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 Australian High Commission in Nairobi has temporarily closed to the public due to ongoing protests across Kenya. Disruptions may include road closures and increased security presence. Travellers are advised to exercise a high degree of caution. Australians requiring consular assistance can contact the emergency centre on +61 2 6261 3305.
Etihad Airways is offering members a complimentary Abu Dhabi stopover programme, including 1–2 nights in selected 3- or 4-star hotels, or premium 5-star stay packages from USD250 per person. The offer applies to new return bookings on Etihad-operated flights, with stopovers between 24 and 96 hours. Booking requests must be submitted at least 10 working days before arrival.
Air New Zealand has opened bookings for its new Economy Skynest™ sleep pods on Auckland–New York flights operated by the new 787-9 aircraft, with travel from 24 December 2026.
The world-first lie-flat sleep zone offers Economy and Premium Economy passengers four-hour rest sessions from AU$495 per person.
Air New Zealand will launch a seasonal non-stop service between Perth and Christchurch, operating three times per week from 30 November 2026 to May 2027.
Qantas will add 40,000 additional seats between Brisbane and Hobart from October 2026 through to August 2027.
Services will increase to daily through peak periods, before operating four times per week.
A proposed new Australian ultra-low-cost airline, Zinc, is planning to launch domestic operations from Western Sydney International Airport, targeting high-volume routes between Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Founded by former aviation executive Peter Kelly, the airline aims to operate a single Airbus A321neo fleet using a low-cost model designed to reduce fares and increase competition across key domestic routes.
Zinc’s plans remain subject to funding and regulatory approval, with Western Sydney International Airport expected to play a central role due to its curfew-free operations and expanded growth capacity.
The government has cleared the way for Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways to add additional daily services into Western Sydney International Airport. With over 3 million people living within an hour of WSI and the airport operating 24 hours, this will open up a new level of connectivity via the UAE and Doha.
Western Sydney International Airport has appointed Wilson Parking Australia to manage its four car parks when initial passenger services begin in October.
The airport will offer more than 6,000 car spaces for long- and short-term parking, as well as EV charging bays, and accessible parking options.
Auckland International Airport was named the leading airport in the 15–40 million passenger category, receiving platinum status in the Green Airports Recognition 2026 awards.
The awards, presented by Airports Council Asia Pacific & Middle East, recognised 12 airports across multiple categories. Hong Kong International Airport topped the category for airports handling over 40 million passengers, while Kansai and Melbourne airports were also recognised in the same tier as Auckland.
Across other categories, Kaohsiung received platinum status in the 5–15 million passenger category, while Nadi International Airport and New Plymouth Airport were recognised in the under five million category.
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