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.
Travellers are reminded to remain alert to fraudulent payment requests following reports of a data security incident involving a technology platform used by some accommodation providers.
Be particularly cautious of unexpected emails, SMS or WhatsApp messages requesting payment, credit card details or directing you to a payment link associated with an accommodation booking.
If you receive a suspicious request, do not click the link or use the contact details provided. Instead, contact your Orbit consultant or the accommodation provider directly using verified contact information.
This advice applies to all accommodation bookings, including those made through online booking platforms.
If in doubt, stop and verify before you pay.
A series of reported bomb threats has disrupted flights across Europe, with more than 30 aircraft affected by security alerts, diversions or precautionary measures.
Travellers flying within or through Europe should monitor airline communications, allow additional time for connections and follow instructions from airport and security authorities.
A new US public health entry requirement took effect on 4 November 2026 (Australian time), requiring all passengers travelling to or connecting through the United States to confirm they have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during the previous 21 days.
The requirement applies regardless of nationality, including US citizens and permanent residents, and forms part of measures to reduce the risk of Ebola entering the country.
Travellers must complete an attestation before boarding their flight. Those who have recently visited or transited through the DRC may be unable to travel until the required 21-day period has passed.
Travellers should follow their airline’s instructions for completing the declaration and ensure their booking contact details are current.
Asiana Airlines flights departing from 17 December 2026 will transition to Korean Air flight numbers as the two carriers progress their integration.
Affected reservations and ticket details are being transferred progressively, with international booking updates scheduled through to 3 December. Some booking classes and flight numbers may change, although existing flight schedules are expected to remain largely unchanged.
Travellers with upcoming Asiana bookings should monitor communications and check their updated itinerary before departure.
Qantas will launch Australia’s first non-stop flights to Cape Town on 19 October 2027, introducing a new seasonal connection between Sydney and South Africa.
Operating three times weekly on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner until March 2028, the service will complement Qantas’ existing Johannesburg routes and provide more convenient access to Cape Town for business and leisure travellers.
The new route is expected to add almost 30,000 seats between Australia and South Africa, with flights now on sale.
British Airways will resume daily Melbourne to London Heathrow services via Kuala Lumpur from 11 January 2027, marking the airline’s return to Melbourne after more than 20 years.
Operated by Boeing 787 aircraft, the year-round service will offer four cabin classes and provide another option for travellers flying between Australia, Malaysia and the United Kingdom.
The new route will complement British Airways’ existing Sydney to London service.
Singapore Airlines has increased its Adelaide to Singapore schedule to 12 flights per week, becoming the first international carrier to offer 12 year-round weekly services from Adelaide Airport.
The additional frequency provides South Australian travellers with greater flexibility and more connections across Singapore Airlines’ international network.
Virgin Australia has announced plans to expand its premium lounge network, including reopening its invitation-only Beyond Lounge in Perth in early 2027 and undertaking a major refurbishment of its Brisbane domestic lounge.
The Brisbane upgrade will introduce approximately 100 additional seats, improved workspaces, charging facilities and upgraded amenities.
The airline has also introduced WhatsApp customer service for eligible Beyond, Velocity Platinum Plus and Virgin Australia Business Flyer members, providing another way to access travel support.
Sydney Airport will welcome its first independent domestic airport lounge in early December 2026, with Plaza Premium Group opening a new 113-seat facility at Terminal 2.
Unlike traditional airline lounges, the new Plaza Premium Lounge will be available to all departing T2 passengers, regardless of airline, ticket class or frequent flyer status.
The lounge will offer quiet workspaces, high-speed connectivity, dining and bar facilities, with access available through advance bookings or walk-in entry, starting from $54.
Sydney Airport has launched SYD Hosts, a new premium service offering personalised assistance for international travellers arriving, departing or connecting through Terminal 1.
The service provides dedicated support through airport processes, including check-in, security, border formalities, baggage collection and onward connections.
Available to all international passengers through advance booking, SYD Hosts is designed to simplify the airport experience for travellers seeking additional convenience and assistance.
Perth Airport is preparing to open its new P1 transport hub, introducing significant changes to passenger pick-up, drop-off, taxi and rideshare arrangements at Terminal 1.
Once operational, the six-level facility will become the main ground transport access point for Terminal 1, with more than 1,700 parking bays and additional passenger pick-up and drop-off capacity.
The opening date is yet to be confirmed, with testing underway. Travellers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new arrangements and allow additional time when the changes take effect.
Melbourne Airport has been recognised as a 2026 GRESB Infrastructure Sector Leader, achieving a perfect score of 100/100 and retaining its highest 5-Star GRESB Rating.
The airport also ranked first among airports in Australia and New Zealand, with the assessment recognising its performance across environmental, social and governance (ESG) areas, including climate action, biodiversity, risk management and stakeholder engagement.
As Melbourne Airport progresses its International Terminal Expansion and third runway development, sustainability remains a key focus in supporting the airport’s long-term growth.
As organisations look for practical ways to reduce the environmental impact of corporate travel, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is becoming an increasingly important part of the conversation.
Orbit World Travel’s Sustainability Lead, Anna Marshall, recently spoke with Isobel Campbell, SAF specialist and founder of Joulec, to explore how SAF works, its potential to reduce aviation’s lifecycle emissions and what businesses should consider before investing.
From SAF certificates and credible emissions reporting to practical first steps, the discussion offers valuable insights for organisations looking to incorporate SAF into their broader travel and sustainability strategies. Read More
Club Med’s Black Friday sale offers up to 20% off selected all-inclusive beach and ski holidays across Asia. Book by 1 December 2026 for travel between 14 November 2026 and 28 May 2027.
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 is bringing together luxury travel, culture and the arts with two exclusive Hosted Journeys featuring Li Cunxin AO and Mary Li, in partnership with Explora Journeys and Queensland Ballet.
Guests can discover the beauty of the Mediterranean in 2027 or experience Japan and South Korea during cherry blossom season in 2028, with exceptional accommodation, exclusive experiences and special moments with Li and Mary along the way.
Choose one extraordinary journey or experience both.
Be among the first to discover what’s planned. Register your interest today.
Whether you’re planning your next trip or reviewing your corporate travel programme, our team is here to help.
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