Corporate Travel News: November 2025

 

Airlines/Airports

Virgin Australia changes carry-on and checked bag policies

Virgin Australia has updated its baggage policies, and the additional checked baggage fee has increased by $5 during peak domestic travel periods, including school holidays and summer. From 2 February 2026, economy passengers without Velocity Gold or higher status can bring one carry-on bag up to 8kg plus a small personal item, while business class and frequent flyers retain a two-bag allowance. These updates help streamline boarding, reduce overhead bin congestion, and better manage seasonal demand.

Air New Zealand launches seasonal Adelaide–Christchurch service

Air New Zealand’s seasonal Adelaide–Christchurch service is now operating twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Running until 28 March 2026, the route offers around 15,000–16,000 seats this season and strengthens trans-Tasman connectivity, meeting strong demand between South Australia and New Zealand’s South Island.

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines introduces E190-E2 jet to WA

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA) has launched its first Embraer E190-E2, Coral Bay, into WA’s charter market. The aircraft features wider seats, in-seat power, WiFi, and dual Business and Economy classes, while handling shorter runways and high temperatures. Coral Bay is the first of eight E190-E2s joining VARA through 2027, which will improve efficiency, reliability, and sustainability, and replace the F100 fleet by early 2026.

Jetstar adds Hobart–Newcastle route

Jetstar will operate seasonal direct flights between Hobart and Newcastle from 2 December 2025 to 21 April 2026, three times a week on Airbus A320 aircraft, adding 22,000 low-cost seats for travellers. The route offers faster and more convenient connections for Tasmanians, enhancing tourism between the two regions.

New fixed-fare taxi trial starts at Melbourne Airport

Melbourne Airport has implemented a fixed-price taxi booking trial at T1 Domestic Qantas to enhance transparency and reliability for business travellers. Passengers can select their destination at one of three kiosks, pay a quoted fare of around $80 to the CBD upfront, receive a receipt, and proceed to a dedicated pickup bay. The initiative involving Silver Top, Black and White, 13cabs, and Silver Service aims to streamline the passenger experience, reduce fare disputes, and support professional, licensed drivers.

Qantas resumes Adelaide–Auckland flights

Qantas has launched its first international route from Adelaide in over a decade, offering direct flights to Auckland four times per week until May 2026. The service adds over 30,000 seats between the two cities and provides one-stop connections to global hubs, such as New York, thereby boosting travel options for South Australians. The seasonal route operates on a Boeing 737-800, featuring complimentary fast WiFi that supports both business and leisure travel.

Qantas brings back Melbourne–Delhi route for peak travel season

Qantas has resumed direct Melbourne–Delhi flights, operating three times a week on Airbus A330s with flat-bed business class seats till 28 March 2026. The return of this popular route arrives just in time for the busy travel season, offering increased convenience and comfort for travellers. Demand from India to Australia remains strong, particularly in premium cabins, as airlines continue to enhance products and expand connections.

Qantas unveils new Auckland lounge

Qantas will open its new Auckland International Lounge on 17 December, ahead of schedule. Designed by David Caon and Akin Atelier, the lounge highlights New Zealand’s natural beauty with locally sourced materials. It combines the former business and first-class lounges into a single premium space, expanding capacity from 244 to 340 seats. The lounge will feature elevated dining with NZ food and wine.

Air New Zealand connects Christchurch directly to Rarotonga

From May to October 2026, Air New Zealand will operate non-stop flights between Christchurch and Rarotonga up to three times a week, offering 18,000 seats for travellers seeking seamless access to the tropical destination. The service enhances Christchurch’s role as a key international gateway, offering South Islanders more convenient travel options for both leisure and business purposes. Flights will be available to book now, subject to regulatory approval.

Jetstar kicks off Newcastle–Bali route

Jetstar has launched a new three-times-weekly direct service between Newcastle and Bali on its A321LR, offering over 70,000 seats annually. The inaugural flight featured Balinese dancers and a tropical breakfast. Newcastle Airport sees this as a milestone in its international expansion, supporting tourism, business, and regional growth. Jetstar is celebrating with a 24-hour First Flight Sale from $215 one-way.

