Flight Buzz
Hawaiian Airlines launches ‘Sip and Soar Sweepstakes’ to celebrate local travel and culinary excellence : Maui Now
August 2, 2025, 4:00 PM HST
Hawaiian Airlines, in partnership with Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa and the Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival, is inviting kamaʻāina to rediscover the beauty and flavors of West Maui through its new Sip & Soar Sweepstakes. The campaign, running through Aug. 31, offers Huakaʻi by Hawaiian members an exclusive chance to win an unforgettable Maui getaway.
The sweepstakes is part of Hawaiian Airlines’ ongoing commitment to supporting local travel and community events. One lucky winner will receive a Maui staycation package valued at $3,550, which includes:
- Two roundtrip neighbor island flight on Hawaiian Airlines
- A two-night oceanfront stay at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
- Two priority access tickets to the “World of Wagyu, Wine & Whiskey” at the 15th Annual Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival on Oct. 25 in Kāʻanapali
“This sweepstakes is our way of encouraging kamaʻāina, through our Huakaʻi by Hawaiian program, to reconnect with and support the vibrant community of West Maui,” said Alisa Onishi, managing director of Hawai‘i marketing at Hawaiian Airlines. “We’re honored to partner with Sheraton Maui and the Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival to help spotlight the incredible culture, cuisine, and hospitality that make Maui so special.”
To enter, Hawai‘i residents must be 21 years or older and enrolled in Huakaʻi by Hawaiian by Aug. 31, 2025. Membership is free and offers exclusive benefits such as quarterly fare discounts, one free checked bag on interisland flights and access to special promotions.
All eligible Huakaʻi by Hawaiian members will be automatically entered into the sweepstakes. The winner will be notified via email and must accept the prize and applicable tax responsibilities.
For official rules and eligibility, visit HawaiianAirlines.com/OfficialRules.
Flight Buzz
Emirates Joins Cathay Pacific and Air China Expands its Reach in China with New Daily Flights to Hangzhou: Here’s What You Should Know
Sunday, August 3, 2025
Emirates is now flying to Hangzhou, making it our fifth entry point in China and expanding even further our East Asian network. This new link to Hangzhou is testament to the strength of Emirates in China and offers further growth opportunities for us in our Far East operations.’ The first flight, EK310 was welcomed by local officials and dignitaries as well children from the Airport at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International on 30th July 2025.
This launch follows a significant expansion for Emirates, as the airline recently began services to Shenzhen, making Hangzhou the second new destination in just one month. Emirates’ commitment to increasing its presence in China underscores the airline’s strong confidence in the growing demand for both leisure and business travel between China and the Middle East.
New Route to Hangzhou Offers Convenient Flight Options
The convenient link up is offered by the new daily Emirates service between Dubai and Hangzhou. EK310 is timed to leave Dubai at 09:40 and land in Hangzhou at 22:00. The return flight, EK311 will depart Hangzhou at 00:10hrs arriving in Dubai at 04:55 hrs. The schedule is designed to meet the needs of passengers and enables seamless travel options for guests, connecting through key destinations in Europe.
The announcement was made during a ceremony held on Monday at the US cities both in presence of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline & Group. Emirates will operate its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft between Dubai and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The flight will reciprocally showcase regionally inspired menus with the choice of popular Chinese dishes and desserts, adding to its overall appeal.
Connecting Global Passengers to Hangzhou
Emirates’ new flight to Hangzhou opens up a range of travel options for passengers from across the globe. The airline’s extensive network enables seamless connections via Dubai to over 40 destinations in Europe, 21 in Africa, 13 in the Middle East, and beyond. Passengers from key markets such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Spain, Nigeria, and Brazil will benefit from this enhanced connectivity to Hangzhou, which is quickly becoming an important hub for business and leisure travel in China.
The route will also offer passengers the opportunity to connect with other major cities in the region. Convenient connections to destinations like Istanbul, Barcelona, Cairo, and Johannesburg are available via Dubai, making it easier than ever for travelers to explore various global destinations. Emirates’ network is designed to meet the demands of business and leisure travelers, providing an optimal travel experience for everyone.
