Travel Agent Newsletter
May, 2026
In the Spotlight
Qantas Airlines
TAP Air Portugal is Portugal’s national carrier and one of Europe’s leading transatlantic airlines. Known for its strong connectivity between North America, Europe, Africa, and South America, TAP offers seamless access through its Lisbon hub while combining Portuguese hospitality with extensive international reach for both leisure and business travelers.
Established in
2006
Main Hub
Brussels Airport (BRU), Brussels
Destinations
Brussels Airlines connects Europe to over 80 destinations across Europe, Africa, and North America through its hub in Brussels.
It is especially known for its strong presence in Africa, serving key cities such as Dakar, Accra, Abidjan, Lagos, Entebbe, Kigali, and Banjul.
From Brussels, travelers can easily connect to major European capitals like Paris, London, Berlin, and Rome, as well as transatlantic destinations including New York and Washington, D.C.
Brussels serves as a strategic gateway for both European city travel and deeper access into Africa.
Through Lisbon, travelers can easily combine vibrant European cities, Atlantic islands, wine regions, coastal escapes, and cultural experiences into one seamless itinerary.
Why Book Brussels Airlines
- One of Europe’s strongest networks to Africa
• Member of the Lufthansa Group, ensuring reliability and global reach
• Competitive economy and business class options
• Smooth transit experience at Brussels Airport
Ideal For
- Europe–Africa itineraries
- Diaspora and VFR (Visiting Friends & Relatives) travel
- Multi-country European trips via Brussels
- Business travel between Europe and Africa
- Cultural itineraries combining Belgium with Africa
Pro Tip for Agents
If travelers approach to see Belgium, pair their journey with a cultural city stay in Brussels, Bruges, or Ghent, complemented by rich chocolate, beer, and culinary experiences. Position Brussels as a less congested and a highly efficient European hub for smooth connections into Africa.
Boost Your Revenue
Maximize your earnings on U.S.–Africa, U.S.–Europe, and Europe–Africa itineraries when you book Brussels Airlines through FlyingCarpet.Travel — unlocking better fares, seamless connections, and more flexible travel options rich NDC content alongside commissionable GDS fares.
Hidden Trails
Entebbe: Gateway to Africa’s Wild Heart
For travelers seeking raw nature, wildlife, and once-in-a-lifetime adventure beyond traditional safari destinations, Entebbe offers the perfect starting point. Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, it serves as Uganda’s main international gateway—connecting travelers to gorilla trekking, the Nile River, and some of Africa’s most diverse ecosystems.
Why Recommend It
- Gateway to gorilla trekking—one of the world’s most exclusive wildlife experiences
- Access to diverse landscapes: rainforests, savannahs, lakes, and mountains
- Less crowded than traditional safari destinations like Kenya or Tanzania
- Ideal for adventure, nature, and experiential travelers
- Strong value compared to other high-end African destinations
Best Routes
- Fly from the US or other European destinations to Brussels, then connect to Entebbe with Brussels Airlines
- Offers the shortest direct connection via Brussels
- Ideal as part of a broader Africa itinerary
Unique Experiences
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Cruise along the Nile River at Murchison Falls
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
- Safari drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Sunset views over Lake Victoria
Weather & Best Time to Travel
Uganda enjoys a tropical climate, making it a year-round destination, but the best time for trekking and wildlife safari experiences is during the dry seasons:
-
December to February
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June to September
Agent Tip
Position Entebbe as a premium adventure destination—perfect for travelers who have “done Africa before” and want something deeper and more exclusive.
Pair Uganda with:
• Rwanda for a luxury gorilla trekking combo
• Kenya or Tanzania for a classic + offbeat safari mix
Ideal For
• Adventure and wildlife travelers
• Luxury experiential travelers
• Repeat Africa visitors
• Nature photographers and conservation-focused travelers
Travel News & Updates
Stay ahead with the latest airline routes, hotel openings, attractions, and global travel updates.
Lufthansa Group Expands Capacity on High-Demand Asia Routes in May & June 2026
Due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East, airlines within the Lufthansa Group are adjusting flight schedules and increasing capacity on key routes to and from Asia to ensure continued connectivity and minimize disruption. As part of these changes, Lufthansa will operate additional weekly flights in high-demand Asia routes from May through June 2026. Additional flights or enhanced services will be between Frankfurt and Hyderabad, Frankfurt–Chennai, Frankfurt–Delhi, Munich–Bangalore, Zurich–Delhi, a newly introduced Munich–Singapore route, and Zurich–Malé.
Early this winter, Iberia had launched new direct routes from Madrid to Fortaleza (FOR) and Recife (REC), reinforcing its strong presence and leadership in the Brazilian market.
Discover Airlines Expands to Morocco to Meet Higher Demand as a Holiday Destination
Discover Airlines is expanding its operations to Morocco, increasing capacity on selected routes to meet rising leisure travel demand. The expansion enhances connectivity between Europe and Morocco, offering travelers more flexible options and improved access to key destinations.
LOT Restores San Francisco–Warsaw Nonstop Flights
LOT Polish Airlines is reconnecting San Francisco and Warsaw with non-stop flights starting May 6, 2026. The reinstated service improves transatlantic connectivity and offers travelers a seamless gateway between California and Central Europe.
Finnair Launches Helsinki–Melbourne Route
Finnair will launch a new long-haul service to Melbourne starting October 2026, strengthening connectivity between Europe and Australia via Helsinki and expanding travel options for both leisure and business passengers.
IndiGo Announces “Summer Getaway Sale” for Peak Season Travel
IndiGo has announced its Summer Getaway Sale, offering up to 10% off base fare on select domestic and international sectors. The initiative is designed to support travel agents in driving higher bookings during the upcoming peak travel season.
The limited-time promotion is valid for bookings between 14 April 2026 and 17 April 2026 and aims to stimulate demand and encourage early bookings for travel between 01 July 2026 and 09 October 2026 across key routes.
Travelers Entering Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Must Complete Mandatory Digital Pre-Arrival Registration
Vietnam has introduced mandatory Digital Pre-Arrival Information for all foreign nationals arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport.
Passengers who have already booked their flights will be required to complete this online registration prior to arrival by scanning the official QR code.
The news items and articles shared here are sourced from publicly available information and third-party websites.
FCT Events & Platform Updates
Special Commission Boost on Transatlantic Routes
Special limited-time commission incentives are now available for key markets, offering travel agents enhanced earning opportunities on high-demand routes. SATA Air Açores (S4) is offering a commission booster on flights from New York (JFK) and Boston (BOS), valid for ticketing until April 25, creating a strong opportunity for agents to maximize revenue on transatlantic bookings.
Offers & Promotions
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