Airline News Briefs

News briefs from March 2026

MARCH 12, 2026: The Tongan Government is re-examining ground handling services at Fuaʻamotu International Airport (TBU) after a failed attempt to renationalise the service last year. Ministry of Public Enterprises CEO Fotu Fisiiah says the government has identified “shortcomings” in how the process was handled.

Read the news story here.

MARCH 12, 2026: Papua New Guinea’s PM, James Marape, says the long overdue upgrade of the Madang Airport (MAG) passenger terminal will soon be complete. Work on upgrading the airport has been underway since 2008 but has experienced several delays, including contractual defaults.

Read the news story here.

MARCH 11, 2026: Alaska Airlines has appointed Andrew Stanbury as its South Pacific managing director. The Sydney-based Stanbury will oversee the performance of all routes across Australia, New Zealand, French Polynesia and the Cook Islands.

Read the news release here.

MARCH 11, 2026: New Zealand’s Air Chathams has added a NZD20 fuel surcharge to its ticket prices as it warns rocketing fuel prices could add NZD1.6 million to its annual fuel bill. The Air Chathams announcement follows Air New Zealand increasing its ticket prices earlier this week because of fast rising fuel prices.

Read the news story here.

MARCH 10, 2026: Air New Zealand is suspending its earnings guidance for the six months to June 30, 2026, due to global jet fuel market volatility. Jet fuel prices, which were around USD85 to USD90 per barrel prior to the conflict, have increased sharply to between USD150 to USD200 per barrel in recent days. Air New Zealand is 83% hedged against Brent crude for the second half of the 2026 financial year. However, like most global airline peers, it remains exposed to movements in the crack spread.

Read the stock exchange filing here.

MARCH 10, 2026: Fiji’s Bureau of Statistics says international carriers filled 76.3% of their seats on flights in and out of the country in 2025 – a 0.4% improvement on the 2024 figure.

Read the news release here.

MARCH 10, 2026: Air Calédonie continues to cancel most or all of its domestic flights, with the latest update saying all domestic flights scheduled for today, March 10, are cancelled. The cancellations are due to airport blockades.

Read the news release here.

MARCH 10, 2026: Vanuatu’s deputy prime minister, Johnny Koanapo, says the government has signed a deed of guarantee to clear Air Vanuatu’s remaining debt to the Vanuatu National Provident Fund by December 2027.

Read the news story here.

MARCH 9, 2026: Work has started on the upgrade of Papua New Guinea’s Wewak Airport (WWK). The 24-month project will see the runway extended to 2,010 metres, improved aeronautical lighting to support safe night and adverse-weather operations, and a new passenger terminal built. The National Airport Corporation is undertaking the work through the Civil Aviation Development Investment Project II.

Read the news release here.

MARCH 9, 2026: The International Air Services Commission has received an application from Qantas seeking an allocation of unlimited freight capacity on the Singapore route for 99 years. From April 2,2026, Qantas plans to commence all-cargo services between Sydney (SYD) and Shanghai (PVG) through to Singapore (SIN), using Airbus 330F aircraft operated under a wet lease arrangement with wholly-owned subsidiary Express Freighters Australia. 

Read the application here.

MARCH 6, 2026: Korean LCCs t’way Air and Jeju Air have agreed to continue flights to Saipan (SPN) until at least the end of October, having previously planned to suspend them at the end of March. In Jeju Air’s case, Seoul - Saipan flights will stop between March 29 – April 29, 2026, because of operational constraints, before resuming.

Read the news article here.

MARCH 6, 2026: PNG Air has released a list of its top 20 shareholders. The biggest is Mineral Resources Development Company Limited, with 1,557,425,861 shares, or 15.93% of the airline’s issued shares. Cumulatively, the top five shareholders own 66.48% of the airline.

Read the stock exchange filing here.

MARCH 6, 2026: The Qatar Investment Authority, Qatar Airways, and QAI UK have reduced their stake in Virgin Australia from 545,783,569 ordinary shares to 529,039,288 ordinary shares - a 2% reduction. The Qataris acquired a 22% interest in Virgin Australia Holdings Limited for approximately AUD800 million (USD565.4 million) in early 2025. The sale follows the release of shares from escrow after the relisting of Virgin Australia in mid-2025.

Read the stock exchange filing here.

MARCH 6, 2026: Auckland Airport has switched on a fleet of 11 industrial scale heat pumps in its 141,000m² international terminal. The NZD15 million project will reduce natural gas use for heating and cooling by an estimated 40% and marks a milestone in the airport’s plan to phase out natural gas and cut carbon emissions from its operations.

Read the news release here.

MARCH 5, 2026: A Texel Air Australasia B737-800 freighter, ZK-TXB (msn 29644) aborted take-off having reached around 140 knots at Melbourne Airport (MEL) on February 17, 2026, after ATC alerted the pilots of a vehicle at the intersection of the airport’s two runways. The jet (safely) crossed the intersection during the slowdown and continued its flight to Adelaide around 60 minutes later.

See the news story here.

MARCH 4, 2026: Tonga’s Civil Aviation Office has appointed Shanonn Wandmaker as technical advisor for aviation security to support the country’s aviation sector. Wandmaker is engaged through the Pacific Aviation Safety Office with funding support from New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Wandmaker will provide technical guidance and advisory support to better align Tonga’s aviation security framework with the standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization.

See the news release here.

MARCH 4, 2026: Following a competitive tender, Sydney Airport (SYD) has appointed ExecuJet as the sole Fixed Base Operator within the airport’s general aviation precinct. Part of the Luxaviation Group, ExecuJet will deliver ground handling services including aircraft handling and coordination, passenger and crew services, ramp operations and concierge support.

Read the news release here.

MARCH 4, 2026: Virgin Australia Holdings Limited has released 14,780,061 escrowed shares (representing around 1.89% of the total issued share capital) held by escrowed executive leadership team legacy plan-holders and 1,964,200 escrowed shares (representing around 0.25% of the total issued share capital) held by escrowed group leadership team legacy plan-holders.

Read the stock exchange filing here.

MARCH 3, 2026: The receivers handling the Airwork Holdings insolvency say they expect to sell the New Zealand freight airline by mid-2026 and confirm that they sold aircraft related surplus assets worth NZD3.6 million in the six months to December 31, 2025.

Read the updated receiver’s report here.

MARCH 3, 2026: Air Calédonie cancelled all flights on March 2, 2026, after protestors blocked access to several airports around Vanuatu. March 2 was the day Air Calédonie switched its Nouméa operations from Magenta Airport (GEA) to La Tontouta (NOU). The move has been met with strong resistance from many islanders.

Read the travel advisory here.

MARCH 2, 2026: Adelaide Airport (ADL) experienced its busiest ever January with 771,814 people travelling through the terminal in January 2026. International passenger numbers achieved double-digit growth with 128,000 travellers, an increase of 21.6% on the year prior. Domestic and regional passenger numbers were in line with last year.

Read the news release here.

MARCH 2, 2026: New Zealand’s Transport Accident Investigation Commission is investigating a November 8, 2025, incident at Hamilton (HLZ) in which a Jetstar A320-200, VH-A5E (msn 12556), backtracking on a runway was overflown by an Ardmore Flying School Cessna 172 landing on runway 18L. The Cessna landed safely and the Airbus continued on Sydney (SYD).

Read the news release here.

MARCH 2, 2026: Papua New Guinea’s National Airports Corporation has temporarily suspend operations at Wewak Airport (WWK) following a recent security breach and damage to airport infrastructure, including airline offices and passenger processing facilities. Air Niugini has separately confirmed the suspension of its flights to the airport.

Read the news release here.

MARCH 2, 2026: At the Pacific Agenda: Investment, Security, and Shared Prosperity Summit held in Hawai’i last week, the US Trade and Development Agency announced funding for project scoping to start infrastructure development processes and to examine deploying trusted US technology to projects that would strengthen airport security in Kiribati, improve the reliability of Tonga’s fuel supply, and upgrade Amata Kabua International Airport (MAJ) in the Marshall Islands, among other funding announcements.

Read the news release here.

News briefs from February 2026

FEBRUARY 27, 2026: Qantas will replace the A380-800 with a 787-9 on the Melbourne (MEL) - Los Angeles (LAX) city-pair due to reduced demand in the economy class cabin on Australia – US routes and will redeploy the A380-800 onto Sydney (SYD) – Singapore (SIN) city pair.

Read the news release here.

FEBRUARY 27, 2026: Qantas Freight will begin operations at Western Sydney Airport's 24-hour cargo precinct in mid-calendar year 2026.

Read the news release here.

FEBRUARY 26, 2026: The New Zealand Government will make RNZAF Base Ohakea available as an alternative runway for widebody aircraft around the-clock. Currently Ohakea, just north of Wellington (WLG), has only been available to airlines as an alternate runway between 5.00 am and 10.30pm.

Read the news release here.

FEBRUARY 26, 2026: Christchurch Airport has announced an after-tax net profit of NZD29.5 million for the six months to December 31, 2025. Passenger numbers rose 7.2% to 3.4 million during the period. Domestic travel increased by 4.8%, while international passengers rose 15.2% when measured against the comparable 2024 period. 

Read the news release here.

