Corporate Travel News: May 2026

It has been a significant few months for global aviation. Middle East airspace restrictions following the February conflict have reshaped long-haul routing and jet fuel prices remain elevated, prompting airlines to adjust schedules. At the same time, new routes are opening across the Atlantic and Pacific, major hotel additions are landing in London and Singapore and Gulf carriers are steadily rebuilding connectivity. Here is what travel managers need to know heading into the northern hemisphere summer.

Airlines/Airports

Airlines remove around 13,000 May flights as fuel prices remain elevated

Global carriers have cut approximately 13,000 flights and nearly two million seats from May schedules in response to jet fuel remaining above $150 per barrel, following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in late February. Travel managers should review flexibility conditions on upcoming bookings and allow additional planning time for itineraries through at least mid-year. Learn more about the May flight reductions at Euronews.

Qatar Airways restores Iraq services and targets 150-plus destinations by June

Qatar Airways resumes passenger flights to Baghdad, Basra, and Erbil from May 10, following the phased reopening of Iraqi airspace after the April 8 ceasefire. The airline is on track to serve more than 150 destinations across six continents from mid-June, marking a near-complete restoration of its global network. Read the full Qatar Airways press release on Iraq flight resumptions and global network recovery.

Alaska Airlines launches daily Seattle to London Heathrow service from May 21

Alaska Airlines begins daily, year-round nonstop flights between Seattle and London Heathrow on May 21, its fifth intercontinental destination, using Boeing 787-9 aircraft configured with 34 enclosed business class suites. The new service opens a direct Pacific Northwest corridor into one of the world’s busiest corporate aviation markets. Explore Alaska Airlines’ Seattle–London Heathrow route details on their Newsroom.

ANZ network operating at reduced capacity through May

Jetstar cut 12% of trans-Tasman capacity and Air New Zealand removed more than 1,100 flights through May, while Virgin Australia ran a 46% national delay rate across April. Travelers on domestic, trans-Tasman, and international connections through Australian and New Zealand airports should confirm flexible fare conditions and build in additional connection time. Review Wego’s traveler guidance on Australian and New Zealand airline disruptions.

ACCC grants interim approval for Qantas-American Airlines trans-Pacific joint venture

The ACCC issued interim authorization on April 4 for Qantas and American Airlines to continue coordinating schedules, fares and frequent flyer benefits across 14 US cities while a full competition review is completed. The arrangement underpins 54% of seats between Australia, New Zealand, and North America, providing planning certainty for corporate programs through Q3 2026. Explore VisaHQ’s coverage of the ACCC’s Qantas–American Airlines competition ruling.

Entry Requirements & Border Updates

EU Entry/Exit System now fully operational across all Schengen borders

The EU’s biometric Entry/Exit System became mandatory across all 29 Schengen countries on April 10, replacing passport stamps with fingerprint and facial image registration for non-EU nationals. Processing times are running up to 70% longer at some airports during peak periods – allow extra time at passport control through summer 2026. Read Euronews’ full breakdown on the EU Entry/Exit System rollout and border delays.

UK Electronic Travel Authorization fully enforced from February 25

All visa-exempt nationals, including those from the US, Australia, Canada, and the EU, must hold a UK ETA (£16, valid two years) before boarding any flight to the UK. Applications take minutes online; travelers who change passports must update their UKVI account or risk denied boarding. Review Centura Global’s breakdown of UK ETA rules for US, Australian and EU nationals.

US ESTA fee increases and social media screening proposed for Visa Waiver travelers

The ESTA fee for Visa Waiver Program visitors has increased from $21 to $40. US Customs and Border Protection has also proposed requiring five years of social media history from ESTA applicants, though this has not yet taken effect. Update expense allowances for ESTA costs and monitor the proposal, which is expected to progress through mid-2026. Review Fragomen’s analysis of the ESTA fee increase and social media disclosure proposal.

Hotels

Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch on track to open mid-2026

The Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch, opposite Buckingham Palace, is set to open mid-2026 as the brand’s first London property, offering 100 rooms, a 320-cover ballroom, and dining from Michelin-starred chefs Clare Smyth MBE and Daniel Boulud. It is among the most significant new luxury hotel additions to the London market in several years. Explore Hilton’s full announcement on the Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch opening.

NoMad Singapore set to open on Orchard Road in Q3 2026

NoMad Singapore, Hilton’s lifestyle brand making its Asia Pacific debut, opens on Orchard Road in Q3 2026 with 173 rooms, a 15-storey biophilic waterfall, an infinity pool, and immersive dining. The property adds a notable lifestyle option to Singapore’s growing CBD-adjacent accommodation market. Discover The Peak Magazine Singapore’s full preview of NoMad Singapore and the best hotel openings of 2026.

Industry and travel planning insights

Korean Air and Asiana integration advances toward end-2026 brand consolidation

Asiana’s A350 fleet is being refitted with Korean Air’s cabin configuration, and its operations will relocate to Terminal 2 at Incheon International Airport, with the Asiana brand on track to be phased out by end-2026. Corporate travelers with Asiana Club miles should review their usage strategy ahead of the loyalty program merger, as Star Alliance redemption options will cease to be available once integration is complete. See the Korea Times’ full breakdown of the Korean Air–Asiana merger progress and loyalty program changes.

Changi Airport Terminal 3 upgrade announced, adding capacity for growing Asia transit volumes

Singapore’s Changi Airport confirmed a Terminal 3 upgrade to begin by end-2026, expanding peak-hour passenger handling capacity and integrating new self-service and digital systems, as part of a broader S$3 billion program to upgrade Terminals 1-4. Singapore continues to serve as the primary alternative transit hub for Australia-Europe and Asia-North America routes. Read Focus on Travel News’ full report on Changi Airport’s Terminal 3 upgrade and S$3 billion redevelopment program

Stay ahead with The Ticket

Get the latest corporate travel insights, industry trends and travel news delivered to your inbox each month.