Singapore Customs collected S$12.1 billion in Goods and Services Tax (GST) and customs and excise duties in 2025 — an increase of S$400 million from the previous year, according to figures released in conjunction with International Customs Day.

Of the total sum, S$8.9 billion came from GST while S$3.2 billion was derived from customs and excise duties. The agency noted that these revenues play a crucial role in funding essential public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.

The agency reported a sharp increase in enforcement cases last year, attributing the trend to stronger multi-agency efforts to curb tax evasion and other illicit trade.

Tobacco-related offences climbed by 50%, reaching 30,371 cases in 2025, compared with 20,131 in 2024. Liquor-related cases also rose to 4,266 from 3,384 the previous year.

More strikingly, GST-related offences surged by over 80%, from 5,447 to 9,940 cases. Singapore Customs said the intensified enforcement helped prevent significant revenue loss and ensured fair competition among compliant businesses.

One major case involved under-declared vehicle imports. Investigations revealed that about 260 vehicles imported between June 2023 and April 2025 were undervalued, leading to more than S$1 million in unpaid taxes and duties.

Changes in duty collections reflected evolving consumption and economic patterns. Motor vehicle duties grew from S$370.6 million to S$405.8 million, while tobacco duties remained steady at S$1.1 billion. Liquor duties slipped from S$775.9 million to S$742.1 million, and petroleum, diesel, and CNG duties edged down from S$992 million to S$976.7 million.

The stability in tobacco revenue, despite intensified enforcement, suggested consistent consumption levels amid sustained tax rates.

2025 marked a major step forward in the agency’s digital transformation. The launch of the Data Analytics and AI System (DAISY) improved risk detection and operational precision by integrating more than 80 data tables and supporting 200 users across 14 applications.

The use of AI has cut manual processing times from 20 minutes to under two minutes, streamlined document reviews, and unified previously fragmented datasets.

Other key digital initiatives included:

• AI-assisted processing for vehicle import documents, saving an estimated 2,100 hours annually.

• Digital investigation workflows replacing 58 manual templates, cutting case-handling time by around two hours per case.

• Self-service kiosks at checkpoints, which reduced in-person transactions from 42% to 7.5%, recording nearly 25,000 uses in 2025.

Singapore Customs also expanded its international enforcement reach through intelligence-sharing efforts that helped seize 96 million illicit cigarettes across Australia, Hong Kong SAR, the UK, and the US.

During International Customs Day celebrations, eight officers received the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Certificate of Merit in recognition of their contributions to digital innovation and enforcement excellence.

Director-General Tan Hung Hooi reaffirmed the agency’s mission to protect revenue, enable trade, and safeguard society amid an evolving global trade environment.

“By combining firm enforcement, smart facilitation, and purposeful digital transformation, Singapore Customs remains committed to supporting Singapore’s economy and the people it serves,” he said during his keynote address.

The agency plans to further integrate AI capabilities into its operations, deepen risk-based monitoring frameworks, and strengthen collaboration with domestic and international partners to stay ahead of emerging threats in global trade.

Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind Saudi Arabia’s regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, has completed the modernisation of AlWajh International Airport in the country’s northwest.

The airport has now resumed operations, with Saudia operating three weekly flights from Riyadh and two from Jeddah. International services are expected to begin in the near future.

The project represents the first infrastructure delivery completed by RSG under its broadened mandate beyond destination development, reflecting its expanding role in enhancing connectivity, public services, and wider economic growth.

RSG Group CEO John Pagano said the redevelopment goes beyond aviation infrastructure, describing it as a strategic gateway designed to improve mobility, stimulate economic activity, and create new opportunities for communities in the region. He added that residents of Tabuk now have access to an upgraded international-standard airport with improved links across Saudi Arabia and beyond.

The upgraded facility is now capable of accommodating a wide range of commercial aircraft, including Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families, as well as seaplanes. Its annual passenger capacity has increased to 500,000, up from 100,000 previously, with the ability to handle up to 330 passengers per hour across four gates during peak periods.

According to the company, the expansion is expected to support rising demand, strengthen tourism development, and contribute to job creation and broader economic activity across the Tabuk region.

Abdulaziz Al-Abdan, Executive Director of Aviation and Airport Operations at Red Sea Global, said the improvements significantly expand capacity for larger aircraft and higher passenger volumes. He added that discussions are already underway with airline partners and regulators to further develop future route networks in line with expected demand growth.

The airport is also set to function as a key entry point for AMAALA, the luxury wellness destination located about 45 minutes away by electric vehicle and roughly 20 minutes by seaplane.