FEBRUARY 26, 2026: New Zealand’s Golden Bay Air will be the first airline to receive a loan from funding ear marked for at-risk regional air routes. The NZD1.1 million loan from the NZD30 million package set aside by the government will help the airline refinance existing aircraft debt and fund essential ongoing major maintenance checks, as well as maintain its flights from Tākaka (KTF) to Nelson (NSN), Karamea (NZKM) and Wellington (WLG).

Read the news release here.

FEBRUARY 25, 2026: Pilots operating a Regional Express Saab 340B, VH-RXE (msn 275), working ZL6469 from Griffith (GFF) to Sydney (SYD) on February 22, 2026, observed some abnormal indications from the right hand engine and shut it down. The aircraft diverted to Parkes (PKS), where it landed safely. It has since resumed flying.

Read the news story here.

FEBRUARY 25, 2026: Melbourne Airport has announced an AUD4.5 billion expansion of its cramped international terminal. Among the upgrades are another five aircraft stands (capable of accommodating five widebody or eight narrowbody aircraft), a bigger check-in zone, and an expanded airside space. Work is expected to begin later this year.

Read the news release here.

FEBRUARY 25, 2025: The Western Australia Government will spend AUD12.5 million to build a new HQ and consolidate its emergency services aviation arms at Perth’s Jandakot Airport (JAD). The state's aerial fleet includes 38 aerial firefighting aircraft and three rescue helicopters.  The new site will be more than 8100m2 in size and include four hangars, office accommodation, training simulators, training rooms, amenities and crew rest areas.

Read the news release here.

FEBRUARY 24, 2026: Auckland Airport will not pursue its Airport Services Input Methodologies Merits Review lawsuit in the wake of a December 2025 High Court decision to not hear an appeal. The decision was buried on p.21 of the airport’s interim results presentation released late last week.

Read the results presentation here.

FEBRUARY 23, 2026: Approximately 200 people took to the streets of Nouméa on February 20, 2026, to protest Air Calédonie’s relocation to La Tontouta International Airport (NOU) on March 2.

Read the news story here.

FEBRUARY 20, 2026: Fiji Airways has appointed Narendra Kumar to its board of directors, effective from February 13, 2026. Kumar, who has extensive experience in tourism, aviation, governance, finance, transformation, replaces outgoing director, Daksesh Patel.

Read the news release here.

FEBRUARY 18, 2026: The Guam International Airport Authority says it has not received approximately USD9.2 million in aviation fuel tax payments due for 2018 through 2023 despite a law requiring its remittance, according to airport officials.

Read the news article here.

FEBRUARY 18, 2026: The board of PNG Air Limited appointed Gheno Minia as a non-executive director, effective December 22, 2025.  Minia was nominated by a new sophisticated shareholder, PNG Air- Pacific Balance Fund.

Read the stock exchange filing here.

FEBRUARY 18, 2026: Jetstar says it carried over 700,000 customers on trans-Tasman routes in 2025, an increase of 9% on the previous year. Factors driving the increase included marketing campaigns and the launch of four new trans-Tasman city pairs.

Read the news release here.

FEBRUARY 17, 2026: Melbourne Airport (MEL) says January 2026 was its busiest month on record for international arrivals, with 688,534 international arrivals passing through the airport last month, including a record 688,534 international arrivals on January 9.

Read the news release here.

FEBRUARY 17, 2026: Tonga’s prime minister, La’aulialemalietoa Schmidt, has discussed establishing direct air services with Western Samoa in talks with Western Samoa PM Lord Fakafānua on February 12. Schmidt says flights between Nuku’alofa and Apia would improve connectivity, tourism, and trade.

Read the news story here.

FEBRUARY 16, 2026: The Cook Islands Government is considering a soil stabilisation treatment as a short to medium-term solution to ongoing runway issues at several outer islands airports, particularly Mangaia (MGS) and Mitiaro (MOI), according to Prime Minister Mark Brown.

Read the news story here.

FEBRUARY 16, 2026: US marines from Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 and Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 have deployed to Tinian Airport (TIQ) in the Northern Mariana Islands under an aviation training relocation programme aimed at strengthening expeditionary aviation capabilities. This includes setting up forward arming and a refuelling point at the airport.

Read the news story here.

FEBRUARY 12, 2026: Maroochydore/Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) has officially opened its new state-of-the-art outbound baggage facility, marking a significant milestone in the airport’s AUD170 million terminal upgrade. The new facility includes more than 300 metres of new conveyor systems including two large make-up loops to support increased baggage capacity, doubling what was originally here at the airport.

Read the news release here.

FEBRUARY 12, 2026: Maroochydore/Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) has officially opened its new state-of-the-art outbound baggage facility, marking a significant milestone in the airport’s AUD170 million terminal upgrade. The new facility includes more than 300 metres of new conveyor systems including two large make-up loops to support increased baggage capacity, doubling what was originally here at the airport.

Read the news release here.

FEBRUARY 11, 2026: The third and final stage of the Port Lincoln Airport's runway renewal project is now complete. The AUD2 million project, assisted by both the federal and state governments, involved a reseal of the entire main 1,499-metre runway, taxiways, apron and all associated line marking.

Read the news release here.

FEBRUARY 11, 2026: Air Niugini has inked an agreement with Singapore’s Institute of Technical Services to strengthen technical training and capacity building. The agreement was signed at last week’s Singapore Air Show.

Read the news article here.

FEBRUARY 11, 2026: Airnorth has strengthened its long-standing relationship with Embraer via a new multi-year support agreement under which Embraer will provide comprehensive maintenance, repair and spare-parts support for Airnorth’s E170 and E190 fleet through the manufacturer’s Pool Program.

Read the news release here.

FEBRUARY 10, 2026: Sharp Airlines has stopped taking bookings for its Melbourne Essendon (MEB) – King Island (KNS) flights from May 2, 2026, when government support ends. Typically, the airline runs twice daily round-trips over the summer season and a reduced winter service. Sharp Airlines CEO Alistair Dorward says the route requires government support to remain operational.

Read the news article here.

FEBRUARY 10, 2026: The Western Australia Government will provide AUD122 million between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2031, to subsidise airfares on certain intrastate scheduled passenger routes for regional and remote residents. The subsidies are provided under the Regional Airfare Zone Cap scheme.

Read the news release here.

FEBRUARY 9, 2026: The upgrade of the Santa Cruz Airport (SCZ) in the Solomon Islands is complete. The work included runway sealing, pavement and shoulder improvements, and installing airfield ground lighting. The World Bank financed project was part of the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project.

Read the news article here.

FEBRUARY 6, 2026: Virgin Australia has secured another multi-million five-year deal with the Australian Football League (AFL). The airline retains its partner status, with AFL players, coaches and support staff continuing to travel exclusively on the carrier.

Read the news release here.

FEBRUARY 6, 2026: Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji Executive Manager Standards and Compliance, Sereima Bolanavatu, says the regulatory agency is struggling to reach full staffing due to high training costs and a shortage of qualified professionals, adding that many aviation professionals prefer private industry roles that offer higher pay.

Read the news article here.

FEBRUARY 6, 2026: Sydney Airport has appointed global architecture practice Grimshaw and international engineering consultancy Mott MacDonald as the lead consultants for its T2–T3 terminal link project, a multi-year investment forming a core part of the airport’s AUD6 billion capital works programme.

Read the news release here.

FEBRUARY 5, 2026: 2025 was the busiest year on record for international travel at Sydney Airport (SYD), with a total 17.17 million international passengers passing through in 2025, including 4.62 million international passengers in the year’s final quarter. Factoring in domestic passengers, 42.54 million people travelled through Sydney Airport in 2025.

Read the news release here.

FEBRUARY 5, 2026: A Virgin Australia B737-800, VH-YFS (msn 6589), performed a go-around at Hobart Airport (HBA) on February 4 after pilots discovered the aircraft’s flaps were stuck while on final approach. The aircraft later landed safely, albeit at higher-than-normal speeds. At the time of publication, the aircraft remains at Hobart.

Read the news article here.

FEBRUARY 5, 2026: Nauru Airlines has inked an aircraft engine sale and leaseback agreement with Willis Lease Finance Corporation for seven CFM56-7B engines fitted to its B737-700 and B737-800 aircraft. The six-year agreement will also cover maintenance and spare parts.

Read the news release here.

FEBRUARY 4, 2026: Air New Zealand’s general manager of airports, Kate Boyer, will become chief operations officer in late March, replacing Alex Marren, who announced she was stepping down last year. In addition, Mike Williams, currently chief transformation and alliances officer, will become the airline’s chief operations officer (technical operations). Both appointments come into effect on March 31, 2026.

Read the stock exchange filing here.

FEBRUARY 4, 2026: Queensland’s Central Highlands Regional Airport has adopted the Emerald Airport (EMD) Master Plan, outlining how the airport will continue to grow and improve to meet future passenger, freight and technology needs. Following the plan’s adoption, Council will begin working on the short-term implementation plan (over the next five years), including planning for future freight opportunities.

You can read the masterplan here.

FEBRUARY 3, 2026: Papua New Guinea’s National Airports Corporation has pushed back the start of runway upgrade work at Kiunga Airport (UNG) until March. Consequently, Air Niugini says it will continue to operate its four times weekly Port Moresby (POM) – Kiunga flights until March, instead of suspending the flights in late January, as previously planned.

