Travel & Food news · 1 October 2026
Co-pilot accused of trying to crash Flydubai jet is transferred to UAE
The Omani co-pilot suspected of attacking the captain and attempting to crash Flydubai flight FZ1073 was handed over to UAE authorities, as the airline kept all Israel flights suspended.
New $250 US visa integrity fee takes effect, raising cost to $442
A new $250 'visa integrity fee' kicked in on 1 October 2026, pushing total US visitor-visa costs to $442 and deepening fears of a travel slump in markets such as India, Brazil and Mexico.
Oktoberfest closes with a record 7.4 million visitors in Munich
Munich's 2026 Oktoberfest wrapped up with 7.4 million visitors, surpassing the 7.2 million 2023 record and pouring 6.7 million litres of beer.
SAS returns to India with new nonstop Copenhagen–Mumbai route
SAS launched its first direct Copenhagen–Mumbai service in 17 years on 1 October 2026, operating an Airbus A330 five times a week between Scandinavia and India.
Pegasus Airlines completes €142m takeover of Smartwings and Czech Airlines
Turkey's Pegasus Airlines closed its €142.3 million acquisition of the Smartwings Group and CSA Czech Airlines on 1 October 2026, creating a 175-aircraft low-cost platform.
Thailand's Maya Bay reopens to tourists under strict rules
Phi Phi Leh's Maya Bay reopened on 1 October 2026 after its annual two-month closure, but swimming remains banned to protect its recovering coral reefs.
MSC World Atlantic cruise ship floated out in Saint-Nazaire
MSC Cruises floated out its new 215,863-tonne LNG-powered MSC World Atlantic at Chantiers de l'Atlantique on 1 October 2026, ahead of a 2027 Port Canaveral debut.
JetBlue launches Fort Lauderdale–Barranquilla daily nonstop
JetBlue added a third Colombian destination on 1 October 2026, launching daily Fort Lauderdale–Barranquilla A320 flights with introductory fares from $134 one-way.
Endo Kazutoshi opens 10-seat Chelsea omakase at £305 a head
World-renowned sushi chef Endo Kazutoshi opened a 10-seat omakase counter in London's Chelsea on 1 October 2026, already booked out for the month at £305 per head.
Corendon Boeing 737 clips airport fire truck at Friedrichshafen
A Corendon Airlines Boeing 737 damaged its left winglet after colliding with a stationary airport fire-brigade vehicle while taxiing at Germany's Friedrichshafen Airport; all 189 on board were unhurt.