Omnibus Bill Expands Visa Cancellation Powers Amid New Hate-Speech and Gun Laws
New $230 “Work Licence” Fee Takes Effect for Visa Extensions
Home Affairs Clarifies Health‐Check Rules for Visa Applicants
Latest News
DFAT Raises Qatar Travel Advice to ‘High Degree of Caution’
On 15 January 2026 DFAT raised Qatar’s advisory level to ‘High Degree of Caution,’ citing unpredictable regional security and potential air-travel disruptions. Companies routing staff through Doha should review itineraries and duty-of-care measures.
Iran Airspace Closure Forces Qantas and Other Carriers to Reroute
A temporary Iranian airspace shutdown on 14-15 January forced Qantas and other airlines to reroute, adding time and cost to Australia–Europe flights. Although the airspace has reopened, most carriers continue to detour until tensions ease.
Air-Traffic-Controller Shortage Cancels Dozens of Sydney Flights
A staffing shortfall at Airservices Australia forced flow controls at Sydney Airport on 15 January, cancelling 25+ flights and delaying many more. The disruption hit business travellers and fly-in-fly-out rotations just as the post-holiday travel surge begins.
UK ETA Rules Force Australian–British Dual Citizens to Travel on UK Passport
From 25 February 2026, Australian–British dual citizens must present a British or Irish passport (or an Australian passport with a Certificate of Entitlement) when flying to the UK. The rule is tied to the UK’s new ETA system and aims to ensure pre-departure compliance. Companies need to audit travel documents and brief affected employees now to avoid costly disruption.
Qantas Unveils Trans-Tasman Growth: First A220 International Service and New Brisbane–Queenstown Route
Qantas and Jetstar will add 210,000 trans-Tasman seats in 2026, launch the first A220 international service on Brisbane–Wellington and introduce a new seasonal Brisbane–Queenstown link. The move expands capacity, offers lower-emission aircraft and provides business travellers with more schedule options.