Read the news release here.

FEBRUARY 2, 2026: The operator of Saipan Airport (SPN), the Commonwealth Ports Authority, hastily approved emergency maintenance expenditure after the airport’s runway lights went out overnight across January 28 - 29, forcing ATC to temporarily halt arrivals and departures.

Read the news report here.

News briefs from January 2026

JANUARY 30, 2026: Construction of new air traffic control towers at Honiara (HIR) and Munda (MUN) International Airports has commenced. The projects are part of the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2).

Read the news article here.

JANUARY 28, 2026: Flight attendants working Air New Zealand’s widebodies will strike for three days over February 11, 12, 13 after long-running negotiations between the airline and Flight Attendants Association of New Zealand (FAANZ) failed to result in a satisfactory new pay deal for long-haul flight attendants.

Read the news article here.

JANUARY 28, 2026: Helipower has expanded its Queensland operations with the opening of a new base in Rockhampton (ROK), located at the former Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service hangar. The operator specialises in regional, remote and over-water helicopter operations.

Read the news release here.

JANUARY 28, 2026: Amendments have been made to the Nauru Air Corporation (Amendment) Act 2026. This includes changes to ensure the director general is one of the directors of the Nauru Air Corporation board. The amendment ensures qualified persons are part of the board and can assist with the airline's development.

Read the news article here.

JANUARY 27, 2026: New Zealand’s Wairoa Airport (WIR) will get a NZD4.2 million (USD2.5 million) upgrade, including improving the airport’s drainage, lighting and fencing to enable 24-hour operation, upgrades to the airport’s vertical guidance systems, and extending the runway from 914 metres to 1250 metres. Construction is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026.

Read the news release here. 

JANUARY 26, 2026: Cloncurry (CNJ) has re-opened its sole runway after it experienced extensive damage during a significant weather event earlier this month. Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements provided AUD11.5 million (USD8 million) towards repairs. QantasLink will resume flights to the airport on February 2.

Read the news release here.

JANUARY 26, 2026: Adelaide Airport welcomed more than 2.439 million passengers in the last quarter of 2025, representing 6.4% year-on-year growth. International traffic reached a record high of over 320,000 for the quarter, representing a 26% increase compared with the same 2024 quarter. Across 2025, the airport handled 9 million passengers, setting a new annual record.

Read the news release here.

JANUARY 23, 2026: A Tropicair operated DHC-6-300 Twin Otter registered as P2-BBM (msn 542) landed at Port Moresby (POM) on January 22 without the nose landing gear wheel extended. No injuries were reported however the aircraft sustained some damage.

Read the news article here.

JANUARY 23,2026:  A board meeting scheduled for January 22 to formalise the appointment of Lionel Guérin as CEO of Air Tahiti Nui, replacing Philippe Marie, has been postponed due to a delay in receiving shareholders' approval.

Read the news article here.

JANUARY 22, 2026: Fiji Airways’ domestic subsidiary, Fiji Link, will operate additional flights to and from Savusavu Airport (SVU) during the closure of Labasa Airport (LBS), which will be shut between February 16 - March 27, 2026, for runway pavement strengthening works.

Read the news article here.

JANUARY 20, 2026: Passenger numbers at Perth Airport (PER) surpassed the 18 million mark in 2025, besting 2024’s record of 16.9 million. Last year, 5.4 million international and 12.6 million domestic passengers passed through the airport.

Read the news release here.

JANUARY 20, 2026: Free public transport will link Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) to Sydney’s suburban rail network when it opens later in the year. The free bus service will take passengers to and from airport to St Marys train station. The interim service will run until the Sydney Metro airport rail link opens in 2027.

Read the news release here.

JANUARY 19, 2026: Qantas ferried an A380-800, VH-OQC (msn 022), back to Sydney (SYD) from Los Angeles (LAX) late last week, more than a month after it experienced a slat delamination on approach to LAX while operating its first revenue flight in almost six years after being brought back from storage at Abu Dhabi (AUH). The aircraft landed at Sydney mid morning on January 16, local time, and operated QF11 back to Los Angeles on January 18.

See the flight tracking here.

JANUARY 19, 2026: Qantas ferried an A380-800, VH-OQC (msn 022), back to Sydney (SYD) from Los Angeles (LAX) late last week, more than a month after it experienced a slat delamination on approach to LAX while operating its first revenue flight in almost six years after being brought back from storage at Abu Dhabi (AUH). The aircraft landed at Sydney mid morning on January 16, local time, and operated QF11 back to Los Angeles on January 18.

See the flight tracking here.

JANUARY 19, 2026: The operational length of West New Britain’s Hoskins Airport (HKN) runway is temporarily shortened to 1,410 metres as work to extend the 1,900 metre runway ramps up. The runway can still accommodate Dash-8 and ATR aircraft operated by Air Niugini and PNG Air while the work take place.

Read the news article here.

JANUARY 19, 2026: 2025 was the busiest year on record for Brisbane Airport (BNE), with 25 million passengers moving through it over the year. International passenger traffic was up 10.7% and domestic was up 3.2% In December, Brisbane recorded its busiest month on record, with 2.3 million passengers travelling through the airport.

Read the news release here.

JANUARY 16, 2025: A Hevilift ATR42-500, P2-KSA (msn 0639) operating a charter flight between Port Moresby (POM) and Simberi Island (NIS) veered off the runway after landing on January 15, 2026. Fourteen people were onboard but no injuries were reported.

Read the news article here.

JANUARY 15, 2026: The Tongan Government is seeking expressions of interest from qualified consultants to advise and assist the Civil Aviation Office to address gaps identified in an ICAO ICVM audit, as well as in the area of air navigation services and aerodromes and ground aids. The project is funded by the World Bank.

Read the terms of reference and scope of work documents here.

JANUARY 14, 2026: Melbourne Airport has recorded its busiest month on record, with 3,421,195 passengers travelling through the airport terminals in December. The airport also set a new monthly record for the number of international flights it handled, with 5,596 services operated in or out of the international terminal, carrying a total 1,222,570 passengers.

Read the news release here.

JANUARY 13, 2026: Fiji Airways is the latest airline to ban the use of portable power banks inflight. The ban, which comes into effect on January 19, 2026, also prohibits putting portable power banks into checked luggage.

Read the press release here.

JANUARY 13, 2026: Air New Zealand achieved an on-time arrival rate of 79.29% in 2025 and successfully operated 97.22% of its scheduled services, completing 171,216 flights across its network. This betters 2024’s on-time arrival rate, when 77.3% of flights arrived on time. The global average is just over 76%.

Read the press release here.

JANUARY 12, 2026: Fiji’s Nadi International Airport (NAN) temporarily closed on January 10 after lightning strikes on a transmitter saw the main runway lighting system cease operating. At least seven arriving aircraft were diverted to other airports.

Read the news report here.

JANUARY 12, 2026: An SDA Aviation Pacific Aerospace 750XL registered as P2-SDA (msn 201) skidded off the runway after landing at Kanabea Airstrip (KEX) in Papua New Guinea’s Gulf Province on January 9, 2026. The aircraft was carrying six people, including a coffin. No significant injuries were reported.

Read the news report here.

JANUARY 8, 2026: The Solomon Islands Government will spend SBD$8.8 million (USD1.1 million) on upgrades and rehabilitation work at Avuavu Airport (AVU) in South Guadalcanal. The eight-month project, to be completed by local firm Sustainable Resources Management Limited, will allow the airport to re open after been closed for 19 years.

Read the news report here.

JANUARY 8, 2026: Papua New Guinea’s finance minister, Thomas Opa, says the ongoing upgrade work at airports around the country reflects the current government’s commitment to aviation safety. “The government remains committed to building a safe, modern, and resilient aviation network that connects communities, supports economic growth, and advances national development,” he said this week.

Read the news report here.

JANUARY 7, 2026: The US Department of Transportation has issued Polynesian Airlines, doing business as Samoa Airways, an exemption under 49 USC § 40109(g) to continue to transport persons, property, and mail between Pago Pago, American Samoa, and the Manu’a Islands, American Samoa, for a period of twelve months beginning January 7, 2026.

Read the filing here.

JANUARY 5, 2026: Queensland’s Cloncurry Airport (CNJ) remains closed after its sole sealed runway sustained significant damage during recent heavy rainfall. Cloncurry Mayor Greg Campbell says it could be some time before commercial flights resume. Qantas, Alliance Airlines, and Regional Express are among the carriers flying to the remote airport.

Read the news article here.

JANUARY 5, 2026: Approximately VUV49 million (USD404,000) was stolen from a vehicle operating on behalf of Western Union at the cargo terminal at Port Vila Airport (VLI) on December 29, 2025. The armed heist, the first recorded in Vanuatu, has sparked serious concerns about airport security.

Read the news report here.

JANUARY 5, 2026: Fiji Airways says it will impose payload restrictions on its flights to Vava’u (VAV) and Funafuti (FUN) while fuel remains unavailable at both airports. Aviation fuel is not expected to become available at Vava’u and Funafuti until January 9 and 15, respectively. The airline warns passengers and baggage may be offloaded at short notice.

