Sompo expands travel delay benefits across Asia

New service offers lounge access for delayed flights

Sompo expands travel delay benefits across Asia

Travel

By Roxanne Libatique

Sompo and Collinson International have broadened their partnership to introduce the Sompo Smart Delay program in Singapore, mainland China, and Malaysia.

This initiative follows their earlier collaboration in Thailand and aims to address the growing demand for enhanced travel insurance benefits amid increasing flight disruptions in the Asia-Pacific region.

Digital access to airport services for policyholders

Under the expanded arrangement, individuals holding single or annual travel insurance policies with Sompo in the newly added markets can access airport lounges and other amenities when their flights are delayed.

To qualify, policyholders must register their flight details in advance – at least two hours before departure in Singapore, and three hours prior in Malaysia and mainland China.

If a delay occurs, customers automatically receive a digital voucher, which can be used for entry to more than 1,800 airport lounges or for alternative services such as airport spas, sleep pods, or restaurant discounts.

The process is streamlined, with no requirement for submitting a claim form, allowing travellers to benefit from immediate support during disruptions.

Responding to travel disruption trends

The launch of Sompo Smart Delay in these markets comes as the region experiences a surge in travel and a corresponding rise in flight delays.

Sompo noted that Cirium’s data from the first half of 2025 indicates that 54 million travellers in Asia-Pacific faced delays exceeding one hour.

Collinson International’s recent research also shows that 80% of travellers in the region have accessed an airport lounge at least once, reflecting a shift in traveller expectations toward premium airport experiences.

Todd Handcock, chief commercial officer and APAC executive chair at Collinson International, said the company is expanding its partnership with Sompo beyond Thailand to include Singapore, mainland China, and Malaysia, where travel spending is significant among consumers.

“As lounge access and premium services become increasingly important to travellers, particularly in the event of a flight delay, this expansion underscores our shared commitment to elevating the travel experience across APAC – providing reassurance and peace of mind when it’s most needed,” he said.

Strategic focus on regional customer needs

Sompo’s president of consumer lines, APAC, Bill Zhang, said the introduction of Sompo Smart Delay to three additional countries aligns with the company’s efforts to expand its suite of travel solutions in Asia.

“Leveraging Collinson International’s extensive portfolio of airport lounges and travel network, combined with our deep understanding and insights of the consumer trends and behaviours across APAC, this new feature will enhance the travel experience and reinforce our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our customers,” he said.

Looking ahead

The companies indicated that the expansion is part of a broader strategy to adapt insurance offerings to the changing landscape of travel in Asia.

Both Collinson International and Sompo plan to continue monitoring market trends and customer feedback to inform future enhancements to their travel insurance products.

The partnership reflects a growing emphasis among insurers on providing practical, real-time solutions for travellers facing unexpected disruptions.

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