Virgin Australia Launches First International Service From Canberra

Virgin Australia will add more than 40,000 seats each year between the nation’s capital and Australia’s most popular international holiday destination, with direct flights from Canberra to Bali launching on 22 June 2026.

The new route will operate three return services per week and complement the airline’s other direct services between Bali and Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Virgin Australia will operate its Boeing 737-800 aircraft on the route, with three seating options including Business, Economy and Economy X – the airline’s extra legroom seating which provides guests with an enhanced level of comfort and pre-boarding perks.

Virgin Australia Chief Executive Officer, Dave Emerson said the new service is a significant win for the ACT, strengthening the territory’s international connectivity.

“This is the first time in the history of the company that we will operate internationally from the capital, marking an important milestone in our broader network expansion story,” he said.

“Virgin Australia will be the only Australia-based airline operating internationally out of Canberra, and the only carrier on this new route.

“As we continue to grow our network, we’re focused on offering greater choice and seamless connectivity for our guests.

The schedule has been designed with convenience in mind, featuring afternoon departures from Canberra and overnight returns from Bali.

Virgin Australia currently operates services to Bali from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Gold Coast. The new Canberra services also have same-day connections to these ports, increasing connectivity between Australia and Bali.

 

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Qantas and Jetstar Introduce New Power Bank Safety Measures

Qantas and Jetstar have announced new safety measures relating to the use of power banks onboard, with changes coming into effect from 15 December 2025 across all flights.

Under the updated policy, the use of power banks during flights will be prohibited. Charging power banks onboard will also not be permitted, including via in-seat power or USB ports where available. Travellers will still be able to carry power banks in their cabin baggage, with a limit of up to two devices per person, each not exceeding a maximum capacity of 160 watt hours.

The move aligns Qantas and Jetstar with a growing number of global airlines that have introduced similar restrictions following a series of safety incidents involving lithium batteries. These incidents have included batteries overheating or catching fire both onboard aircraft and within airport terminals.

Other airlines that have already implemented comparable measures include Virgin Australia, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways, EVA Air and Korean Air.

Brisbane Airport Opens New Direct Entry and Central Screening Area

Brisbane Airport has opened a new direct entry into its Domestic Terminal, giving carry-on-only passengers faster and more convenient access to security screening just in time for the busy holiday period.

The new entryway allows passengers travelling with hand luggage only to move directly from the Skywalk into the airport’s brand-new central security screening area, all on the same level. A staged opening of the new screening zone has now begun, with the full facility on track to be operational before Christmas.

Once fully open, the central screening area will feature 10 new security lanes equipped with Rapiscan CT screening technology, also known as Standard 3. This advanced technology allows travellers to keep laptops, sealed drink bottles and aerosols inside their bags, creating a smoother and more efficient screening experience.

The new lanes also include larger tubs to hold more personal items and an automatic tray return system to help speed up passenger flow. Spanning 1,250 square metres, the new screening point is roughly equivalent to the footprint of a Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 aircraft, or three average suburban house blocks side by side.

During the staged rollout, Brisbane Airport will continue operating the northern screening area used by Qantas. The temporary Virgin screening area will also remain open until 22 December to support peak holiday travel demand.

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Singapore Airlines to Open New SilverKris Lounge in Melbourne

Singapore Airlines is preparing to upgrade the lounge experience for travellers passing through Melbourne Airport, with plans confirmed for a brand new SilverKris Lounge in Terminal 2.

Construction will begin on a new-build lounge that will replace the existing downstairs facility with a significantly larger space on an upper level of the terminal. Once open in late 2026 or early 2027, the new lounge will offer around 30 per cent more space, helping to ease crowding ahead of Singapore Airlines’ five daily services to Singapore.

The refreshed lounge will feature a contemporary design inspired by Singapore Airlines’ newest SilverKris lounges in Perth, London Heathrow and Singapore Changi Terminal 2. Travellers can expect a more spacious, modern environment designed to elevate comfort before departure.

Access to the new Melbourne SilverKris Lounge will continue for business and first class passengers flying with Singapore Airlines, as well as eligible Star Alliance partner passengers including those travelling with Air New Zealand and Thai Airways. Frequent flyers with qualifying status will also retain lounge access.

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Delta Launches Nonstop Los Angeles to Melbourne Flights

Delta Air Lines is expanding its footprint in Australia with the launch of nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Melbourne, set to commence in December 2025.

The new route strengthens Delta’s presence in the South Pacific and offers travellers direct access to one of Australia’s most vibrant cities. Services will operate using the state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900, delivering Delta’s premium onboard experience alongside seamless connections through its Los Angeles hub.

Travellers departing LAX will also benefit from Delta’s premium ground experience, including access to the world-class Delta One Lounge. The airline says the new service reflects its ongoing commitment to connecting customers with leading global destinations while maintaining a high standard of comfort and service.

