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.
Airline operations across parts of the Middle East continue to evolve, with carriers progressively adjusting schedules and restoring services.
Emirates is now operating to 137 destinations across 72 countries, with services continuing to rebuild across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Australasia.
The airline has also confirmed the return of additional seasonal Athens services from 1 June to 24 October, complementing its existing daily operations between Dubai and Athens.
From Australia, Emirates continues to operate daily Perth services using the Emirates A350 through to 1 July 2026, bringing the airline’s latest aircraft product onto the route.
Emirates continues to progressively restore connectivity across its global network.
Turkish Airlines has resumed flights to key Middle East destinations, improving connectivity for Australian travellers transiting through Istanbul.
The UK Government has introduced temporary contingency measures aimed at reducing the risk of last-minute flight cancellations during the northern summer travel period, following concerns around potential fuel supply disruptions impacting airport operations.
The measures are designed to give airlines greater flexibility to adjust schedules earlier and operate more reliably during peak travel periods. This includes allowing carriers to consolidate services on routes with multiple daily flights, move passengers onto alternative services in advance, and avoid operating low-load flights where required.
Airlines will also be permitted to temporarily hand back a limited number of airport slots without losing future usage rights, supporting more realistic scheduling and helping minimise short-notice disruption for travellers.
Hong Kong Airlines will increase its Melbourne–Hong Kong services from three weekly flights to up to daily services during the September and October peak period.
The airline has continued expanding capacity since launching Melbourne services in late 2025.
Singapore Airlines will progressively introduce Starlink inflight connectivity across selected A350 and A380 aircraft from early 2027.
Eligible Suites, First Class and Business Class passengers, along with PPS Club and KrisFlyer members travelling in Premium Economy and Economy, will continue to receive complimentary Wi-Fi access on enabled aircraft.
Singapore Airlines will launch new five-times-weekly Madrid services from 26 October 2026, operating via Barcelona.
The airline is also increasing services to Manchester, Milan, Munich and London Gatwick, as travellers continue favouring Asian transit hubs for Europe-bound travel.
Air France KLM has released additional capacity from South-East Asia across the European summer period.
Air France will operate four additional Singapore–Paris services during June 2026, while KLM has added extra Bangkok–Amsterdam flights across May and June.
Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) has released its long-term development plan, forecasting significant growth over the coming decades.
Passenger numbers are forecast to grow from 8.4 million annually in 2030 to 82 million by 2063. Future plans include expanded terminals, commercial precincts and a potential second runway around 2055.
The airport also highlighted its capability to support future ultra long-haul services, including potential nonstop routes from Sydney to London and Istanbul.
Outrigger Resorts & Hotels has achieved Green Key Eco-Rating certification across eight Hawaii properties, becoming the most Green Key-certified hospitality brand in the state.
The certification recognises environmental and sustainability performance across areas including energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation and responsible tourism practices. Properties are rated on a one to five Green Key scale, with five representing the highest level of certification.
Outrigger Kaua‘i Beach Resort & Spa was the group’s first property to achieve certification in 2025. Since then, Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa, Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk and Outrigger Kā‘anapali Beach Resort have each achieved four Green Keys. Outrigger Waikiki Paradise Hotel, Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort and Outrigger Kaua‘i Beach Resort & Spa currently hold three Green Keys.
The certifications form part of Outrigger’s broader sustainability initiatives across its Hawaii portfolio.
Enjoy double Velocity Points or double Status Credits on eligible Virgin Australia flights within Australia, across the Tasman, and on International Short Haul.
How? In 3 easy steps:
1. Select your bonus by 15 May 2026
2. Book eligible flights by 15 May 2026
3. Travel by 31 December 2026
If you have any questions, speak with your Orbit Travel Advisor or find out more here, including full T&Cs.
As part of your organisation’s partnership with Orbit, staff are eligible to join The Club, unlocking access to exclusive leisure travel benefits, dedicated travel support and member-only offers.
Member benefits include:
The Club also helps support employee wellbeing by making it easier for staff to plan, book and enjoy well-earned leave.
To find out more or join The Club, speak to your Partnership Manager or contact cl************@*********el.au
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.
1800 067 819 | cl************@*********el.au
