Business Travel News – May 26
Airlines
NOTE – Travellers impacted by ongoing schedule changes are encouraged to monitor updates directly with the airline as services progressively return.
AU Govt secures fuel supply
The Federal Government has announced that its budget will include a major fuel security package aimed at strengthening Australia’s long-term aviation fuel reserves and improving national energy resilience. Under the broader $10 billion fuel package, $3.2 billion will be allocated to establish a government-owned fuel security reserve of around one billion litres.
The initiative is expected to significantly boost Australia’s aviation fuel and diesel supply and storage capability, helping to safeguard critical transport and supply chain infrastructure during periods of global disruption or fuel shortages.
As part of the plan, the Government also intends to increase Australia’s minimum fuel holding requirements by ensuring major fuel companies retain an additional 10 days’ worth of fuel supply at all times under Australian law.
To support implementation, $34.7 million will be allocated over four years to assist industry engagement and help plan the increase in local fuel holdings and storage capacity. The package reflects growing concern around global fuel volatility and the importance of ensuring Australia maintains stronger long-term reserves for both commercial aviation and broader national transport networks.
UAE airspace reopens
Emirates has confirmed a near-full return to operations following recent disruptions across the Middle East, with 96% of the carrier’s global network now back online, including services to and from Australasia.
The airline is operating more than 1,300 weekly frequencies, representing around 75% of its pre-disruption capacity as it progressively restores schedules across key international markets.
QF pauses domestic routes
Qantas has announced the temporary suspension of four domestic routes as it works to offset an estimated $800 million increase in fuel costs.
The airline will pause flights between Melbourne and Hamilton Island from 18 May to 28 Jun, while services between Melbourne and Coffs Harbour will also be suspended during the same period.
Additionally, Qantas confirmed it will indefinitely cancel all flights to and from the regional South Australian city of Mount Gambier from next month.
Jetstar will also reduce domestic services, with the Darwin to Gold Coast route suspended between 18 May and 12 Oct, while Sydney to Busselton services will be paused from 18 May to 22 Sep.
Qantas increases Europe, reduces NZ and India
Qantas Group will reduce capacity to New Zealand across both Qantas and Jetstar between Jul and Sep as part of extended measures to manage rising jet fuel prices.
In a market update released this morning, the airline also confirmed the temporary suspension of its Sydney to Bengaluru service from Aug through to the end of Oct.
The capacity adjustments are designed to help offset mounting fuel cost pressures while allowing the carrier to redeploy aircraft to Europe, where demand has surged in recent months.
VA confirms Doha resumption
Virgin Australia has confirmed its intention to resume services from Sydney and Melbourne to Doha via Qatar Airways from 15 Jun.
The announcement marks a significant step in the gradual restoration of international services impacted by recent Middle East disruptions and airspace instability.
However, services between Brisbane, Perth and Doha will remain suspended up to and including 14 Sep as the airline continues to assess operational conditions and regional airspace access.
QR to resume ADL
Qatar Airways is preparing to resume services to Adelaide and Auckland following a temporary pause linked to the Iranian conflict and associated regional disruptions.
The carrier plans to initially operate a daily Doha-Adelaide-Auckland service from mid-Jun as operations progressively return to normal across the Middle East network.
The resumption is expected to restore important international connectivity for South Australia and New Zealand travellers, particularly for passengers connecting through Doha into Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
Unused VA credits expire 30 June
Virgin Australia customers are being encouraged to redeem any remaining COVID-era flight credits before they expire on 30 Jun.
According to the airline’s FY26 outlook, Virgin Australia is still holding approximately $93 million in unused credits issued during the pandemic period.
Over the past four years, the airline has extended the expiry date of these credits on four separate occasions to assist customers affected by widespread travel disruptions and border closures.
Virgin said more than 90% of all issued credits have already been redeemed. However, the airline also noted that over 90% of remaining COVID credit accounts have shown no activity for more than three years.
Customers holding credits are being urged to review their accounts and make travel arrangements before the final expiry deadline at the end of June.
QF BNE lounge entry relocated
Qantas frequent flyers travelling through Brisbane Airport will notice temporary changes to access arrangements for the airline’s International Lounge.
Passengers are no longer able to enter the lounge after clearing security screening. Instead, until early Sep 2026, lounge access will be located immediately after check-in and before security processing.
Qantas said the temporary relocation is necessary due to “essential works to the lounge entrance escalators and elevators”.
The changes are part of broader infrastructure upgrades taking place within the airport precinct and are expected to remain in place for several months while construction works are completed.
Frequent flyers and premium passengers are encouraged to allow additional time when travelling through Brisbane International Airport during the upgrade period.
Air NZ to introduce economy Skynest beds on longhaul
Air New Zealand will open reservations in May for its highly anticipated Skynest economy sleep pods, with the first service scheduled to operate between Auckland and New York on the Boeing 787-9 from November.
The innovative product features six lie-flat pods positioned in a bunk-style layout between the economy and premium economy cabins, giving economy travellers the opportunity to stretch out, lie flat and sleep during long-haul flights.
Passengers travelling in economy or premium economy will be able to purchase access to a four-hour sleep session for NZ$495 to maximise rest during ultra long-haul journeys.
Each pod includes a full-length lie-flat bed suitable for adult passengers aged 15 years and over, measuring 6’6” long with shoulder width of 25” tapering to 16” at the feet.
Additional features include refreshed bedding between users, privacy curtains, ambient lighting, USB charging ports, airflow ventilation controls, seatbelts for safety while lying down, plus complimentary earplugs and sleep kits.
