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 Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to be introduced toward the end of 2026. Once implemented, Australian passport holders travelling visa-free to any of the 30 participating European Schengen countries will require an ETIAS travel authorisation before departure.
Please note that ETIAS is separate from the European Entry/Exit System (EES).
If you are an Australian citizen and also hold citizenship of a participating European Schengen country or Ireland, you will not be eligible to apply for ETIAS using your Australian passport.
Instead, you will be required to enter the European Schengen Area using the passport issued by your other country of citizenship.
Since February 2026, British dual citizens have been required to present a valid British or Irish passport (or other approved documentation) when travelling to the UK. They can no longer travel using an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) linked to a foreign passport alone, and travellers without the correct documentation may be refused boarding. Dual citizenship may apply through birth or parentage.
If you hold, or may be entitled to, dual citizenship through birth or parentage, check the passport requirements that apply before travelling. If you require a passport from your other country of citizenship, it is recommended you apply well in advance, as processing times can be lengthy.
Further information, including participating countries and implementation updates, is available on the official ETIAS website.
Travellers flying to or transiting through the United States are encouraged to allow extra time at airports, with the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expecting almost 18.7 million passengers to pass through security between 30 June and 6 July.
Major airports are expected to be particularly busy, so allowing additional time for check-in, security screening and boarding is recommended.
From 1 July 2026, travellers entering, leaving or transiting through Vietnam must complete an electronic health declaration before travel.
Travellers may also be asked to provide additional health documentation if required by local authorities. The declaration can be completed online prior to arrival.
Travellers entering or departing South Africa by air, land or sea are now required to complete a mandatory online Traveller Declaration.
The declaration covers goods, currency and other customs information and should be completed within 24 hours of departure. Travellers are encouraged to keep a copy of their confirmation to help avoid delays.
Air New Zealand has continued rolling out its next-generation self-service check-in kiosks, with Christchurch Airport the latest location to receive the upgraded technology.
The new kiosks are designed to improve the check-in experience and reduce processing times. The airline plans to expand the rollout across additional airports throughout New Zealand.
Etihad Airways has introduced its Global Chauffeur service in Sydney for eligible Business Deluxe customers.
The complimentary chauffeur service provides transfers to and from the airport and is available in selected destinations across the Etihad network.
Qatar Airways Privilege Club members transiting through Doha can now receive a complimentary USD20 dining voucher to use at more than 50 participating outlets within Hamad International Airport.
The offer is available for eligible travel until 30 November 2026.
Qantas has increased its Australian domestic change, cancellation and applicable name change fees from AUD110 to AUD121 (GST inclusive) for tickets issued on or after 1 July 2026.
The updated fees apply to voluntary booking changes and cancellations only. Travellers are encouraged to review the fare conditions of their ticket before making changes, as additional charges may apply.
Qantas has temporarily closed its Los Angeles First Lounge following flooding damage.
During the closure, eligible customers will have access to the Los Angeles Business Lounge in Terminal B. The airline expects the First Lounge to remain closed for up to two months.
After more than 50 years, kerbside Pick up and Drop off at Melbourne Airport will come to an end in Kerbside pick-up and drop-off at Melbourne Airport will close in October as part of the airport’s major redevelopment.
Passengers will instead use the new T123 Transport Hub, which will provide dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones, improved traffic flow and direct access from the Tullamarine Freeway.
Brisbane Airport has announced Australia’s largest Area 51 indoor entertainment centre will open at Skygate in late 2027.
The 7,000-square-metre venue will feature climbing arenas, trampolines, obstacle courses, sports courts, toddler play areas and event spaces, further expanding Skygate’s retail and entertainment offering.
Europe’s airport industry continues to make significant progress towards its sustainability goals, with 36 airports now achieving net zero emissions for operations under their direct control.
Originally launched in 2019, the ACI Europe Net Zero Resolution requires participating airports to go beyond setting targets by publishing transparent decarbonisation roadmaps with measurable milestones. These plans include initiatives such as renewable energy, electrification of ground operations, improved energy efficiency and more sustainable airport infrastructure.
As airports continue investing in lower-carbon operations, organisations are placing greater emphasis on understanding the environmental impact of their own business travel. Having access to accurate travel data is becoming increasingly important for sustainability reporting, supplier decisions and measuring progress against ESG goals.
Through Orbit Intelligence, clients can access detailed reporting on travel emissions, traveller behaviour and policy compliance, helping turn sustainability data into informed decision-making. In one recent client programme, enhanced visibility contributed to a 17% reduction in average emissions per flight segment, demonstrating how better data can support more sustainable travel outcomes.
Whether you’re planning your next trip or reviewing your corporate travel programme, our team is here to help.
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