Australian airlines Qantas and Virgin Australia have announced expansion of their international route networks ahead of the 2025–26 summer season. Qantas is launching new flights to San Francisco and Singapore, while Virgin Australia is strengthening its routes to Bali and Tokyo. These steps are aimed at strengthening Australia's connectivity with key markets and supporting the tourism sector, which has only just returned to pre-COVID levels.

According to industry representatives, the new routes will increase the flow of both tourists and business travelers and strengthen Australia's role as a transit hub in the region. The Asian route is becoming particularly important, with growing demand from India and South Korea offsetting the slowdown in the Chinese market.

Hotels and travel companies are already recording an increase in bookings for December and January, and experts predict 2026 will be a record year for Australian tourism. Amid global competition, airlines are emphasizing fare flexibility, improved service, and sustainable practices to attract new traveler segments.