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.
Smartraveller is advising Australians to review their travel insurance arrangements as several major banks reduce or remove complimentary travel insurance from selected credit cards.
Changes vary between providers and may affect medical expenses, cancellations and delays, lost or damaged luggage, rental vehicle excess and maximum trip durations. Importantly, changes may also apply to existing cardholders.
For businesses, it’s a timely reminder to understand how travellers are insured and whether credit card cover meets the level of protection required by your organisation. Travellers should check their current policy, eligibility and activation requirements before departure rather than assuming previous cover still applies.
If you’re unsure how these changes may affect your travellers, speak with your Orbit Corporate Partnership Manager or Travel Consultant.
Orbit clients can also access 10% off travel insurance through our corporate partner, Go Insurance.
Access 10% off: Go Insurance
Stay up to date: Smartraveller credit card travel insurance update
Etihad Airways will increase its Sydney-Abu Dhabi service to twice daily from 15 December 2026, adding further capacity between Australia and the UAE.
Services will operate using Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, providing greater choice for travellers and more connection options through Abu Dhabi to destinations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
From 26 October, Turkish Airlines will operate its Sydney-Istanbul service via Singapore five times weekly, creating a new bookable option between Sydney and Singapore.
The routing provides additional choice on the busy Sydney-Singapore corridor, with onward connectivity through Istanbul to destinations across the airline’s global network.
United Airlines will introduce its new premium-focused Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on selected Australian services, beginning with Sydney-Houston in October, followed by Sydney-San Francisco from December.
The upgraded aircraft features increased premium seating, including United Polaris Business Class and Premium Plus, adding more premium capacity on key routes between Australia and the US.
Qantas Group is seeking approval to expand services between Australia and Indonesia, including new routes and increased frequencies.
Proposed changes include daily Perth-Jakarta flights from 14 December 2026, increased Melbourne-Jakarta services from March 2027, and new Brisbane-Bali and Jetstar Western Sydney-Bali services.
The additional capacity remains subject to regulatory approval.
Air New Zealand will add three weekly Auckland-Shanghai services between 23 January and 20 February 2027, in addition to its existing daily flights.
The additional capacity will provide greater flexibility for travellers between New Zealand and China during the busy Chinese New Year travel period.
Emirates has updated its checked baggage requirements, with individual bags under the weight concept now limited to 203cm in total dimensions.
Travellers can also save up to 45% on excess baggage charges by purchasing additional baggage in advance on eligible routes.
Travellers carrying oversized or additional baggage should check the applicable allowance and requirements before departure.
Melbourne Airport has opened its new T123 Transport Hub for passengers using Terminal 1 (Qantas), Terminal 2 (International) and Terminal 3 (Virgin Australia).
Private vehicle pick-up and drop-off has moved away from the terminal forecourt to the new hub, which features larger zones, a dedicated roadway and an undercover pick-up area with seating and amenities.
There are no changes to taxi, Uber and rideshare pick-up, buses, coaches, car rental returns or the existing T123 Car Park.
Travellers being picked up or dropped off by private vehicle should familiarise themselves with the new route before travelling.
Brisbane Airport has opened a new 12-lane international passport control facility on Level 4 of the International Terminal.
The relocation brings check-in, security screening and passport control onto the same level, designed to provide a more streamlined departure process for international travellers.
The change forms part of the broader transformation of Brisbane Airport’s International Terminal.
Auckland Airport’s $3.9 billion terminal redevelopment has passed the halfway mark, with the programme remaining on track for completion in 2029.
Travellers will see changes sooner, including a new-look Zone C international check-in area, while the broader programme includes new baggage systems, airfield improvements and transport upgrades.
The redevelopment will eventually allow domestic jet and international passengers to check in under one roof.
Western Sydney International Airport will introduce an electric express shuttle service when passenger operations commence, providing direct connections to Parramatta, Sydney CBD and Sydney Airport.
Initial one-way fares are $25 to Parramatta, $55 to Sydney CBD and $65 to Sydney Airport.
Services will be scheduled around flight arrival and departure times, with tickets available online and from airport terminal kiosks.
American Express Centurion Lounges at Sydney and Melbourne airports have temporarily closed for refurbishment from 6 October.
The Sydney T1 lounge is scheduled to reopen on 20 October, followed by Melbourne T2 on 21 October.
Eligible Platinum and Platinum Business Card members can access participating Plaza Premium lounges during the closures, subject to their Card benefits and applicable access conditions.
Australian travellers could eventually see a new sustainability charge added to airfares as the Federal Government considers how to support increased use and domestic production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
Qantas and Virgin Australia have reportedly proposed a passenger levy as one mechanism to help recover the higher cost of SAF as part of industry consultation on Australia’s transition to lower-carbon fuels.
A transparent passenger charge has previously been identified as one potential mechanism for airlines to recover compliance costs. However, no levy has been confirmed, with consultation and policy development continuing.
For corporate travel programmes, any future levy could introduce another identifiable sustainability-related cost to air travel as the aviation industry works towards reducing emissions.
Book an eligible Orbit Plus rate with Pan Pacific Hotels Group and earn double DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) on eligible spend. Available for bookings made by 30 November 2026, for stays through to 28 February 2027.
Find out more and see how to access the offer.
Through By Invitation, Orbit World Travel offers a collection of Hosted Journeys for travellers looking for something beyond the traditional holiday. Each journey brings together thoughtfully planned experiences, carefully selected accommodation and the ease of travelling with a host. Created for intimate groups, many also offer experiences you wouldn’t find on a typical itinerary. Here are three of our upcoming journeys:
Whether you’re planning your next trip or reviewing your corporate travel programme, our team is here to help.
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