Qantas reroutes Australia–France flights via Singapore amid Middle-East conflict
Canberra welcomes Middle-East ceasefire and hints at eased travel advisories
Canberra tightens student-visa spigot as refusal rate hits 20-year high
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EU biometric border system starts 10 April, Australians told to expect 70 % longer border queues
From 10 April the EU will fingerprint and photograph all non-EU arrivals under its new Entry/Exit System. Airlines say border processing is already up to 70 % slower, meaning Australian travellers should expect longer queues and plan extra time at Schengen airports. Companies with staff on tight schedules should adjust itineraries and prepare travellers for the new biometric formalities.
Hormuz closure adds two-week detours and surcharges to Australia–Europe freight lanes
With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, ocean freight from Australia to Europe is diverting around Africa, adding up to two weeks’ transit time and multiple surcharges. Exporters of perishables, importers of fertiliser and firms shipping via northern ports face sharp cost increases and potential supply gaps.
‘Perfect storm’ of weather and staff shortages strands thousands at Australian airports
Wild weather on Australia’s east coast collided with chronic staffing gaps on 7 April, generating hundreds of flight delays and cancellations nationwide. Business travellers face missed connections and longer journey times; travel managers are urging flexible bookings until the network stabilises.