Nationwide Qantas Ground Stop Disrupts Business Travel Across Australia
Australia’s new ‘arrival control’ powers create fresh uncertainty for temporary visa holders
Solomon Islands seeks 5,000-worker PALM quota to meet Australian demand
Latest News
Which States Are Open? 2026-27 Skilled-Visa Nomination Update
Aussie ASEAN’s 21 October tracker shows Tasmania as the sole state actively inviting 2026-27 skilled-migration nominations, with other jurisdictions yet to open or already near capacity. With regional 491 places cut and processing now prioritised by sector and onshore status, employers and prospective migrants must act strategically to secure nominations.
Virgin Australia seeks 28 extra weekly Bali flights, challenging Qantas for Indonesia capacity
Virgin Australia has asked regulators for enough capacity to run 28 additional Bali flights each week, putting it head-to-head with a rival Qantas bid for the same Indonesia traffic rights. An approval could slash fares and add premium-seat inventory, especially out of Perth, but the International Air Services Commission must first decide how to divide the scarce bilateral capacity.
Qatar Airways confirms Western Sydney International debut, boosting Middle-East connectivity
Qatar Airways will launch thrice-weekly Doha services to Western Sydney International Airport from December 2027, expanding to daily flights in 2028. The move enhances global connectivity for businesses in Western Sydney and intensifies competition on Australia–Middle East routes.
Aged-care providers push for new “Essential Skills” visa as migration cuts loom
Aged-care employers and think-tank CEDA have asked Canberra to create a stand-alone Essential Skills visa so overseas carers are not caught by proposed migration cuts. They say 110,000 extra workers will be needed by 2030 and current sponsorship routes are too slow and expensive. The request highlights growing tension between political promises to curb migration and industry reliance on foreign labour.
Qantas engineers win extra 30 days to launch industrial action, raising travel-disruption risk
The Fair Work Commission has extended Qantas engineers’ protected-action window to 19 November 2026, increasing the likelihood of strikes or maintenance bans. Any stoppage could disrupt key business and relocation routes, so companies are urged to build buffer time and review contingency plans.
Qantas Retires A380 on Melbourne–Los Angeles Route
Qantas will operate its last A380 between Melbourne and Los Angeles on 24 October, switching the route to a smaller 787-9. The change removes first-class cabins, trims freight space and is already pushing up peak-season fares for business travellers.
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.
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.