The latest end-of-financial-year results from Australia’s major airlines and travel companies paint a clear picture: Australians are travelling in record numbers, with international short- and mid-haul destinations firmly in demand, while domestic and long-haul US travel is softening.
Qantas Group reported carrying almost 56 million passengers in FY25, up four million year-on-year. Jetstar drove much of this growth, adding 730,000 international seats and projecting a further 12% uplift in the year ahead. The focus on affordable fares continues to resonate, especially as household budgets remain tight.
Travel agency groups echoed this shift. Flight Centre and Helloworld highlighted strong demand for Asia-Pacific destinations, particularly Japan, China, Vietnam and New Zealand, with the US declining 11% in Q4. Value, convenience, and proximity are driving choices, with travellers seeking flexibility and destinations that deliver strong returns on spend.
ABS data reinforces these trends: Australians took over 11 million outbound trips in the year to June 2025, up 32% year-on-year. Indonesia, New Zealand and Japan lead the list, while Fiji and Vietnam show rapid growth.
Virgin Australia’s return to the ASX after five years underscores renewed competition. Its partnership with Qatar Airways will lift annual capacity to Doha to 2.65 million seats, expanding access to Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
For corporates, these shifts highlight the importance of agile travel programs. Partnering with Goldman Travel ensures your organisation can secure the best connections, manage rising demand in Asia-Pacific hubs, and maintain cost control in a changing market.