Architectural design elements of the renovated terminal draw on the heritage of AlWajh’s historic town and the broader Tabuk coastline, aiming to reflect the region’s cultural identity.

Additional upgrades include enhanced passenger facilities such as premium lounges, cafés, a mini-market, automated banking services, car rental desks, and expanded parking. The terminal has also been equipped to support seaplane and helicopter operations as part of future transport links to AMAALA.

Source: ZAWYA

China added 80 new international air cargo routes during the first five months of 2026, according to data released by the Air Logistics Committee of the China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing (CFLP) as of May 31.

The expansion was largely focused on Europe and Asia. Of the newly established routes, 35 connect China with destinations across Europe, while 33 serve Asian markets. Ten routes were launched to North America, with one route each linking China to South America and Africa.

In May alone, 11 new international air cargo routes entered service, including seven connecting China with other Asian countries, three serving European destinations, and one linking to North America.

The new routes are primarily used to transport cross-border e-commerce shipments, advanced manufactured products, high-value goods, and fresh agricultural produce.

Industry experts say the continued growth of China's international air freight network is helping diversify transportation options and support export-driven industries. Peng Chun, Deputy Director of the Department of Logistics Management at Beijing Jiaotong University, noted that the expanded network helps reduce pressure on maritime and rail freight services while providing faster logistics solutions for high-value exports.

Peng added that the increase in international cargo routes also strengthens China's transportation resilience and contributes to greater supply chain security by enhancing independent logistics capabilities.

Source: CGTN

Bahrain International Airport has confirmed that the kingdom’s airspace remains open and that flight operations continue as normal, reaffirming Bahrain’s connectivity with destinations worldwide.

In a statement shared on X, the airport said its team remains focused on providing a smooth travel experience for passengers while maintaining regular flight services.

The update came after an Air India Express flight scheduled to operate from Kochi to Bahrain was cancelled on Thursday morning. The cancellation left 122 passengers stranded in Kochi.

Because the aircraft did not arrive in Bahrain, the return service from Bahrain to Kochi, scheduled to depart at 3pm, was also cancelled. The disruption affected an additional 178 passengers.

According to an airline official quoted by the Gulf Daily News (GDN), affected travelers were offered the choice of receiving a full refund or being rebooked on the next available flight.

Airport authorities have not reported any restrictions to Bahrain’s airspace, and flight operations continue across the kingdom’s aviation network.

Source: ZAWYA

Passengers at Brussels Airport will no longer need to remove liquids or electronic devices from their hand luggage during security checks, the airport announced on Friday as part of a major modernization of its security screening system.

The revamp at the Zaventem airport will take place over the next several years, with the first new scanners expected to be operational in 2028. By 2029, the entire departure security system will be replaced with cutting-edge technology, including CT scanners for hand luggage and advanced body scanners for passengers.

“The safety of our passengers and staff is always our top priority,” said Brussels Airport CEO Arnaud Feist. “With this new technology, we will not only maintain the highest safety standards but also make security screening faster and more convenient for travelers.”

Currently, passengers must remove laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices from their bags, and liquids are limited to one litre in containers no larger than 100 millilitres. The new CT scanners will allow these items to remain in hand luggage, and under European regulations, passengers will be allowed to carry up to two litres of liquids per bag.

A test of a new body scanner is scheduled for June, with the construction of an additional temporary screening platform planned in 2027 to accommodate the new technology. Once the first scanners are operational in 2028, phased upgrades of all 19 departure lanes will be completed by summer 2029. Transfer passenger lanes will be upgraded at a later stage.

Feist emphasized that the new scanners will also increase security screening capacity, preparing the airport for future growth in passenger numbers.

The initiative is part of Brussels Airport’s Hub 3.0 program, designed to enhance passenger experience and maintain the airport as a “convenient, comfortable, and future-proof European hub.” Similar CT scanner systems are already in operation at major European airports such as London Heathrow, Amsterdam Schiphol, Dublin, Rome Fiumicino, and Frankfurt.

Kuwait International Airport has activated its emergency response plan after Terminal One was struck by missiles and drones reportedly launched from Iran, causing injuries and damage to airport facilities, officials confirmed.

Abdullah Al-Rajhi, spokesperson for the Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA), said authorities immediately implemented established emergency protocols to protect passengers, staff, and airport infrastructure.

Air traffic has been suspended, and inbound and outbound flights have been diverted to nearby airports until further notice, Al-Rajhi added.

Technical teams are currently assessing the extent of the damage to facilities before repair operations begin. Security and contingency measures remain in place to ensure the safe resumption of airport operations.

The incident underscores ongoing regional tensions and highlights the importance of airport emergency preparedness in safeguarding travelers and aviation infrastructure.