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2008

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2007

Cabin crew sacked over web slur Virgin Atlantic sacked 13 cabin crew staff after they criticised some of its passengers on Facebook. -Reuters			World's 10 best places of final rest Above ground, or six feet under, "Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2009" guide lists the world's top 10 cemeteries, which are prime spots for both the living and the dead. -Reuters

	A sweet way to forget the crunch Some women says it brings them more pleasure than sex. The Paris Chocolate Show, which will be brought to New York, Moscow, Tokyo and Shanghai, is a pleasurable getaway from the financial gloom. -Reuters	AirAsia X's new 'green' fleet New Airbus A330-300 burns only 2.3 litres of fuel per seat per 100 kilometres. -NST

Airlines face survival battle More airlines could disappear, conference told. -Reuters		Misbehaviour cause jet's return Jetstar flight bound for Singapore returned to Darwin after 30 minutes because of 5 rowdy men. -AFP

	Ferry operators still charge for fuel In recent months, petrol companies and transport operators have either cut prices or scrapped fuel surcharges, following falls in oil prices. But what about fuel surcharges for ferries? -TNP	Fuming over costly aviation fuel Price of aviation fuel has shot up drastically despite fall in prices of vehicle fuel. -The Star

	Hospitality trade should relook pricing S'pore's inherent frailties in mass tourism were displayed vividly in 2003, when the Sars outbreak made a ghost town of the city centre. -ST	More youth going on mercy trips A growing number of young volunteers are coming up with projects to improve the lives of the needy, while at the same time opening their eyes to foreign cultures. -ST

	Space in your luggage? Carry books & clothes for needy kids Student starts novel 'courier service' to send clothes and books to orphanages overseas. S'porean travellers can help carry and drop off donated items to Thailand and the Philippines. -ST	New Alitalia to fly by Dec 1 Air France, Lufthansa and British Airways have been approached to take a minority stake.

	Lonely Planet got it wrong, says Malaysian minister Under its online guide for Malaysia, Lonely Planet has issued a posting titled "Travel Warning: Don't Go to Eastern Sabah" due to the risk of being kidnapped by terrorists. -NST		Tourists have no qualms about Petaling Street's image Many worry about the Chinatown's vanishing identity, mainly due to the influx of foreign workers. -The Star

	No new stalls in Chinatown: KL city hall Plan faces strong objections from traders, who find it increasingly difficult to do business in the Petaling Street area. -The Star		Malaysia steps up tourism drive Despite the economic downturn, KL's tourism authorities expect more visitors from the Asia-Pacific region to visit the country. -SPU

	Nip and tuck, with safari on the side Foreign tourists are coming to South Africa for plastic surgeries at hospitals surrounded by safaris. -AFP		Pay more for a 'Preferred Seat' in Economy For US$50 you can get more legroom on your S'pore Airlines' flight. -AsiaOne

	Heathrow terminal 5 opening a 'national embarrassment' British lawmakers slam British Airways and airports operator BAA for 'serious failings'. -AFP		S'poreans can get a better deal at the 'Eye on Malaysia' Ferris wheel CEO expects many S'porean visitors when the attraction opens in Malacca. -NST

	Controversy over Jetstar's '$0' fares Tiger Airways is crying foul about its rival Jetstar Asia's advertising "$0" sale fares on its website since new advertising rules came into effect last Saturday. -myp		AirAsia-X's new Airbus from Perth hits a glitch Anticipated tour of new jet ended up as a computer slide show after it failed to touch down on schedule. -The Star

Australia may open up domestic air routes Proposal, part of govt review, will benefit international carriers such as SIA. -ST			Luggage touts doing brisk business at airport Director of construction firm notices his workers checking in boxes of new 32-inch TV sets even though they carried only a few small bags on the way to Changi. -ST

	SIA introduces fuel surcharge differentiation by cabin class It will also lower surcharges across all routes. -AsiaOne		Upgrades for the downturn Despite the economic slowdown, the emergence of integrated resorts, falling tourism numbers and travellers spending less, some hotels here are still splurging on renovations. -TNP