Enhanced Passenger Experience in Hangzhou
Emirates is bringing its world-class services to Hangzhou, enhancing the travel experience for all passengers flying to and from this dynamic tech hub. In addition to its high-quality in-flight services, Emirates offers a complimentary chauffeur-drive service for First and Business Class passengers in Hangzhou. This service is available within an 80-kilometer radius of Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, providing a seamless, luxurious journey to and from the airport.
The airline’s commitment to providing exceptional service extends to Hangzhou, with a focus on passenger comfort and convenience. The introduction of this new service further reflects Emirates’ growing commitment to the region and its aim to make travel between the Middle East and China more accessible.
Hangzhou: A Growing Hub for Global Travelers
Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and rapidly growing technological and e-commerce sectors. The city’s growing prominence as a global business and tourism hub has made it an attractive destination for travelers worldwide.
The launch of Emirates’ daily flights offers global tourists and business travelers better access to Hangzhou, making it easier for them to explore the city’s attractions, including its iconic West Lake, and to tap into the city’s booming digital economy. Hangzhou is also famous for being home to Alibaba, one of the world’s largest e-commerce companies, which has further cemented the city’s status as a global tech powerhouse.
Strengthening Emirates’ Presence in China
Emirates’ expansion into Hangzhou is part of a broader strategy to strengthen its presence in China. The airline already operates flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, offering passengers a comprehensive network of options for traveling to and from the Chinese mainland. The addition of Hangzhou brings the total number of weekly Emirates flights to China to 49, further expanding the airline’s reach across the region.
The airline’s ability to offer convenient, daily flights to Hangzhou will help meet the rising demand for travel between China and the Middle East. With an ever-increasing number of passengers seeking to explore China’s growing tourism and business sectors, Emirates is positioned to be a key player in this thriving market.
Commitment to Connecting People and Cultures
Emirates remains committed to fostering greater connections between China and the rest of the world. The launch of this new route, along with the addition of Shenzhen, reflects the airline’s strategic focus on building stronger trade and tourism ties between China, the Middle East, and other key regions.
In addition to its aviation services, Emirates is actively promoting cultural exchanges between China and the UAE, further strengthening the relationship between the two nations. Through initiatives like partnerships with cultural organizations, the airline is helping to promote China as a major destination for global travelers.
Bottom Line
Emirates’ new daily service to Hangzhou is a significant milestone in the airline’s expansion in China. By offering enhanced connectivity to one of China’s most important cities, Emirates is opening new doors for travelers to explore this thriving region. The airline’s focus on passenger comfort, convenience, and seamless connectivity ensures that travelers flying to Hangzhou will experience the best of what Emirates has to offer.
As Emirates continues to expand its network across China, passengers can expect even greater access to the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and beyond. The new flights to Hangzhou are just the beginning of Emirates’ ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of its global customers.
Sunday, August 3, 2025
In a major move affecting international air travel, ITA Airways, Italy’s national carrier, has announced the suspension of all flights from Italy to Israel until October 1, 2025. This decision comes as a response to the rising security situation in Israel. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has driven this precautionary measure. Many travelers now find themselves uncertain about their plans and must reconsider their flight options to and from Tel Aviv, Israel’s main international gateway.
ITA Airways, a member of the Lufthansa Group and the Star Alliance, shared this announcement through its official channels. The airline stated that the suspension stems from safety concerns for passengers and crew amid the unstable situation. While these measures aim to ensure safety, they also expose the broader challenges international airlines face when political or security issues arise.
Impact on Travelers: Stranded Passengers and Uncertainty
The suspension of flights from Italy to Israel has disrupted travel plans for many individuals and families who were set to fly between the two countries. Travelers with existing bookings should contact ITA Airways directly for updates on rebooking options or refunds. The airline has committed to helping affected passengers and is working closely with relevant authorities to address the situation.