Read the news article here.

News briefs from December 2025

DECEMBER 19, 2025: The Australian Government has appointed Vice Admiral (Retired) Russell Crane as the new commissioner of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) for an initial three year term. He replaces Gary Prosser.

Read the news release here.

DECEMBER 17, 2025: New Zealand’s Wellington Airport (WLG) is expecting nearly half a million travellers to pass through its terminal over the next month, with December 18 set to be the busiest day when the airport will handle around 18,000 passengers.

Read the news release here.

DECEMBER 17, 2025: Launceston Airport's (LST) biggest airfield upgrade in more than 60 years is complete with the opening of Taxiway Foxtrot today. Among other benefits, the AUD5 million taxiway will significantly increase the airport's freight handling capacity, including allowing Qantas' new Airbus A321 freighter to operate at the airport.

Read the news release here

DECEMBER 17, 2025: Papua New Guinea’s National Airports Corporation will temporarily permit Air Niugini’s A220-300 aircraft to fly to Rabaul (RAB) in East New Britain to help address peak period passenger demand. The NAC is also allowing temporary night flight operations at Lae (LAE), Wewak (WWK), Momote (MAS) and Kavieng (KVG) airports, albeit only with advance notice from the airline. There is an acute shortage of airline seats Throughout Papua New Guinea in the lead up to Christmas.

Read the news release here.

DECEMBER 16, 2025: PNG Air has closed its recent capital raise and says it has secured PGK29.8 million (USD7 million) with a total 1, 490, 290, 800 new shares being issued.

Read the stock exchange filing here.

DECEMBER 16, 2025: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says New Zealand will invest an additional NZD13.3 million, over five years, to strengthen aviation security in the Pacific region. The investment will go towards new airport x-ray and scanning machines, as well as technical and training support, at eleven airports around the Pacific.

Read the news release here.

DECEMBER 15, 2025: The Cook Islands National Environment Service has opened public consultation on the proposed extension of the Rarotonga International Airport (RAR) Runway End Safety Area, a project that will involve backfilling part of the Panama wetlands and redirecting the existing road at the eastern end of the runway.

Read the news article here.

DECEMBER 15, 2025: The Qantas Group has asked Australia’s International Air Services Commission for an allocation of three frequencies per week on the Australia - Sri Lanka country pair. Qantas’ wholly-owned subsidiary, Jetstar, plans to launch services between Melbourne (MEL  and Colombo (CMB) in August 2026.

Read the application here.

DECEMBER 15, 2025: Queensland’s Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council, in conjunction with engineering and construction company, Durack Civil, has completed an upgrade of Pormpuraaw Airport (EDR), including constructing a sealed 1,360 metre runway. Among other things, the project required the import of 30,000 tonnes of road base from the closest quarry, 600 kilometres away.

See the social media post here.

DECEMBER 12, 2025: The Australian Government has asked the Productivity Commission to undertake an inquiry into the determinants of regional airfares. Interested parties are invited to lodge their submissions by March 15,2026.

You can read the call for submissions document here.

DECEMBER 12, 2025: Fiji’s High Court has struck out an application to include the Fijian Government in a lawsuit involving a 2023 flight charter from Fiji to Israel, for which majority state owned Fiji Airways is allegedly owed over FJD3.1 million.

Read the news article here.

DECEMBER 11, 2025: Virgin Australia has signed a code share agreement with China Southern Airlines that, in the first phase, will allow that airline’s passengers to connect across the Virgin Australia network from early 2026. Virgin Australia says it expects to further expand the partnership.

Read the news report here.

DECEMBER 11, 2025: Fiji Airports chief executive officer Mesake Nawari told an Aviation Bill consultation session in Nadi this week that the planned legislation, designed modernise Fiji’s 49-year-old Civil Aviation Act and strengthen the country’s aviation framework, must take into account technological advances, including autonomous aircraft.

Read the news report here.

DECEMBER 11, 2025: The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has released its latest Domestic Airline Competition report, revealing very high demand for domestic air travel in September and October 2025, resulting in airlines carrying 5.5 million domestic passengers in October alone.

Read the ACCC report here.

DECEMBER 9, 2025: Fiji’s Joyce Aviation Group, owners of Sunflower Aviation, has begun laying off workers two weeks after the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji declined to renew its aircraft maintenance organisation certificate. The matter, attributed to “personality issues,” remains unresolved.

Read the news article here.

DECEMBER 8, 2025: The US Department of Transportation has awarded Skytraders an exemption under 49 U.S.C. §40109 and a foreign air carrier permit under 49 U.S.C. §41301 to operate charter flights between Australia and the United States.

Read the filing here.

DECEMBER 8, 2025: SmartLynx Australia has formally assumed operation of the Sydney (SYD) - Lord Howe Island  (LDH) route under the licence awarded by Transport for NSW in 2024 after incumbent carrier Qantas decided to discontinue DHC-8-200 operations, requiring it to withdraw from the route.

Read the news release here.

DECEMBER 8, 2025: The Tasmanian Government is backing a AUD100,000 joint marketing and social media campaign with Sharp Airlines and Tourism Tasmania to promote King (KNS) and Flinders (FLS) Island to increase passenger numbers and help boost the local tourism economies. The government said its support for Sharp Airlines would continue until the end of April 2026.

Read the news article here.

DECEMBER 8, 2025: Talks between Air New Zealand and cabin crew union E tū continue in a bid to avoid a December 18, 2025, strike. A threatened strike today, December 8, has been called off.

Read the news article here.

DECEMBER 8, 2025: Auckland Airport (AKL) expects to handle over 200,000 more international passengers this 2025/26 summer than the previous summer. Seat capacity at the airport is up 4% compared last summer.

Read the news release here.

DECEMBER 1, 2025: The latest round of Papua New Guinea's Civil Aviation Development Investment Program will fund the upgrade of the Hayfield Airport (HYF) in East Sepik to a Level 2 airport. The upgrade includes air pavement strengthening, a new terminal building and associated works.

Read the news article here.

DECEMBER 1, 2025: A November 14, 2025, PNG Air shareholders meeting passed resolutions to receive and consider the FY2024 financial statement and reports, appoint Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu as auditors for FY2025, and to authorised the oversubscription of a capital raising share issue.

Read the stock market filing here.

News briefs from November 2025

NOVEMBER 28, 2025: SmartLynx Australia (formerly Skytrans) will rebrand following the failure of namesake airline, SmartLynx Latvia. SmartLynx Australia is owned by Avia Solutions Group, who sold the Latvian carrier earlier this year.

Read the news article here.

NOVEMBER 28, 2025: Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority issued MinRes Air Flight Operations Pty Ltd (MinRes Air) a Part 119 air operator's certificate on November 17, 2025.

Read CASA's list of valid air operator's certificates here.

NOVEMBER 28, 2025: Air New Zealand staff in Rarotonga are raising concerns over changes to working conditions and employment agreements that they say is a breach of the Cook Islands Employment Relations Act 2012.

Read the news article here.

NOVEMBER 28, 2025: The Australian Government has appointed Janice Lee as a non-executive director to the Western Sydney Airport (WSA Co Limited) board for a 3-year term.

Read the news release here.

NOVEMBER 27, 2025: Guam International Airport (GUM) is seeking public feedback on a proposal to allow the airport's board of directors to independently sign off on property and facility leases of up to 50 years and 15 years for retail, food and beverage, currency exchange, car rentals, and parking concessions.

Read the proposal documentation here.

NOVEMBER 27, 2025: New Zealand researchers and businesses will be able to quickly develop products without needing Civil Aviation Authority approval for small changes under new government rules designed to cut red tape and advance the aviation sector.

Read the news release here.

NOVEMBER 25, 2025: Air Niugini has resumed jet operations to Gurney Airport (GUR) in Alotau, Milne Bay Province, following the completion of runway upgrade works by the National Airports Corporation.

Read the news release here.

NOVEMBER 24, 2025: Wellington CIty Mayor Andrew Little is replacing outgoing Mayor Tory Whanau as the city council's representative on the Wellington Airport (WLG) board, effective immediately.

Read the news release here.

NOVEMBER 24, 2025: Representatives from the US military and Federated States of Micronesia government have agreed to upgrade Yap Airport (YAP) to improve regional stability and operational capabilities.

Read the news release here.

NOVEMBER 24, 2025: Minority shareholders in PNG Air have an extra two weeks in which to accept the company’s offer to subscribe for additional ordinary shares. The extension is due to the share broker having difficulties contacting some shareholders. The new deadline is 5.00pm on December 5, 2025 (Port Moresby time).

Read the stock exchange filing here.

NOVEMBER 20, 2025: Papua New Guinea's Ministry of Civil Aviation is heading an initiative to establish the country's first-ever aviation degree programmes at the University of Technology to help address a shortage of skilled and qualified aviation professionals.

Read the news article here.

NOVEMBER 19, 2025: Fiji's Labasa Airport (LBS) will close between February 16 and March 22, 2026, to allow upgrade works to be completed.

Read the news article here.

NOVEMBER 19, 2025: Perth Airport (PER) handled a record 1.66 million, passengers in October 2026, including 1.17 million domestic passengers and 485,895 international passengers. The previous monthly record of 1.61 million passengers was set in July 2025.

