Published on
October 7, 2025
Australia’s aviation landscape is set for significant transformations in 2026, with airlines introducing new international routes, enhancing domestic connectivity, and upgrading their fleets. Qantas is set to make history with the introduction of its inaugural Airbus A220 service between Brisbane and Wellington in February 2026, marking the first-ever international deployment of the Airbus A220 aircraft. This new route will offer greater comfort and efficiency, connecting two key Australasian hubs. Jetstar will expand its operations by launching a seasonal route between Brisbane and Queenstown in June 2026, providing Queenslanders with convenient access to one of the world’s premier ski destinations. The Airbus A320neo will be deployed for this route, offering fuel efficiency and comfort for travelers. United Airlines will begin its non-stop service between Adelaide and San Francisco on December 11, 2025, using the Boeing 787, marking the first-ever direct link between South Australia and North America. This new route is expected to cater to both business and leisure travelers, offering convenient access to the United States. In addition, Qatar Airways will resume daily flights between Doha and Canberra starting December 2, 2025, utilizing the Boeing 787. This resumption will strengthen Middle Eastern connectivity with Australia, facilitating travel between the two regions. On the domestic front, Qantas is not only expanding its international network but also enhancing its domestic routes. The airline will operate its first international Airbus A220 aircraft between Brisbane and Wellington starting in February 2026. Additionally, Virgin Australia has partnered with Qatar Airways to provide direct flights from Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth to Doha beginning June 2025, a collaboration that will enhance connectivity between Australia and the Middle East.
CategoryAirlineNew Route(s)Start DateAircraft TypeInternational Route ExpansionsQantasBrisbane-Wellington (International)February 2026Airbus A220JetstarBrisbane-Queenstown (Seasonal)June 2026Airbus A320neoUnited AirlinesAdelaide-San FranciscoDecember 11, 2025Boeing 787Qatar AirwaysDoha-CanberraDecember 2, 2025Boeing 787Domestic Route EnhancementsQantasBrisbane-Wellington (Domestic, A220 International)February 2026Airbus A220Virgin AustraliaSydney/Brisbane/Perth-Doha (Codeshare with Qatar)June 2025Boeing 787Fleet Upgrades and New EntrantsQantasOrders 20 Airbus A321XLRMid-September 2025Airbus A321XLRKoala AirlinesNew Domestic Carrier (Multiple Routes)2026New Domestic Fleet
International Route Expansions
Australia’s connection to the world is expanding in 2026, with several prominent airlines launching new international routes and increasing accessibility to key destinations across the globe. Here are the standout international expansions:
AirlineNew Route(s)Start DateAircraft TypeQantasBrisbane-Wellington (International)February 2026Airbus A220JetstarBrisbane-Queenstown (Seasonal)June 2026Airbus A320neoUnited AirlinesAdelaide-San FranciscoDecember 11, 2025Boeing 787Qatar AirwaysDoha-CanberraDecember 2, 2025Boeing 787Virgin AustraliaSydney/Brisbane/Perth-Doha (Codeshare with Qatar)June 2025Boeing 787QantasOrders 20 Airbus A321XLRMid-September 2025Airbus A321XLRKoala AirlinesNew Domestic Carrier (Multiple Routes)2026New Domestic FleetQantas: Inaugural Airbus A220 Service
Qantas, Australia’s flagship airline, will make history in February 2026 with the introduction of its inaugural international Airbus A220 service. This expansion will see Qantas operate flights between Brisbane and Wellington, New Zealand. This is a significant milestone, as it marks the first-ever international deployment of the Airbus A220 aircraft. The new service will offer greater comfort and efficiency, enhancing the passenger experience on this key route.
Brisbane’s growing reputation as a major international gateway continues to flourish with the addition of the Brisbane-Wellington route. This route will connect two major Australasian hubs, with Qantas using its new, more fuel-efficient A220 to offer improved capacity while reducing environmental impact.
Jetstar: Connecting Queensland to Queenstown
In June 2026, Jetstar, a subsidiary of Qantas, will begin operating direct flights between Brisbane and Queenstown. The seasonal service will provide Queenslanders with easier access to one of the Southern Hemisphere’s premier ski destinations. The flights will be operated with the Airbus A320neo, a modern aircraft known for its fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.
This route expansion strengthens Queensland’s tourism ties to New Zealand, providing a convenient gateway for adventure seekers looking to explore the slopes of Queenstown. The addition of this route is expected to boost tourism, benefiting both Australian and New Zealand economies during the ski season.
United Airlines: Adelaide to San Francisco
United Airlines is set to begin offering a non-stop route between Adelaide and San Francisco on December 11, 2025. This new service will be the first-ever direct air link between South Australia and North America, filling a vital gap in the regional travel market. The Boeing 787 aircraft will be used for this long-haul service, providing travelers with a modern, comfortable, and efficient flying experience.