Strong yen brings Japanese shoppers flocking to S Korea The Korea National Tourism Organisation said the number of Japanese visitors rose 4.7 per cent year-on-year to 202,229 in September. -AFP			Passenger upset over flight cancellation Tiger e-mailed customers on Monday but traveller says he did not receive notification. -myp

AirAsia jet makes emergency landing AirAsia aircraft made an emergency landing as a precautionary measure due to technical problems. -NST		Call home from MAS flights Passengers on certain Malaysia Airlines flight can use mobile phones and Blackberry devices. -NST

Fly direct to Koh Samui from KL Fly direct from Subang airport to Koh Samui on Firefly's new route. -NST			Guess who's been sleeping in your bed? It appears to be snooze time in this airliner's Business Class - except that the 'passengers' in this instance are airport workers. -AsiaOne

MAS allows mobile onboard Passengers can now use their BlackBerry-type devices and mobile phones on selected flights to send and receive email, text messages and voice calls. -The Star			Taxis at Suvarnabhumi Airport a tourist turn-off Some visitors have been bombarded by an illegal front-man for a taxi mafia, others dumped when the driver finds a passenger headed to another destination for which they can get a handsome fare. -The Nation

	Sentosa IR 60% ready by 2010 Casino, four hotels and many attractions will be up by then; hiring starts next year. -ST		F1 in the air by 2010? Singapore could be the first Asian country to host the Red Bull Air Race. -ST

	Smelly effluent mars affluent Dubai's beaches Country is suffering the consequences of its frantic and poorly controlled development. -AFP	UK welcomes Malaysians Malaysia "is not being singled out" in the global changes to visa application process, says British High Commissioner. -NST

Injured Sri Lankans to sue Qantas over mid-air plunge The elderly couple suffered "serious physical and psychological injuries", says lawyer. -AFP			SIA profit drops 36% Airline sees declining passenger demand this year due to the global economic slowdown. -Reuters

	A 'discount' for less popular seats? SIA announced that passengers who want "preferred seats" will have to fork out US$100 for a return flight. But what about less desirable seats, such as those right at the back next to the toilets? -BT		Swim in the 'cage of death' Thrill-seekers are snapping up northern Australia's new tourist attraction - swimming with crocodiles. This cage has no bars, unlike cages used in shark dives, which prevents the reptiles from gripping on but deep teeth scratches are visible on the sides. -Reuters

Thai pilot who barred PPP MPs from flight reinstated Investigating team found that the captain he did not breach the protocol. -The Nation, ANN			Changi Airport profits fall for second year Analysts said Changi Airport T3's expenses eroded profits, it now faces tough challenges ahead. -ST

$95 for more legroom on Air France Economic crisis is forcing carriers to look for savings. -AFP		Singapore Airlines says short haul travel falling Airline has no plans to start reducing headcount at this juncture, says CEO. -Reuters

	Top 10 places to sky watch Lonely Planet lists the best places to eye the heavens in its new book. In Slovenia (pictured), a light-pollution law lets the radiant sky stand in contrast against the valleys and hills. -Reuters		'Eye' off to great start Some 10,000 tourists and Malacca folk alike converged at the mouth of Sungai Melaka to witness the official launch of the Eye On Malaysia. -NST

	Top 10 places to take a bath Soak your troubles away in a mammoth glass of champagne, or bubble away in a beer spa. Lonely Planet lists the best and most unique places to have a bath in its new book. -AsiaOne		Rich travellers get cold feet Financial crisis chills holiday mood at ultra-rich Swiss ski resort. Russian tourists are making cancellations everyday, and the reason they give is the financial crisis. -TNP

MAS to have global online sale for 26 destinations If you're travelling, check out MAS bargains. -The Star			SIA to cut flights and seats Carrier trims losses in face of falling traffic, high fuel prices. -ST