Read the news release here.

NOVEMBER 14, 2025: Sydney Airport has launched a global tender process to establish a panel of leading architectural and engineering firms to help deliver its $6 billion capital works program over the next five years.

Read the news release here.

NOVEMBER 14, 2025: Qantas is establishing a new product innovation centre in Adelaide to accelerate the delivery of digital experiences for customers. The facility is supported by the South Australian Government and will open in March 2026.

Read the news release here.

NOVEMBER 12, 2025: Qantas says all key airframe components including the forward, centre and rear fuselage sections have come together for its first A350-1000ULR aircraft, along with the wings, tail section and landing gear being attached.

Read the news release here.

NOVEMBER 12, 2025: Perth Airport says it handled a record 17.5 million passengers in the 12 months to June 30, 2025 - up from 16.1 million (8.5%) in the previous year. More than half of the growth came from international passengers.

Read the news release here.

NOVEMBER 11, 2025: Air Niugini will begin code sharing with Qantas on the latter airline's flights between Brisbane (BNE) and Perth (PER) and Sydney (SYD) and Perth. The changes take effect from mid November 2025.

Read the news report here.

NOVEMBER 11, 2025: Almost a quarter of a million passengers made their way through Launceston Airport (LST) during the last two months, with September and October exceeding all-time highs as the airport welcomed 106,671 and 128,615, respectively.

Read the news release here.

NOVEMBER 10, 2025: Qantas shareholders have approved a board proposal to allow CEO Vanessa Hudson to participate in the airline’s long-term incentive plan. Shareholders also approved the board's renumeration report at a November 7, 2025, annual general meeting.

Read the stock exchange filing here.

NOVEMBER 10, 2025: Tourism Fiji and the Chongqing Municipal Commission for Culture and Tourism Development have inked an agreement to develop Chongqing-Fiji travel itineraries, paving the way for Chongqing - Nadi flights and further cementing China's push into the Southwest Pacific.

Read the news report here.

NOVEMBER 10, 2025: Five airports in Papua New Guinea being upgraded under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Program (CADIP 2) were less than 40% complete in September, according to Papua New Guinea's National Airports Corporation.

Read the news report here.

NOVEMBER 7, 2025: Qantas has released a market update saying it is on track to achieve 2H 2025 revenue growth in line with the guidance given when releasing the FY2024/25 annual results in August.

Read the stock exchange filing here.

NOVEMBER 7, 2025: Air New Zealand and BETA Technologies have launched the airline's next generation aircraft technical demonstrator programme. The four-month programme will see Air New Zealand pilots work alongside BETA's flight operations and engineering team to undertake flights in various conditions.

Read the news release here.

NOVEMBER 5, 2025: The Fijian Government says bird strikes cost Fiji Airways FJD19.2 million (USD8.4 million) in 2024 and resulted in four B737s going out of service for various lengths of time.

Read the news report here.

NOVEMBER 5, 2025: Solomon Airlines is adding 20 extra flights between mid-December 2025 and mid-January 2026 to accommodate strong demand to and from Honiara and Munda in Solomon Islands, Espiritu Santo and Port Vila in Vanuatu and Brisbane.

Read the news release here.

NOVEMBER 4, 2025: Trading in the shares of Alliance Aviation Services Limited (Alliance Airlines) remains suspended this morning pending a market announcement, originally due to be made before the start of trading on November 4, 2025 (Sydney time).

Read the market filing here.

NOVEMBER 4, 2025: The Cook Islands Investment Corporation has appointed Edward Herman as chairperson of the Airport Authority Board. He replaces Patrick Arioka. Also appointed as Airport Authority Board directors are Talissa Koteka and Desmond Eggelton.

Read the news release here.

NOVEMBER 3, 2025: Christchurch Airport (CHC) is expecting a record-breaking international summer season, with international capacity 15% above last year and exceeding pre-Covid levels.

Read the news release here.

News Briefs from October 2025

OCTOBER 31, 2025: Alliance Aviation Services Limited, parent entity of Alliance Airlines, has entered an Australian Stock Exchange trading halt pending a significant announcement on or before the start of trading on November 4, 2025.

Read the stock exchange filing here.

OCTOBER 29, 2025: Western Sydney Airport (WSI) has held a multiagency emergency exercise ahead of its 2026 opening. The exercise involved a Coulson Aviation B737-300, operating for the NSW Rural Fire Service, which was the largest aircraft to date to land at the yet-to-open airport.

Read the news release here.

OCTOBER 28, 2025: Initial geotechnical activities for a greenfields airport on on Far East Vanikoro Island in the Solomon Islands'Temotu Province has started. The new airport will provide a safer, more reliable option for domestic flights from Honiara, benefiting nearby atolls like Utupua, Tikopia, and Anuta.

Read the news report here.

OCTOBER 28, 2025: The Cook Islands Airport Authority has secured leases for two parcel of land adjacent to Rarotonga International Airport (RAR), allowing the runway safety zone to be extended and helping it meet international aviation requirements.

Read the news report here.

OCTOBER 28, 2025: Avalon Airport (AVV) outside Melbourne has opened an AUD8 million freight processing facility. The 24-hour facility is capable of processing 100,000 tonnes of cargo – a tenfold increase on current levels

Read the news release here.

OCTOBER 27, 2025: Wellington Airport has announced its unaudited results for the six months ended 30 September 2025 with revenue growth of just under 4% to NZD94.4 million. International passenger numbers are up 6.7% from the same period last year, while domestic passenger numbers are down 4.7%. Total passenger numbers are down 3.1% to 2,520,103.

Read the news release here.

OCTOBER 27, 2025: As part of Perth Airport’s multi-billion-dollar investment program, an expansion and upgrade of Terminal 2 have commenced. The works include new self-service check in facilities, an expansion of the passenger screening facilities and departure lounge, and an extension to the baggage make-up hall.

Read the news release here.

OCTOBER 23, 2025: New Zealand's State-Owned Enterprises Minister Simeon Brown has appointed Darin Cusack as chairperson and Danny Tuato’o as deputy chairperson of the country's Airways Corporation, which oversees air navigation services.

Read the news release here.

OCTOBER 22, 2025: Air New Zealand anticipates posting a NZD30 - 55 million (USD17.2 - 31.6 million) loss for the second half of 2026 due to an expected uplift in domestic and US bookings not materialising, as well as higher lease and carbon offsetting costs.

Read the news release here.

OCTOBER 22, 2025: Perth Airport has released its Preliminary Draft Major Development Plan (MDP) for its new terminal for public review and comment. The project, including terminal facilities, aprons and taxiways, will be one of the most complex projects undertaken in Perth.

Read the news release here.

OCTOBER 21, 2025: Ernst & Young have entered into a sale and implementation deed with Air T Inc., which will result in the sale and recapitalisation of Regional Express (Rex). No return to shareholders is expected.

Read the news release here.

OCTOBER 21, 2025: The Solomon Islands Ministry of Communication and Aviation has released tenders to rehabilitate airstrips at Atoifi (ATD) in Malaita Province and AvuAvu (AVU) on East Guadalcanal.

Read the news report here.

OCTOBER 21, 2025: Origin Air has commenced six times weekly Jetstream 32 round-trips between Blenheim (BHE) and Christchurch (CHC), replacing Sounds Air on the route.

Read the news release here.

OCTOBER 20, 2025: Air New Zealand has successfully operated an electric aircraft test flight. The cargo-configured BETA ALIA CX300 took off from Tauranga Airport on October 17, 2025, kicking off a four-month program of technical demonstrations for the airline.

Read the news release here.

OCTOBER 15, 2025: Fiji Airports has awarded the FJD8.1 million (USD3.55 million) contract for the upgrade of the baggage handling system at Nadi Airport (NAN) to Alstef Group.

Read the news report here.

OCTOBER 15, 2025: Igneo Infrastructure Partners has sold its 15.26% stake in Adelaide Airport (ADL) to existing Adelaide Airport shareholders UniSuper and IFM. The price was not disclosed.

Read the news release here.

OCTOBER 15, 2025: Gold Coast Airport (OOL) says its set a September passenger record last month, with over 560,000 passengers passing through the airport - 10% more than in September 2024.

Read the news release here.

OCTOBER 14, 2025: Qantas and Jetstar, both Qantas Group carriers, are now offering more seats (50% market share) on trans-Tasman routes than rival Air New Zealand (45%). The latter airline usually has the edge on Australia - New Zealand capacity.

Read the news report here.

OCTOBER 13, 2025: Niugini Ground Services (NGS) has ceased to act as PNG Air’s ground handling agent at Tokua (RAB) and Hoskins (HKN) airports. Only Buka (BUA) and Arawa ARAW) continue to operate under agency arrangements within the PNG Air network.

Read the news release here.

OCTOBER 13, 2025: Fiji's Deputy Prime Minister and minister responsible for Fiji Airways, Biman Prasad, says the search for the airline’s new CEO is ongoing. Incumbent CEO Andre Viljoen will will step down this month after 10 years in the role.

Read the news report here.

OCTOBER 10, 2025: The Australian Government is investing nearly AUD25 million in funding for upgrades at 42 remote airports through round 11 of the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program.

Read the news release here.