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Qantas Expands Perth Hub with New Johannesburg and Auckland Flights

Qantas has officially launched new direct international services from Perth to Johannesburg and Auckland, strengthening the airline’s growing western international hub.

The new routes connect three continents through Perth and will add more than 150,000 seats annually, supporting jobs in Western Australia and boosting inbound tourism. The expansion has been made possible through additional border services funding, allowing Perth Airport to increase staffing, equipment and biosecurity capacity to host more international flights.

The Perth to Johannesburg service operates three times a week and offers onward connections to Cape Town and other African destinations through Qantas’ partnership with Airlink. The Perth to Auckland route also operates three times weekly and provides West Australians with improved connectivity, including one-stop access to New York via Auckland.

Both routes are operated by Qantas A330 aircraft, featuring lie-flat Business Class seating and Economy cabins designed for long-haul comfort.

Emirates Offers Complimentary Pre-Flight Hotel in Sydney for Regional NSW Travellers

Emirates is offering a complimentary pre-flight hotel stay in Sydney for eligible First and Business Class passengers travelling from Regional NSW.

Customers flying on Emirates flight EK415 can enjoy an overnight stay at the Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport before departure, making early international departures more seamless and comfortable. The offer applies to passengers holding an Emirates-issued ticket where EK415 is the first flight on the itinerary.

To be eligible, travellers must reside in the NSW region and live outside a 95 kilometre radius of Sydney Airport. The offer is valid for both one-way and return journeys, with departures available up to 30 June 2026. Bookings must be ticketed and submitted before 23 June 2026.

The complimentary stay includes a Superior Room for up to two guests, Wi-Fi and a transfer to Sydney International Airport, arranged directly with the hotel at check-in. It is a valuable perk for premium travellers looking to start their journey with added ease.

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Give the Gift of Travel This Christmas

Stuck on what to tuck under the tree this year?

Skip the socks and scented candles and give something truly unforgettable.

ATPI Cruise & Travel gift cards make it easy to share the joy of exploration with the people you love and the people you rely on. Choose any amount and let them put it toward their dream escape, whether that is a sun soaked island break, a foodie weekend in Tassie or a bucket list cruise.

It is the kind of gift that never gathers dust and always sparks excitement.

Perfect for families, friends, teachers, colleagues, hard working staff or that one person who is impossible to buy for.

Reach out to our expert team and we’ll get your personalised ATPI gift card sorted.

 

Florin Hotel to Redefine Sydney CBD Stays

Sydney’s skyline is about to gain a showstopper.

Opening in the second half of 2027, the new Hotel Florin Sydney will bring 228 rooms of luxury, design and heritage charm to the heart of the CBD. Operated under EVT Hotels and Resorts’ Independent Collection, this $275 million project blends old and new with the adaptive reuse of a heritage-listed building topped by a striking 22-level tower.

Guests will enter through a soaring 10 metre lobby and discover high 4 metre ceilings in the heritage spaces. The room mix includes generous heritage suites and an Australian first Vertigo Suite featuring a see-through glass floor for those who like their stays with a thrill.

With more than 700sqm of dining and amenity spaces plus a 300sqm rooftop oasis complete with an infinity edge pool and skyline views, the hotel is set to become a destination in its own right. Its A-grade Kent Street location places guests steps from key corporate hubs, entertainment precincts and major CBD drawcards, making it ideal for business, leisure and event travellers.

Hotel Florin Sydney is shaping up to be one of the city’s most exciting new additions and a must-stay for travellers who like their luxury with character.

Want to know more? Talk to our expert team today.

 

 

Virgin to Shake Up European High-Speed Travel

Virgin is gearing up for a bold new chapter in European travel.

On 30 October 2025, the company received the official green light to launch a rival high-speed international train service through the Channel Tunnel. Their vision is ambitious: to connect London St Pancras International with Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam by 2030, with plans to expand even further across the continent.

To bring the project to life, Virgin is preparing to order 12 state-of-the-art Avelia Stream trains. These sleek, energy-efficient trains promise a comfortable, modern and unmistakably Virgin travel experience. Think faster journeys, elevated onboard comfort and a fresh competitive edge for cross-Channel travel.

A key milestone has already been reached with approval to use the Temple Mills International rail depot in East London.

“The regulator has confirmed Virgin can move ahead with our plans to use the Temple Mills International rail depot in East London. This is a crucial step that puts us on track (mind the pun) to introduce competition through the Channel Tunnel,” explained Sir Richard Branson.

It’s still early days, but the tracks are being laid for something transformative. Virgin Trains is aiming to bring its signature sparkle to European rail travel and can’t wait to welcome travellers on board.

Image credit: Harry Kinnaird