Jetstar expands business class on 787s and A321XLRs

Jetstar is enhancing the comfort of its fleet by expanding business class on its Boeing 787s from 21 to 44 seats, utilising Recaro premium economy seats. From 2027, new Airbus A321XLRs will also feature 12 business class seats for long flights between Australia and Asia. The new seats will offer WiFi and USB charging but no seatback screens, while economy will use Jetstar’s current Recaro design. It’s the first time Jetstar’s single-aisle aircraft will include business class, marking a significant step up for the low-cost airline.

Air New Zealand to launch new top-tier Elite Plus status

Air New Zealand will launch a new top-tier Airpoints status, likely called Elite Plus, by year’s end to reward its most loyal travellers. The tier will sit above Elite and offer perks such as priority upgrades, preferred seating, bonus Airpoints, and access to the new Auckland Elite Lounge in 2026, as well as potential Business Premier Luxe upgrades. The airline is also reviewing benefits across all tiers and introducing Airpoints Specials, which offer exclusive flight discounts.

Qantas invites high-tier travellers to fast-track Gold status

The Qantas Tier Accelerator is an invite-only program that allows frequent flyers from other airlines to fast-track to Qantas Gold with just 200 status credits in three months, instead of the usual 700. Gold status offers lounge access, priority check-in and boarding, extra baggage, complimentary seat selection, and more. Eligible participants include high-tier members from airlines like Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand, Etihad, Singapore Airlines, and United. To apply, travellers must contact Qantas and demonstrate a strong, regular flying history, as invitations are discretionary.

Virgin Australia’s Velocity reaches record membership with expanded rewards

Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer is hitting record membership, offering members more ways to earn and redeem points, from flights to lifestyle perks. CEO Nick Rohrlach highlights how the program helps travellers and agents add value, with global airline partners, family pooling, and initiatives like the 1 Point Rewards Store making rewards accessible, flexible, and meaningful.

Air New Zealand plans return to London and new routes to India and Manila

Air New Zealand is gearing up for an exciting expansion, with London, India, and Manila at the top of its wish list once new aircraft arrive. CEO Nikhil Ravishankar says London and India are “mission-critical,” highlighting their strong cultural and economic connections to New Zealand. The airline is exploring a return to London via Gatwick, creating fresh travel opportunities for Kiwis and international visitors alike.

India moves to digital arrival process for international visitors

India has introduced a new online e-Arrival Card system for foreign travellers, including Australians and OCI holders, replacing paper arrival cards (which will remain valid for six months). Travellers may need to complete the e-Arrival Card up to three days before arrival and still require a valid visa or OCI. The move aims to streamline the entry process and enhance the visitor experience.

Japan to introduce digital travel authorisation for Aussies

Japan will introduce a new digital travel authorisation system, JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorisation), by 2028 for travellers from 74 visa-waiver countries, including Australia. The online approval, costing AUD 15–40, will simplify entry and remain valid for multiple trips over a period of one to two years. Australians can still enjoy visa-free stays of up to 90 days, with the new system designed to streamline arrivals and reduce the number of overstays.

Speed up your Australian passport application with these tips

The Australian Passport Office recommends allowing six weeks for processing, but you can expedite the process with a few strategic moves. Use streamlined renewal if eligible. Lodge your application at the GPO before noon for same-day couriering and collect it in person to avoid postal delays. For the fastest turnaround, pay $104 for fast-track processing within five business days, which is significantly quicker than the standard six-week wait or the $300 Priority option.

Sydney Airport rolls out $2 billion security upgrade

Sydney Airport is leading a $2 billion national rollout to modernise airport security for domestic and international travellers. New high-tech CT screening lanes mean passengers no longer need to remove laptops, liquids, or aerosols from their bags, cutting screening times by up to 50%. With 11 of 15 new lanes now operational in T1, 99% of passengers are clearing security in under 10 minutes. Immigration and arrivals are also faster, thanks to the installation of additional smart gates.

Emirates to upgrade A380 cabins with luxury suites

Emirates plans to keep its A380s flying into the 2040s, with refreshed cabins and all-new first and business class suites inspired by its 777 “game-changer” design. Updates include wider first-class seats, redesigned bars, premium economy options, enhanced privacy in business class, and faster WiFi. These upgrades aim to modernise the superjumbo experience and maintain Emirates’ competitive edge in luxury air travel.