Top and middle pods are elevated, while lower pods are positioned at floor level.
MH boosts Brisbane
Malaysia Airlines will increase services to Brisbane as demand for international travel continues to strengthen.
The carrier will expand operations to six weekly flights from 16 Aug before increasing to daily services from 25 Oct.
Malaysia Airlines currently operates five weekly flights on the Brisbane route, with the additional frequencies expected to improve connectivity between Australia and Asia while also supporting onward international connections through Kuala Lumpur.
AC pauses NY flights
Air Canada will suspend all flights to New York’s JFK Airport for five months from 01 Jun due to escalating jet fuel prices.
While JFK services will be paused, the airline confirmed it will continue operating flights to both LaGuardia and Newark airports throughout the suspension period.
QF points for premium economy EK
Qantas Frequent Flyer members can now redeem points for Emirates premium economy classic reward seats.
The enhancement expands redemption opportunities across the Qantas and Emirates partnership and provides members with additional premium cabin options on long-haul international services.
Cathay reveals new First lounge
Cathay Pacific has unveiled its newly redesigned flagship lounge, The Wing, First, at Hong Kong International Airport ahead of its official reopening.
Located on the east side of the terminal, the refreshed lounge forms part of Cathay Pacific’s ongoing investment in premium passenger experiences and airport infrastructure.
At the same time, The Wing, Business lounge will temporarily close for renovations as the airline continues broader upgrades across its Hong Kong hub facilities.
Launceston gets a facelift
Construction is underway at Launceston Airport as part of the next stage of the airport’s largest-ever terminal transformation project.
The $12 million redevelopment will deliver a refined departures experience for travellers, including a 600sqm expansion of the gate area featuring a brand-new boarding gate and expanded gate facilities at gates three and four.
The works also extend across the airport’s check-in hall, security screening area and departures hall as part of broader airport-wide upgrades.
New visa requirements for SGN entry
Foreign travellers arriving into Ho Chi Minh City Airport (SGN) are now required to complete a digital pre-arrival declaration up to two days before landing.
The declaration is mandatory for all overseas visitors entering Vietnam, regardless of visa status, as well as Vietnamese nationals travelling on foreign passports.
Passengers transiting through SGN are exempt from the requirement.
While the new process currently only applies to Ho Chi Minh City Airport, local sources indicate the system is expected to be rolled out to other major Vietnamese gateways including Hanoi and Da Nang in the near future.
Hotels
New hotels for Adelaide
Accor is expanding its luxury Movenpick brand in Australia with a new Adelaide property set to open in Dec.
Peppers Waymouth Adelaide will be rebranded as Movenpick Hotel Adelaide, with upgrades planned across the property over the coming months, including room enhancements. The hotel will become the fifth Movenpick property across Australia and New Zealand.
Meanwhile, Hilton has also confirmed plans to return to Adelaide with a new 27-storey flagship hotel in the city’s East End, scheduled to open in 2031.
The 251-room hotel at 299 Pirie Street will anchor a major mixed-use development and signals continued growth in Adelaide’s premium accommodation sector.
Choice Sleep Inn
Choice Hotels has unveiled a new design concept for its international Sleep Inn brand, with several new and upcoming properties across the United States set to feature the “Scenic Dreams” prototype.
The next-generation concept has been designed to create a calming and intuitive guest environment focused on rest, wellbeing and productivity.
Features include nature-inspired murals, soothing colour palettes and increased natural lighting throughout guest spaces.
Burj Al Arab upgrade
Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab hotel will undergo a carefully staged renovation and restoration program designed to preserve one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.
The sail-shaped property, which first opened in 1999, features 198 luxury suites and is renowned for its high-end interiors incorporating Swarovski crystals, marble and gold leaf finishes.
The restoration works are expected to take approximately 18 months and will focus on maintaining the architectural integrity and luxury positioning of the globally recognised hotel.
IHG Sydney Coogee revamp
InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach has officially unveiled its new oceanfront deck as part of the latest stage of the hotel’s multi-million-dollar renovation.
The opening celebration was attended by more than 150 stakeholders and industry partners, including representatives from Salter Brothers, IHG Hotels & Resorts and local government.
The redevelopment features a heated ocean-facing infinity pool surrounded by private cabanas and sun lounges, alongside new poolside dining options offering both classic favourites and lighter “nourish bowl” menu selections.
Additional upgrades include Club InterContinental and two new pickleball courts, while the Eliva Spa is scheduled to open in May.
Car Rental
Hertz updates Toll options
Hertz is introducing a more flexible tolling model for renters from 1 May 2026, providing business travellers with greater control over toll charges and rental costs.
Under the new system, customers will only pay for tolls they actually use, plus a small processing fee, rather than paying for daily toll passes regardless of usage.
Travellers will also have the option to link and use their own e-tag or toll account during the rental period if preferred.
Meetings & Events
Gold Coast Eden Executive Retreat
Eden Retreat in the Gold Coast Hinterland has launched a new corporate and executive retreat offering aimed at business groups and meeting organisers seeking a wellness-focused offsite experience.
The retreat includes upgraded accommodation, dedicated meeting facilities and exclusive wellness sessions designed to support executive wellbeing and team engagement.
Its newly developed meeting space can accommodate up to 35 delegates theatre-style or 14 attendees in a boardroom configuration.
Located approximately 90 minutes from Brisbane CBD and 30 minutes from Gold Coast Airport, the retreat offers convenient access for interstate travellers arriving from Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland.
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.