OCTOBER 10, 2025: A Fiji Airways B737-800 registered as DQ-FJN (msn 34969) remains on the ground at Christchurch Airport (CHC) after experiencing a bird strike incident while taking off there yesterday. The aircraft returned to the airport and landed safely.

Read the news report here.

OCTOBER 10, 2025: Air New Zealand has committed to buy 8000 tonnes of internationally verified, New Zealand nature-based carbon removals by 2030, in partnership with My Native Forest.

Read the news release here.

OCTOBER 8, 2025: The New Zealand Government has confirmed the appointment of a permanent 14-person Aviation Council to work on matters such as workforce pipeline issues, regulatory bottlenecks and infrastructure needs.

Read the news release here,

OCTOBER 8, 2025: The Nauru Government says work to replace the existing runway fencing at Nauru Airport (INU) will commence soon and will continue until next year. The work will not impact flight schedules.

Read the news release here.

OCTOBER 7, 2025: New Zealand's Commerce Commission has declined a request by Air New Zealand for an inquiry into airport regulation. Auckland Airport says it welcomes that decision.

Read the news release here.

OCTOBER 7, 2025: Brisbane Airport (BNE) expects a record 83,000 plus passengers to pass through its terminals on October 6, 2025, besting a record of 82,779 passengers set in late September.

Read the news release here.

OCTOBER 6, 2025: Qantas has applied to Australia's International Air Services Commission for a 99 year renewal of Determination [2015] IASC 108 allocating unlimited capacity and frequency per week on the United Kingdom route, expiring 30 August 2026.

Read the application letter here.

OCTOBER 4, 2025: Air Niugini commenced A220-300 revenue flights today with a service between Port Moresby (POM) and Lae (LAE).

Read the news release here.

OCTOBER 3, 2025: Qantas has confirmed that it will close Qantaslink bases at Hobart (HBA), Canberra (CBR), and Mildura (MQL), taking effect in 2026.

Read the news article here.

OCTOBER 2, 2025: Guam-based Aero Micronesia, Inc (Asia Pacific Airlines) has applied to the US Department of Transportation for authority to fly property and mail between Guam (GUM) and Hong Kong (KKG) from October 27, 2025.

Read the application here.

OCTOBER 2, 2025: Royal Brunei Airlines will operate its final B787-9 charter to Rockhampton (ROK) today, flying out Singapore Armed Forces members participating the Project Wallaby military exercise.

Read further details here.

News Briefs from September 2025

SEPTEMBER 29, 2025: Newcastle (NTL) Airport’s upgraded international terminal opened for business late last week. The terminal works expanded the terminal’s footprint by almost 50% and upgraded the facilities for border services.

Read the news release here.

SEPTEMBER 29, 2025: Air Niugini has selected Airbus Flight Hour Services (FHS) to support its new fleet of 11 A220 aircraft. The long-term power-by-the-hour contract covers integrated component services, including on-site stock, pool access and repair services.

Read the news release here.

SEPTEMBER 26, 2025: Qantas commenced scheduled A321-200XLR flights yesterday with services between Sydney (SYD) and Melbourne (MEL) and Sydney and Perth (PER). The airline presently operates two XLRs with a third due to enter service later this year.

Read the news release here.

SEPTEMBER 26, 2025: Auckland Airport (AKL) has completed its largest infrastructure upgrade since opening in 1966. The upgrade adds around 23 rugby fields of space to the existing apron, taxiway, and runway network, and creates parking for up to 11 jets.

Read the news release here.

SEPTEMBER 25, 2025: The New Zealand Government is reshuffling the board of its Civil Aviation Authority, appointing Mike Schubert, Peter O’Regan, and Mel Templeton to three-year terms. Outgoing board members include Jill Hatchwell, and Charles Spillane.

Read the press release here.

SEPTEMBER 25, 2025: Queensland's Fraser Coast Regional Council will waive airport fees of AUD135,000, accrued by the Royal Flying Doctor Service after over 900 aeromedical aircraft movements in 2024 at council-owned Hervey Bay (HVB) and Maryborough (MBH) Airports.

Read the press release here.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2025: Air New Zealand has completed an AUD300 million seven-year fixed rate bond issuance under its wholesale Australia medium term note program. The senior unsecured notes carry a fixed coupon of 5.179% p.a. and mature on September 30, 2032.

SEPTEMBER 23, 2025: Air New Zealand's Chief Operating Officer, Alex Marren, has announced her resignation, effective March 29, 2026.

Read the stock exchange filing here.

SEPTEMBER 23, 2025: Tasman Cargo Airlines has asked Australia's International Air Services Commission to renew its existing determination granting unlimited capacity on the Australia – New Zealand route for a further period of 99 years, to 2125.

Read the application here.

SEPTEMBER 23, 2025: PNG Air shareholders have approved a PGK20 million (USD4.87 million) capital raising during a September 22, 2025, shareholders meeting. They also approved the appointment of Weathermen Capital Advisors Limited as agent and broker

Read the stock exchange filing here.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2025: The US Department of Transportation has issued a final order allowing Guam's Szabo Aerospace to starting operating scheduled passenger flights between Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands under the Micronesian Air Connection Services brand.

Read the final order here.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2025: Air New Zealand has opened a 35,000 square metre maintenance hangar at Auckland Airport (AKL) capable to handling a B787-9 and two A320/321s simultaneously. 

Read the news article here.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2025: Qantas and Malaysia Airlines have signed a codeshare agreement that will see a QF designator attached to flights on nine routes operated by Malaysia Airlines and the MH designator attached to flights on 15 routes operated by Qantas.

Read the news article here.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2025: Tonga's Ministry of Infrastructure has signed an agreement with Japan's Adamis Ltd and the Oriental Consultants Global Co., Ltd for consulting services regarding upcoming improvements to Fua'amotu International Airport.

Read the press release here.

SEPTEMBER 17, 2025: National Jet Express is acquiring another two DHC-8-Q400s to join its fleet in 2025. The aircraft will take its total Q400 fleet to 13 aircraft, in addition to their eight Embraer E190 jets.

Read the news release here.

SEPTEMBER 17, 2025: Sydney Airport has released its preliminary draft Master Plan 2045, setting out a vision for growth that forecasts 72 million passengers a year, $70 billion in annual economic contribution and more than 105,000 direct jobs by 2045.

Read the draft masterplan here.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2025: New Zealand's government-led Interim Aviation Council has released an Aviation Action Plan, recommending more than 20 ways to grow the country's aviation sector, including tackling rising costs and a skilled worker shortage.

Read the Aviation Action Plan here.

SEPTEMBER 15, 2025: Air New Zealand will again wet lease a Wamos Air A330-300 between October 30, 2025, and April 30, 2026. The aircraft will operate selected flights to Papeete (PPT), Apia (APW), Nadi (NAN), Denpasar (DPS), and Tokyo Narita (NRT).

Read the news report here.

SEPTEMBER 12, 2025: Solomon Airlines has suspended DHC-8-100 (Dash 8) services to Taro (CHY), Gizo (GZO), Seghe (EGM), Kira Kira (IRA) and Lata (MLA) while the aircraft awaits spare parts. It continues to fly to Munda (MUA).

Read the news article here.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2025: Qantas will begin operating an A220-300 on selected services between Brisbane (BNE) and Wellington (WLG) from February 8, 2026. It will be the first time Qantas has used an A220 on an international route.

Read the news release here.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2025: Jetstar has announced biggest ever expansion of its New Zealand and trans-Tasman network with the launch of two new routes and additional capacity on five existing routes, creating a total of more than 660,000 new seats a year. 

Read the news release here.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2025: Mackay Airport (MKY) has re-opened after contractors undertaking scheduled maintenance of the airport's runway overnight identified an unexpected "issue" that required immediate remediation and resulted in cancelled flights today.

Read the news release here.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2025: Air Chathams has confirmed that it remains in talks with Air New Zealand about an interline agreement and other opportunities to work together.

Read the news article here.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2025:  The Australian Government will let passengers have their say on the design of new aviation consumer protections that, when implemented, may offer greater passenger protections and make airlines and airports more accountable.

Read the news release here.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2025: The New Zealand Government will support at risk regional air routes with up to NZD30 million in concessionary loans from the Regional Infrastructure Fund.

Read the news release here.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2026: The Qantas Group has released its Annual Report and Sustainability Report for the 2025 Financial Year. The documents provide shareholders with information about the airline's performance in a range of financial and non-financial measures.

Read the reports here.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2025: Tonga’s Civil Aviation Office has led a 3-day aircraft accident site hazard and safety training workshop from August 26 - 28. Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade funded the workshop.

Read the press release here.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2025: The 600 acre Bluewater Airport, north of Townsville, is for sale. The runways are east/west at approximately 2,400 metres and north/south at 1900 metres with additional capacity for a second parallel north/south runway to 1600 metres.

Read the details here.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2025: The CEO of Fiji Airways has told the country's Standing Committee on Social Affairs that the airline is fully compliant with all loan obligations, including major financing from the Fiji National Provident Fund and the Fiji Development Bank.

Read the news report here.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2025: A Solomon Airlines DHC-6-300 has successfully operated a proving flight to Barakoma Airfield (VEV) in South Vella with a view to resuming scheduled services to the currently unserved WWII era airstrip.

