Business travel news & insights
MARCH 2026
Airline news
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Middle East flight disruptions
Severe flight disruptions continue across the Middle East as a result of regional conflict which has caused airspace closures, widespread cancellations and rerouting. Following the partial reopening of regional airspace, many carriers are operating limited, reduced schedules with significant, ongoing delays.
Key updates:
• Emirates: Operating a reduced schedule, with many flights cancelled or delayed due to partial airspace closures. Check flight status before travel.
• Qatar Airways: Operations heavily affected, with many cancellations and temporary, limited ‘relief flights’ operating from hubs like Muscat and Riyadh. Check flight status before travel.
• Etihad Airways: Etihad has resumed a limited number of commercial flights from Abu Dhabi to key destinations. Check flight status before travel.
• Travel Advisory: Many governments, including Australia (DFAT), have advised against all travel to the UAE, Qatar, Israel, Iran, Lebanon, and surrounding areas due to safety risks. Check Smartraveller.gov.au for more details. And current travel advisory for Australian nationals.
Passengers are advised to check directly with their airline or travel consultant for the latest flight status and expect significant travel delays and potential cancellations.
Jet fuel prices expected to increase airfares
According to new analysis from Skift Research, the war with Iran could see airfares rise at least 11% to offset the increasing fuel costs. Jet fuel is the single largest expense for most U.S. airlines, accounting for $1 out of every $5 that an airline spends. Travel Daily reports indicate both Qantas and Air New Zealand have implemented initial fare increases in response to rising fuel costs.
1H FY2026 Reporting Season: AU/NZ Carrier Updates
Qantas
Qantas reported a solid first half result for FY2026, with underlying profit before tax rising 5% to $1.46 billion, supported by strong travel demand and continued fleet investment. The airline added 18 new aircraft during the period and maintained a group operating margin of 12.3%, while domestic operations remained a key driver with EBIT exceeding $1 billion. For corporate travel programs, the results signal continued demand strength across the Australian market, ongoing investment in fleet renewal, and further enhancements to the Frequent Flyer program, including the rollover of unused status credits.
Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia delivered strong financial momentum in the first half of FY2026, reporting underlying EBIT of $490 million, up 11.7% year on year, alongside a 20.7% increase in net profit after tax to $279 million. Revenue growth of 9.3% and a 6.4% rise in revenue per available seat kilometre reflect sustained travel demand and improved yield performance. The airline’s Velocity loyalty program also posted solid growth, with EBIT rising 14.8% to $74 million. For corporate travel buyers, the results highlight continued network stability, strengthening financial performance and the growing value of loyalty engagement through the Velocity program.
Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand reported a more challenging first half, posting a pre-tax loss of NZ$59 million compared with a NZ$144 million profit in the same period last year. The airline cited global engine maintenance delays, slower recovery in domestic travel demand and rising aviation system costs as key factors impacting performance. While operational constraints remain in the near term, these pressures are largely linked to industry-wide supply chain issues, which may continue to influence capacity and scheduling across trans-Tasman and regional routes important to corporate travel programs.
Qantas to accept expired UK passports for dual citizens
Qantas has agreed to accept expired UK passports for dual citizens of Australia / United Kingdom travelling to the UK, so long as the documents were issued from 1989 onwards. The UK Home Office recently updated its policy requiring Australian and UK dual citizens to enter the UK on a UK passport, to allow airlines to make a discretionary decision to accept expired UK passports.
Air NZ cuts flights
Air New Zealand will cut 1,100 flights over the coming weeks in response to rising fuel prices. The schedule reductions will take place from 16 March to 03 May and are expected to impact approximately 44,000 travellers. Air NZ CEO, Nikhil Ravishankar said the majority of travellers will be accommodated on flights taking off the same day.
AirAsia to end DRW
AirAsia will cease its Darwin-Malaysia service on 28 April due to low booking volumes, only eight months after launching the service.
Airlines mark IWD and spotlight women in aviation
Qantas and Jetstar operated a week of flights with all-female crews, putting more than 2,500 customers on services designed to spotlight women in aviation and help build the talent pipeline. Virgin Australia expanded its Future Aviators Program to regional Queensland schools, with nearly 60 schoolgirls taking part in aviation-focused activities aimed at growing the future workforce.
Jetstar launches new in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi upgrades
Jetstar is also rolling out a new entertainment and Wi-Fi experience from March 2026 on eligible 787 flights, signalling a clearer premium push within its low-fare model.
Qantas launches direct Sydney–Las Vegas service
Qantas has announced a seasonal direct flight from Sydney to Las Vegas commencing 29 December 2026 through to 12 March 2027. Operating as QF55, the non-stop service will operate three times per week on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, with a flight duration of just under 14 hours.
China Eastern daily to BNE
China Eastern Airlines has announced it will fly to Brisbane from Shanghai on a daily basis from 15 June. The permanent increase in services (from current five flights per week) will deliver an annual capacity of almost 100,000 seats between the major cities.
Royal Brunei temporary direct to LHR
Royal Brunei Airlines has announced a temporary non-stop service between Brunei and London Heathrow until 27 March to bypass its normal Dubai stopover.
Airport investments may drive up airfares
Travellers could face upward pressure on airfares in the coming years as Australia’s major airports ramp up infrastructure investment, according to the latest Airport Monitoring Report from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. The report found that Australia’s four largest airports, SYD, MEL, BNE and PER, invested a combined $1.5 billion in aeronautical infrastructure in FY25, a 43% increase on the previous year as airports accelerate upgrades following several years of subdued investment after COVID. The four airports have proposed almost $20 billion in major infrastructure projects over the next decade to support growing passenger demand. However, the Australian Airports Association noted that airport charges are typically negotiated through long term commercial agreements and do not fluctuate with demand in the same way as airline ticket prices.
MEL to add five new gates, upgrade traveller experience
Melbourne Airport’s international terminal will gain an additional 5 gates as part of a $4.5 billion expansion. The extra gates will provide airlines with the opportunity to increase the number of services to MEL and fly new routes from the airport. There are also expansions to the check-in and baggage-claim areas, and improved technology to fast-track processing when entering and exiting the terminal. Other upgrades will include retail facilities, lounges and waiting areas. The first stage of the expansion is due for completion in September.
VA expands pet travel
Virgin Australia will continue its Pets in Cabin services on eligible domestic flights, and looks to expand the initiative to select Adelaide and Launceston flights, subject to airport approvals.
HOTEL NEWS
IHG launches Noted premium collection
IHG has launched a new premium brand, Noted Collection, focusing mainly on conversions in upscale to upper upscale hotels. The hotel group aims to have 150 Noted Collection hotels around the world over the next decade, as an extension to its premium brand portfolio.
Mercure Melbourne opens
Mercure La Trobe Street opened in March and will be the first Mercure hotel to open in Melbourne’s CBD in over a decade. The opening will mark the largest purpose-built hotel development in Melbourne this year, bringing 195 rooms across 18 storeys to a prime location within easy access to Southern Cross Station, Marvel Stadium, Queen Victoria Market and the city’s laneway precinct.
MEETINGS & EVENTS NEWS
Corporate koala experience at Lone Pine
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is extending its corporate and incentive offering to include a new after-hours twilight experience led by its expert wildlife team. Corporate functions, incentive groups and private events of up to 100 guests can enjoy sunset drinks and canapes while taking part in an intimate, guided koala encounter.
News content is sourced from third party sources. While efforts are made to verify and maintain accuracy of this page’s content, we recommend readers conduct their own independent research.
