Australia’s travel and hotel sector is set to be reshaped by a wave of new international flights. According to CBRE’s latest From Runway to Room Nights report, 56 new international routes have been launched over the past year, adding more than 10,500 flights annually into key Australian cities.
By 2026, this expanded air access is expected to bring an additional 2.2 million international arrivals, creating demand for nearly 1.9 million hotel room nights nationally. While this is positive news for the tourism and hospitality industry, it also carries important implications for the business travel sector.
What’s Driving the Growth?
The bulk of the new flight capacity is coming from high-growth markets including China, India, Southeast Asia, North America and the Middle East. For Australia’s global cities, this means stronger inbound corporate travel flows, improved connectivity for international meetings, and fresh opportunities for trade and collaboration.
Airlines are strategically targeting routes that align with both leisure and corporate demand. For example, new transpacific and intra-Asia services into Sydney and Melbourne, as well as Middle Eastern and Asian routes into Perth and Brisbane, reflect the dual priorities of tourism and business.
City-by-City Outlook
- Sydney: With 13 new flight routes, Sydney is projected to generate around 542,000 additional hotel room nights by 2026. As Australia’s key international gateway, this growth supports its status as a global hub for conferences, trade and major events.
- Melbourne: 12 new routes are expected to drive 409,000 extra room nights, boosted by Melbourne’s strong events calendar and its role as a diversified corporate hub.
- Perth: With 9 new direct services, primarily from Southeast Asia and the Middle East, Perth is set for one of the highest percentage growth rates, adding around 339,000 room nights. Its resource-sector demand and proximity to Asia make it a strategic corporate gateway.
- Brisbane: 8 new routes will bring about 267,000 room nights by 2026. With infrastructure projects ramping up ahead of the 2032 Olympics, Brisbane’s corporate and events sector is set for strong momentum.
- Cairns & Adelaide: Both markets will benefit from new connections, particularly from North America and Asia, boosting their roles in meetings, incentives and specialised industries.
What It Means for Business Travellers
For corporate travel programs, the expansion in flight capacity creates both opportunities and challenges:
- Greater connectivity: More direct flights mean shorter travel times, easier access to key markets, and more options for scheduling.
- Competitive advantage: Increased capacity can help control airfares in some markets, but rising hotel demand will add pressure in high-demand cities.
- Accommodation squeeze: With limited new hotel supply and nearly 2 million extra room nights projected by 2026, business travellers may face tighter availability and higher rates, especially during peak periods.
How Goldman Travel Can Help
As international access expands, strategic travel management becomes more critical. At Goldman Travel, we help our clients:
- Secure the most reliable connections for their travellers.
- Negotiate preferred hotel rates and availability in competitive markets.
- Plan ahead for major conferences, events, and incentive trips.
- Optimise travel policies to balance cost efficiency with traveller experience.
Australia’s growing international connectivity is a win for business, but success depends on preparation. With our expertise and global partnerships, Goldman Travel ensures your organisation can take full advantage of these changes.
Contact your Goldman Travel advisor today to future-proof your corporate travel program.
