Activities & latest news in Thailand

London Gatwick Expands Airline Network

Heathrow might be London’s aviation royalty, but Gatwick is fast becoming the people’s champ. While Heathrow’s slots are scarcer than a seat on the Tube at rush hour, Gatwick has been rolling out the red carpet for airlines that want in on the London action—at a fraction of the cost.

And the latest airline to set up shop? Gulf Air. That’s right, Bahrain’s national carrier is spreading its wings to Gatwick from March 30, 2025, giving Londoners another way to escape to the Middle East that doesn’t involve queuing for hours at Heathrow.

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Gulf Air’s Gatwick Debut: What You Need to Know

Starting next spring, Gulf Air will connect Bahrain (BAH) to Gatwick (LGW) three times a week with its snazzy Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The airline already flies twice daily from Heathrow, but with Gatwick now in the mix, passengers get more choice, and Gulf Air gets a sweet spot in one of London’s most connected airports.

New Route Details:
Bahrain (BAH) – Gatwick (LGW)
GF9: 01:45 – 06:55 (7h 10m)
GF10: 11:25 – 20:00 (6h 35m)

Translation? An early morning arrival for those who like to start their day fresh in London, and a later flight back for those who want to squeeze in one last afternoon tea before heading to the airport.

Gulf Air isn’t just here for the weekend getaways. These new flights are perfectly timed to connect travelers from South Asia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Southeast Asia—making Gatwick a handy stopover for passengers jetting across continents.

Gatwick’s Airline Boom: Who Else Is Coming to the Party?

Gatwick has been on a bit of a hot streak lately, adding over 20 new and returning airlines since 2023. The airport is capitalizing on Heathrow’s sky-high fees and limited space, attracting carriers looking for a cost-effective London entry point.

Recent Airline Additions:

• 2025: Gulf Air, Kenya Airways
• 2024: Air Peace, Atlantic Airways, flyErbil, Iberia Express, ITA Airways, SkyAlps, Uzbekistan Airlines, Turkmenistan Airlines
• 2023: Air China, Air India, Air Mauritius, Azerbaijan Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, Delta, Ethiopian, Norse Atlantic, Saudia, SKY express, UR Airlines, Volotea

What’s the common theme? Airlines that are either:
Blocked from expanding at Heathrow (e.g., Gulf Air, Kenya Airways)
New players testing the UK market (e.g., Air Peace)
Cost-conscious carriers swapping Heathrow for better deals (e.g., ITA Airways, Air Mauritius)
Niche airlines targeting specific markets (e.g., flyErbil, SkyAlps)

Kenya Airways’ Gatwick Comeback—20 Years Later!

After a two-decade absence, Kenya Airways is making a grand return to Gatwick, kicking off Nairobi-London flights on July 2, 2025.

Kenya Airways UK Expansion:

• Heathrow: 7 weekly flights
• Gatwick: 3 weekly flights (new)

Despite the move, Kenya Airways still falls short of its 2023 peak of 13 Heathrow flights, proving just how fierce the London slot battle really is. But hey, at least now you’ve got options when planning that safari-meets-city-break adventure.

Not Everyone’s Staying: Airlines That Said Goodbye

Of course, not every airline finds its happily-ever-after at Gatwick. Some departures include Azores Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and Lufthansa. And Scoot’s Singapore-Bangkok-Gatwick route was short-lived, proving that even in aviation, it’s a game of trial and error.

But Gatwick’s not sweating it. The airport is doubling down on long-haul routes, with both British Airways and Norse Atlantic launching Bangkok flights in 2025—a first for the airport!

The Future of Gatwick’s Expansion

With Heathrow locked in an endless game of musical chairs with airline slots, Gatwick is carving out its own path as a cost-friendly alternative with more flexibility. As demand for flights to the Middle East, Asia, and Africa continues to soar, expect Gatwick to remain a rising star in UK aviation.

London Gatwick Expands Airline Network

So, if you’re flying out of London soon, don’t be surprised if your ticket says Gatwick—it’s the airport that’s having a moment.

Happy Lunar New Year 2025 : Fireworks, Feasts, and Enough Red Decorations to Paint a Town

Ah, Lunar New Year! That magical time of year when firecrackers light up the skies, dumplings fill our bellies, and everyone collectively decides red is the fashion statement. Whether you’re a Lunar New Year veteran or just in it for the red envelopes (no shame), it’s all about celebrating family, fortune, and, let’s be honest, eating like there’s no tomorrow.

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The Year of the Snake: Smooth Moves Ahead

Welcome to the Year of the Snake, folks! Forget about the tigers & dragons as this is the year full of elegance, wisdom, and perhaps a dash of charm. Those born under the snake sign are known for their shrewd intuition, ability to effortlessly pick any lock, and powerful enigmatic charm.

It’s high time we all take a page out of the snake’s book and harness our inner serpent. You no longer have to worry about tackling the sink full of unwashed dishes or sweating over planning the next career move. Dishwashing can wait for a few hours. Here's a little trick– snakes shed their skin to facilitate growth, so perhaps you too can look for a reason to finally ditch those less than favorable habits (or that sweater you've held onto since 2015).

It’s Not Lunar New Year Without Food

Let’s cut to the chase—the real star of the Lunar New Year is the feast. Dumplings shaped like gold nuggets? Yes, please. Noodles so long they’d make Rapunzel jealous? Absolutely. Fish that symbolizes abundance but must be left unfinished to ensure good luck? Okay, now we’re just showing off.

And don’t forget the fruits. Tangerines and oranges mean prosperity, so stock up. Pears, however, are a no-go—unless you enjoy passive-aggressively signaling “separation” to your dinner guests.

The Year’s Biggest Red Carpet Event

Move over, Met Gala—Lunar New Year is the red-themed extravaganza of the year. Everything is decked out in crimson, from lanterns to envelopes filled with cold, hard cash. Pro tip: wear red to keep bad luck at bay and to look fabulous doing it.

Speaking of those little red envelopes, aka hóngbāo, they’re filled with money, good wishes, and maybe a hint of resentment when you realize adulthood means you’re now the one giving them out.

Fireworks and Fortune

No Lunar New Year is complete without fireworks—big, loud, and slightly terrifying. Legend has it they’re meant to scare off evil spirits, but let’s be real: they’re also an excuse to set off something sparkly while yelling “Happy New Year!” at the top of your lungs.

So, light those sparklers (safely!), because nothing says “new beginnings” like fireworks lighting up the night sky—or your neighbor's mild concern.

Clean It Up, Snake Style

Before the celebrations kick off, tradition says you’ve got to clean your house to sweep away any bad vibes. Think of it as a ritualistic Marie Kondo session but with extra urgency because you can’t touch a broom for the first few days of the New Year (bad luck, apparently).

Once you’re spotless, it’s time to decorate. Red banners, paper snakes, and maybe a few fairy lights to set the mood—because nothing says “good fortune” like your house glowing brighter than a firecracker.

Slither Into a Lucky New Year

The Lunar New Year is about family, traditions, and making sure your snack game is on point. Whether you’re enjoying a lion dance, counting your red envelope stash, or indulging in one too many dumplings, make the most of this year’s celebrations.

Happy Lunar New Year 2025

Here’s to a snake-tastic year full of wisdom, charm, and maybe even a little prosperity. Gōng xǐ fā cái!