Share and Follow
The landscape of air travel in Australia is poised for significant transformation by 2026, with several developments on the horizon that will redefine how Australians take to the skies.
As the year unfolds, Australian airlines are set to expand their offerings, with new international flight routes either already operational or slated for introduction later in the year. This move is expected to provide travelers with more options and enhanced connectivity.
Virgin Australia and Jetstar are among the key players gearing up to introduce these fresh international routes in 2026, signaling an exciting era for air travel in the region.
In collaboration with Qatar Airways, Virgin Australia will commence daily flights from Melbourne to Doha. This service will augment Virgin Australia’s existing routes to the Qatari capital, which currently include flights from Brisbane, Sydney, and Perth. This strategic expansion highlights the airline’s commitment to offering greater accessibility to global destinations for Australian travelers.
By the start of the year, Virgin Australia will have launched daily services from Melbourne to Doha, in partnership with Qatar Airways, complementing Virgin’s existing services to the Qatari capital from Brisbane, Sydney, and Perth.
Singapore Airlines, meanwhile, will introduce a Premium Economy option for one of its four daily services between Brisbane and Singapore, starting from 1 November 2026.
Europe goes digital
Planning a Eurotrip? There are two changes you should be aware of before your getaway in Greece, sojourn in Spain, or visit any of more than two dozen other European destinations.
As part of the Entry/Exit System, non-EU travellers to the Schengen area will need to have their fingerprints scanned. Source: Getty / PA Images / Gareth Fuller
The first is the Entry/Exit System (EES), a digital identity system that will record the data of non-EU nationals travelling into the Schengen area, a zone of 29 European countries that allows people to travel freely across their mutual borders.
The EES started a gradual rollout on 12 October this year and is expected to be fully implemented by 10 April 2026. As it’s a progressive rollout, you may still need to get your passport stamped before then.
The specific date the mandatory system will start will be announced next year, and its launch will be followed by transitional and grace periods of up to 12 months.
Visa-free travel to China continues
The country has been taking strides in recent years to boost international tourism.
When does the US Global Entry Program start?
The United States Global Entry Program allows overseas visitors to pay a fee in exchange for expedited clearance upon arrival in the US, with reduced paperwork and shorter queues. It is set to be expanded to include Australian passengers.
An initial phase of around 1,000 Australians took place at the start of the year and has since closed. The second and final phase, with applications open to all eligible Australians, is expected to open later in 2025, but a precise start date has not yet been announced.
What are the rules on portable phone banks?
Devices over 100 watt-hours will require airline approval, and power banks exceeding 160 watt-hours will be banned. Qantas and its subsidiary Jetstar will implement similar restrictions.
There have been numerous incidents involving portable phone power banks on flights in recent years. Source: Getty / 5./15 WEST / iStockphoto
A power bank in an overhead locker is suspected to have caused a fire that broke out on a Virgin Australia flight from Sydney to Hobart in July.
