Business travel news & insights

APRIL 2026

Airline news

AirlineRatings.com World’s Best Airlines 2026 Awards

AirlineRatings.com has announced its World’s Best Airline Awards for 2026. These awards focus solely on the inflight product and passenger experience based on measurable onboard criteria rather than public opinion or voting.

2026’s top 20 full-service airlines:
  1. Qatar Airways
  2. Cathay Pacific
  3. Singapore Airlines
  4. Korean Air
  5. STARLUX Airlines
  6. Japan Airlines
  7. Turkish Airlines
  8. Emirates
  9. Air New Zealand
  10. Etihad Airways
  11. VA Air
  12. Qantas
  13. Virgin Atlantic
  14. Hainan Airlines
  15. All Nippon Airways
  16. Vietnam Airlines
  17. JetBlue
  18. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
  19. Air France
  20. Malaysia Airlines
World’s Best Economy Class: Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand leads the economy category with a product that consistently raises the bar for long-haul comfort. Its standout Skycouch offering transforms a standard row into a flat resting space, delivering a more flexible and comfortable experience for travellers. Beyond this innovation, the airline maintains strong fundamentals across meals, entertainment, seat pitch and service. It’s this balance of innovation and reliability that keeps Air New Zealand ahead of the pack.

World’s Best Premium Economy: Qantas and Emirates (Joint Winners)

Qantas and Emirates continue to dominate premium economy, setting the benchmark for comfort and consistency at scale. Both airlines deliver a near business-class experience, with generous seat pitch, enhanced recline, elevated dining and dedicated cabin amenities. Their ability to execute a high-quality product across large global networks is what sets them apart, even as competitors begin to close the gap.

World’s Best Business Class: Cathay Pacific (Aria Suite)

Cathay Pacific takes top honours with its Aria Suite, redefining premium travel through design, privacy and smart technology. Features such as sliding doors, customisable seating, Bluetooth connectivity and thoughtful lighting elevate the in-flight experience. Combined with strong dining and service, the Aria Suite delivers a highly personalised and refined business class offering.

World’s Best Cabin Crew: Virgin Australia

Virgin Australia secures its eighth consecutive win for cabin crew, recognised for consistently delivering warm, professional and customer-focused service. The airline’s people-first approach continues to resonate with passengers, reinforcing its reputation for standout service in a highly competitive market.

Qantas trims domestic capacity amid rising costs

Qantas will reduce domestic flight capacity by around 5% in Q4 2026, citing ongoing fuel price volatility and broader global economic pressures. The airline confirmed that affected Qantas and Jetstar customers are being contacted directly, with options to rebook onto alternative services or receive a refund. Qantas Group said it will continue to closely monitor market conditions and retains flexibility to make further adjustments if fuel costs continue to rise.

The following services will be temporarily suspended from 18 May 2026 to 14 June 2026:

  • Melbourne–Coffs Harbour
  • Melbourne–Hamilton Island

Internationally, a temporary frequency reduction will also apply on Darwin–Singapore services from 18 May to 25 June 2026.

Virgin Australia extends Qatar-operated flight cancellations

Virgin Australia has cancelled all Qatar Airways-operated services between Australia and Doha (VA1-VA22) through to at least 15 June, providing greater certainty for affected travellers. Customers booked on impacted flights can change their booking to the same destination at no cost for travel up to 31 October 2026, or opt for a travel credit or full refund.

Qatar rebuilds global schedule

Qatar Airways is progressively restoring its global network, with flights to more than 120 destinations expected by mid-May 2026. Services to and from Doha continue to operate via dedicated flight corridors, coordinated closely with the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, ensuring continuity despite ongoing regional disruption.

Air New Zealand commits to Western Sydney

Air New Zealand has opened sales for its new Auckland to Western Sydney International (WSI) route. Launching 26 October, the airline will operate three weekly services using A320 and A321 aircraft, becoming the second international carrier to confirm operations at Sydney’s new airport.

Singapore Airlines launches WSI route

Singapore Airlines will introduce daily flights between Singapore and Western Sydney International from 23 November 2026. The service will use A350-900 aircraft with 303 seats across business and economy cabins. The route complements SQ’s existing four daily Sydney services and strengthens connectivity into Western Sydney.

British Airways confirms Melbourne return

British Airways will launch daily London Heathrow to Melbourne services from 9 January 2027 via Kuala Lumpur. The year-round route aligns with major events including the Australian Open and Formula 1 Grand Prix, marking a significant expansion of BA’s long-haul network.

Qantas flags potential airfare increases

Qantas has warned airfares may rise beyond the current 5% increase as cost pressures intensify. The airline cites unprecedented operating cost increases and ongoing volatility, with pricing to be reviewed regularly alongside capacity and route conditions.

EU Entry/Exit System now live for Australian travellers

Australians travelling to Europe will now face new biometric checks at the border, following the rollout of the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES). The system is now operational across 29 countries and requires travellers to have their face and fingerprints scanned when entering and exiting the Schengen area. The EES replaces manual passport stamping with a digital record of movements, aimed at improving border security and tracking short-stay compliance. Travellers should expect some initial delays as the system beds in across major European gateways.

Qantas tightens Jetstar lounge access

Qantas will restrict lounge access for frequent flyers travelling on international Jetstar flights from July. Platinum, Gold and Qantas Club members will lose access unless travelling on a Qantas codeshare. Changes also tighten rules around lounge invitation transfers.

