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January 7, 2026

News to Know


U.S DOT Eases Consumer-Protection Penalties For Airlines, Moves Away From Heavy Fines
SOURCE: AVIATION TODAY, 1/7

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is rolling back aggressive enforcement of consumer-protection penalties against airlines, offering a reprieve on steep fines and signaling a broader shift in regulatory philosophy under the Biden and Trump administrations.

In a regulatory notice and enforcement restructuring published Tuesday, the department outlined changes that will reduce its reliance on large civil penalties and focus instead on compliance cooperation and operational improvements by carriers. The moves effectively soften the industry’s exposure to historically high fines tied to consumer protection violations.

 
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AVIATION

Think Twice About Beverages: Nearly 3% of Airplane Water Tests Positive for Coliform Bacteria (SIMPLE FLYING, 1/7)

Europe Hit by Storm Goretti: Airlines Cancel Hundreds of Flights (AZ NEWS, 1/7)

World's Most Punctual Airports and Airlines Named as Aviation Faces Growing Challenges (RTT NEWS, 1/6)

Free Wi-Fi Is Coming to American Airlines. Only These Flyers Can Get It. (USA TODAY, 1/6)

What Are the Benefits of Flying Premium Economy? (SIMPLE FLYING, 1/7)

Airfares May Rise in 2026 for Business Class Passengers (VNEXPRESS, 1/6)

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Business Travel Spend in Middle East up 20% in 2025 (CONNECTING TRAVEL, 1/6)

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Industry Spotlight


 

GBTA APAC Conference 2026
APAC Region’s Largest Business Travel Conference of 2026

Join over 1,000 business travel and talent mobility professionals from 30+ countries at GBTA APAC Conference 2026. This event will take place on May 12-13 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. Connect, learn, and exchange insights with global industry leaders who are shaping the future of business travel.

Now in its fourth year of collaboration, GBTA APAC Conference 2026 will again be co-located with WERC APAC 26. A powerful intersection of business travel and workforce mobility that maximizes learning and networking value for all attendees.

Register by 11:59 PM on Friday, January 30, to lock in current rates!

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Upcoming Events

The Year Ahead: 2026 Global Risk Outlook presented by the GBTA Risk Committee – GTP Credit Approved
January 20

The Year Ahead: 2026 Global Risk Outlook presented by the GBTA Risk Committee (APAC) – GTP Credit Approved
January 21

GBTA Canada Conference 2026 | Toronto
April 27 - 29

GBTA APAC Conference 2026 | Singapore
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GBTA Convention 2026
August 3 - 5

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Canada’s premier business travel event returns to Toronto.

GBTA Canada Conference 2026 brings together the people shaping the future of Canadian business travel — from corporate buyers and suppliers to policymakers and industry leaders.

Join us April 27–29 at the Westin Harbour Castle and be part of the conversations that matter.

Register Now before prices increase on Jan 17th.

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