August 18, 2025

News to Know

India And China Set to Resume Direct Flights After Four-Year Freeze: What It Means for Travelers
(SOURCE: OUTLOOK TRAVELLER)

For years, business travelers, students, and families shuttling between India and China have had to crisscross Asia, hopping through hubs in Bangkok, Singapore, or Hong Kong just to cover a journey that once took a few hours nonstop. That detour may soon end. Both countries are in an “advanced stage” of talks to restore direct flights, a move likely to be announced around Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Tianjin later this month for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.

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AVIATION

Air Canada Strike Ends After Government Forces Crews Back to Work (BUSINESS TRAVELER USA)

No More Lines! Delta Launches New ‘Bag Drop’ Tool for Travelers (TRAVEL OFF PATH)

Here’s Why All Flyers Should Be Worried If Spirit Airlines Goes Away (CNN)

Airlines Cancelled 5,706 Flights on Regulatory, Geopolitical Issues This Year Till June 30: Government (THE ECONOMIC TIMES)

SUSTAINABILITY

Why This Airline Wants You to Take Your Amenity Kit Home (USA TODAY)

HOSPITALITY

Confidence Among European Accommodations but Skill-Gap Concerns Loom (4HOTELIERS)

OTHER SECTORS

GBTA Sees Continued Growth in APAC, Driven by Member Engagement (TTG MICE, GBTA FEATURED)

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This highly specialized event is designed for professionals who manage complex, high-stakes, and non-traditional travel programs—think project, crew, and team travel across industries like energy, entertainment, nonprofits, consultancy, emergency response, and more.

Explore the core topics shaping the agenda and discover what to expect from each session.

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Resources

Crisis24 Intelligence Brief

Asia and South Pacific/Oceania - Additional protests across Asia-Pacific region likely through late August over Israeli conflicts. Tight security likely; violence possible.

Canada - Air Canada operations remain suspended as of Aug. 17 as unionized employees defy government order to return to work. Confirm flights.

India - Response operations ongoing following flood in Kathua and Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, India, early Aug. 18. Casualty figures increase.

Turkiye - Unionized public sector workers plan to strike and demonstrate in cities across Turkiye Aug. 18. Increased security likely.

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