Sydney Kingsfordsmith International Airport experienced significant disruptions on January 15, 2026, due to air traffic controller staff shortages. At least 30 Qantas and Jetstar flights were cancelled or delayed, with Airservices Australia attributing the issue to last-minute staff absences.
Qantas and Airbus have revealed a sneak peek of their A350-1000ULR aircraft for Project Sunrise, a non-stop 'Project Sunrise' flights between Australia and London or New York. The aircraft features an ultra-long range capability, allowing flights to last up to 22 hours without stops.
Qantas has introduced 'Economy Plus', a new cabin product offering more legroom and perks on domestic and short-haul international routes. Available on A321XLR, A220, and Boeing 737 aircraft, Economy Plus will be available for purchase or selection by frequent flyers starting February 2026.
Qantas employees represented by the Australian Services Union have accepted a new Enterprise Agreement that delivers substantial wage increases and enhanced job security measures. According to AeroTime, the result follows months of negotiations with the airline.
Qantas is restoring direct flights between Sydney and Port Moresby starting March 2026, operating twice-weekly Boeing 737 service. The route reinstatement responds to growing demand from Papua New Guinea's entry into Australia's National Rugby League in 2028, alongside increased business and leisure travel.
Qantas has taken delivery of its fourth Airbus A321XLR, VH-OGD, named after the Bibbulmun Track in Western Australia. The aircraft will enter commercial service in February 2026 following final preparations by engineers in Brisbane.
Qantas has announced plans to set up a new Product Innovation Center in Adelaide, backed by the Government of South Australia. The facility will house over 420 technology professionals and serve as the hub for the airline's technology product development.
Qantas has launched direct flights between Perth Airport and Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport, as well as Perth and Auckland Airport. The expansion adds over 150,000 seats annually through Perth, with federal funding supporting growth.
Qantas has completed restoration of its final Airbus A380, welcoming the tenth superjumbo back to service after nearly six years in storage. The aircraft, named after Qantas founder Paul McGinness, underwent over 100,000 hours of maintenance including comprehensive engineering checks, heavy maintenance, landing gear replacement, and full cabin renovation.
An investigation has been launched by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) after a tool was discovered in the left wing of a Qantas Airbus A380-800 following flights between Australia and the US. The aircraft, registered VH-OQK, had flown two sectors prior to the discovery.
A Qantas Airbus A380 was grounded in Los Angeles after wing damage was discovered on its inaugural flight from Sydney. The aircraft experienced delamination of a slat, but flight controls and safety systems functioned normally.