	Sands gives reassurance on Marina Bay IR Doubts were raised earlier on by its auditors about the company's ability to continue operating. -ST	Chinese airline food quality group planned Travellers can look forward to local snacks such as bean jelly and sesame seed cakes served on Chinese carriers. -China Daily, ANN

'Safe to visit south Thailand': official But Malaysians were advised to stay away at night to prevent any untoward incidents. -NST			SIA and its pilots hammer out pay deal Agreement ends a year-long battle over pay, benefits and job re-scoping. -BT

	A taste of life and combat in ancient Rome For tourists who struggle to make sense of the ruins around the Roman Forum, a new high-tech show provides a 3D sense of what life was like. -Reuters	Qantas says passenger numbers falling Overall passenger numbers decreased by 0.2% in September 2008 over the previous year. -AFP

French tourist dies at resort He died after an altercation with four French citizens in a yacht off the tourist island of Langkawi. -AFP		Travel ads reveal more but... Agencies a bit more 'creative' in listing airfares, fees and surcharges. -ST

	North Korea tour is a trip back in time Kaesong city is only 30 minutes by tourist bus from the heavily fortified border, but for South Korean day-trippers it is more like a journey back in time. -AFP		Can S'pore adopt Paris' bicycle rental system? In Paris, a system called Velib has some 20,600 bicycles spread over 1,450 self-service rental kiosks. Can Singapore possibly employ a similar system of bicycle rental? -ST

	AirAsia scraps fuel surcharge This in response to the decline in global oil prices. -AFP	Bali hotels confident tourists will accept price hike Demand from Korea, Europe and Japan expected to be stable amid financial crisis. -The Jakarta Post, ANN

Myanmar passenger jet makes emergency landing The Air Mandalay flight had reportedly encountered a wires problem. -AFP			Hotel 'reel' life - is it real? Beautiful chambermaids and selfless hotel managers - Hollywood spins some great tales using the hotel setting. But are such depictions true to life? -ST

	Fun facts about hotels From a women-only floor to a 5,044 room hotel housed in one building, find out the peculiar qualities of hotels around the world. -ST	Tourist killed in Malaysia bus crash The bus overturned on the North-South Expressway, also injuring 13 passengers. -The Star

S'poreans not targets, says police chief Only 1.4 per cent of crime cases in Johor this year involved S'porean victims. -The Star			Air New Zealand to test biofuel next month Air New Zealand will make its first commercial flight using biofuels to cut carbon emissions. -Reuters

	4,300-year-old pyramid discovered in Egypt A 4,300-year-old pyramid has been discovered at the Saqqara necropolis outside Cairo. -AFP		Travel ads reveal more but still no full exposure New rules designed to make air travel advertisements transparent have killed off those '$1' flights to Bangkok, but the actual prices of package holidays still remain anyone's guess. -ST

Air France faces severe strike Half of Air France's long-haul flights from Paris will likely be cancelled.			Changi Airport embraces festive light-up with Mickey and friends CAAS has also initiated a 'No GST shopping zone' at the public areas of T3. -AsiaOne

	Sentosa IR to recruit 300 for theme park DBS in talks with resort to help its retrenched staff find jobs. -ST	More flights at Changi Airport despite global economic downturn Charge led by the increases in weekly Southeast Asian flights. -AsiaOne

	Travel refund for Muslims who miss out on haj They can also leave their payment with agent for pilgrimage next year or later. -ST		Abu Dhabi will still build branch of Louvre Abu Dhabi plans to review its tourism investment due to tightening credit conditions. -ST

	Resort plans nude party to combat financial downturn The controversial "clothes optional" Australian resort made headlines three years ago when police were called to end partner-swapping parties after a swathe of public complaints. -Reuters	Signals caused jet plunge? Aircraft's flight computers may have been affected by strong burst of electromagnetic interference. -Reuters

	WANTED: 12 of the best travel photographs Join in creating AsiaOne's first-ever calendar - submit your photo or vote for your favourite, and stand to win Canon printers and $100 cash vouchers!	Price war on flight fares From Dec 1, travellers will choose from 29 return flights a day. -ST