The uncertainty surrounding the flight suspension shows the challenges international travelers encounter when political instability disrupts air travel. Passengers are encouraged to stay informed by regularly checking the airline’s updates and any travel advisories from official government sources. Those planning to travel to Israel in the coming months need to be flexible with their plans, as the situation can change based on security developments.
Broader Implications for International Air Travel
ITA Airways’ choice to suspend flights signals a growing trend among international airlines reassessing their operations in the Middle East over safety concerns. Several other airlines have altered their schedules or suspended services to Israel in recent months, citing similar risks.
The impact of such suspensions extends beyond tourism or business travel. It also affects diplomatic and cultural exchanges between countries. Israel and Italy have enjoyed a long-standing relationship, with many tourists and business professionals traveling between the two nations each year. The lack of direct flights creates a ripple effect that impacts various sectors, including hospitality, tourism, and trade.
For ITA Airways, the suspension is not just a temporary inconvenience for travelers; it could have long-lasting effects on tourism between Italy and Israel. For many, Israel has been a popular destination for historical and cultural tourism, especially for those interested in Jerusalem’s ancient sites, the Dead Sea, and the region’s religious significance. With flights suspended, there are concerns that tourism may slow down until security conditions improve.
Looking Ahead: Flexible Travel Options and Future Updates
While the flight suspension is expected to last until October 1, 2025, ITA Airways has stressed that they will regularly review the situation based on the security environment in Israel. The airline remains committed to passenger safety and will continue to monitor developments, providing updates as needed. It is also anticipated that flights to Israel will resume in phases once the security situation stabilizes.it
Travelers who planned to visit Israel should think about alternative routes or destinations for now. Many airlines offer connections to Israel through other European hubs like Frankfurt, London, or Paris. Some may also find it worthwhile to consider other Middle Eastern countries, such as Jordan or Egypt, which also boast rich cultural and historical significance and are relatively close to Israel.
Preventative Measures: Airline Responsibility and Passenger Safety
The flight suspension raises questions about the responsibility of airlines in facing global security threats. Airlines often temporarily halt or adjust their flight schedules in response to areas of conflict or places where risks of violence are high. In these situations, airlines must prioritize the safety of their passengers and staff. ITA Airways’ actions remind us how sensitive airline operations can be to changing geopolitical conditions.
As travel continues, passengers are encouraged to stay informed about security conditions in the region, consult official government travel advisories, and know their rights in case of a flight cancellation. Understanding passenger safety protocols and exploring insurance options can also offer travelers peace of mind during disruptions.
Conclusion: Managing Travel Amidst Uncertainty
The suspension of ITA Airways flights to Israel highlights the challenges airlines face when political instability disrupts travel plans. While the decision is mainly based on safety concerns, it underscores the complexities of air travel in unstable regions. For affected travelers, flexibility and patience are essential as they navigate the uncertainty of their future travel plans. As the security situation changes, airlines like ITA Airways will likely adjust their operations to ensure passenger safety, providing updates as new developments arise.
For now, passengers intending to travel to Israel from Italy should look into alternative routes or destinations and stay updated on flight operations. With global travel becoming more interconnected, the ability to adapt to unexpected circumstances remains crucial for ensuring safe and smooth travel experiences for all.
(Source: ITA Airways, Israel flight cancellations, flight suspensions, travel advisory, airline disruptions, international air travel, security concerns, Israel tourism)
Flight Buzz
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Open a New Chapter in Travel With Direct Flights, Visa-Free Entry, and Festival Tourism
Sunday, August 3, 2025
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan are reshaping the travel landscape in Central Asia by launching a new era of regional tourism defined by convenience, culture, and collaboration. With direct flights now linking key cities, visa-free entry easing cross-border movement, and a growing calendar of coastal festivals and cultural events, travelers from these three nations are enjoying easier, richer, and faster access to each other’s destinations. This new chapter in travel isn’t just about numbers—it’s about connection. Whether it’s a beachside music festival on the Caspian coast or a weekend getaway in the heart of Baku, the region is opening up in ways that are bringing people—and possibilities—closer than ever before.
