Ahead of the major travel holiday the Chinese New Year, five of this week’s 17 new routes are across the Taiwan Strait. But which low-cost airline launched a new route to Baghdad? Which airline now connects two Scandinavian capital airports? And which is the next country market for fast-growing Pegasus Airlines of Turkey?

How have Air Malta’s passenger numbers developed in recent years, and how seasonal is demand to and from the Mediterranean island. Which are its leading city and country markets? How much of a challenge does Ryanair represent and what have been Air Malta’s key network developments this winter?

Chengdu in China’s Sichuan Province may be famous as the home of the Great Panda, but which market dominates the airport’s traffic? Which major domestic routes stick out? And which long-haul routes serve the airport?

Turkey’s air transport market is going from strength to strength. Airport traffic is booming and its two major airlines are both reporting double-digit growth. But which two airports have swopped places in the top 12 rankings? And which airlines have already announced what new routes to and from Turkey this summer?

In this new category of articles, we report on events relating to the worldwide network planning community that don’t relate directly to the launch or suspension of routes. This week’s report reveals the clue to Rome Airports’ puzzle, shows the magnificent cake baked to celebrate Swiss’ frequency boost, and reports on Christchurch International Airports’ new ambassadors from the world of sports.