Read the news report here.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2025: An Auckland Court has been fined Jetstar NZD2.25 million after it mislead passengers about their rights to compensation when flights were delayed or cancelled for reasons within its control, breaching the Fair Trading Act.

Read the news release here.

SEPTEMBER 2, 2025: Hobart Airport has opened a new security screening area has part of its AUD200 million terminal upgrade.

Read the press release here.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2025: Papua New Guinea's Civil Aviation Minister, Wake Goi, says a major upgrade of Port Moresby's Jacksons International Airport (POM) is planned, including extending the runway and adding two extra departure gates at the terminals.

Read the news article here.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2025: Airlink will continue scheduled passenger flights to Bourke (BRK), Walgett (WGE), and Lightning Ridge (LHG) after the New South Wales Government extended funding support through to November 2026. The funding is worth AUD2 million.

Read the press release here.

News Briefs from August 2025

AUGUST 29, 2025: Virgin Australia has declared a statutory net profit after tax of AUD479 million and revenues of AUDAUD5.81 billion for the 12 months to June 30, 2025. The airline, which recently relisted on the stock exchange, says it is a "strong earnings result."

Read the full financial results here

AUGUST 29, 2025: Fiji Link is moving to a fully cashless payment system at Nadi (NAN), Suva (SUV), and Labasa (LBS) airports from next month

Read the news article here.

AUGUST 28, 2025: Qantas has posted a statutory tax profit of AUD1.61 billion for the 12 months to June 30, 2025. It is a 28% increase on the previous 2024 financial year result.

Read the full financial results here.

AUGUST 28, 2025: Air New Zealand has posted a statutory tax profit of NZD1.26 billion for the 12 months to June 30, 2025. It is a 14% increase on the previous 2024 financial year result.

Read the full financial results here.

AUGUST 27, 2025: The board of Air Niugini has suspended CEO Gary Seddon as a "procedural matter." The suspension concerns the upcoming induction of A220 aircraft.

Read the news report here.

AUGUST 27, 2025: Christchurch International Airport Limited has declared an underlying profit after tax NZD49.7 million for the 12 months to June 30, 2025. In the same year, the airport handled 6.39 million passengers.

Read the press release here.

AUGUST 25, 2025: Auckland Airport has completed the first phase of improvements to the international arrivals areas, including an improved nothing to declare express lane supported by detector dog screening, alongside new and expanded back-of-house areas that set up the next stages of work.

Read the press release here.

AUGUST 25, 2025: Papua New Guinea’s Accident Investigation Committee has published its final report on the investigation into an accident involving a TropicAir DHC-6-400 aircraft at Kerema Airport on February 6, 2025.

Read the full report here.

 AUGUST 21, 2025: The Solomon Islands' Ministry of Communication and Aviation, Guadalcanal Province Government, and landowner tribes, signed a memorandum of understanding at the province’s headquarter chamber this week to reopen Avuavu airstrip in East Guadalcanal after carrying out the rehabilitation work and expanding the airstrip to meet current aviation standards and requirements.

Read the news article here.

AUGUST 21, 2025: The New Zealand government will invest NZD2.7 billion towards the MH-60R Seahawk and Airbus A321XLR as preferred options to replace aging fleet assets.

Read the press release here.

AUGUST 21, 2025: Wellington Airport (WLG) has announced that from 21 August 2025 Wayne Eagleson will be joining the airport's board as an Infratil Director, replacing outgoing Director Phil Walker.

Read the press release here.

AUGUST 21, 2025: Launceston Airport (LST) has recorded its busiest July ever, with 115,792 passengers passing through the airport, which represents a 7.4% increase on July last year.

Read the press release here.

AUGUST 19, 2025: The Japan International Cooperation Agency has signed a grant agreement with the Tongan Government to upgrade Fua’amotu International Airport (TBU), including building the country's first aerobridge.

Read the news article here.

AUGUST 19, 2025: Inspectors from Papua New Guinea's Civil Aviation Safety Authority have arrived in Nuku’alofa on behalf of the Pacific Aviation Safety Office to conduct an audit ahead of renewing Lulutai Airline’s air operator's certificate.

Read the news release here.

AUGUST 18, 2025: Australia's Federal Court has ordered Qantas to pay AUD90 million (USD59 million) after illegally sacking 1,800 ground handlers in 2020. It is Australia's largest ever workplace law penalty.

Read the full judgement here.

AUGUST 18, 2025: The Labasa Chamber of Commerce in Fiji has called \for an urgent fix to the runway at Labasa Airport (LBS), saying flights are only operating at 50% capacity because of safety concerns about the runway.

Read the news article here.

AUGUST 13, 2025: Vanuatu's Temotu Provincial Government has welcomed plans to upgrade Motalava Airport (MTV) Airport on Motalava Island. The upgrade includes sealing the runway, allowing it to handle aircraft as large as ATR72.

Read the news report here.

AUGUST 12, 2025: The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has released its latest Domestic Airline Competition Report. Among other things, it reveals that monthly domestic passenger numbers have returned to pre-pandemic levels.

Read the ACCC's report here.

AUGUST 11, 2025: Sharp Airlines has announced an interline agreement with Qantas. Customers who book with Qantas will be able to connect to flights operated by Sharp Airlines across regional Victoria and the Bass Strait islands.

Read the news release here.

AUGUST 11, 2025: ISAC has received an application from Qantas seeking the allocation of 696 seats per week on the Cook Islands route. Qantas' wholly-owned subsidiary, Jetstar, plans to launch Brisbane-Rarotonga services three times per week.

Read the application here.

AUGUST 8, 2025: Virgin Australia has applied to ISAC to renew Determination [2019] IASC 124 that allows it to code share with Qatar Airways on the France route. The application, which seeks a five year extension, gives Virgin Australia approximately daily 150 seats on the route.

Read the application here.

AUGUST 7, 2025: Fiji's parliament has called for a comprehensive overhaul of Fiji’s aviation legal framework, alongside strengthened security measures. This follows a detailed review of the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji’s (CAAF) 2023 Annual Report.

Read the news article here.

AUGUST 6, 2025: Gold Coast Airport (OOL) has received Australian Government approval for its 2024 Master Plan. It projects airport’s economic contribution to the region will nearly double to $990 million annually and support over 6,000 jobs over the next two decades.

Read the news release here.

AUGUST 6, 2025: Pormpuraaw Airport (EDR) will be closed between 11 August and 30 October 2025, due to runway works.

Read the news article here.

AUGUST 4, 2025: Sydney Airport has announced the first phase of a major redevelopment of the T3 (Qantas) Domestic Terminal. Phase One, due for completion in late 2025, will see 14 new food and beverage open in the terminal.

Read the press release here.

AUGUST 4, 2025: Air Niugini says studies done by Airbus have confirmed that all 15 airports currently served by the airline's Fokker fleet can accommodate A220s, the first of which is due to arrive in September.

Read the press release here.

AUGUST 1, 2025: Brisbane Airport has become the first airport in the world to complete a security assessment under a new global program developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Read the press release here.

AUGUST 1, 2025: Air New Zealand has announced the appointment of Nikhil Ravishankar as its next Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Greg Foran who steps down in October after almost six years leading the airline.

Read the stock exchange filing here.

News Briefs From July 2025

JULY 29, 2025: A temporary air traffic control radar and tracking outage at Port Moresby (POM) and Mt. Hagen (HGU), managed by NiuSky Pacific, resulted in disruptions to some flight operations on July 28. Systems are now restored.

Read the press release here.

JULY 28, 2025: The US Department of Transportation will allow Polynesian Airlines, trading as Samoa Airways, to continue flying between Pago Pago and the Manu’a Islands, relying on a exemption in the rules that allows cabotage operations under certain circumstances.

Read the Department of Transportation's decision here.

JULY 28, 2025: Tonga's Minister for Public Enterprises Paula Piukala say the safety concerns that led to the temporary suspension of Lulutai Airlines' operating certificate, including chronic understaffing, reliance on temporary engineers, and systemic non‑compliance, have been an issue since Lulutai's establishment in 2020.

Read the news article here.

JULY 28, 2025: The New South Wales will spend AUD12.5 million to establish the NSW Take Off Fund to incentivise airlines to add additional or new flights to the state.

Read the press release here.

JULY 24, 2025: Adelaide Airport handled a record 8.7 million passengers in the 12 months to June 30, 2025, including 7.7 million domestic and one million international passengers.

Read the press release here.

JULY 23, 2025: Tonga's Civil Aviation Division has temporarily reinstated Lulutai Airlines' Part 145 Maintenance Certificate, allowing it to resume services from July 23.

See the press release here.

JULY 16, 2025: The Australian Stock Exchange has flagged Regional Express Holdings Limited (trading as Rex) for failing to submit five periodic reports by their due dates. Regional Express is currently suspended from trading while in administration.

Read the ASX notice here.

JULY 15.2025: Qantas has asked the IASC to allow Finnair to code share on Jetstar-operated services from Melbourne (MEL) to Denpasar (DPS) and beyond to Singapore (SIN).

Read the application here.

JULY 15, 2025: Jetstar and Indigo have inked a codeshare agreement that will allow passengers to fly between India and New Zealand on a single ticket.

Read the news release here.

