, the same traditional bread is available for considerably less in Austria. According to The Guardian, a large loaf costs €12.97 in Graz and €14.27 in Vienna, highlighting the substantial price difference between the European and American markets.

The phenomenon extends beyond bread. As Business Traveller reports, Parisian bakery Poilâne sells traditional sourdough loaves for just under €15 in Paris, while customers in New York can pay approximately €42. In Japan, premium white strawberries can cost up to €10 per fruit in exclusive retail outlets.

Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram

Публикация от Poilâne (@poilane)

Such pricing reflects a wider marketing strategy known as premium positioning, in which brands emphasise rarity, quality, heritage and exclusivity to distinguish otherwise familiar products.

Research cited by Business Traveller from NielsenIQ suggests that fewer than one-third of consumers worldwide associate premium products solely with high prices. Instead, 54% link them to exceptional ingredients or materials, indicating that perceived quality can be more important than cost alone.

Social media has also become central to this strategy. Luxury food purchases can serve as expressions of personal taste and cultural knowledge, particularly when unusual products attract attention online. Rye’s $60 loaf has generated widespread discussion, turning its controversial price into a powerful source of publicity.

Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram

Публикация от RYE BY MARTIN AUER (@rye.martinauer)

Yet the response has been divided. While some consumers appreciate the traditional production methods and craftsmanship, others question whether any loaf of bread can justify such a price.

For businesses, however, the controversy showcases how an ordinary staple can become a desirable luxury product. With a mix of tradition, a touch of exclusivity and social media buzz, brands can turn everyday food into a luxury – something consumers purchase not only to eat, but also to experience and display.

L’article New York City bakery sparks debate over $60 loaf of bread est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The Portuguese speciality secured first place ahead of Greece’s Sfela, which also received a score of 4.4, and France’s Crottin de Chavignol, which ranked third with 4.3 points. The results highlight Portugal’s cheese-making traditions in a category often associated with French or Balcan gastronomy. 

Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram

Публикация от Queijo de Cabra Transmontano – Leicras (@queijocabratransmontanoleicras)

Queijo de Cabra Transmontano is a traditional hard cheese made from raw milk produced by Serrana goats, a breed native to northern Portugal. According to TasteAtlas, goat cheese production has long played an important economic role in the Bragança region, where many families depend on raising goats and producing cheese for their livelihoods.

The cheese is characterised by its round shape, semi-hard rind, firm white interior and distinctive aroma. Its flavour is intense, with a slightly spicy note. During production, the milk is filtered and heated before the curd is salted and matured under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. It is traditionally enjoyed on its own or served with bread and local red wine. 

Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram

Публикация от Queijo de Cabra Transmontano – Leicras (@queijocabratransmontanoleicras)

The second-place cheese, Sfela, originates from Greece’s Messinia region and is traditionally made using sheep’s milk, goat’s milk or a combination of both. The semi-hard cheese matures in brine for at least three months and is commonly served grilled, as an appetiser or incorporated into Greek dishes.

France’s Crottin de Chavignol, meanwhile, comes from the village of Chavignol in the Loire Valley. Made from raw goat’s milk, it has a dense texture and a slightly nutty flavour. Depending on its maturity, it can be enjoyed fresh or aged, with older versions developing a firmer, more crumbly consistency. 

Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram

Публикация от AOP chevre Centre-Val De Loire (@aopchevrecentre)

The ranking is based on user reviews rather than assessments by a professional judging panel. TasteAtlas recorded 5,111 ratings, of which 2,637 were considered legitimate by its system. The platform uses measures to exclude artificial or nationally biased votes while giving greater weight to reviewers identified as knowledgeable. It also distinguishes between traditional cheese varieties and individual products from specific producers. 

Beyond their culinary appeal, cheeses have also attracted scientific attention for their potential health benefits. As Travel Tomorrow previously reported, a Japanese study involving around 8,000 participants found that regular cheese consumers were 24% less likely to develop dementia over a three-year period than non-consumers. However, researchers stressed that further studies are necessary before definitive dietary recommendations can be made. 

L’article Portuguese goat’s cheese tops TasteAtlas ranking ahead of Greek and French favourites est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

According to Google’s latest analysis, published on 5 October 2026, the cheapest booking windows vary depending on the destination and time of year. The findings are based on five years of aggregated Google Flights data covering departures from the United States. 

For Thanksgiving, which falls on 26 November this year, domestic airfares tend to reach their lowest levels around 34 days before departure. The most affordable booking window generally falls between 21 and 57 days in advance, making October a particularly good month to secure cheaper tickets.

Christmas travellers, meanwhile, should consider booking even earlier than in previous years. Google’s research found that the lowest fares typically appear 56 days before departure, five days earlier than last year. The best booking window ranges from 33 to 67 days ahead of travel, with late October to mid-November offering the greatest opportunities for savings.

