Industry Updates October 2026 highlight key developments across airlines, airports and travel requirements relevant to business travel.
At Orbit World Travel, we continue to monitor the latest developments across the travel industry.
Below is a summary of key airline, airport and travel-related updates relevant to business travel.
Air New Zealand’s non-stop Christchurch–Singapore service will move to year-round operation, with flights continuing beyond 26 March 2027 and operating three times a week, subject to regulatory and airport approvals. The change gives South Island travellers ongoing direct access to one of Asia’s major hub airports throughout the year. Flights are expected to go on sale from late November 2026.
Air New Zealand plans to launch a new seasonal non-stop service between Christchurch and Denpasar from winter 2027, subject to regulatory and airport approvals. The airline expects to operate the route three times a week on its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, giving South Island travellers a new direct option to Bali. Flights are expected to go on sale later this year.
Air New Zealand has launched its new three-times-weekly Auckland–Western Sydney service, becoming the first international passenger airline to operate into the new Western Sydney International Airport. The route opens a new gateway between New Zealand and one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions, supporting both business and leisure travel across the Tasman.
Air New Zealand’s codeshare arrangement with Qantas will end on 7 April 2027, meaning Air New Zealand codeshare flights operated by Qantas will no longer be available to book from that date.Travel before then is unaffected, and customers will still have access to Australian connections through interline arrangements. For travel on or after 7 April 2027, affected bookings will need to be reviewed and rebooked, with Koru members continuing to earn their original Airpoints and Status Points, although reciprocal lounge access will end.
Air New Zealand will increase capacity between Auckland and Shanghai from 23 January to 20 February 2027, supporting higher demand during the Chinese New Year travel period.
The additional services will operate three times weekly on top of the airline’s existing daily Auckland-Shanghai flights, providing travellers with greater flexibility and more options when travelling between New Zealand and China during one of the region’s busiest travel seasons.
Air Tahiti has welcomed its first all-business-class aircraft, which will operate under the airline’s premium Air Tahiti Signature brand and support a more exclusive inter-island travel experience in French Polynesia. The aircraft, named ĀNAPANAPA, arrived in Tahiti last week, with a soft-launch for tourism professionals scheduled from 10 November to 7 December 2026 ahead of its commercial rollout. The preview period will allow travel agencies and tour operators to experience the product before it is introduced to customers.
Qantas says its upcoming ultra-long-haul Project Sunrise flights between Sydney and London will create a new one-stop London option for many New Zealand travellers, particularly those travelling via Sydney from south of Hamilton.
The airline says the new A350 service will complement its existing London routes via Singapore and Perth, while also supporting stronger connecting opportunities from across the region. Qantas expects Auckland to be a key source of connecting traffic as the network develops
Jetstar will launch new direct flights between Christchurch and Perth from 27 October 2026, with the seasonal three-times-weekly service running until March 2027 and adding more than 30,000 low-fares seats.
The airline will also resume year-round Christchurch–Sydney flights at the same time, operating four times a week and providing onward connections via Sydney to selected destinations across its international network. The new services give South Island travellers more direct Australia options while also supporting inbound visitation.
Korean Air will increase its Auckland–Seoul service from four flights a week to daily from 26 October, boosting capacity on the route ahead of the peak travel season. The airline will operate its Boeing 787-10 and Airbus A350-900 aircraft, which include upgraded onboard comfort, inflight Wi-Fi and, on the A350-900, 33 extra-legroom Economy seats available for pre-purchase.
Auckland Airport’s $3.9 billion terminal redevelopment has passed the halfway mark, with the new integrated domestic and international terminal remaining on track for completion in 2029.
Travellers will begin seeing the changes sooner, with a new-look Zone C international check-in area set to open this summer. The upgraded facility is the first visible step towards a more seamless, technology-enabled check-in experience and the future integrated terminal, where domestic jet and international passengers will check in under one roof.
The wider redevelopment also includes a new baggage system, airfield improvements, transport upgrades and sustainability initiatives, designed to support a smoother airport experience for future travellers.
Sunshine Coast Airport has opened a new arrivals precinct and baggage claim area as part of its ongoing terminal upgrade. The new facility is almost three times larger than the previous arrivals area and includes a 92-metre baggage carousel, more seating, upgraded amenities and improved cooling. The expansion is designed to deliver a smoother arrivals experience as passenger numbers continue to grow.
Emirates has updated its pre-purchased excess baggage discounts, offering savings of up to 45% for travellers purchasing additional baggage before they fly.
The airline has also revised its checked baggage size limits under the weight concept, reducing the maximum total dimensions from 300cm to 203cm. For routes operating under the piece concept, baggage dimensions remain unchanged at 150cm per piece.
Travellers planning to check oversized items are encouraged to review the updated baggage rules before departure to avoid any unexpected airport charges or repacking requirements.
A proposal to trial more seamless travel between Australia and New Zealand could eventually allow eligible pre-registered passengers to cross the Tasman using biometric technology, without physically presenting a passport at airport immigrationThe plan has not yet been confirmed and would require regulatory changes and cooperation in both countries, but if progressed, it could help streamline travel on one of the region’s busiest business corridors.
The Industry Update October 2026 reflect continued growth and evolving conditions across global travel.
