Welcome to this week’s Orbit Travel Brief.
Your snapshot of the latest travel advisories, airline updates and key developments across the travel industry, helping you stay informed and in control of your travel programme.
The Australian Government has downgraded travel advice for key Gulf transit hubs including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE from Do Not Travel (Level 4) to Reconsider Your Need to Travel (Level 3).
While this is a positive step for travellers and businesses, Level 3 remains a serious advisory. Travellers should carefully assess the need for travel, stay informed of developments and be prepared for conditions to change with little notice.
At Orbit World Travel, we’re continuing to monitor the situation closely and support our clients with real-time travel intelligence, itinerary management and 24/7 assistance, ensuring travellers can make informed decisions every step of the journey.
If you have upcoming travel through the region or would like to review your travel programme, speak with your trusted Orbit Travel Advisor.
This month, Orbit launched an exclusive client incentive offering the chance to win a share of 500,000 Qantas Points and Gold Frequent Flyer status.
As an added bonus, Qantas Business Rewards members can now earn triple Qantas Points on eligible Qantas flights booked through Orbit World Travel (AU) by 30 June 2026.
Exclusive to customers across the CT Partners network. T&Cs apply.
Virgin Australia has resumed daily services from Sydney and Melbourne to Doha through its partnership with Qatar Airways.
Services from Brisbane and Perth are scheduled to resume from 16 September, further enhancing access to Europe, the Middle East and Africa via Doha.
Virgin Australia expects to receive its first Boeing 737-10 aircraft in late 2027 as part of its ongoing fleet renewal program.
The larger aircraft will provide additional capacity across the airline’s domestic and short-haul international network while supporting its commitment to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
China Eastern Airlines has resumed seasonal services between Adelaide and Shanghai, operating three times weekly.
Flights will continue through August before returning from 18 December 2026 through to mid-February 2027.
Air New Zealand’s Wellington Domestic Lounge remains closed following damage caused by a terminal fire at Wellington Airport.
Temporary lounge arrangements are in place for eligible customers while repairs continue.
Jetstar will launch services between Brisbane and Western Sydney International Airport from 26 October 2026, operating three weekly flights.
Qantas will follow from 28 March 2027 with four weekly Brisbane services operated by QantasLink.
Western Sydney International Airport officially opens on 25 October 2026.
Several carriers have increased services between Melbourne and the Middle East, providing greater choice for travellers:
Brisbane Airport has become Australia’s first major airport to trial autonomous robotic mowers across its airside operations.
The initiative is expected to save more than 60,000 litres of diesel annually while supporting the airport’s sustainability objectives through a fully electric, renewable-powered mowing fleet.
Velocity Frequent Flyer members can earn double Status Credits on eligible Virgin Australia flights when they activate and book by 30 June 2026 and travel between 17 June and 12 July 2026.
The offer provides an opportunity to maintain or accelerate Velocity Status while travelling for business or leisure.
If you would like support with upcoming travel, or to understand how these updates may impact your travel programme, our team is here to help.
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