For domestic flights throughout the year, the lowest average prices are generally available 39 days before departure, within a broader window of 22 to 57 days. International flights, however, tend to be cheapest around 89 days in advance, although Google advises travellers to book early rather than wait for potential price reductions. 

Travellers heading to Europe should also plan ahead, as fares typically reach their lowest levels around three months before departure. Those considering Mexico or the Caribbean have slightly more flexibility, with prices tending to bottom out around 43 days before travel, according to Google Flights data.

Beyond booking dates, choosing when to fly can make a significant difference. Google’s findings suggest that travelling during the week rather than at weekends can reduce ticket prices by approximately 14%. Domestic travellers may save as much as 20% compared with those flying on Sundays.

Another way to reduce costs is to consider connecting flights instead of direct services. According to Google, nonstop flights are approximately 20% more expensive on average than itineraries involving a connection. 

However, travellers hoping to save money by purchasing tickets on a particular weekday may be disappointed. Google’s analysis found that the day a flight is booked has little impact on the final price, making travel dates and booking windows more important factors.

The company also recommends using Google Flights’ price-tracking tools to monitor fare changes and compare current prices with historical trends. Travellers with fixed dates are encouraged to book early, while those with more flexibility may benefit from adjusting their departure dates or considering alternative routes.

With the holiday season approaching, Google’s central advice is that travellers should not leave their bookings until the last minute if they want to secure affordable fares.

L’article Google reveals the best time to book cheaper holiday flights in 2026 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The Doha-based carrier has introduced new connections to Hail in Saudi Arabia, Port Sudan in Sudan and Alexandria in Egypt, while restoring services to Philadelphia in the United States, Helsinki in Finland and Tokyo Haneda in Japan. Two additional destinations, Bogotá in Colombia and Caracas in Venezuela, are scheduled to join the network in November.

From 15 July 2026, we are set to resume flight operations to Helsinki, Finland, and to Tokyo Haneda, Japan. Read more: https://t.co/ZqAOy0qrVq https://t.co/i9m5CJX2BW

— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) May 12, 2026

The expansion includes both short-haul regional services and long-haul international connections, strengthening the airline’s operations through Hamad International Airport in Doha.

In the Middle East, Qatar Airways introduced flights to Hail in January, operating three weekly services using Airbus A320 aircraft. The Saudi Arabian city became one of the first additions to the airline’s 2026 schedule.

Port Sudan followed in July, with three weekly Airbus A320 flights connecting the Sudanese coastal city to Doha. In September, the airline also introduced services to Alexandria, Egypt’s second-largest city, initially operating twice a week. Frequencies are expected to increase to daily flights from July 2027.

In North America, Qatar Airways resumed daily flights to Philadelphia in August, using Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The service restored the airline’s direct connection between Doha and Pennsylvania, replacing the previous operation by American Airlines.

Meanwhile, Helsinki and Tokyo Haneda returned to the airline’s network on 15 July, initially with four weekly flights each. Both routes increased to daily operations from 1 August.

The Helsinki connection is operated using Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, providing passengers in Finland with direct access to Doha and onward connections across Qatar Airways’ international network.

In Japan, the return of Tokyo Haneda complements the airline’s existing services to Tokyo Narita, offering travellers an additional option for reaching the Japanese capital.

Looking ahead, Qatar Airways is preparing to launch services to Bogotá and Caracas in November. The two South American capitals will be connected to Doha through a twice-weekly triangular route operated by Boeing 777-200LR aircraft.

The new connections will expand Qatar Airways’ presence in South America, providing additional travel options between the region and destinations across the Middle East, Asia and beyond.

The eight routes form part of Qatar Airways’ broader international network development through its Doha hub. As Travel Tomorrow previously reported, the airline plans to serve more than 170 destinations during the 2026–2027 winter season, with nearly 1,800 weekly flights scheduled by December.

L’article Qatar Airways adds eight new and returning routes in 2026 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The forecast, presented on 7 October at the opening press conference of WTTC’s 26th Global Summit in Malta, represents an increase from the sector’s 2.6% growth recorded in 2025. It also exceeds the projected global travel and tourism growth rate of 2.5% for 2026. 

According to WTTC, international visitor spending in Europe is expected to rise by 5.8% this year, while leisure travel spending is forecast to increase by 3.1% and business travel spending by 4.2%.

