Aged-care providers push for new “Essential Skills” visa as migration cuts loom
Qantas engineers win extra 30 days to launch industrial action, raising travel-disruption risk
Qantas Retires A380 on Melbourne–Los Angeles Route
Latest News
Qantas Expands Codeshare with Cathay Pacific
From 25 October, Qantas frequent flyers can book Cathay Pacific flights from Hong Kong to Brisbane, Adelaide, Dhaka, Manila and Kathmandu under a QF code. The expanded partnership boosts connectivity for secondary Australian capitals and strengthens oneworld’s Asian footprint.
Cebu Pacific Cuts Australia Frequencies Amid Yield Pressures
Cebu Pacific is cutting Manila–Melbourne and Manila–Sydney flights for four weeks from late October, citing high fuel costs and weak demand. Businesses relying on the budget carrier face higher fares and reduced cargo capacity during the year-end peak.
Severe storms forecast for South Australia and western Victoria could snarl Tuesday travel
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe-storm outlook for eastern South Australia and western Victoria on 20 October, warning of flash flooding and damaging winds that could disrupt flights, road transport and FIFO rosters. Airlines have introduced fee-free rebooking, and companies are urged to activate travel-risk protocols.
Federal Court Upholds Rejection of Protection-Visa Appeal
The Federal Court on 20 October dismissed a Fijian applicant’s appeal against a refused protection visa, emphasising that credibility findings are rarely overturned on judicial review. The case highlights strict procedural standards and potential workforce impacts when bridging visas expire.
Advocates Warn Temporary-Visa Abuse Survivors ‘Falling Through the Cracks’
An ABC investigation aired on 19 October shows rising domestic-violence cases among women on temporary visas and renews calls for a dedicated family-violence visa. Gaps in support services can leave affected employees destitute and at risk of immigration abuse.
Australia upgrades Saudi Arabia travel advisory to 'Do Not Travel' as security risks escalate
DFAT’s Smartraveller service upgraded Saudi Arabia to “Do Not Travel” on 19 October 2026, citing drone strikes and regional instability. The change voids most travel-insurance cover and forces Australian employers to halt or radically modify assignments in the kingdom. Companies should activate evacuation and remote-working plans and expect limited consular help.
Qantas keeps Perth–London and Sydney–Paris flights on Singapore detour until 2027
Updated timetables released on 19 October show Qantas will keep its Perth–London and Sydney–Paris Boeing 787 flights on an extended Singapore routing until at least the end of January 2027 due to Middle-East airspace risks. The detour lengthens journeys, raises fares and may overload Qantas’ Changi lounges, prompting corporates to review travel budgets and lounge strategies.
ETIAS delayed again: no launch date for EU travel authorisation, easing pressure on Australian business travellers
Majorca Daily Bulletin reports that the EU has removed all ETIAS launch dates, effectively postponing the €20 travel authorisation beyond 2026. The delay spares Australian businesses immediate compliance costs but increases the risk of travellers being duped by unofficial fee-charging websites.
Fiji travel advice refreshed: cyclone season prompts preparedness push for Australian visitors
DFAT kept Fiji at its lowest risk tier on 19 October 2026 but added extensive cyclone-season guidance, dengue-fever warnings and reminders about e-cigarette bans. Australian businesses sending staff to upcoming regional summits should incorporate extra buffer days, flexible airfares and robust medical-evac plans.