	$5,600 for a 'space ride' Europe plans to enter the fledgling space tourism market by offering a chance to experience weightlessness to help pay for scientific research. Trips like these will cost a fraction of the US$30-35 million paid by wealthy individuals for the real ride into orbit. -Reuters		Struggling T3 stores woo shoppers by absorbing GST Retailers are struggling to attract customers at Terminal 3, which is home to high-end shops selling everything from chocolates to accessories and sporting goods. -ST

Airfares to KL in freefall S'pore-Kuala Lumpur route is opening up with some aggressive promotions; MAS throws down the gauntlet with $89 nett promotion. -BT			10 of the world's ugliest Travel can open your eyes to some of the world's most beautiful sights and buildings - and to some of the ugliest, like the Montparnasse Tower (pictured) in Paris. -Reuters

Portable toilets for Everest A young Nepali climber seeks to promote eco-friendly climbing on world's famous mountain. -Reuters			Changi doing well amid global downturn Passenger traffic broke the 31 million mark in the first 10 months of the year - a 3.7 per cent increase over the same period last year. -ST

Festive deals to tempt tourists STB unveils special events for Christmas. -ST		Mabul resort plan faces wave of opposition Environmentalists, villagers and dive operators warn that proposed project on Malaysian island will bring disaster to marine life. -The Star

Air France passengers face cancellations French pilots voted to press on with a strike that has severely hit the national carrier. -AFP			Joo Chiat hotels to be banned from offering hourly rates New ruling a bid to crack down on sleaze in the heritage area. -ST

'Flights cancelled to cut cost' Striking Alitalia staff have hit back at the airline's management. -Reuters		Govt aid for China airlines? Flag carrier Air China, China Eastern and China Southern all posted big losses in the third quarter. -Reuters

Thai tourist arrivals plummet This lead to the loss of up to 70,000 tourism industry jobs. -AFP		Less visitors at HK airport Number of passengers fell by 1.4 per cent but flights increased 1 per cent. -AFP

IRs' requests under review Both Marina Bay Sands and Resorts world at Sentosa have applied to open their resorts in stages. -ST		$300 for 'special' aphrodisiac samosas Dutch tourists in India told by shopkeeper that his snacks were made of herbs. -Reuters

	Resorts World confirms casino opening on track A phased opening will begin early in 2010. -AFP	Japanese carriers cut fuel surcharge Lower charges from next year as energy costs fall. -AFP

Siem Reap Airways blacklisted EC says it 'does not operate in compliance with the Cambodian safety regulations'. -AFP			Will new resort threaten Malaysia's top dive spot? An oceanarium resort planned near the world-famous Sipadan diving spot off Malaysian Borneo could spell disaster for the region's delicate coral reefs, say environmentalists. -AFP

	Qantas jets collide at maintenance base Television pictures showed one plane appeared to have lost its nose-cone, while the other had suffered damage to its wingtip. -AFP	Sands has funds for IR It will finish S'pore's first casino without help from the government. -ST

India-bound travellers hit by fake visa scam Two to three M'sians are either barred from leaving for India or deported daily due to fake visas issued to them. -The Star			FACTBOX: Michelin guide's three-star picks for Tokyo Michelin unveiled its restaurant guide for Tokyo, awarding the city with more stars once again. -Reuters

	Tokyo tops star count again in Michelin food guide Economic recession won't dim good food as Michelin awarded more stars to Tokyo than any other city. -Reuters		Tourist trade hard hit by drop in visitors Operators turn to cost-cutting; fear worse times ahead. -ST

	Tourism players woo locals to ride out downturn Local patronage is something the tourism industry is counting on to ride out the current downturn. -ST		Fight over Philippines paradise isle turns ugly Ownership of Philippines paradise, Boracay, has led to violence including and prolonged court action. -AFP

PAL reports US$113m loss Philippine Airlines hit by surge in fuel prices. -AFP			Top 3 affordable hotels in Asia If you are planning an inexpensive regional getaway, keep in mind this trio of HotelClub award winners, voted tops by the consumers. -AsiaOne

