Welcome to this week’s Orbit Travel Brief.
From evolving travel advisories to key airline and airport updates, here’s a snapshot of what’s happening across the travel landscape and what to be aware of in the week ahead.
If you have any questions, our team is here to help.
Smarttraveller has updated its travel advice in response to the evolving security situation in the Middle East.
The following destinations are now under a Level 4 – Do Not Travel advisory: Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar, Syria, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. This advice also applies to transit and layovers in affected locations.
Travellers to, or currently in, the region are strongly encouraged to register with DFAT to receive the latest updates and consular information.
Full advisory: Middle East security situation
DFAT registration: DFAT registration portal
You can also refer to the Orbit Travel Hub, a self-serve resource to check airline alerts, official advisories and important guidance.
Hawaii is continuing to experience severe weather, with a flood watch in effect across O‘ahu, Maui County and Hawaii Island.
A winter storm warning also remains in place for higher elevations on the Big Island, with heavy snow and strong winds expected.
The Hawaii Tourism Authority has advised that parts of the state are under a brown water advisory, with travellers urged to avoid entering the ocean in affected areas.
With a number of peak travel periods approaching, including school holidays and public holiday weekends, increased demand is expected across flights, accommodation and key routes.
Travellers may experience limited availability, higher fares and potential disruptions during these periods.
To avoid impact to your plans, we recommend booking early and allowing additional time when travelling through airports.
View key travel dates and plan ahead here: Busy Travel Periods 2026
From 1 July, Qantas will introduce changes to lounge access for customers travelling on Jetstar-operated flights.
Platinum, Gold and Qantas Club members, along with Complimentary Lounge Invitation holders, will no longer have lounge access when travelling on international Jetstar flights.
Lounge access will still be available when booked on:
Complimentary Lounge Invitations will also only be transferable to another traveller on the same flight.me flight.
United Airlines has announced its new Boeing 787-9 “Elevated” cabin, set to enter service from 2026.
The updated design places greater emphasis on Business and Premium Economy, with increased focus on privacy, comfort and onboard productivity, reflecting ongoing demand for premium long-haul travel.
AirAsia has commenced its Melbourne to Bali service, operating daily with an Airbus A320.
The new route adds approximately 130,000 seats annually to one of Australia’s most in-demand leisure corridors.
British Airways has begun rolling out complimentary Wi-Fi across its fleet, available to all customers in every cabin.
Powered by Starlink, the service will be accessible from take-off to landing, supporting streaming, real-time work and multi-device connectivity.
Qantas has completed upgrades across several regional lounges, along with its Los Angeles Business Lounge.
Work is now underway on the new Sydney International Business Lounge, with completion expected in early 2027.
Auckland Airport will introduce a temporary external check-in area, Zone T, as part of upcoming changes to its international terminal.
Passengers assigned to Zone T will check in at the pavilion before proceeding to the main terminal for bag drop. No self-service kiosks will be available in this zone.
Travellers are encouraged to confirm their check-in zone via the Auckland Airport website within 24 hours of departure. Trials are currently underway, with a full rollout expected shortly.
Singapore Changi Airport has once again been recognised as the world’s best airport, reflecting its continued leadership in service and traveller experience.
Incheon International Airport ranked second.
Melbourne Airport has retained its position as the leading airport in the Australia–Pacific region.
This comes alongside record international passenger volumes and a major international terminal expansion, with staged upgrades to check-in, baggage and passenger facilities underway.
Tourism Australia has introduced a new sustainability initiative, Green is Our Gold, encouraging the industry and travellers to adopt more responsible travel practices.
The programme centres around a shared commitment to protect Australia’s natural environments, cultures and communities, guided by five key principles: Celebrate Community, Embrace Culture, Preserve Place, Respect Wildlife and Take Care.
The initiative reflects growing demand for more sustainable travel, with recent research showing that sustainability is an important factor for 70 per cent of travellers, and a key consideration for business events decision makers.
If you would like support with upcoming travel, or to understand how these updates may impact your plans, our team is here to help.
1800 067 819 | cl************@*********el.au