More than 200 CEOs and senior leaders from across global Travel & Tourism will gather in Valletta in October. FUTU[RE]SET: Shaping the Future of Travel & Tourism – the theme of the 26th WTTC Global Summit, bringing together the leadership of the world’s most influential hospitality, aviation, cruise, technology and travel businesses. Among the senior leaders confirmed to attend are: Christopher J. Nassetta (@Hilton), Elie Maalouf (IHG Hotels & Resorts), Tony Fernandes (Capital A), Jane Sun (@tripcomgroup), Pierfrancesco Vago (MSC Group). Technology, AI, shifting consumer expectations, geopolitical change. The forces reshaping Travel & Tourism are outpacing conventional thinking. Find out what comes next – and how you can be part of it. https://t.co/a1iKQ5KOo7 #GSMalta #WTTC #TravelAndTourism

— WTTC (@WTTC) September 3, 2026

The organisation highlighted the sector’s importance to the European economy, with travel and tourism supporting approximately one in ten jobs across the region.

“Travel & Tourism continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience,” said Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of WTTC, noting that the industry contributed $11.6 trillion (€10 trillion) to the global economy in 2025, accounting for 9.8% of global GDP and supporting 366 million jobs worldwide.

Guevara also stressed the importance of government policies in sustaining the sector’s growth, particularly measures to improve connectivity, facilitate travel, develop workforce skills and support sustainability. “The choices made today will determine how much of this opportunity Europe captures,” she highlighted.

Gloria Guevara Manzo,(@GGuevaraM) WTTC President & CEO, speaking ahead of the 2026 Global Summit taking place in Malta this week. Attended by more than 200 of Travel & Tourism global CEOs, more than 60 ministers and government leaders and more than 1.000 delegates this marks the most important and influential gathering in our sector. Valletta, Malta 7–9 October Follow the conversations at #GSMalta #WTTC #TravelAndTourism

— WTTC (@WTTC) October 6, 2026

The findings were unveiled as more than 1,000 delegates, including over 200 tourism industry CEOs and government leaders, gathered in Valletta for the annual summit. The event brings together more than 100 speakers to discuss investment, technology, artificial intelligence, workforce development and the future competitiveness of the tourism industry.

Malta, this year’s host country, is among Europe’s strongest-performing tourism economies. According to WTTC, the country recorded a 16.8% increase in travel and tourism’s contribution to GDP in 2025, the highest annual growth rate among European economies.

WTTC Global Summit opens in Malta as European Travel & Tourism set to outpace wider economy. Joined by Manfredi Lefebvre, Chairman, WTTC; Gloria Guevara Manzo, President & CEO, WTTC; Jo Etienne Abela, Minister of Tourism, Malta; Carlo Micallef, CEO, Malta Tourism Authority; and Dr Charles Mangion, Chairman, Malta Tourism Authority. WTTC released new research forecasting 3.1% growth for the sector in Europe this year. International visitor spending is set to rise 5.8%, and business travel spending 4.2%. Host country Malta recorded Europe’s strongest increase in Travel & Tourism GDP contribution in 2025: 16.8%. Full release: https://t.co/BOWHItxTWt #GSMalta

— WTTC (@WTTC) October 7, 2026

Commenting on Malta’s tourism ambitions, Carlo Micallef, CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority, emphasised the importance of balancing economic growth with sustainability and benefits for local communities.

“We want to create greater value, not only economic, but also social and environmental. We want tourism that is sustainable and resilient. Tourism that embraces innovation while remaining rooted in our identity. Tourism that creates meaningful experiences for visitors while delivering tangible benefits for the communities that welcome them,” Micallef said. “Hosting this Summit gives us an extraordinary opportunity to place that ambition within a global conversation,” he added. 

The sector is expected to contribute $4.9 billion to Malta’s economy in 2026, accounting for 16.9% of national GDP and supporting more than one in five jobs. 

Ministers and global business leaders from 24 countries came together in Valletta for WTTC’s Global Leaders Dialogue. Today’s discussions explored how connectivity, ease of travel, investment and regulation increasingly decide where travellers, businesses and capital choose to go, and why governments and industry must work together to stay competitive. "Competitiveness is built through partnership. When governments and industry work hand in hand, they create the conditions for investment, innovation, connectivity and growth." – Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC 26th WTTC Global Summit | Valletta, Malta Read more: https://t.co/3qtlhFldVA #GSMalta #WTTC

— WTTC (@WTTC) October 7, 2026

The latest forecast follows other positive indicators for European tourism. As Travel Tomorrow previously reported, international tourist arrivals across Europe rose 5% in the first half of 2026, while overnight stays rose 4.8%, according to the European Travel Commission. 

Europe also accounted for approximately one-third of global leisure travel spending in 2025, according to earlier WTTC research. Looking further ahead, the organisation expects the EU’s tourism sector to support more than 30 million jobs by 2035, creating approximately 4.5 million additional positions over the next decade. 

The latest figures underline the sector’s continued economic importance, while WTTC has called for closer cooperation between governments and businesses to maintain competitiveness and ensure sustainable growth.

