Australia Day sees duelling ‘Invasion Day’ and anti-immigration rallies in Melbourne CBD
19,000 newcomers take Australian citizenship at 325 ceremonies nationwide
Jetstar upgauges Canberra–Brisbane service with larger Airbus A321LR, adding 19,000 seats
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US winter storm triggers 4,800 flight cancellations, rippling onto Australia–US itineraries
A severe winter storm has cancelled thousands of US flights, prompting schedule changes on Australia-US routes. Mobility managers face rebooking headaches, and travellers should expect rolling delays through at least 30 January. Airlines have extended fee waivers, and Australian authorities will show flexibility on tight international-to-domestic connections.
Qantas and Virgin skip Australia Day festivities as RAAF stages nationwide fly-pasts
Australia’s flag-carrier airlines chose not to stage Australia Day promotions, reflecting growing corporate caution around the holiday’s divisiveness, while Defence aircraft provided the public spectacle. Mobility planners faced minimal operational impact, but the episode highlights reputational risks of tying travel branding to contested national days.
Treasury’s migration forecasts questioned as policy shifts accelerate
A 25 January 2026 analysis contends Treasury has underestimated future net-migration, given new student intakes, Pacific and Indian mobility schemes and record temporary-skilled demand. If realised, NOM could exceed official forecasts by 30 000 next year, affecting talent pipelines, housing demand and visa-processing times for employers.
Chinese visitor rebound shows signs of plateau, industry told to temper 2026 expectations
An ABC report warns that China’s resurgence as Australia’s top spending inbound market may stall in 2026 as economic headwinds nudge mainland tourists toward cheaper, short-haul destinations. Travel suppliers are advised to diversify source markets, temper delegation forecasts and watch for policy moves that could further slow or stimulate flows.
ABF detects 212 cocaine pellets swallowed by UK and Dutch travellers on Sydney flight
ABF and AFP announced on 25 January that two passengers were charged after expelling 212 cocaine pellets – a reminder of Australia’s strict border controls. Enhanced behavioural screening may lengthen arrival processing for all travellers, and mobility managers should update pre-departure briefings accordingly.
39 kg of meth seized from luggage of Sydney arrival as authorities warn of ‘sharp spike’ in drug-mule activity
ABF officers found 39 kg of meth in the luggage of a Sydney-bound passenger from South Africa, the seventh drug-mule arrest at Australian airports this week. The bust will trigger tighter baggage screening on high-risk routes and could add delays for business travellers and relocations.