Emirates advances accessible travel with new programs and services

Emirates has launched a range of accessibility initiatives, including the new Accessible & Inclusive Travel Hub on Emirates.com, sensory products and fidget toys onboard, expanded inflight accessibility features, upgraded barrier-free corridors and kiosks at Dubai Airport, and a wheelchair-accessible chauffeur service. Through its Office of Accessibility and Inclusion, autism certification, staff training, and “Travel Rehearsal” programs, Emirates continues to innovate and champion dignity, consistency, and inclusion, setting new industry standards for accessible travel.

Virgin takes on Eurostar across the Channel

From 2030, Virgin Trains will launch high-speed services through the Channel Tunnel, ending Eurostar’s 30-year monopoly. Initial routes include London–Paris, with expansions to Brussels, Amsterdam, and beyond. The move promises more choice, better pricing, and improved connectivity for business travellers, while Eurostar plans new double-deck trains from 2031 to boost capacity and destinations.

Qantas unveils fresh Australian-inspired domestic menu

Qantas has launched a new domestic menu in business and economy, showcasing Australian flavours and local produce. Business class features dishes such as lamb pie, garlic prawns, and scones with clotted cream, while economy class offers beef ragu pie, pumpkin quiche, and sweet treats. A DreamTime Tuka box includes Indigenous bush tucker, and menus rotate every six weeks to keep options fresh.

Hotels

Radisson debuts Park Inn by Radisson in Melbourne Carlton

Radisson Hotel Group has launched Park Inn by Radisson Melbourne Carlton, marking the brand’s entry into Australia. The 89-room, city-fringe hotel features vibrant interiors, views overlooking Princes Park, an outdoor pool, dining options, and a wellness hub currently under development. Designed for modern travellers, the hotel offers easy access to Melbourne’s CBD, meeting venues, medical facilities, and leisure spots. Sustainability is a key focus, with solar energy, water-efficient fixtures, and drought-tolerant landscaping. The multilingual team ensures personalised, stress-free stays for families, groups, and business travellers alike.

IHG to transform Mayfair Hotel into Kimpton Mayfair Adelaide

Adelaide’s heritage-listed Mayfair Hotel will be rebranded as Kimpton Mayfair Adelaide in late 2026 following a management agreement between IHG Hotels & Resorts and owners Ark Capital. IHG will take over management in mid-December 2025 under the Mayfair name, before a major refurbishment that will transform the 170-room property into a boutique luxury hotel, reflecting Adelaide’s creativity and sophistication.

Minor Hotels to open Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel in 2026

Minor Hotels will open the Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel in April 2026, marking the Sunshine Coast’s first internationally branded new-build hotel in almost 40 years. The 12-storey, 180-room property will sit just 100 metres from Mooloolaba Beach, featuring modern coastal design, a rooftop pool and bar, a 12th-floor restaurant with ocean and mountain views, and extensive wellness facilities including AvaniSpa and AvaniFit. With contemporary event spaces for up to 250 guests, the hotel aims to support the region’s next phase of tourism and hospitality growth.

IHG to open 217-room Crowne Plaza in Parramatta

IHG Hotels & Resorts will open a 217-room Crowne Plaza in Parramatta in 2029, in partnership with Urban Property Group. Located opposite Parramatta train station and near Westfield Parramatta, the hotel will feature dining options, event spaces, and a rooftop infinity pool. Parramatta, Sydney’s second CBD, is growing as a hub for business, culture, and tourism, with significant developments and the Western Sydney International Airport opening in 2026, enhancing accessibility.

JW Marriott makes its Tokyo debut

JW Marriott has officially arrived in Tokyo, offering 200 rooms and suites with sweeping city views and 1,140 square meters of event space, including Japan’s largest ballroom with movable LED walls.

Opening above the new Takanawa Gateway Station, the hotel will introduce the brand’s signature Mindful Rooms and Suites in December, marking the first in Asia. These rooms are designed to inspire rest, reflection, and well-being.

 

Stay ahead with The Ticket

Get the latest corporate travel insights, industry trends and travel news delivered to your inbox each month.

Subscribe now