It’s time to buckle in and take to the skies because 2023 is going to be a big year for air travel in Australia. In fact, with border restrictions easing, Australia expects plenty of travellers to arrive this year, including record numbers of international students. That means that this could be an even bigger year for travel than 2022.
Whether you’re new to studying abroad or returning to complete your course, there are some important things to know before you go. Read on to find out more about flying to Australia in 2023, including what airlines fly to Australia and how to prepare for long-haul travel.
Which airlines are flying to Australia in 2023?
As a major destination, several international airlines are flying to Australia every day. This means, no matter where you’re travelling from, you should have plenty of options for your journey.
Some major airlines that fly to Australia include:
- Qantas
- Virgin Australia
- Air Canada
- Air China
- Air India
- Air New Zealand
- Air Niugini
- All Nippon Airways (ANA)
- American Airlines
- Austrian Airlines
- British Airways
- China Airlines
- Fiji Airways
- Emirates
- Etihad Airways
- Japan Airlines
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- LATAM
- Lufthansa
- Malaysia Airlines
- Philippine Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- Royal Brunei Airlines
- S7 Airlines
- Scandinavian Airlines
- Scoot Airlines
- Singapore Airlines
- SriLankan Airlines
- SWISS
- Thai Airways
- Turkish Airlines
- United Airlines
There are also multiple domestic airlines that operate flights within the country. If you’re planning to travel within Australia when you’re here, booking with a domestic carrier can be a good option.
Major airlines operating domestic routes in Australia include:
You can visit any provider’s website to find out more about their flights to Australia. You can also use booking sites, like Webjet, Expedia or Skyscanner, to search for all flights along a specific route.
How will air travel look different in Australia in 2023?
The airline industry is constantly advancing, and innovations in air travel mean there are a lot of things to get excited about in 2023.
Australia is welcoming a new budget domestic airline, Bonza, early this year. On 12 January 2023, Bonza received official approval to start running flights from its base on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. The low-cost carrier will service routes across the east coast, with most flights connecting major regional centres like Newcastle, Coffs Harbour, Cairns and Gladstone. According to ABC News, Bonza Chief Executive Tim Jordan said that tickets would likely be available in mid-January and that Bonza planes would be in the sky by the end of the month.
What’s more, new routes have been launched, making it easier than ever to get to Australia. In 2022, Qantas launched a non-stop service between London to Perth. Virgin is also getting in on the action; it is set to introduce its brand-new, non-stop service between Cairns and Tokyo in June 2023.
These non-stop flights mean quick and easy journeys, with no additional time spent waiting for connections at international hubs. As these flights become more common, travellers can expect even more non-stop route options to open up in the coming years.
How much are the flights?
The cost of flying to Australia depends on several factors, including where you’re travelling from, which airline you’ve chosen, the date of your departure, and whether you’re flying one-way or return.
Airfares around the world increased at the end of 2022 due to a range of factors, including staff and fuel shortages. Luckily, airlines anticipate that prices will drop again soon as they work to resolve these issues.
Flight prices are also affected by demand, and since Australia’s border has only been reopened a short while, far more people are looking to visit. If you can, try to avoid flying at peak times, like holidays and weekends. We also recommend comparing the rates of a few airlines before booking.
With some research and dedication, it’s certainly possible to find an affordable ticket. For more information, check out our tips for finding the cheapest flights.
How can I make air travel more comfortable?
While travelling is exciting, it can also be difficult, especially on long overnight flights. Luckily, there are some things you can do — and a few must-have items — that will make your long flight more comfortable.
In general, it’s a good idea to book with an airline that allows you to choose your seat. Whether you prefer to sit at the window, on the aisle or in the middle of the plane, selecting your own seat means you’ll be sure you’ll be comfortable during your journey.
Packing some long-haul travel essentials, like an eye mask and some noise-cancelling headphones, will make your flight more pleasant. You might also want to make sure you’re wearing a comfortable outfit and perhaps have a change of clothes in your carry-on so you can freshen up during the trip.
