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The airline has announced that free of charge COVID-19 insurance will be automatically applied to flights booked from today, 7 December, through to 28 February 2021; the policy will cover medical expenses related to a COVID-19 diagnosis.

The government of Japan is reportedly considering allowing a limited resumption of inbound tourism from Spring 2021, as Tokyo prepares to host a delayed Summer Olympics later in the year. It has been suggested that small tour groups may be permitted from Asian countries where COVID-19 infections are deemed under control, including China and Taiwan; visitors would be subject to pre-testing requirements and would remain separated from domestic tourists during their trip.

The cruise line's 'Quantum of the Seas' vessel departed Singapore yesterday, 1 December, making it Royal Caribbean International's first sailing since the global cruise shutdown in March. The ship departed at less than 30% capacity with approximately 1,100 guests on a two-day 'ocean getaway', before the cruise line launches planned itineraries of three and four days through to mid-March 2021. The cruises are exclusive to residents of Singapore.

The governments of Hong Kong and Singapore have agreed to push back a reciprocal travel bubble agreement until 2021, with the former trying to contain a fourth wave of COVID-19 infections. Hong Kong's Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said the travel bubble would be reviewed in 'late December' for a possible start in early 2021, and allow quarantine-free travel between the two destinations. The travel bubble was previously temporarily postponed last month, just a day before it was due to begin.

The country's government has extended its ban on scheduled international flights until 31 December 2020, as India continues to record surges in COVID-19 infections; the ban was previously due to expire on 30 November. This restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by the country's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Approved services include the government's 'Vande Bharat' mission repatriation flights, and those allowed under bilateral travel bubble agreements.

The two regions have announced that they have postponed a planned air bubble intended to boost air traffic between both cities. Originally due to begin from 22 November, the initiative will now be delated by at least two weeks.

The UK government has announced that from 04.00 (GMT) on Saturday 21 November, anyone arriving or returning from the following countries to England, Wales or Northern Ireland will NOT be required to self-isolate: Israel, Namibia, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Uruguay, Bonaire, St Eustatius & Saba, the Northern Mariana Islands and the US Virgin Islands. No countries were this week removed from the 'travel corridor' list.

The governments of Singapore and Hong Kong have announced that from 22 November, quarantine-free travel will be possible via a bilateral travel bubble agreement on flights with Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific. The services will be limited to 200 passengers, and operate on a schedule of one flight per day initially. Further information on the bubble can be found on the respective government portals.

The country’s government has temporarily suspended entry to non-Chinese arrivals from the UK, Belgium and the Philippines. In addition, from 6 November passengers from France, Germany, Thailand and the U.S. must present results of additional health tests obtained a maximum of 48 hours prior to boarding.

A COVID-19 testing facility was opened yesterday, 2 November, at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport in Japan; the facility will cater for outbound travellers who need proof that they’re virus free on arrival at their destination. Meanwhile, the government of Japan on 30 October eased travel curbs for nine Asian countries and regions. Travellers arriving in Japan are also required to undergo a COVID-19 test, with three international airports having the capacity to carry out around 10,000 tests each day.

Air Arabia has introduced a mandatory online pre-registration requirement for Indian nationals travelling to India; it is mandatory for passengers to present a copy of the confirmation email received upon successful pre-registration, at the time of check-in. Passengers who fail to present it will not be accepted on the flight.

Hilton has announced updates to their 'Hilton Honors' rewards program for all members, including the extension of points validity, faster paths to elite status and the ability to retain current status for longer; full details are available on the Hilton website.

The government of Hong Kong has announced that from 30 October it will relax some local COVID-19 restrictions, including re-opening public beaches and easing measures such as venue capacity for many businesses. All dining facilities will be also able to stay open until 02.00 (local time), later than the current midnight closing time.

The government of India has relaxed visa restrictions to allow foreign nationals to enter India by air or sea for any purpose except tourism. The Home Affairs Ministry has made a graded relaxation in visa and travel restrictions for more categories of foreign nationals and Indian nationals who wish to enter or leave India. This will enable foreign nationals to enter for purposes including business, conferences, employment, studies, research or medical purposes.

The airline has announced that it will operate flights between Germany and the India cities of Bengaluru and Delhi between 26 October 2020 and 28 March 2021 under the air transport travel bubble arrangements between the nations. Representatives from the airline have said Air India is will operate flights between Delhi and Frankfurt every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; while the Bengaluru-Frankfurt service will operate every Thursday and Sunday. In effect, Air India will be operating seven times a week between India and Frankfurt.

The Indian government has announced that it has expanded international flight operations with Bangladesh under a new bilateral air bubble agreemen,t which will allow airlines to operate 28 flights per week between them. Regular, scheduled international flights have been suspended in India since 23 March due to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, the country now has arrangements for bilateral air bubble services with a number of countries including the United Arab Emirates, the UK and the U.S.

Low-cost airline Air Asia have announced flights on six new routes within India connecting Chennai with Ahmedabad, Goa, Mumbai and Visakhapatnam, Mumbai with Goa, and Jaipur with Kolkata.

Rosewood has introduced new protocols committed to operating at the highest levels of health and safety, providing customers with what they call the safest, most comfortable and flexible experience with which to enjoy the high standard of service expected of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. See more details of their program in the associated link.

Media sources in the country have said that Japan is likely to ease restrictions on business travellers from 30 countries and regions from next month, who are visiting for stays of up to three days. Under the plan, business travellers will be required to take a COVID-19 test, avoid public transportation and submit an itinerary of their activities during their stay; however, they will not be required to quarantine in their hotels, according to the media source.

The government of the UAE has confirmed that 'Ok to Board' pre-approval is no longer required for passengers travelling to Dubai from India or Pakistan. Any such approval process will now be managed and updated by airport teams directly at the time of check-in.