	Upset travellers get more expensive flight 30 Tiger Airways passengers, who reportedly did not see the budget airline's email notification of a rescheduled flight, get pushed to a more expensive flight after kicking a fuss. -TNP		Longer service, far better rewards for SIA cabin crew Airline aims to build loyalty and help those starting second career. -ST

	AirAsia plans to fly to Tashkent next year The new route to the Uzbek capital will bring more tourism and business to Central Asia. -The Star	AirAsia urged to refund surcharge Advance payments made prior to the announcement of the fuel surcharge waiver should enjoy the benefit too. -The Star

Firms' travel costs a top concern Up to 77% of managers in S'pore expect higher business-travel costs in next two years. -myp			Build high-rise hotels and lose heritage status? Malaysia's Penang island, world-renowned for its architecture and culture, could lose its UNESCO world heritage listing if four new high-rise hotels are built in its capital. -AFP

S'pore, China inks MOU on aviation security Cooperation on aviation security projects. -AsiaOne		Baby girl born on flight Swedish woman gives birth while flying over Kazakhstan, en route from Thailand to Helsinki. -AFP

	Obese have right to two airline seats Obese people have the right to two seats for the price of one on flights within Canada, rules the Supreme Court of Canada, which also declines to hear an appeal by Canadian airlines. -Reuters	Jeanne: 'Enjoy the unique local holidays' Datin especially keen on Mulu Caves bats in Sarawak. -NST

World Heritage Status: Recognition 'a long difficult journey' The effort almost came to an untimely halt when the first application was rejected on technical grounds. -NST		Qantas takeoff aborted as damaged wing spotted Jumbo jet carrying 213 passengers stopped before takeoff from Sydney. -AFP

	A getaway that won't burn a hole in your pocket With its cool climate and attractive combination of cultural sights, shopping bazaars and local cuisine, Chiang Mai is a worthy alternative to the usual Thai destinations of Phuket and Bangkok. -TNP		Too pricey & sterile for tourists? For a lot of tourists, shopping is still a major attraction in S'pore. But are they getting value for money here? How about introducing them to a pasar malam or promoting local festivals like Thaipusam? -TNP

	Kids-free getaways close to home It's that time of year when kids rejoice as their year-end school holidays arrive. Suddenly, it seems as though hyperactive tykes are everywhere. But one doesn't have to hole up at home just to avoid them. There are lots of vacation options, and you don?t even have to leave Singapore! -myp		S'poreans still need their vacations With the credit crisis, S'poreans have cut down on costly holidays. But they have developed an appetite for another type of vacation - the 'staycation'. -myp

	More great escapes Get away from kids thronging the streets and indulge in activities close to home! -myp	Visa will be required for Nigerians coming to Singapore Nigerian nationals will require visas to enter Singapore with effect from Dec 1, 2008. -AsiaOne

AirAsia X aims for US$1b sale Malaysian AirAsia X expands sales tenfold to US$1.0 billion by the end of 2010 despite the global slowdown. -AFP			Hot inventions for tourism Several new tech projects for the travel and hospitality industry were shown at the Institute for Infocomm Research's fair yesterday. Here's a look at some of the more interesting projects showcased.

Penang to lose heritage status? The UN said Malaysia's Penang island could lose its newly-acquired world heritage status because of a row over plans for four high-rise hotels. -AFP		No slowdown in Penang arrivals The economic slowdown did not seem to affect the number of holiday-makers flocking to Penang. -The Star

Airlines will face losses this year but will return with profits by 2010, says ICAO chief Airline companies face financial losses this year but will return to profitability by 2010. -The Star			Cut year-end hols? Not us Packages to holiday spots in the Asia-Pacific region have been a hit especially those to S. Korea and Japan. -TNP

Afghanistan's stunning lakes thirst for tourism Thousands of tourists visit the 6 mineral-rich lakes and pink cliffs of Afghanistan's holiday paradise. -AFP		Family time makes a good holiday The year-end school holidays provide ample opportunity for families to spend quality time together. -myp

