Corporate Travel News: October 2026

New gateways, visa changes and a stronger outlook shape October 2026 travel news.

October brings new connections, from Western Sydney Airport’s opening to Qantas’ nonstop Sydney to New York plan, alongside visa and border changes in Thailand and Europe worth building into trip planning. New hotels and a landmark UAE rail link add fresh options, and business travel confidence has reached its highest level this year. Here’s what travel managers need to know.

Airlines/Airports

Qantas confirms nonstop Sydney to New York flights from 2028

Qantas has named New York as the second Project Sunrise destination, with nonstop Sydney flights due to start in mid-2028 on the A350-1000ULR. The roughly 18-hour journey cuts about three hours from today’s one-stop routing, with tickets on sale from August 2027. Read more about Qantas’ Sydney to New York plans on Business Traveller.

Western Sydney International Airport opens to passengers on October 25

Jetstar operates the first flights from Western Sydney International on October 25, with Air New Zealand’s Auckland service following the next day and Singapore Airlines daily from late November. The curfew-free airport adds a second Sydney gateway, with Qantas arriving in March 2027. Read more about Western Sydney Airport’s opening line-up on Business Traveller.

SCAT Airlines launches Singapore to Kazakhstan service via Sanya

SCAT Airlines starts twice-weekly flights between Singapore and Shymkent on October 20, routed through Sanya in about 11.5 hours. Passengers stay airside during the two-hour transit, so no Chinese immigration clearance is needed, though the Boeing 737 MAX 8 offers economy seating only. Review the new Singapore to Kazakhstan routing on Time Out.

Entry Requirements & Border Updates

Thailand cuts visa-free stay to 30 days and limits it to tourism

From September 15, Thailand halves its visa-free stay to 30 days for 60 countries and territories, and the exemption now covers tourism only. Short-term business and work visitors from affected markets will need a visa, so review upcoming Thailand trips now. Review Thailand’s new visa exemption rules on The Traveler.

EU Entry/Exit System flexibility lapses, with checks still eased in some countries

The European Commission is reportedly allowing several Schengen countries to continue easing biometric border checks under the Entry/Exit System, despite the legal mechanism permitting such suspensions having expired in September 2026. The move could reduce the risk of severe queues affecting freight traffic on key UK–EU routes. Read more about the latest Entry/Exit System developments on Trans.info.

Hotels

Lanson Place Parliament Gardens marks two years in Melbourne with its first MICHELIN Key

Lanson Place Parliament Gardens has been awarded One MICHELIN Key, marking a milestone as the Melbourne hotel celebrates its second anniversary. MICHELIN defines One Key as “a very special stay”, recognising hotels for the overall experience they deliver. Its selection considers design and architecture, service, character, value and contribution to the surrounding destination. Explore the details of this milestone for Lanson Place in their press release.

TFE Hotels invests A$100 million across its Adina Apartment Hotels

TFE Hotels is investing A$100 million in its first-generation Adina properties, upgrading guestrooms and public spaces in Australia and Europe. Adina Darling Harbour, Adina Perth and Adina Budapest are refreshed, with Adina Frankfurt Neue Oper under way, giving travelers updated apartment-style stays. Explore the details of the Adina portfolio investment on TTG Asia.

Signia by Hilton Indianapolis to open in December with 100,000 square feet of meeting space

Signia by Hilton Indianapolis is due to open in December as the city’s tallest tower, with 800 rooms and 100,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. It is the brand’s first property in the Midwest, giving meeting planners a major new venue option. Know more about this hotel’s features and offerings in the Hilton press release.

Rail and ground transport

Etihad Rail launches passenger service between Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Etihad Rail opened its national passenger network on September 30, linking Abu Dhabi and Dubai’s Al Yalayis Station in 64 minutes with 10 daily journeys. Trains reach 200 km/h, and a 400-meter pedestrian bridge connects the station to the Dubai Metro Red Line. Read about the new UAE passenger rail launch on Entrepreneur Middle East.

Industry and travel planning insights

Business travel confidence reaches its highest level of 2026

A GBTA poll of 604 industry professionals found 63% are optimistic about the next 12 months, up from 41% in April. Among buyers, 56% expect travel spend to rise in 2026, though rising costs and geopolitical uncertainty remain the top planning factors. Read more about GBTA’s September poll results on Hotel Dive.

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