Qantas sets October 2027 launch date for 22-hour non-stop Sydney–London ‘Project Sunrise’ flights
China Eastern’s first Shanghai–Adelaide A350 touches down, restoring South Australia’s only direct link to mainland China
National AusAlert test hits Queanbeyan as Australia readies new border-crisis warning system
Latest News
Qantas to close Emerald regional lounge from 21 June for three-week renovation, affecting FIFO traffic
Qantas will temporarily close its Emerald Airport lounge from 21 June to 10 July 2026 for refurbishment, disrupting thousands of FIFO and business travellers on central Queensland routes. During the outage passengers will receive drink vouchers in the public terminal, and companies are advised to update travel policies to reflect the three-week service gap.
Human-rights groups launch 10-day online petition on 21 June urging permanent visas for ‘transitory’ refugees
On 21 June 2026, the Human Rights Law Centre and partner NGOs launched a nationwide petition demanding permanent visas for about 700 refugees still on temporary arrangements. The 10-day online action highlights the economic and social costs of visa insecurity and seeks to shape legislation due in Parliament later this year.
Virgin Australia adds daily Melbourne–Cairns rotation from 21 June, easing winter-holiday capacity crunch
Virgin Australia began a new daily Boeing 737 service between Melbourne and Cairns on 21 June 2026, injecting 1,200 additional weekly seats for the winter peak. The timing improves domestic and future international connectivity for both leisure and corporate travellers and places downward pressure on fares.
Emerald Regional Lounge closes for refurbishment as Qantas accelerates regional lounge refresh
Qantas closed its Emerald Regional Lounge on 21 June 2026 for a three-week refurbishment that will expand seating, add power outlets and standardise food offerings. While elite frequent flyers lose a quiet workspace temporarily, the upgrade underpins Qantas’ push to retain regional corporate travellers amid growing competition and supports Emerald Airport’s profile as a Central Queensland hub.
China Eastern inaugurates direct Shanghai–Adelaide service, linking South Australia to mainland China
China Eastern’s first direct Shanghai–Adelaide flight landed on 20 June 2026, giving South Australia its first non-stop link to mainland China. The thrice-weekly A350 route cuts door-to-door travel times for business travellers, boosts export freight capacity and signals Adelaide Airport’s growing international footprint.
Thailand’s 1,120-baht airport levy takes effect, raising costs for Australians departing Bangkok, Phuket and Don Mueang
Thailand raised its international departure fee to 1,120 baht on 20 June 2026, boosting embedded ticket costs for Australians flying home from Bangkok, Phuket and Don Mueang. Revenue will fund major airport upgrades, but businesses anticipate higher travel budgets and are reviewing regional meeting plans.
World Refugee Day 2026: Australia marks milestone of one million refugees resettled
On World Refugee Day (20 June 2026) Australia celebrated resettling its one-millionth refugee and unveiled new corporate pathways to integrate skilled humanitarian entrants. With labour shortages persisting, businesses are urged to tap refugee talent and leverage forthcoming tax concessions for language training.
AusAlert cell-broadcast test scheduled for Port Lincoln on 20 June aims to reduce travel-disruption hazard warnings
Australia’s AusAlert public-warning system will run a live test in Port Lincoln at 11 am on 20 June 2026. The cell-broadcast alerts, which reach all phones in a defined area, will eventually deliver real-time hazard information to travellers and residents, helping businesses manage duty-of-care obligations for mobile staff.