Shireen Khalil, News.com.au Journalist Profile

Articles

Jetstar takes advantage of huge Thailand boom

1 week ago | news.com.au | Shireen Khalil

Thailand has always been a popular destination among Aussies – but since the release of the latest White Lotus series, travel to the destination has particularly boomed. Not long after the first episode of the new season dropped in February, Expedia searches for Koh Samui, where the film is set, spiked 70 per cent.
Police raid mansion in Thailand, arrest five alleged Aussie investment scammers

1 week ago | news.com.au | Shireen Khalil

Dramatic footage shows the moment Thai police raid a mansion in Bangkok, arresting 13 people including five Australians, allegedly running a scam centre. The scammers allegedly cold-called residents in Australia to fleece victims out of millions of dollars. The centre has now been shut down following an investigation by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), under the Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre’s (JPC3) Operation Firestorm.
Qatar Airways is ‘world’s best’ in Skytrax awards

1 week ago | news.com.au | Shireen Khalil

There’s no holding back Qatar Airways. The Doha-based carrier has been named the World’s Best Airline for 2025 for a record-breaking ninth time in the annual Skytrax’s World Airline Awards – dubbed “the Oscars of the aviation industry”. The awards were held on June 17 at Paris Air Show, in the Air and Space Museum at the Hall of Eight Columns of Le Bourget airport, where roughly 500 guests attended from airlines across the world.
Hidden Airbnb Aussies are obsessed with

1 week ago | news.com.au | Shireen Khalil

A “magical” property in New South Wales has been revealed as one of Airbnb’s Most Wishlisted stays in Australia. Set among trees, perched in a tropical oasis is a romantic and secluded cabin overlooking a creek in Main Arm, located in the Northern Rivers Region. The “Balinese feel” property has been branded a “magical paradise” by guests. But owner Peta said the cabin, which was built in the 1980s, never looked like this before.
Passenger slams Air India day before crash

2 weeks ago | news.com.au | Shireen Khalil

A passenger on board an Air India flight has slammed the airline following a three hour delay due to “technical issues” – a day before its AI171 flight crashed. Leher Sethi, from New Delhi, took to X on June 12 at 4.24am AEST, venting her frustration over Air India flight AI314. She said the aircraft was scheduled for takeoff at 10.20pm from India’s capital, but two and a half hours later, they were still on the tarmac.
National Geographic photographer to host intimate safari tour

2 weeks ago | news.com.au | Shireen Khalil

Australian photographer Jason Edwards has been shooting on safari since the 90s – so safe to say he’s had some pretty incredible experiences. The Melbourne-born snapper, who has been a photographer for National Geographic for 25 years, started shooting at the age of eight, had his first images published at 14 and went on to buy his first camera a year later with his pocket money for $250 – and as the saying goes, the rest is history.
Expat blown away by wild China detail

2 weeks ago | news.com.au | Shireen Khalil

For these two cities bustling with almost 24 million people, you would expect the streets to sound chaotic with the honking of horns and revving of engines – but that’s not the case. Both Shenzhen in southern China and Suzhou, west of Shanghai, are “so quiet”, it’s almost eerie. Social media has become inundated with expats and tourists alike sharing clips of quiet streets across China as electric and hybrid vehicles take over. And not Teslas, they’re mostly domestic brands like BYD.
Terrifying island no tourist is allowed to visit

3 weeks ago | news.com.au | Shireen Khalil

An Aussie scientist has opened up about visiting a remote island infested with thousands of snakes that can melt the flesh off its victims with its toxic venom. The crystal clear waters, lush rainforests and remote status of Ilha de Queimada Grande, just off the coast of Sao Paulo, sound appealing on the surface. But only a handful of soldiers and scientists are granted approval to visit the world’s most dangerous island each year since it was ruled off limits in the 1920s.
Woodcut owner Ross Lusted joins forces with Qatar Airways

3 weeks ago | news.com.au | Shireen Khalil

A renowned Aussie chef has done something he’s never done before – partner with an airline, in a move that will see his famous dishes enjoyed 30,000ft in the air. If you’ve dined at Woodcut in Crown Sydney or Marmelo in Melbourne, then you’d be familiar with Ross Lusted’s clean, bold and flavoursome dishes.
Etihad’s big plane change on Sydney route

3 weeks ago | news.com.au | Shireen Khalil

Passengers flying on Etihad Airways’ popular Sydney to Abu Dhabi route will soon notice a big change. The Middle Eastern carrier will introduce its A350 to the schedule, alongside the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, before fully transitioning its 10 weekly Sydney services to A350 operations, from January 2026. Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engine, it’s deemed one of the most efficient aircraft types in the world, with 25 per cent less fuel burn and CO2 emissions than previous models.