Tracking seats across all carriers, Flight Centre’s Corporate Traveller arm has flagged the increased flight capacity, noting that Australia-Asia capacity is well above the global post-pandemic average internationally.
Flight capacity out of Australia to India is now 346 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, while air capacity between Australia and Vietnam is 263 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. Capacity between Australia and South Korea is also up significantly, at 153 per cent of pre-COVID levels.
The capacity boom between Australia and Asia is good for the business events industry, making both continents more attractive as conference and incentive hosts.
Tourism Australia’s specialist business unit, Business Events Australia, along with many of the Australia’s destination convention bureaus are targeting incentive activity out of Asia and flight capacity plays a considerable role in putting Australia into contention to win this business.
Corporate Traveller’s global managing director, Tom Walley, based here in Australia, says trade with Asia is having an impact on commercial aviation decisions.
“It highlights how airlines are racing to keep pace with the popularity in Australia–Asia business,” said Walley.
“Direct routes are increasing, codeshare agreements are multiplying and we’re seeing renewed demand for premium cabins, as carriers boost seat capacity to keep pace with intensifying trade ties and the renewed emphasis on face-to-face engagement across the region.
“Australian companies are capitalising on direct flights, improved frequency and better route networks across Asia.
“Bilateral trade figures with India, Vietnam and other ASEAN economies are going up and we see a clear link between stronger commercial ties and airlines prioritising the Australia–Asia corridor.”
Capacity between Australia and Asia is set to continue growing, with Malaysia Airlines set to return to its Brisbane-Kuala Lumpur service in late November this year in addition to adding a third daily flight between Melbourne and Kuala Lumpur from October.
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Tourism Board has flagged an increase in Australian visitors, reporting a 32 per cent year-on-year rise in travellers from Australia as well as noting a particular surge in arrivals in the first quarter of 2025.
Backing up Walley’s comments, the Hong Kong tourism authority notes that visitor demand is currently exceeding air capacity.
