Wheels up: Emirates and Etihad cleared to fly full schedules again

The UAE has removed all temporary airspace and airport restrictions imposed during the Iran conflict, clearing the way for Emirates, flydubai and Etihad to return to full schedules after two months of disruption. The all-clear came on Saturday, when the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) confirmed all temporary limits on airspace and airport operations … Read more

Ponant’s Kimberley eclipse voyage

Ponant Explorations has unveiled the initial release of its 2028 voyages, in alliance with its partner Smithsonian Journeys. The first departures for the 2028 line-up include an all-new solar eclipse itinerary in Western Australia’s Kimberley region (pictured), along with a number of returning favourites. ‘Solar Eclipse on Western Australia’s Kimberley Coast’ is a 10-night voyage … Read more

Humanoid robots to become baggage handlers in Japan airport experiment

Japan Airlines will introduce the robots for trial run at a Tokyo airport amid country’s surge in inbound tourism and worsening labour shortages. Japan’s famously conscientious but overburdened baggage handlers will soon be joined by extra staff at Tokyo’s Haneda airport – although their new colleagues will need to take regular recharging breaks. Japan Airlines … Read more

Cruise cancellations ‘very low’ amid Middle East crisis as luxury lines back agents

By Matt Leedham – Karryon Five luxury cruise line leaders told Karryon that demand remains robust despite the Middle East airspace closures, with Travel Agents successfully rerouting clients and cancellation rates minimal across the luxury sector. Reading the sensationalised media headlines these past few weeks, you’d be forgiven for thinking the travel industry was in complete … Read more

Qantas boosts Europe flights and redirects US planes

Qantas Europe flights will increase services and capacity ahead of the peak summer travel season as travellers scramble for options to avoid Middle East airspace and the US-Israel war on Iran continues to wreak havoc on routes. Australia’s biggest airline has made some major schedule and route changes from April 2026 as demand and airfare prices for Qantas … Read more

Going for the Goldie: Fiji Airways unveils nonstop Gold Coast-Fiji flights for 2026

Gold Coast Airport will welcome another international carrier to South East Queensland, with Fiji Airways set to commence direct Gold Coast–Nadi flights from June 11, 2026. The new service on Fiji Airways’ Boeing 737 MAX 8 will operate three times weekly direct flights between the Gold Coast and Nadi , providing an additional 53,000 seats per year … Read more

Viking unveils world-first hydrogen-powered cruise ship set for 2026 launch

The Viking Libra hydrogen cruise ship has been floated out in Italy ahead of her November 2026 delivery, marking a major milestone as the world’s first hydrogen-powered ocean cruise ship capable of zero-emissions sailings. The float-out ceremony for the Viking Libra hydrogen cruise ship took place at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Ancona, Italy, and significantly represents the first time … Read more

How are planes still flying through the Middle East? Are there safe routes for Australians to use?

The war in the Middle East has caused significant disruption to air travel around the world, including Australia With hubs such as Doha, Abu Dhabi and Dubai being used by countless Aussie travellers to get to Europe, thousands were left stranded when conflict began earlier this month. Despite the threat of drone strikes and missiles in the area, thousands of Australians have been safely evacuated … Read more

UK government quietly updates passport rules for dual citizens — again

In short: The UK government has updated its guidance for British and Irish dual nationals.  Travellers who hold both an expired UK passport as well as a valid passport from a country that’s eligible for an Electronic Travel Authorisation may now be able to enter the UK.  What’s next?  The new rules will come into … Read more

What we know about changing UK passport requirements effective 25 February 2026

Frustrated Australian-UK and Irish dual citizens have questions about the new UK passport entry requirements that come into effect on February 25. A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson confirmed officials had relayed concerns from British Australian dual citizens to the British High Commission in Australia. The Deputy British High Commissioner Dr Brian Jones … Read more