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.
New Smartraveller update: On 1 August, the Australian Government updated its travel advice following an escalation of conflict across the Middle East.
Travellers are urged to reconsider non-essential travel to several countries in the region, with Israel, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates now at Level 3: Reconsider your need to travel.
Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Yemen remain at Level 4: Do not travel.
Military activity continues to impact airspace, fuel supplies and commercial flight operations, with disruptions possible worldwide, even for travellers not flying to the Middle East. Clients travelling to, from or transiting through the region should monitor airline updates, review their travel insurance and check the latest Smartraveller advice before departure.
Singapore Airlines will increase Adelaide to Singapore services to 12 flights per week from 25 October 2026, adding a further 1,328 seats each week. The additional services provide travellers with greater choice and improved connectivity across Asia, Europe and beyond via Singapore Changi Airport.
Air China has added extra Sydney and Melbourne to Beijing services for travel between 24 September and 9 October 2026, providing increased capacity during the peak holiday period.
China Southern Airlines is expanding its Adelaide to Guangzhou service to daily flights. From 1 December 2026 to 10 March 2027, China Southern will provide even more connections between South Australia, China and beyond. The increase follows the airline’s recent transition to year-round operations and highlights Adelaide’s growing appeal as an international destination.
Offering an extra 1,064 seats each week of the peak summer season. The enhanced service strengthens connectivity between South Australia, China and onward international destinations while providing travellers with greater flexibility during the peak travel season.
China Southern Airlines has announced it will increase the Perth to Guangzhou service to daily flights between 1 December 2026 and 10 March 2027, providing 55,200 seats during the busy Chinese New Year travel period.
China Airlines will increase Brisbane to Taipei services to six flights per week from 26 October 2026, with a new Monday service. Selected flights will also feature a two-cabin Airbus A350-900 from August 2026.
T’way Air will increase its Sydney to Seoul service from five weekly flights to daily between 20 October and 27 March.
Sydney is set to become Australia’s leading gateway to the Philippines in 2027, with more seats available than any other Australian airport. Philippine Airlines will introduce the larger Boeing 777 on the Sydney to Manila route, increasing capacity to meet growing demand. The expansion provides greater choice for business and leisure travellers, while Qantas Frequent Flyer members can also redeem Classic Reward seats across the Philippine Airlines network.
Garuda Indonesia is offering one complimentary domestic flight within Indonesia when customers book an eligible return international fare, for tickets issued and travel completed by 30 November 2026.
Virgin Australia has launched Fly Ahead, giving eligible travellers on Economy Flex fares the option to move to an earlier domestic flight on the same day at no extra cost, subject to availability.
The new benefit offers greater flexibility for business travellers when meetings finish early or travel plans change, with no change fees or fare difference.
To mark the launch, Virgin Australia Business Flyer is also offering Double Points on eligible Economy Flex fares booked and flown between 13 July and 21 August 2026, giving businesses an added opportunity to earn Business Flyer Points while enjoying greater travel flexibility.
Brisbane Airport has unveiled plans for more than 150 projects as part of its Future BNE programme ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Upgrades will include improvements to the international and domestic terminals, new retail and dining precincts, expanded commercial developments and planning for a third passenger terminal. While the redevelopment supports Brisbane 2032, many of the upgrades will be delivered well before the Games, providing business and leisure travellers with a more efficient airport experience.
Qantas has confirmed plans for a brand-new International Business Lounge at Melbourne Airport as part of a major redevelopment of the airport’s international precinct. The new lounge will relocate from its current lower-level location to an upper-level lounge precinct, offering more than 30% additional seating, upgraded dining and bar facilities, improved workspaces and views across the airfield. The project forms part of a long-term agreement between Qantas and Melbourne Airport to enhance the international travel experience, with the new lounge expected to open in late 2027. The investment reflects growing demand for premium international travel and will provide business travellers with a more spacious and contemporary pre-flight experience.
The Australian Government has committed up to $32 million through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to support HAMR Energy’s plans to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) using plantation forestry residues and renewable energy. The project, spanning Victoria and South Australia, aims to establish one of Australia’s first large-scale domestic SAF supply chains, with the potential to produce around 140 million litres of SAF each year while significantly reducing aviation emissions.
Why it matters for your travel programme: Sustainable aviation fuel is one of the most practical ways to reduce emissions from air travel without changing existing aircraft or airport infrastructure. As airlines increase SAF adoption and local production grows, organisations with sustainability targets can expect greater access to lower-emission travel options, improved carbon reporting and a more resilient domestic aviation fuel supply.
Etihad Airways has extended its Global Sale for bookings to 4 August, offering savings of up to 20% on selected Economy and Business fares from Australia to 30+ destinations via Abu Dhabi. Valid for travel between 21 September 2026 and 31 March 2027.
Contact the Orbit Holidays team today to secure your preferred flights.
Whether you’re planning your next trip or reviewing your corporate travel programme, our team is here to help.
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