Business Travel News – October 26
Airline news
Early bird airfares out now
Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways have released early bird fares for 2027, with booking deadlines approaching this month.
Singapore Airlines offers selected destinations across Asia, Europe and North America. Book by 29 October 2026 for selected travel periods between January and September 2027. Economy return fares from Melbourne include Bangkok from $897 and London from $1,794.
Qatar Airways offers more than 40 European destinations, with Sydney–Rome return fares from $1,779 in Economy and $8,699 in Business. Book by 30 October 2026 for selected 2027 travel dates.
Contact your Spencer Corporate Travel consultant today to compare fares, dates and conditions.
Fares are per person in AUD, subject to availability. Selected travel dates, blackout periods and conditions apply.
Qatar and UAE travel advice lowered
The Australian Government’s travel advice for Qatar and the United Arab Emirates has been lowered to Level 2, “exercise a high degree of caution”. DFAT has warned that further regional escalation could cause airspace closures and flight cancellations affecting Gulf hubs. Check current travel advice at www.smartraveller.gov.au
Riyadh airport security warning
Following missile and projectile attacks at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, Smartraveller is advising Australians not to travel to the airport, while Saudi Arabia remains at “reconsider your need to travel”. Check current travel advice at www.smartraveller.gov.au
China Airlines increases Australian services
China Airlines will increase Sydney to Taipei services to daily flights from 25 October, alongside frequency increases from Melbourne and Brisbane. The expanded schedule provides additional connections via Taipei to destinations across Northeast Asia and Europe, including Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom.
Etihad announces global lounge refresh
Etihad Airways will begin upgrading its global lounges with a refurbishment at London Heathrow in northern summer 2027. Planned features include dedicated business and first class spaces and private suites for The Residence guests. The program aims to create a more consistent experience across the airline’s lounges and aircraft.
Singapore Airlines and Air India expand partnership
Singapore Airlines and Air India are expanding their partnership from 15 October, opening booking options across 126 weekly flights between Singapore and eight Indian cities. Enhanced reciprocal benefits for KrisFlyer and Maharaja Club members are scheduled to launch in the second quarter of 2027.
Qatar Airways refreshes premium service
Qatar Airways will introduce first and business class menus developed with Australian chef Ross Lusted from February to July 2027. Other updates include cocktails and mocktails by Lorenzo Antinori and new Diptyque amenity kits. The airline also reported that more than 150 widebody aircraft are equipped with Starlink connectivity.
New lounge options at Bangkok airport
Plaza Premium First and Plaza Premium Lounge have opened on Concourse G at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. Facilities include dining, showers and relaxation spaces, with high-speed wi-fi and charging stations in Plaza Premium Lounge. Both venues welcome international departing and connecting passengers, regardless of airline or cabin class. Advance bookings are available.
British Airways plans A380 cabin overhaul
British Airways will refurbish all four cabin classes across its 12 A380 aircraft. Each aircraft will feature 106 business class seats, 12 first class suites, 84 premium economy seats and 215 economy seats. Updates cover seating, entertainment, bedding and menus. The first refurbished aircraft is expected to enter service in the coming months.
UK begins contactless airport gate rollout
The UK has begun introducing contactless airport eGates using facial recognition to match verified immigration, travel and passport information. Australians are among the eligible travellers. Testing has showed processing speeds up to 25% faster. All UK airports are expected to be upgraded by early 2027, with passports still required during the rollout.
Qantas confirms Sydney–New York Sunrise plans
Qantas has confirmed Sydney-New York as its second Project Sunrise route, with flights scheduled to begin from mid-2028. Tickets for the inaugural service will go on sale from August 2027. Qantas says the non-stop service will reduce journey time by more than three hours compared with current one-stop routes.
Qantas opens Adelaide innovation centre
Qantas has opened a Product Innovation Centre in Adelaide to accelerate the delivery of digital experiences onboard its flights. Fifty employees have begun working at the centre, with recruitment planned for another 40 roles. Qantas is also partnering with Adelaide University on graduate recruitment pathways.
Air India considers further Australian destinations
Air India’s expanding fleet could support future services to additional Australian destinations, including Perth and Western Sydney International. The airline expects up to 55 aircraft deliveries annually from 2027. Its immediate priority remains strengthening existing services, with no new Australian routes confirmed in the article. Air India is also preparing a direct booking portal for Australian advisors without their own booking website or NDC capability.
Cathay Pacific cancels seasonal Cairns return
Cathay Pacific has confirmed it will not resume its three-times-weekly seasonal Cairns–Hong Kong service for summer 2026–27, citing commercial factors. Travellers flying between Cairns and Hong Kong will need to connect through another gateway, such as Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne.
British Airways expands Heathrow upgrades
British Airways has announced a new lounge at Heathrow’s Terminal 5 C Gates and redevelopment of its Terminal 5 arrivals lounge. It will also introduce a new First check-in experience at Terminal 3 with American Airlines. The new lounge will include dining and relaxation areas and showers.
Paperless trans-Tasman travel trial proposed
New Zealand’s governing National Party has proposed a paperless airport gate trial for eligible Australian and New Zealand travellers in 2028. Passengers would still require a valid, pre-registered passport, but could use smartphones and biometrics during immigration processing. The proposal requires formal Australian approval and legislative changes in both countries.
Hawaiian and Alaska announce premium cabin upgrades
Alaska Air Group has announced premium product updates across Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines. Hawaiian’s 24 Airbus A330s, which serve Sydney–Honolulu, will receive 22 enhanced lie-flat Leihoku suites. Alaska plans 34 Aurora Suites across its Boeing 787 fleet. Both airlines will introduce Premium Reserve, a premium economy cabin with 38-inch seat pitch and leg and calf rests.
Plaza Premium refreshes Taiwan lounges
Plaza Premium Group has refurbished four lounges across Terminals 1 and 2 at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. Updates include reconfigured seating, refreshed interiors and expanded dining options. The Terroir lounge in Terminal 2 also offers private rest suites in single and double-occupancy configurations.
Solomon Airlines adjusts fares and fees
Solomon Airlines has announced adjusted fares, fuel surcharges and ancillary fees for tickets issued from 12 October. Changes apply on a sector-by-sector basis, with increases varying by route.
Hotel news
InterContinental Brisbane announces major refurbishment
InterContinental Brisbane will begin a major refurbishment in October, scheduled for completion in late 2027. Guest rooms, suites, public spaces and meeting and event areas will be progressively updated. Room numbers will increase from 319 to 324, with a relocated Club InterContinental lounge, new restaurants and a refreshed pool deck.
Oaks Auckland launches refreshed experience
Oaks Auckland Hotel has relaunched with updated interiors and a refreshed brand identity. It is the first property in Oaks’ 70-hotel Australasian portfolio to undergo the transformation. Features including locally sourced barista coffee, grab-and-go pantry options and an evening sleep ritual will gradually roll out across the portfolio in 2027.
Hilton identifies changing traveller priorities
Hilton’s 2027 Trends Report highlights growing interest in flexible, personalised travel and wellness. Based on a global survey including more than 1,000 Australians, the report found 74% of Australian respondents trusted hotel staff as a travel-planning resource. It also found 58% preferred trips combining multiple experiences within a short timeframe.
IHG plans Australian extended-stay expansion
IHG Hotels & Resorts plans 15 Staybridge Suites properties along Australia’s east coast over the next 15 years, representing approximately 2,000 rooms. The brand caters to stays of a week or longer. The first two properties, planned for Parramatta and Leppington, are scheduled to open in 2030.
Our 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.