L’article Europe’s travel and tourism sector set to grow 3.1% in 2026, WTTC forecasts est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

As part of the expansion, Lufthansa will resume its seasonal direct service between Frankfurt and Nagoya from 29 March 2027. The route will operate three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, reconnecting the German hub with one of Japan’s major industrial and economic centres.

Flight LH736 will depart Frankfurt at 2:10 pm and arrive in Nagoya at 9:35 am the following day. The return service, LH737, will leave Nagoya at 11:30 am and arrive in Frankfurt at 6:30 pm local time. Nagoya, located in Aichi Prefecture, is a major centre for Japan’s automotive and manufacturing industries and also provides access to destinations including Kyoto.

Lufthansa is also strengthening its connections to Tokyo. From 28 March 2027, the airline will operate a daily seasonal service between Frankfurt and Tokyo-Narita. Flight LH710 will leave Frankfurt at 1:45 pm, arriving in Narita at 9:30 am the following day, while the return LH711 service will depart at 11:20 am and reach Frankfurt at 6:40 pm.

The new Narita connection will complement Lufthansa’s existing daily flights to Tokyo-Haneda from both Frankfurt and Munich. Both the Nagoya and new Tokyo-Narita routes will be operated using Boeing 787-9 aircraft featuring Lufthansa’s latest Allegris cabin configuration, with 28 Business Class seats, 28 Premium Economy seats and 231 Economy seats.

“Japan is a key market for the Lufthansa Group, and we are pleased to further strengthen our presence with additional capacity and the resumption of flights to Nagoya,” said Dieter Vranckx, Member of the Executive Board and Chief Commercial Officer of Lufthansa Group. “Together with our expanded Tokyo services, these investments provide our customers with more travel options and support the continued diversification of our intercontinental network.”

Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram

Публикация от Travel Tomorrow (@traveltomorrow.eu)

SWISS will also increase its Japan capacity in summer 2027, offering up to seven weekly flights between Zurich and Tokyo-Narita. Overall, Lufthansa Group hub airlines Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, SWISS and ITA Airways will serve four Japanese destinations – Tokyo-Haneda, Tokyo-Narita, Osaka and Nagoya – with up to 50 weekly flights.

The expansion represents a notable increase compared with current operations. According to AeroTime, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, SWISS and ITA Airways operated around 39 flights between Europe and Japan during the week from 28 September to 4 October 2026.

Passengers will also have additional connections through Lufthansa Group’s joint venture partner ANA, providing onward travel options within Japan and beyond. The new summer 2027 flights are already available for booking.

L’article Lufthansa Group expands Japan flights to 50 per week for summer 2027 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The disruption comes amid nationwide union action, with employees of ground handling company Alyzia set to take part. Brussels Airport confirmed that several flights would be cancelled due to the action, although it did not officially specify the total number. Belgian media reported that around 140 arrivals and departures are expected to be affected.

Alyzia provides ground handling services for several major airlines operating at Brussels Airport, including Brussels Airlines. Its activities include baggage handling, ramp operations, aircraft cleaning, de-icing and the transport of cargo and mail. According to Brussels Airport, the company is expected to operate with limited staffing on Friday.

#unionaction 9 October Due to limited staffing at ground handler Alyzia, approximately half of the flights handled by them are expected to operate as planned. Passengers whose flight is cancelled will be contacted by their airline with more information. We apologise for the inconvenience.

— Brussels Airport (@BrusselsAirport) October 6, 2026

Brussels Airlines is expected to be particularly affected, with around 40% of its scheduled flights impacted. The carrier stressed that it is not involved in the industrial action and said the disruption would affect the travel plans of thousands of passengers.

“We regret that this is already the third time this year that our flight schedule has been seriously disrupted by industrial action taken by external parties,” Brussels Airlines said, adding that the action would also have a significant financial impact on the company.

Passengers whose flights are affected will be contacted by Brussels Airlines to arrange alternative travel. The airline has also advised customers to check their flight status through the “My Booking” section of its website before travelling.

The disruption coincides with trade union demonstrations planned in Brussels on Friday. The socialist ABVV-FGTB union is organising a national demonstration, while the Christian ACV-CSC union is expected to march to the headquarters of Belgium’s federal governing parties.

Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram

Публикация от FGTB (@syndicatfgtb)

The unions are protesting against measures introduced by Belgium’s federal government. ACV-CSC has argued that government policies are placing additional pressure on households while failing to sufficiently address the country’s public deficit. The unions have also called for changes to government policy on issues including wage indexation, VAT and working time.

Friday’s cancellations add to a series of labour-related disruptions affecting Brussels Airport this year. Reuters reported that the latest cancellations are directly linked to Alyzia employees joining the nationwide action, with the disruption expected to affect travellers throughout the day.

L’article Brussels Airport to cancel 140 flights this Friday due to ground handler strike est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.