Australia and Singapore sign Protocol on Economic Resilience that also paves way for upgraded Air-Services Agreement
Western Sydney International Airport opens 24/7 cargo precinct; first Qantas freighters depart tonight
Last call: Pacific Engagement Visa ballot for 3,000 permanent places closes on 29 July
Latest News
Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways to double Sydney–Doha service, adding 7,000 seats a week
From 7 December 2026, Virgin Australia—codesharing with Qatar Airways—will add a second daily Sydney–Doha flight, bringing total non-stops on the city-pair to three and injecting more than 7,000 weekly seats. The move sharpens competition on Europe-bound itineraries and offers corporates greater scheduling and cargo flexibility over the Australian summer.
Project Sunrise edges closer: RMIT Aviation Academy says ultra-long-haul will ‘compete on time, not network’
CAPA’s 27 July commentary on Qantas’ latest Project Sunrise test flight argues that the forthcoming 20-hour non-stops will compete on time rather than network breadth, targeting premium passengers willing to pay for hours saved. Mobility managers should prepare for higher fares, revised fatigue protocols and a reshaped Australia–Europe market once services launch in 2027.
Germany updates travel advice for Australia, reminds visitors of mandatory ETA and strict bio-security rules
Berlin quietly updated its Australia travel advisory on 27 July, stressing the need for an approved Electronic Travel Authority before boarding and outlining hefty on-the-spot fines for undeclared bio-security risk items. Multinationals should reiterate ETA compliance and customs-declaration do’s and don’ts to European staff heading to Australia.
Opposition pushes back on higher skilled-migration target amid population debate
Opposition Home Affairs spokesman Jonno Duniam has ruled out lifting Australia’s skilled-migration cap, arguing the focus should remain on filling proven shortages and tightening compliance. His comments sharpen the political divide on migration policy and prolong uncertainty for employers planning 2027 and 2028 talent moves.
DFAT updates Spain travel advice: wildfires and new Schengen biometric checks could delay business trips
DFAT’s 26 July Smartraveller update for Spain highlights fast-moving wildfires and reminds Australians that upcoming Schengen biometric checks may increase border-processing times. Australian employers should factor possible delays and wildfire-related diversions into August travel schedules.
Darwin VAAC issues volcanic-ash warnings for Kamchatka eruptions—long-haul flight routings reviewed
Darwin VAAC’s 26 July bulletins on ash from Russia’s Sheveluch volcano alert airlines to possible contamination of long-haul North-Pacific routes used by Australian carriers. While no flights were diverted, operators may adjust routings and schedules if ash persists, affecting cargo and executive travel timelines.
APEC Data-for-Growth roundtable backs digital-border cooperation—boost for Australia’s paperless-entry agenda
APEC’s 26 July Data for Growth roundtable urged members to work on interoperable data standards that make it easier for people and goods to cross borders. The move bolsters Australia’s plan for digital passenger cards and the next-generation APEC Business Travel Card, promising smoother travel for corporate flyers.