Industry Updates September 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 has been named Oceania’s Leading Airline and Oceania’s Leading Airline Brand at the 2026 World Travel Awards. Voted on by travel professionals and consumers worldwide, the awards recognise excellence across the travel industry and highlight Air New Zealand’s continued focus on delivering a strong customer experience across its network.
New Zealand’s SafeTravel advisory for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been lowered to Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, effective 22 September 2026.
The updated advice is a positive development for New Zealand travellers, providing added reassurance for those visiting Dubai, transiting through the UAE, or connecting to destinations across the extensive Emirates network.
Lufthansa Group’s new Allegris cabin concept is redefining premium travel, offering greater choice, privacy and comfort across First, Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins.
The new product includes a range of seating options designed to suit different traveller preferences, from private Business Class Suites with closable doors to extra-long beds and additional personal space. For New Zealand travellers, Allegris is already available on selected Lufthansa services via major hubs including Singapore, Tokyo and Shanghai.
Fiji Airways will increase its Christchurch services from three to five flights per week year-round from 26 March, adding new Monday and Saturday departures to meet growing demand from New Zealand travellers.
The additional services will give South Island travellers more flexibility and improved access to Fiji, along with onward connections to destinations including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo. The expansion comes as Christchurch Airport prepares for a record international summer, with seat capacity expected to be more than 20% higher than last season.
Auckland Airport will retire its Strata Club rewards programme and Auckland Airport app on 30 November 2026 as part of a move to consolidate services through its website.
Members can continue earning Strata points until 30 September and have until 30 November to redeem eligible rewards. Airport services, including parking bookings and flight information, will remain available online, while the Strata Lounge will continue operating as normal.
Singapore Airlines will operate its flagship Airbus A380 on the Auckland route year-round from 25 October 2026, upgrading what was originally planned as a seasonal service.
The move adds more than 200 extra seats per day in each direction and significantly increases premium cabin availability. Travellers will also enjoy year-round access to the airline’s A380 experience, including Suites, First Class and Business Class.
Jetstar has launched a new year-round Melbourne to Colombo service, operating three times per week on Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The route creates a new one-stop option for South Island travellers flying from Christchurch via Melbourne.
From October, Jetstar will also add two extra weekly Auckland-Melbourne services, making same-day connections to Colombo even more convenient for New Zealand travellers.
Emirates is introducing the world’s first electrically powered privacy screens between Premium Economy seats on newly delivered Airbus A350 aircraft.
The enhancement offers travellers greater privacy and comfort, complementing the airline’s existing Premium Economy features, including wider seats, extra legroom and an upgraded onboard experience.
Auckland Airport is introducing a new international departure process that will see travellers complete security screening before passport control, bringing the airport in line with many major international gateways.
Known as “The Flip”, the change is expected to be in place by the end of next year and is designed to improve passenger flow while enhancing security screening. Travellers won’t need to take any additional action, although some pathways may change during the phased rollout..
Singapore Airlines has launched a new First Class Concierge service at Singapore Changi Airport, providing eligible travellers with personalised assistance and escorted transfers through the terminal, including for connecting flights.
The service is designed to create a more seamless premium travel experience, with buggy transfers available where operationally possible.
United Airlines has introduced a new app feature that allows travellers affected by delays or disruptions to join the standby list for up to three earlier flights while keeping their original confirmed booking.
The app automatically monitors seat availability and sends notifications when seats become available, making it easier for travellers to secure an earlier departure without repeatedly checking for updates.
The Industry Update September 2026 reflect continued growth and evolving conditions across global travel.