JULY 1, 2025: Qantas has asked IASC to allow India's IndiGo to codeshare on Qantas's New Zealand flights.

Read the application here.

JULY 1, 2025: Qantas will ferry its first A321-200XLR into Sydney on July 2, 2025.

Read the news release here.

News Briefs From June 2025

JUNE 30, 2025: Air New Zealand has denied claims that it plans to suspend flights to Tonga as a result of a decision to renationalise luggage handling services at Fuaʻamotu International Airport (TBU).

Read the news report here.

JUNE 26, 2025: Qantas is assessing whether to buy around 14 mid-life E190s to replace its F100s operated in Western Australia by subsidiary Network Aviation.

Read the news release here.

JUNE 25, 2025: The Federal Court of Australia has given the administrators of Regional Express Holdings Limited (Rex) until December 5, 2025, to sell the insolvent airline.

Read the stock exchange filing here.

JUNE 25, 2025: An AUD30 million upgrade of Whyalla Airport (WYA) is complete. The works, including runway strengthening, will allow the airport to handle 74-seat Q400 aircraft.

Read the news release here.

JUNE 25, 2025: International flights have resumed at Dunedin Airport (DUD) after a five year break with Jetstar starting thrice-weekly A320-200 services to the Gold Coast (OOL) on June 24.

Read the news release here.

JUNE 25, 2025: Shares in Virgin Australia rose 11.4% on its first day of trading on the Australia Stock Exchange on June 24, giving the airline a market valuation of AUD2.58 billion.

Read the news report here.

JUNE 24, 2025: Alliance Airlines has sold 12 General Electric GE34-10 aircraft engines to Texas-based Beautech Power Systems.

Read the stock exchange filing here.

JUNE 22, 2025: Sydney Airport has completed an AUD169 million apron upgrade, opening four new Code F (A380-capable) layover bays, three new taxiways and taxilanes, and upgrading two existing Code E (B777-capable) bays.

Read the press release here.

JUNE 20, 2025: The French Polynesian Government has granted cargo start-up Motu Link Airlines an air carrier licence.

Read the press release here.

JUNE 20, 2025: Tonga's Lulutai Airlines has resumed Saab 340B flights to Ha’apai Airport (HPA) after the completion of runway extension works.

Read the news report here.

JUNE 20, 2025: Virgin Australia and Embraer have signed a a multi-year contract for Embraer’s Component Pool Program to support the eight E190-E2s that will soon enter Virgin Australia’s fleet.

Read the press release here.

JUNE 19, 2025: New Zealand's Sunair Aviation is in early-stage talks about an investment in Tonga's Lulutai Airlines.

Read the news report here.

JUNE 18, 2025: A upgrade to the Collinsville Aerodrome is complete, with the Council installing a new fauna-proof perimeter fence, secure vehicle gates, LED lighting, and reshaping, strengthening, and sealing the central 18 metres of the former gravel runway.

Read the press release here.

JUNE 18, 2025: Tonga's deputy prime minister says state-owned Lulutai Airlines is now breaking even after consistently losing money since its formation in 2020.

Read the news report here.

JUNE 18, 2025: The administrators of Regional Express Holdings (Rex) intend to apply to the Federal Court for extra time to sell the airline after receiving what they call, several "well-funded" offers to buy it.

Read the stock exchange filing here.

JUNE 16, 2025: The Solomon Islands' Ministry of Communication and Aviation has entered into a 12-month consultancy agreement with IOS Partners to undertake a comprehensive review and analysis of Solomon Airlines’ operations.

Read the news report here.

JUNE 13, 2025: PNG Air has increased the number of issued shares from
4,073,143,800 to 8,287,544,748. Conversion of rescue capital is the provided reason.

Read the stock exchange filing here.

JUNE 12, 2025: Air New Zealand has signed an agreement with Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) to operate flights there from mid-2027.

Read the press release here.

JUNE 11, 2025: Airbus has denied any talks have taken place with Vanuatu's Government concerning the return of A220 predelivery payments.

Read the news report here.

JUNE 9, 2025: Papua New Guinea's Accident Investigation Commission has released its final report into an Twin Otter DHC-6-300 accident at Kairik Airport on October 19, 2024.

Read the full report here.

JUNE 9, 2025: Qantas has entered into a bilateral codeshare agreement with Hawaiian Airlines , allowing customers to book through flights to all four major Hawaiian Islands, 15 US cities, and 10 international destinations.

Read the press release here.

JUNE 9, 2025: Virgin Australia currently expects to list on the ASX on June 24, 2025, with an offer size of AUD685 million (USD444.7 million), representing 30.2% of the shares on issue.

Read the prospectus here.

JUNE 9, 2025: Solomon Airlines CEO Sean Teo has resigned with immediate effect after 14 months in the role. His replacement was not immediately announced.

Read the report here.

JUNE 9, 2025: The International Air Services Commission has received a request from Qantas to retain its weekly seat allocations on routes to the Caledonia and Philippines.

Read the application here.

JUNE 4, 2025: Air New Zealand is ferrying in its thirteenth A321-200NX today. ZK-NNH (msn 12513) left Hamburg (XFW) on May 31 and is currently enroute to Auckland (AKL).

See the flight progress here.

JUNE 3, 2025: FlyPelican has announced a one-way interline agreement with Qantas that will allow passengers booking with Qantas to connect to FlyPelican-operated flights.

Read the press release here.

JUNE 3, 2025: The Queensland Government will announce a new aviation investment fund this week designed to lure more airlines to the state in the lead up to the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane.

Read the government's statement here.

JUNE 2, 2025: Qantas has asked the International Air Services Commission to allocate it an extra four weekly frequencies on the Australian - Canada country pair.

Read the application here

News Briefs From May 2025

 

MAY 30, 2025: Air New Zealand has released its April 2025 traffic statistics, revealing capacity was down 2.2% compared to April 2024.

Read the stock exchange filing here

MAY 30, 2025: Air Caledonie has delayed plans to shift to Noumea La Tontouta Airport in July due to significant market discontent.

Read the news report here.

MAY 29, 2025: Andre Viljoen will step down as CEO and MD of Fiji Airways in October 2025 after ten years in the role. He will become the CEO of Air Mauritius.

Read the news report here.

MAY 29, 2025: Air Niugini has signed a firm order with Airbus for two more single-aisle A220-100s. This follows an initial order in 2023 for six aircraft.

Read the Airbus press release here

MAY 28, 2025:  Australia’s Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) says a May 4, 2025, severe turbulence incident onboard a Qantas B737-800 that left a flight attendant injured highlights the importance of effective crew coordination.

You can read the ATSB report here.

MAY 28, 2025: The Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP) has appealed against the finding from the Fair Work Commission that first officers under training, as defined in the Qantas Airways Limited Pilots (Short Haul) Enterprise Agreement 2024 (EA9), are not covered by the Air Pilots Award 2020.

The AFAP appeal is available here.

MAY 23, 2025: Virgin Australia and Boeing have today released a report by Pollination on the challenges and opportunities of an International Book and Claim system for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) accounting.

Read the full report here.

MAY 23, 2025: The 79th General Session of the Association of South Pacific Airlines opened in Honiara yesterday with the theme “Enhancing Regional Air Connectivity and Infrastructure."

Read the report here.

MAY 20,2025: The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's latest Domestic Airline Competition Report has found that Australia’s two largest airline groups have both recorded strong financial results for the first half of 2024-25.

MAY 16, 2025: Lincoln Pan, a non-executive director of Regional Express Holdings Limited, trading as Regional Express (REX), has resigned from the board.

Read the Australian Stock Exchange notice here

MAY 14, 2025: The Canadian Transportation Agency has approved an application by Skytraders to operate non-scheduled charter flights between Australia and Canada.

Read the CTA approval here.

MAY 13, 2035: Recently re-elected Australian prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has re-appointed Catherine King as Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. Her remit includes Australia's aviation sector.

Read the press release here.

MAY 9, 2025: New Zealand's Whakatāne District Council has declined a request from Air Chathams to financially subsidise the Whakatāne (WHK) - Auckland (AKL) route, with the mayor, Victor Luca, saying it was not up to council to run the airline.

Read the Radio New Zealand story here.

MAY 6, 2025: The Tongan Government, via the Tonga Airports and Port Authority, will take over baggage and cargo management at Tonga's airports to combat drug trafficking. A switch from private contractor to government will involve a six month transition period.

You can read the full newspaper article here.

MAY 6, 2025: Nauru Airlines has reappointed AERgO International as its exclusive general sales agent for the airline's charter services.

Read the full statement here.

May 1, 2025: Air New Zealand has issued new 2030 emissions guidance, saying it expects to cut net "well-to-wake" greenhouse gas emissions from jet fuel by 20 - 25% by 2030, from a 2019 baseline.

You can read the full announcement here

 

News Briefs From April 2025

 

April 29, 2025: Malaysia Airlines and Melbourne Airport have signed an MOU at the MATTA Fair 2025 regarding the introduction of a third daily flight to Melbourne in October 2025.

Read the full press release here.

April 28, 2025: The Nauru Government says Nauru Airport (INU) will restrict most flights flights to evening to early morning hours until mid-June while runway resurfacing work continues.

Read the government announcement here.