This route is expected to open up new opportunities for both business and leisure travel, enabling easier access to the United States from South Australia and vice versa. The launch of this service further enhances Australia’s connectivity with key international markets, particularly in the United States.
Qatar Airways: Resuming Doha-Canberra Flights
Qatar Airways will resume daily flights between Doha and Canberra starting on December 2, 2025. This return service will strengthen Middle Eastern connectivity with Australia, particularly for travelers based in the nation’s capital. The Boeing 787 aircraft will be deployed on this route, ensuring a comfortable and efficient flight for passengers.
The resumption of this service is expected to cater to growing demand from both business travelers and tourists looking to explore Australia and the Middle East. With Qatar Airways’ world-class service and Qatar’s strategic position as a global aviation hub, this route expansion is a win for both Australian and international travelers.
Domestic Route Enhancements
Australia’s domestic aviation network is also undergoing significant upgrades. With increased frequencies, new routes, and new partnerships, travelers will benefit from expanded options to explore the vast landscapes of Australia.
Qantas: Expanding Domestic Network
Qantas is not only focusing on international routes but also expanding its domestic network. The airline will increase the frequency of its services on various domestic routes, ensuring that travelers have more convenient options for traveling within Australia. In addition, Qantas will introduce its first-ever international Airbus A220 aircraft on the Brisbane-Wellington route starting in February 2026, enhancing passenger experience on this regional route.
The expanded domestic network will cater to growing travel demand, particularly as Australians continue to explore more regional destinations. Qantas’ continuous focus on fleet modernization and customer service will ensure that passengers have access to one of the most extensive and efficient domestic flight networks in the world.
Virgin Australia: Strengthening Connectivity with Doha
Virgin Australia has partnered with Qatar Airways to provide direct flights from Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth to Doha, beginning in June 2025. This codeshare agreement allows Virgin Australia passengers to benefit from enhanced connectivity between Australia and the Middle East.
The partnership enhances Virgin Australia’s ability to offer seamless travel options to the Middle East and beyond. This move is expected to open up new travel opportunities for Australians and increase the competitive edge of both airlines in the international market.
Fleet Upgrades and New Entrants
Australia’s aviation industry is also seeing a significant upgrade in fleet composition, ensuring that passengers enjoy a more comfortable, efficient, and environmentally-friendly flying experience.
Qantas: Order of 20 Airbus A321XLRs
In a move aimed at increasing efficiency and capacity, Qantas has placed an order for 20 Airbus A321XLR aircraft. The first two of these long-range narrow-body aircraft will be introduced into service in mid-September 2025. The A321XLR will initially operate on domestic routes like Sydney-Melbourne and Sydney-Perth, providing enhanced passenger comfort and more capacity on high-demand routes.
This fleet upgrade will help Qantas meet growing domestic travel demand while also reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions. The A321XLR’s range and fuel efficiency make it an ideal choice for domestic routes, and it is expected to improve operational efficiency for the airline.
Koala Airlines: New Domestic Carrier
Koala Airlines, a new domestic carrier, is set to enter the Australian market in 2026. This new airline aims to provide competitive services in the domestic aviation market, offering an alternative to the established players. The entry of Koala Airlines will introduce more options for travelers, increase competition, and potentially lower fares, benefiting both business and leisure passengers.
Koala Airlines is expected to focus on offering a modern fleet, affordable pricing, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, making it an exciting new entrant into Australia’s aviation sector.
Summary of Key Route Launches
The following is a summary of the key airline route expansions in Australia for 2026:AirlineNew Route(s)Start DateAircraft TypeQantasBrisbane-Wellington (International)February 2026Airbus A220JetstarBrisbane-Queenstown (Seasonal)June 2026Airbus A320neoUnited AirlinesAdelaide-San FranciscoDecember 11, 2025Boeing 787Qatar AirwaysDoha-CanberraDecember 2, 2025Boeing 787Virgin AustraliaSydney/Brisbane/Perth-Doha (Codeshare with Qatar)June 2025Boeing 787
Looking Ahead: A Dynamic Year for Australia’s Aviation Sector
As Australia’s aviation sector continues to evolve, 2026 promises to be an exciting year for both domestic and international travelers. With more flight options, enhanced connectivity, and fleet upgrades, passengers will have access to better travel experiences.
These developments indicate not only the growth of Australian airlines but also the country’s increasing integration into the global aviation network. As new routes open, both leisure and business travelers will benefit from enhanced connectivity, improved travel experiences, and modernized fleets.
Travelers can look forward to more flight options, competitive pricing, and seamless travel experiences in 2026, solidifying Australia’s status as a key player in the global aviation industry.