Etihad agrees $212 mln financing for 2 Airbus plane Etihad Airways has agreed financing facilities worth $212 million to pay for two Airbus. -Reuters		Airbus may cut production if crisis worsens Airbus may cut production but promised to back clients facing difficulties financing purchases. -AFP

Sex-on-the-beach couple spared jail An appeals court in Dubai suspended three-month jail terms against two Britons convicted of having sex on the beach in the booming Gulf emirate. -AFP		Asian airlines suffering Asia-Pacific airlines are being hit with a sharp fall in passengers and cargo traffic as the global economic crisis bites. -AFP

Thai Airways boss quits He cited poor health and ongoing disagreements with the board. -AFP		Thailand's Suvarnabhumi Airport closed Bangkok int'l airport cancelled all departing flights as hundreds of protesters stormed the terminal after scuffling with riot police. -The Nation

Governments issue travel advisory to Thailand Singapore, China, Japan, Australia and other countries advise travellers to exercise caution. -AsiaOne		It's RM499 to fly to London on AirAsia X It's 99 pounds or RM499 for the one-way fare of AirAsia X's latest London Stansted - Kuala Lumpur route. -The Star

	Shop! Dine! Travel! Singaporeans are still going on holidays but opting for more affordable locations. -myp	Airlines cancel flights Singapore Airlines, Bangkok Airways, Thai Air Asia, Cathay Pacific Airways and others have cancelled flights to Bangkok. -AsiaOne

	Tourist arrivals dip 8.1% A total of 843,000 tourists came, the lowest in a year. -ST		Thai airport closure a huge blow for tourism The political strife that shut down Thailand's main international airport could devastate the kingdom's massive tourism industry, which is already battered by global financial woes, experts say. -AFP

	Thailand: The slippery slide to paradise lost "Amazing Thailand", "Land of Smiles", "Smooth as Silk". The slogans and catch phrases have become familiar, but dig just a little deeper and things don't look so pretty. -The Nation, ANN	Singapore Airlines suspends Bangkok services until further notice Singapore Airlines will suspend all its flights to and from Bangkok until further notice. -AsiaOne

AirAsia, MAS cancel all flights to and from Bangkok They are unable to advise when flights will resume. -The Star			Close to 2,000 Singapore-bound travellers trapped More than 14 flights to Singapore from Bangkok were cancelled, stranding close to 2,000 travellers, most of whom were Singaporeans.

Italy sets up crisis cell for tourists trapped in Thailand Italians on holiday in Thailand should get in contact with the embassy in Bangkok. -AFP			Tourism hit as Kelantan's beaches are washed away DID said that most of Kelantan's badly eroded beaches are affecting the state's tourism plans. -The Star

No tourists, no office Tourism offices abroad will be closed down if they don't bring in enough tourists to the country. -The Star			2nd airport closed Forced closure of Don Mueang is to prevent ministers from flying to the northern city of Chiang Mai to meet with Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat. -AFP

	MAS and AirAsia cancel flights to and from Bangkok MAS and AirAsia cancelled flights into and out of Bangkok after closure of Suvarnabhumi International Airport. -The Star	Malaysians stuck in Thailand Flight to JB has been cancelled because Suvarnabhumi Airport has been closed due to the riot. -The Star

Tourism dips for 5th straight month Hotel revenues declined in October for first time since 2005 as arrivals fell by 8%. -ST		Thai unrest: Butterworth trains run on schedule Train services to Bangkok and vice-versa continue operate as usual despite chaos in Bangkok. -NST

	Bangkok Bedlam The authorities evacuate over 3,000 people trapped since Tuesday by ongoing protest. -AFP		Singaporeans affected SIA yesterday suspended all its 10 flights to and from Bangkok until further notice. -myp

	Substitute airport offered Thailand offers naval airbase on eastern seaboard as alternative for airlines. -AFP	Asia's luxury hotels a target They have become a favoured target for violent Islamic militant groups. -AFP

