According to new data from Corporate Traveller, a division of Flight Centre Travel Group, flight capacity between Australia and Asia is sitting at 103 per cent of pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels, outpacing the international average.

India’s capacity is now at 346 per cent of pre-COVID-19 levels, with Vietnam at 263 per cent and South Korea at 153 per cent. 

“This highlights how airlines are racing to keep pace with the popularity in Australia-Asia business,” says Tom Walley, global managing director, Corporate Traveller.

“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 renewed emphasis on face-to-face engagement across the region.”

Corporate Traveller data also shows Singapore at 107 per cent of pre-pandemic capacity and Indonesia at 128 per cent – solidifying these markets as important gateways into Asia as corporate travel destinations.

Singapore, the Philippines, China and Hong Kong all rank in the top 10 international destinations for Australian business travellers (from 2024) while Indonesia, Vietnam, South Korea and India are in the top 20. 

Vietnam is one of Australia’s fastest-growing trade partners, with bilateral trade climbing by 10 per cent year-on-year.

“Broader global trade dynamics could see this capacity trend continue as US trade policies under the Trump administration put pressure on traditional supply chains, with businesses turning to Asia to explore new trade opportunities,” says Walley.

Beijing has extended its visa-free entry from 15 days to 30 days, and Corporate Traveller data shows a 21 per cent jump in Australian corporate travel to China, with average trip durations also trending longer.

“Australian companies are capitalising on direct flights, improved frequency and better route networks across Asia,” says Walley.

“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.”

Photo at top: iStock/murat4art.