Rather than casting a wide net globally, the country is strategically deepening regional ties to boost its tourism sector—reviving momentum lost during the global shutdown and laying new paths for future growth.
From Baku to Basqal, Familiarization Tours Show Off Azerbaijan’s Diversity
To showcase its offerings firsthand, Azerbaijan recently welcomed tourism representatives from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on a curated familiarization journey. The route led them through the cobbled streets of Baku’s historic core, into the tranquil villages of the Shamakhi highlands, and onward to Caspian beach resorts—each destination revealing a different face of the country’s tourism potential.
Along the coast, guests were treated to one of the season’s most anticipated cultural events—a music and lifestyle festival held steps from the sea. Combining regional talent with an open-air setting, the event struck a chord with visitors from neighboring countries, offering an experience that felt both exclusive and culturally familiar.
Tourism Industry Connects Regionally Through New Business Collaborations
To convert interest into long-term partnership, a regional tourism networking session followed the tour. Dozens of Azerbaijani hospitality brands, tour agencies, and resort operators sat down with Central Asian travel companies in a business-to-business format. The goal? Forge deeper ties, co-create travel packages, and open new promotional channels across borders.
This direct engagement with the industry helps ensure that Central Asian visitors aren’t just welcomed—they’re offered experiences and itineraries that feel tailor-made. It’s a smart approach, placing regional cooperation at the center of Azerbaijan’s tourism strategy.
Visitor Surge Signals New Momentum
Recent tourism figures show that this effort is bearing fruit. During the first six months of the year, Azerbaijan recorded over 68,000 tourist arrivals from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan—marking a 15% rise compared to the same stretch last year. The numbers reflect a growing appetite for nearby, visa-free travel among Central Asian citizens, as well as rising awareness of Azerbaijan as a multi-season destination.
Thanks to improved air connectivity, traveling to Baku now takes less than three hours from many Central Asian cities. Multiple carriers are now operating direct routes from four Kazakh cities and two Uzbek hubs. For travelers seeking spontaneous weekend trips or short family vacations, this connectivity has made Azerbaijan both practical and desirable.
A Caspian Sea Ferry Project Hints at Future Mobility
Looking ahead, regional mobility may extend beyond air routes. Plans are being explored for a high-speed passenger ferry connecting the Kazakh port city of Aktau with Baku across the Caspian Sea. If developed, the service would not only offer scenic passage but also reinforce a historical link between the two regions—turning the sea into a corridor for tourism and commerce.
This waterway connection could create fresh possibilities for cross-border exploration, opening up multi-destination travel circuits across the Caspian basin.
Tourism Recovery Rides on Strategic Long-Term Vision
The recent regional push reflects a long-term vision that began years ago. In a bold move to rebrand its image, Azerbaijan launched a global marketing campaign in 2018 designed to reposition the country as a must-visit destination. Part of that strategy included opening overseas offices in key international markets and designing a new tourism identity that emphasized its cultural richness, landscapes, and modern appeal.
Before the pandemic struck, those efforts had started to pay off. The country welcomed over 3 million international visitors in 2019—its best tourism year on record. However, like nearly all destinations, Azerbaijan faced a steep drop in arrivals in 2020, as border closures and travel bans took their toll.
Rather than wait for global travel to bounce back, Azerbaijan is taking a proactive stance—starting with the travelers who are just a few hours away.
Conclusion: A Reimagined Tourism Future Begins at Home
Azerbaijan is tapping into something many destinations overlook: the power of regional travel. By focusing on its neighbors—countries with cultural links, shared histories, and easy access—it’s setting a blueprint for recovery that doesn’t rely on long-haul flights or distant markets. Whether it’s a quick escape to the Caspian coast, a music-filled weekend in Baku, or a mountain retreat in the highlands, the country is crafting experiences that appeal directly to Central Asian travelers.
And with visa-free travel, direct routes, and expanding partnerships, this new chapter in Azerbaijani tourism is just getting started.
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