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 European Union is reportedly considering extending temporary flexibility around its new Entry/Exit System (EES) beyond the current 6 September deadline, amid concerns about delays at European borders.
The biometric system, which records facial images and fingerprints of non-EU travellers entering the Schengen Area, has experienced congestion at some airports and border crossings since becoming fully operational in April. Current arrangements allow countries to temporarily suspend some EES checks during periods of significant congestion, with EU officials considering an extension to help manage queues during peak travel periods.
Travellers should continue to allow additional time for border processing when entering the Schengen Area.
Cost and service still matter, but strong travel programmes increasingly depend on something broader: visibility.
Do you know where your travel spend is going? Can you account for unused airline credits, measure policy compliance, locate travellers during disruption and understand the carbon impact of your programme?
Our latest insight looks at why transparency is becoming critical to good travel governance, the questions organisations should be asking of their travel programme and how better visibility can lead to better decisions.
For new bookings made from 5 August 2026 on Jetstar Airways flights departing on or after 2 February 2027, carry-on baggage allowances will move from a weight-based to a piece and size-based model.
The change does not apply to Jetstar Japan (GK) flights, which will continue with the existing 7kg onboard allowance.
Updated allowances:
Underseat bag: One bag is included with every fare, with a maximum size of 40 x 30 x 20cm.
Priority Carry-on: Available as an add-on, subject to availability, and includes one overhead bag in addition to the underseat bag. The maximum overhead bag size is 56 x 36 x 23cm.
No individual carry-on bag may weigh more than 10kg.
From 26 October 2026, Turkish Airlines will reroute its five weekly Sydney-Istanbul services via Singapore, replacing the current stop in Kuala Lumpur.
The change will also allow passengers to book the Sydney-Singapore sector independently, adding another full-service option on the route. Services will continue to operate using Airbus A350-900 aircraft, with onward connectivity through Istanbul to destinations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Air India is offering connections from Sydney and Melbourne to Kathmandu via Delhi, with daily connectivity available from September 2026. The expanded schedule provides travellers with greater flexibility when travelling to Nepal, supported by increased connectivity between Melbourne and India.
VietJet will become the third international airline to confirm services from Western Sydney International Airport, joining Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines.
The Vietnamese carrier will commence two weekly return services between Ho Chi Minh City and Western Sydney in January 2027, increasing to three weekly return services from March. The route is expected to operate using Airbus A330 aircraft in a 330-seat configuration.
Fiji Airways has confirmed it is considering services to Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) as part of its future Australian growth strategy.
While no launch date has been announced, the airline has identified WSI’s 24-hour operations, new infrastructure and growing Western Sydney catchment as factors supporting potential expansion. If introduced, the route would provide another direct option to Fiji, with onward connections available through Nadi to North America and destinations across the South Pacific.
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.
Sydney Airport welcomed 9.96 million passengers during the second quarter of 2026, taking total passenger numbers to more than 20.7 million for the first half of the year.
International travel continued to strengthen, with growth across Asian markets helping offset disruption to travel through the Middle East. The figures reflect continued demand for international travel and the strength of Sydney’s diverse global network.
Brisbane Airport welcomed a record 25.2 million passengers during the 2025/26 financial year, with more than one million additional travellers passing through its terminals compared with the previous year.
International passenger numbers exceeded seven million for the first time, supported by strong growth across Asian markets and increased airline capacity. The continued expansion strengthens Brisbane’s connectivity to key international destinations and provides greater choice for corporate travellers.
Perth Airport has scheduled runway maintenance works, with temporary runway closures planned on selected dates over the coming months.
The works form part of the airport’s ongoing maintenance programme to support the safety and reliability of its airfield infrastructure. Airlines may adjust operations around closure periods, so travellers flying to or from Perth should check their flight details before departure and allow additional time where required.
Brisbane Airport is continuing to invest in sustainability across its precinct, with two new 5 Star Green Star certifications and an initiative giving surrendered personal care items a second life in the community.
The new Green Star certifications recognise sustainable building design and construction at Australia Post’s facility in Airport Industrial Park and Alpha Supply’s facility in Export Park, bringing Brisbane Airport’s total to five 5 Star Green Star certified developments in 2026.
The airport is also reducing waste through its partnership with not-for-profit organisation GIVIT. Over the past 12 months, more than 15,600 unopened personal care items, equivalent to 7.8 tonnes of product, surrendered at international security screening have been donated to more than 25 Queensland charities supporting people experiencing hardship.
What this means for your travel programme: Sustainability across aviation extends beyond aircraft emissions. From more sustainable airport infrastructure to reducing waste and supporting local communities, initiatives such as these demonstrate how environmental and social considerations are increasingly being embedded across the broader travel ecosystem.
At By Invitation, we’re proud to partner with Regent Seven Seas Cruises to give our clients access to one of the world’s leading luxury cruise experiences.
Join us in September for a morning or afternoon exploring Regent’s highly anticipated 2028/2029 Voyage Collection, including new itineraries and the latest developments across the fleet.
Whether you’re considering your first Regent voyage or planning your next, you’ll hear directly from Regent specialists and meet our By Invitation luxury travel advisors, who will be available to answer questions and help with your travel plans.
Places are limited and registrations are essential.
Can’t make the event, and don’t want to miss out…
Regent’s Oceans of Discovery offer is available until 31 August 2026, with savings of up to 45% on selected 2026 and 2027 sailings and suite categories.
Speak with a By Invitation Travel Advisor to explore available destinations, sailings and suite options.
Whether you’re planning your next trip or reviewing your corporate travel programme, our team is here to help.
1800 067 819
