Australia launches nationwide reforms to slash visa processing times
Canberra opens Doha–Riyadh bus bridge as repatriation effort ramps up
Smartraveller warns of global protest and terror risk linked to Middle-East war
Latest News
Qantas pulls plug on Perth–London nonstop as Gulf airspace shuts, adds Singapore stopover
Qantas has suspended its landmark Perth–London nonstop and is routing the service via Singapore after multiple Gulf states closed airspace in response to the Iran conflict. The move adds three hours to journey time and is driving up premium fares on the Australia-Europe corridor, affecting business travellers and freight shippers alike.
Australia doubles Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa fee to AU$4,600—world’s costliest post-study permit
Effective 1 March, the visa application charge for Australia’s Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa has doubled to AU$4,600, making it the dearest post-study work permit worldwide. The abrupt hike may deter international students and squeeze employer talent pipelines.
One-off Qantas A380 flight to London clears backlog as Middle-East chaos deepens
To ease capacity crunches caused by the Gulf airspace closure, Qantas has scheduled a surprise one-way A380 service (QF331) from Sydney to London on 7 March. The 450-seat flight, essentially a maintenance ferry, offers disrupted passengers and corporates a valuable short-term escape valve.
Government under fire as half-empty evacuation flights spark ‘panic-cancel’ debate
Australians arriving from Abu Dhabi report evacuation flights operating one-third full, prompting criticism of government coordination. Officials say they will work more closely with airlines to maximise seats, while mobility experts warn that panic cancellations could exacerbate capacity shortages.