Air New Zealand has returned to Hobart for the 2026-27 season with an expanded direct Auckland route. The seasonal service is expected to run up to 170 flights and offer more than 33,000 seats. That is 36 more flights and 7,268 more seats than last season. The Tasmanian Government welcomed the service, saying it supports tourism, business and travel between Tasmania and New Zealand. Transport Minister Kerry Vincent said direct international access is critical to growing the economy and supporting jobs.
Travellers have been confused by Sydney's new Western Sydney International Airport (WSI), with some passengers landing at the wrong airport. Julie Lundmark from Sweden was surprised to discover her return flight from Melbourne landed at WSI instead of Sydney Airport. She and her friend had to find ways to get back to Sydney Airport, where their car was parked. Another passenger thought he was travelling to Perth in Western Australia but landed at WSI instead.
Passengers on the first commercial flights at Western Sydney International Airport have described the experience as seamless. Jetstar flight JQ362 left for the Gold Coast just before 11:30am on Sunday, one of three domestic services to use the runway first. Air New Zealand flight NZ165 from Auckland became the first international arrival, followed by flight NZ166 back to Auckland. Passengers praised the toll-free drive, short walk to the terminal and digital check-in. Airline and airport officials say more destinations will be added over the next year.
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Qantas has cancelled a Rome to Perth service and is investigating after passengers reported itchy bites on a flight from Perth to Rome. The plane was grounded in Rome, and passengers were given accommodation and rebooked on other flights within two days. Qantas said engineers carried out a deep clean after an issue was found on a small number of economy seats. Bed bug expert Stephen Doggett said such incidents are not common but do occur, and that the insects are hard to remove from aircraft.
