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.
Travel conditions across parts of the Middle East remain fluid, with airline schedules continuing to adjust in response to evolving conditions. For the latest updates, refer to Smartraveller or the Orbit Travel Hub for airline alerts and official advisories.
Hawaiian Airlines has joined the oneworld alliance, expanding global connectivity and benefits for frequent travellers.
Customers can now access priority services, additional baggage allowances and lounge access across the oneworld network, with the alliance covering nearly 1,000 destinations across more than 170 countries.
Qantas Frequent Flyers can earn and redeem Qantas Points and Status Credits on eligible Hawaiian Airlines flights, with benefits extended when travelling on Qantas or Alaska Airlines flight numbers.
The airline also continues to offer competitive long-haul inclusions, including two complimentary checked bags on Sydney–Honolulu services and the option of a free stopover in Hawai‘i when travelling onwards to the United States.
Qantas has extended capacity adjustments across its network through to September, driven by ongoing fuel cost pressures.
The airline is increasing capacity into Europe, adding approximately 2,000 seats per week, including extended Perth–Rome services through to October. Paris services will operate three times per week via Singapore.
To support this shift, some routes will be reduced or suspended, including Sydney–Bengaluru services from August to October, alongside select trans-Tasman and Jetstar-operated services.
Virgin Australia has confirmed plans to resume services from Sydney and Melbourne to Doha from 15 June, in partnership with Qatar Airways.
Services from Brisbane and Perth remain suspended until at least mid-September.
Qatar Airways will resume daily services between Adelaide and Auckland from 17 June, strengthening connectivity across its global network.
Air New Zealand partnered with the Auckland War Memorial Museum to deliver a commemorative Anzac Day service onboard flight NZ101 from Auckland to Sydney.
Each seat honoured a serviceperson, with a dedicated edition of Kia Ora magazine sharing their stories, alongside a performance of The Last Post at the boarding gate. The airline also made a charitable donation to the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association.
Sydney Airport has recorded its strongest first quarter for international travel, with 4.57 million passengers in Q1 2026, up 5.8% year-on-year.
Domestic travel also increased, supported by continued investment in terminal upgrades, including new self-service check-in and bag drop technology in Terminal 2.
Brisbane Airport has commenced a staged replacement of 20 aerobridges at the International Terminal, with works scheduled through to 2029.
The upgrades are being delivered in a live operating environment, with installations already underway at multiple gates. The new infrastructure is expected to improve safety, reliability and long-term operational performance.
The recent GBTA Auckland Forum brought together corporate travel and events leaders to explore the outlook for business travel and sustainability.
Discussions focused on changing market conditions, evolving traveller expectations and the growing importance of practical, data-led sustainability strategies.
Representing Orbit’s trans-Tasman network, Managing Director Brendan Drury and Sustainability Manager Anna Marshall shared insights on how organisations are adapting travel programmes, with a focus on balancing cost, traveller experience and environmental impact.
The forum reinforced the increasing strategic role of travel programmes within organisations, alongside the value of industry collaboration and shared insight.
If you would like support with upcoming travel, or to understand how these updates may impact your travel programme, our team is here to help.
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