Jetstar cuts New Zealand capacity

Jetstar is reducing New Zealand services by 12% in response to rising fuel costs linked to Middle East tensions. The cuts are temporary, with affected passengers rebooked, largely onto same-day alternatives.

Melbourne Airport named Australia’s best

Melbourne Airport has been recognised as Australia’s top airport at the Skytrax World Airport Awards, marking its sixth win in seven years and reinforcing its position as a leading aviation hub.

Air New Zealand rolls out faster check-in tech

Air New Zealand is introducing new self-service kiosks across its domestic network, reducing average check-in times from over two minutes to just 37 seconds. The rollout begins in Auckland and will extend nationwide by July.

Virgin Australia unveils retro livery

Virgin Australia has launched a retro-inspired aircraft livery, celebrating its Virgin Blue heritage. The design debuts on a new Boeing 737-8 and forms part of a broader fleet renewal program, signalling continued growth and brand confidence.

Qantas–American JV extended

Qantas and American Airlines have received interim ACCC approval to extend their trans-Pacific joint business agreement, maintaining coordinated services between Australia, New Zealand and North America.

Air New Zealand and Air China extend alliance

Air New Zealand’s partnership with Air China has been extended through to 2031, ensuring continued connectivity and expanded travel options between New Zealand and China.

Cathay Pacific introduces fuel surcharge increases

Cathay Pacific will increase fuel surcharges from 1 April, with long-haul fares rising by up to A$74. The move reflects ongoing fuel supply pressures and cost recovery across the network.

Cathay expands North America and upgrades cabins

Cathay Pacific has launched new Hong Kong–Seattle flights and is upgrading its Los Angeles services with its new Aria Suite business class, enhanced premium economy and refreshed economy cabins, scaling up to daily operations from May.

SriLankan boosts Melbourne capacity

SriLankan Airlines will increase Melbourne services to 10 flights per week, adding capacity to meet demand driven by shifting travel patterns linked to Middle East disruptions.

Royal Brunei shifts London route to non-stop

Royal Brunei Airlines has updated its Brunei–London service in response to ongoing disruption in the Middle East. The airline will temporarily operate the route as a non-stop service, removing its usual stop in Dubai to maintain schedule reliability and avoid impacted airspace. Flight numbers have also been updated, with services now operating as BI3 from Bandar Seri Begawan to London Heathrow and BI4 on the return sector.

WA steps in to offset regional airline fuel costs

The Western Australian Government will cover additional fuel costs on key intra-regional air routes, easing pressure on airlines operating across the state. The support targets essential services, including Aviar routes linking Broome with Derby, Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek, along with connections from Kununurra to Halls Creek, Balgo and Kalumburu. Nexus-operated routes between Geraldton, Karratha, Port Hedland and Broome are also included. The move is aimed at maintaining critical air services for regional and remote communities, while helping carriers manage rising operating costs.

Learmonth Airport severely damaged by cyclone

Cyclone Narelle has caused extensive damage to Learmonth Airport in Western Australia, halting all commercial flights. Infrastructure including the terminal and apron has been destroyed, with no immediate timeline for reopening.

United unveils ‘Relax Row’ economy concept

United Airlines will introduce “Relax Row” seating from 2027, allowing economy passengers to convert three seats into a lie-flat space. The product will roll out across widebody aircraft as part of a broader cabin innovation strategy.

American adds Samsung Wallet boarding passes

American Airlines is expanding digital convenience by enabling boarding pass integration with Samsung Wallet, streamlining the airport experience for travellers.

British Airways rolls out Starlink Wi-Fi

British Airways has begun introducing Starlink inflight Wi-Fi, starting with Boeing 787 aircraft. The service will be free for passengers and expanded fleet-wide over the next two years. Passengers travelling on BA aircraft with Starlink Wi-Fi enabled will be permitted to make voice and video calls during the flight.

Delta upgrades Wi-Fi, removes interim access

Delta Air Lines will temporarily remove Wi-Fi from its Boeing 717 fleet as it upgrades to a faster satellite-based system. The rollout aims to deliver significantly improved connectivity once complete.

HOTEL NEWS

Minor Hotels launches Colbert Collection

Minor Hotels has introduced Colbert Collection, a new premium soft brand targeting travellers seeking design-led, experience-driven stays. The brand focuses on independent hotels with strong identity and social connection.

MEETINGS & EVENTS NEWS

Travelodge expands Sydney meetings offering

Travelodge Hotel Hurstville has launched four new conference spaces, targeting growing demand for flexible meeting venues in Sydney’s southern business corridor.

New $300m luxury development planned for the Whitsundays

The Whitsundays is set to welcome a major new luxury development, with Sydney-based private equity group Conquest securing the 14,000m² Coconut Grove site in Airlie Beach. The $300 million project will transform the waterfront location into a five-star resort-style destination, featuring around 180 hotel rooms alongside a mixed-use precinct with retail, dining and lifestyle offerings. Early planning is already underway, with Conquest engaging key stakeholders across tourism, planning and the local community. The development will be delivered in stages, with the hotel forming the first phase of the project.

News content is sourced from third party sources. While efforts are made to verify and maintain accuracy of this page’s content, we recommend readers conduct their own independent research.