Australia doubles Subclass 500 student visa fee to AUD 2,000, sparking backlash from international education sector
Qantas names London as first destination for record-breaking non-stop Sydney flights
Senate faces disallowance motion over doubled Temporary Graduate visa fee
Latest News
Qantas confirms 22-hour non-stop Sydney–London flights to launch under Project Sunrise
Qantas says tickets will go on sale next month for its 22-hour non-stop Sydney–London route, part of Project Sunrise. The ultra-long-haul flight, due to begin in 2027, will materially shorten travel times for Australian businesses operating in Europe.
Flight-tracking data show multiple Qantas domestic services delayed on 22 June amid Sydney weather disruption
Dense fog in Sydney caused hour-plus delays to several Qantas domestic flights on 22 June 2026, with potential ripple effects for same-day international connections. Corporates should monitor schedules and allow extra transfer time.
The Bend Motorsport Park adds ‘Pit-Straight Deluxe’ glamping tents to lure interstate visitors
The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia has introduced trackside luxury tents aimed at interstate leisure and corporate groups, reflecting a broader trend toward experiential accommodation for business-cum-leisure travel.
Qantas sets October 2027 launch date for 22-hour non-stop Sydney–London ‘Project Sunrise’ flights
On 21 June 2026 Qantas confirmed that its first non-stop Sydney–London flights will commence in October 2027, clocking 22 hours and 17,000 km under the airline’s “Project Sunrise”. Operated by 238-seat Airbus A350-1000ULRs, the route targets premium business and leisure travellers, slashing trip times and removing transit-visa risks. The move cements Australia’s status at the forefront of ultra-long-haul aviation and will require airport upgrades, new crew-management protocols and regulatory clearances.
China Eastern’s first Shanghai–Adelaide A350 touches down, restoring South Australia’s only direct link to mainland China
China Eastern Airlines has launched a thrice-weekly seasonal A350 service between Shanghai and Adelaide, with the inaugural flight arriving on 21 June 2026. The route restores South Australia’s only direct link to mainland China, boosts premium cargo capacity and strengthens tourism, education and business ties. Mobility managers gain a faster pathway into China’s commercial heartland, while exporters secure a high-value logistics channel.
National AusAlert test hits Queanbeyan as Australia readies new border-crisis warning system
Australia’s new cell-broadcast warning platform, AusAlert, conducted its final community test in Queanbeyan on 21 June 2026 ahead of an October nationwide launch. The system will deliver location-based emergency messages—including security or border events—to all mobiles in the area, giving employers a powerful duty-of-care tool for travelling staff.
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.