Virgin Australia has reinstated its seasonal flight check-in and baggage drop service at Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal, making post-cruise travel smoother for guests flying out of Sydney.

The service allows cruise passengers to check in for their Virgin Australia flight and drop off checked baggage immediately after disembarking their cruise. Once luggage is checked in at the terminal, it is transported directly to Sydney Airport and loaded onto the guest’s flight ahead of departure.

Originally launched in 2018 in partnership with OACIS, the award-winning service was paused during the pandemic and has now returned to support peak summer travel. By removing the need to transport luggage through the city, the service allows guests to explore Sydney luggage-free while also helping to reduce congestion at the airport.

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Crystalbrook Collection – one of Australia’s leading sustainably and personality-led luxury hospitality companies – together with South Australian engineering and construction leaders Samaras Group and its project partners, today marked a major milestone for Crystalbrook Sam, the new luxury hotel rising on Halifax Street in Adelaide’s southern precinct and slated to open in late 2026.

The 12-storey hotel has officially topped out, reaching its full height following a significant construction program led by leading local builder BESIX Watpac, and supported by Samaras Group’s South Australian steel fabrication expertise. Progress has been driven by more than fifty trade subcontractors and suppliers engaged by the builder, collectively employing a strong local workforce of 590 people to date. With the structure now complete, local Adelaide firm PACT Architects alongside the build team, are transitioning from major structural works to façade installation and detailed interior fit-out.

Marking Crystalbrook Collection’s first South Australian hotel, Crystalbrook Sam will bring a new expression of contemporary luxury to the city through design-led accommodation, signature dining and elevated wellness experiences.

The hotel will feature 196 rooms and suites, along with a standout Level 12 restaurant with sweeping panoramic views of the CBD and out to the Adelaide Hills. The 120- seat venue with private dining space, is poised to become a new highlight of Adelaide’s dining scene, showcasing South Australian produce through an elevated, modern lens.

The hotel will also introduce Eléme Day Spa to Adelaide for the first time, bringing Crystalbrook’s refreshing wellness philosophy to the city. The spa will sit alongside a gym, sauna, and swimming pool.

Highlighting the broader significance for the region, South Australia Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison MP, said: “Crystalbrook Sam will play an important role in strengthening Adelaide’s premium accommodation offering as our visitor economy continues to grow. South Australia is attracting more interstate and international travellers than ever, and investments like this signal strong confidence in our state. It’s fantastic to see major tourism and construction partners backing Adelaide with a project that will elevate the experience for business and leisure travellers alike.”

Crystalbrook Sam is scheduled to open in late 2026.

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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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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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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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