HK Express launches new route to Komatsu: HK Express Airways officially launched the new exclusive direct route connecting Hong Kong with Komatsu Airport (KMQ) in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. The new service offers three direct flights per week, eliminating the need to transfer through Tokyo, which enables travellers to reach Komatsu from Hong Kong in just four hours, and makes exploring Japan’s Hokuriku region easier than ever. HK Express CEO Jeanette Mao said: “Komatsu is our third new Japanese route this year, marking a significant step in our expansion into the Hokuriku region. With this launch, our network in Japan has expanded to 12 destinations, solidifying our position as the Hong Kong airline with the most Japanese routes.” She added: “We are committed to providing affordable fares and comprehensive ancillary services, enabling more travellers from Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area to uncover these hidden treasures in Asia. With our extensive network covering 12 Japanese destinations, travellers can enjoy flexible ‘Open Jaw’ itineraries──flying directly to Komatsu and returning from cities such as Osaka, Tokyo, or Nagoya for a more comprehensive travel experience. Furthermore, through our partnership with Cathay Pacific’s global network, travellers can seamlessly connect to exciting destinations worldwide──the choice is yours.”
Vietjet launches routes to Japan and Con Dao: Vietjet launched two new direct routes connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao — one of Vietnam’s most historically rich and spiritually significant destinations on 19 April. This marks another step in enhancing the airline’s domestic network and improving travel convenience for all travellers. For travellers from Singapore, the new routes open up seamless journeys to Con Dao, with convenient connections via Vietjet’s existing flights from Singapore to both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The long-anticipated routes will operate with a combined total of 28 round-trip flights weekly. From Hanoi, Vietjet offers two daily morning departures to Con Dao with a flight duration of 2 hours and 10 minutes. Two daily morning flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao will each have a flight duration of around 40 minutes. Vietjet also announced it has launced two new direct routes connecting Ho Chi Minh City with Nagoya, a key industrial hub in central Japan, and Fukuoka the vibrant gateway to Kyushu Island. The commencement marks a new milestone in Vietjet’s 2025 expansion, alongside new services to India, China, and Singapore, to enhance travel convenience and foster cultural and economic exchange across the Asia-Pacific region.
TransNusa increases frequencies to Singapore: Southeast Asia’s PT TransNusa Aviation Mandiri, is further strengthening its presence in Singapore by increasing the frequency of its scheduled flights for the Jakarta – Singapore route to two times daily. TransNusa Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Bernard Francis said that TransNusa has plans to further strengthen its network connectivity this year. “TransNusa will continue to operate the current scheduled flight, 8B 151, which depart Soekarno – Hatta International Airport at 07.55am and arrive at 10.45am at the Changi Airport,” Datuk Bernard said, adding that the current flight, 8B 152, depart Changi Airport at 11.45am and arrive in Jakarta at 12.30pm.
Etihad grows footprint in Africa: Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is significantly expanding its African network with new destinations and increased frequencies, reinforcing its commitment to the continent’s growing demand for air connectivity. Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, commented: “At Etihad, we have long recognised the need to strengthen our presence in Africa. Over the past year, we have been focusing on a holistic approach that enhances our presence by expanding our fleet, increasing frequencies, and forming key partnerships.” Etihad will double its flights to Nairobi, Kenya, increasing to 14 weekly services starting 15 December 2025. The announcement comes less than a year since the airline resumed flights to the Kenyan capital, underlining the strength of the route.
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