JULY 17, 2026. AUSTRALIA
Perth Airport sets new annual passenger traffic record
Perth Airport has recorded its busiest year ever, handling more than 18.3 million passengers in the 12 months to June 30, 2026. Strong international growth, rising FIFO demand and new airline services helped drive the record result
JULY 17, 2026. FIJI
Fiji Airways seeks full complement of US market rights
Fiji Airways is seeking expanded operating rights in the United States following the ratification of a new bilateral air services agreement. The carrier says greater flexibility will support future growth, strengthen codeshare partnerships and create additional travel and freight opportunities between the US and the South Pacific.
JULY 16,2026. NORTERN MARIANA ISLANDS
Hong Kong Airlines returns to Saipan after typhoon
Hong Kong Airlines has resumed twice-weekly flights to Saipan, becoming the second international carrier to restore services after Typhoon Sinlaku. The airline is one of several planning a return to Saipan as the US territory attempts to rebuild its tourism industry.
JULY 15, 2026. AUSTRALIA
Triple daily Qatar B777 flights into Sydney this summer
Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia will introduce a third daily Sydney – Doha service from December and reduce Brisbane and Perth frequencies. The new flights will operate under Virgin Australia's flight numbers using Qatar Airways-operated aircraft, highlighting how the partnership continues to maximise air service rights.
JULY 15, 2026. AUSTRALIA
United Airlines slashes 2026/27 Adelaide seasonal flights
United Airlines is trimming its 2026/27 southern summer seasonal flights to Adelaide by more than half, according to its latest schedule update. United will now run the service between December 17, 2026, and February 8, 2027, reducing the schedule to 23 return flights – a 53.1% cut to what the airline had planned to operate.
JULY 14, 2026. SOLOMON ISLANDS
Solomon Airlines chases Asia growth through Port Moresby hub
Solomon Airlines is developing Port Moresby as a gateway between the Solomon Islands and Asia, signing new partnerships with Philippine Airlines and China Southern Airlines. The strategy aims to diversify the carrier's international network, reduce reliance on Brisbane and attract more visitors from fast-growing Asian markets.
JULY 14, 2026. AUSTRALIA
First of four freighter test flights lands at Western Sydney
Western Sydney Airport has completed its first live freight trial ahead of opening to cargo operations on July 26. Yesterday, a Qantas A321-200 freighter tested aircraft handling, ground operations and cargo systems. Another three test flights are scheduled later this week.
JULY 13, 2026. AUSTRALIA
ATSB finds glideslope interference behind B767F incident
The ATSB has found glideslope signal interference contributed to a Tasman Cargo Airlines B767 freighter descending below the ILS approach path into Sydney Airport. The investigation prompted safety changes by the airline, while Boeing will introduce software updates designed to prevent similar incidents.
JULY 13, 2026. FIJI
Court orders Fiji Airways to answer B737 lease questions
A Fiji High Court has ruled that lawyers for a former Fiji Airways pilot may question the airline about the lease agreement for a B737 -700 at the centre of a negligence claim. The pilot alleges unresolved pressurisation defects caused permanent injuries. However, the airline denies liability.
July 2026 News Briefs
JULY 8, 2026. AUSTRALIA
Newcastle Williamtown Airport eyes return of Auckland flights
Newcastle Williamtown Airport is renewing its push for nonstop flights to Auckland, seven years after Virgin Australia ended its flights on the route. The airport argues upgraded facilities and strong travel demand support a trans-Tasman comeback.
JULY 7, 2026. PAPUA NEW GUINEA
PNG Air ends DHC-8-100 ops, all remaining Dash-8s sold
PNG Air has retired its final DHC-8-100 aircraft, completing its transition to an all-ATR fleet and ending more than a decade of Dash-8 operations across Papua New Guinea. The airline says the move will simplify operations, improve reliability and reduce maintenance costs.
July 2026 Aircraft Movements
JULY 7, 2026. NEW CALEDONIA
New Caledonia’s Air Oceania eyes new aircraft to aid growth
Air Oceania hopes to acquire two more aircraft to help grow its network around New Caledonia. The plan comes as ongoing airport blockades continue to disrupt Air Calédonie, creating strong demand for alternative inter-island services.
JULY 6, 2026. NAURU
Nauru Airlines drops two North Pacific Connector sectors
Nauru Airlines has dropped the Majuro – Pohnpei and Pohnpei – Koror sectors from its Australian Government-backed North Pacific Connector service. The flights now terminate at Majuro.