World air traffic dips Recession now poses the biggest threat to airline profitability. -AFP		Tourists struggle down to idyllic Thai beaches Tourists seem determined to use all means possible to get to the fine sand beaches in the south. -AFP

Few flights to Mumbai cancelled after attacks Most airlines are monitoring the situation and making contingency plans should it worsen. -Reuters		Europe plans to send plane to Mumbai EU nations plan to send a plane to India to fly their citizens out of Mumbai. -AFP

Bangkok airport to stay closed two more days Airport will remain closed until Saturday evening. -AFP		Airlines cancel flights after Mumbai attacks Italy's flag-carrier Alitalia cancelled all flights to Bombay until further notice. -AFP

	State of emergency at Bangkok airports Police would be in charge of any operations to remove the PAD protesters. -Reuters	What to do when your guests are stuck with you Thousands of tourists are stranded but some Thais are doing their best to keep smiles on their faces. -Daily Express

	Air pact with Brazil to be inked Singapore PM signs air services agreement which gives Singaporeans access to Brazilian airports. -ST	All RM499 air tickets snapped up More than 30,000 tickets priced at RM499 one-way have been sold out for AirAsia X's London-KL route. -The Star

Airline temporarily shifts flight operations to U-Tapao airport MAS has activated a contingency plan for passengers stranded in Bangkok's airport. -The Star			On-time flights, service ease pain of travel: poll Polls in Finance Asia magazine's 2008 revealed that business travel was less pleasant. -Reuters

No survivors in NZ jet crash? No survivors from the Air New Zealand Airbus A320 jet that crashed into the Mediterranean sea. -AFP		Qantas: More seats out of Mumbai Australia's national airline Qantas said Friday it would use a bigger aircraft for its flight home from Mumbai Saturday. -AFP

Thai Airways International operates from an airport outside Bangkok Special flight from U-Tapao International Airport will fly some stranded passengers to Singapore. -The Nation,ANN		Cathay to aid HK tourists It has arranged two flights to pick up Hong Kong travellers. -AFP

	Stranded tourists begin leaving Bangkok: aviation official Aviation authorities gave airlines approval to use one-runway U-Tapao naval base about 190 kilometres southeast of Bangkok. -AFP	Pacts with Romania, Zambia It is Singapore's first such air deal with an African country. -ST

Special flights out of Thailand SIA, Silkair and Tiger Airways are arranging flights from U-Tapao and Phuket back to Singapore. -AsiaOne			Stranded passengers in Bangkok use KTM Faces of fear and relief were visible when the train arrived at the Butterworth railway station. -The Star

MAS and AirAsia fly 350 back from U-Tapao airport Passengers include a 12-man delegation from the Pahang state government who were in Bangkok for a conference. -The Star		Bird's nest operators in Malacca heritage zone to relocate They will have to do so by Dec next year, facing concerns that farming operations will damage buildings. -The Star

Penang may get 'Santa Monica' resort town A new world-class golf resort, modelled after the famed California town, may be built in Batu Kawan. -The Star		Qantas aborts flight to S'pore A Qantas Airbus A330 carrying 168 passengers to Singapore had to shut down an engine and turn back to Perth. -AFP

	Japanese man flies to Mexico, camps at airport Hiroshi Nohara (right, in picture) in his 40s and from Tokyo, has remained in the airport transit lounge since Sept 2. He has a return ticket home but refuses to budge. -Reuters		Singapore or bust Desperate travellers stranded in Bangkok find ways to get here - some resort to an arduous 18-hour road trip from Bangkok to Penang, followed by a flight back to Singapore. -TNP

Bus with tourists overturns Bus was carrying some 30 Asian tourists travelling from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur. -The Star		Go ahead, divorce us, says Penang's CM State govt maintains it had not done anything wrong when it approved a 23-storey condominium project. -NST

	Bangkok bookings come to standstill Bangkok's tourism loss could be the gain of destinations like Macau, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia.

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