TransNusa launches Bali-Guangzhou route: Indonesia’s TransNusa has launched scheduled flights from Bali, Indonesia to Guangzhou, China. In addition, the airline also announced that it will be simultaneously launching scheduled connecting flights from Guangzhou to Perth via Bali. TransNusa Group Chief Executive Officer Bernard Francis said, “We are always looking at developing new routes to benefit our passengers. While traditional routes such as Bali to Perth and Bali to Guangzhou are important, we also strive to go the extra mile to provide fast as well as seamless connectivity to our passengers. With the launch of our new Bali-Guangzhou route, our passengers can now enjoy one of the fastest scheduled connecting flights to either Guangzhou or Perth via Bali, with a transit duration of either 1 hour and 30 minutes or 2 hours and 35 minutes, depending on the day and time of the scheduled flights. From April 13th to May 31st, on a weekly basis, there will be three connecting flights from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to Perth International Airport, Australia while from Perth there will be two connecting flights weekly via Bali to Guangzhou,” Datuk Francis said, adding that connecting flight from Guangzhou will be every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday while the connecting flight from Perth to Guangzhou via Bali will be on Monday and Saturday.”
Vietjet announces inaugural air service to New Zealand: Vietjet Air announced its inaugural air service between Vietnam and New Zealand, connecting Ho Chi Minh City with Auckland – the two countries’ key economic, tourism, and cultural hubs. This new service marks a key milestone in Vietnam-New Zealand bilateral relations as the two nations have officially elevated their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and look forward to celebrating the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. The Ho Chi Minh City-Auckland service is scheduled to commence in September 2025, initially offering four return flights per week, operated by Vietjet’s modern fleet. The route is expected to further boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges between the two countries. New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon remarked at the event: “I’m very pleased with Vietjet’s announcement that they will develop a new route to New Zealand, strengthening the connectivity and the people-to-people links between our two countries, which is a critical enabler of more growth and brings our people closer together. This enables lots of opportunities across the board, not just in tourism but also in trade and also in education.”
Samarkand attracts new services to Baku and Krasnoyarsk: Samarkand International Airport has announced a further expansion of its direct route network with services to Baku and Krasnoyarsk. Azerbaijan Airlines it to operate two flights a week from Samarkand to the Azerbaijan capital of Baku from 1 April. Flights will be operated twice a week on Wednesdays and Sundays with departures from Samarkand leaving at 2:55am, with a travel time of just 2 hours 20 minutes. Separately, Ural Airlines is to introduce direct flights between Samarkand and Krasnoyarsk, the largest economic, educational and cultural center of the East Siberian Federal District. Return services on the four-hour flight will initially be operated once weekly on Tuesdays from 1st April, with departures from Krasnoyarsk at 11:40 arriving in Samarkand at 13:40 local time. The return service will depart Samarkand at 15:00 and arrive in Krasnoyarsk at 20:35 local time. Ulugbek Shamsikulov, CEO of Air Marakanda, the airport management company for Samarkand airport, said: “After record breaking growth and passenger figures in 2024, we will begin the summer season with important new services to Baku and Krasnoyarsk. These flight connections will strengthen the cultural, tourist and business ties between Uzbekistan and these two important countries, while providing passengers with convenient and affordable air transport links.”
Akasa Air adds Darbhanga to its network: Akasa Air announced the addition of Darbhanga as the 28th city destination to its network with direct connectivity to and from Delhi, starting April 4. The airline will operate daily through flights between Hyderabad and Darbhanga via Delhi (with no change of aircraft required at Delhi) enhancing connectivity between the tourist hub and two major metros. Commenting on the announcement, Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air, said, “We are thrilled to add Darbhanga, a city of immense cultural and historical significance, as the 28th destination to our fast-expanding network. This new route underscores our commitment to strengthening regional connectivity and enhancing accessibility for travellers. By linking Darbhanga with the Delhi and Hyderabad, we aim to offer customers on-time, affordable, and reliable travel options while contributing to the region’s economic and tourism growth.”
Etihad, Air Europa look to expand codeshare: Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and leading Spanish-based carrier Air Europa are set to work towards a strategic partnership, enhancing commercial and operational ties to provide travellers with wider choices, higher quality services, and increased value. Etihad is increasing its flights to twice daily to Air Europa’s hub in Madrid from summer 2025, providing seamless access between Abu Dhabi and Spain. The partnership would further strengthen connectivity between Europe and Latin America, and the Middle East and Asia, creating seamless travel options across these key regions. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways, said: ” We are in discussions to establish a strategic partnership covering a range of activities, including deepening our codeshare and frequent flyer programme, enabling both airlines to expand into new frontiers, and a potential wet lease operation with an Air Europa aircraft between Madrid and Abu Dhabi. “Any partnership will work towards benefiting customers of both airlines, underscoring our commitment to providing our valued customers with a seamless travel experience and access to a wider network, including Air Europa’s leading Latin America Network.”
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