As we bid farewell to yet another remarkable year in travel, Karryon takes a look back at the stories our readers simply couldn’t get enough of in 2023.
Navigating the twists and turns of the travel industry (and there were a few, weren’t there?), Karryon explored the evolution of international and domestic destinations, the comeback of cruising, the rise of the luxury sector and indeed celebrated how industry professionals adapted, as always, to ever-changing circumstances through the year. Oh, and we covered more miles in air travel news than a platinum frequent flyer. So sit back, relax, recline if you want to and enjoy our recap of 2023.
#23. The 10 types of people you don’t want to meet on a famil (and the one you do)
There’s always ‘that one’ famil guest. The one you try to avoid sitting next to.
#22. “Deferred” Bonza flights impact seven routes, with more cancellations coming
First it was Darwin; then it was Avalon. Now Bonza is grounding other flights.
#21. Travel Influencers: Dana Brown Personal Travel Manager
This is the story of a woman who doesn’t live in a straight line.
#20. One of the world’s longest flights returns down under
Qatar Airways announces the return of this non-stop Australasian service.
#19. Not SYD, MEL or BNE: This Aussie hub plans to have flights to 37 major global cities
ADL has “genuinely realistic” plans to host flights ex-Adelaide to 37 global ports.
#18. TRIBUTE: Farewell to travel industry legend Chris Petty
In the case of Chris Petty, the words “industry legend” seem apt.
#17. This beachy spot took the crown for Australia’s Top Tourism Town
Meet the destination named Australia’s Top Tourism Town of 2023.
#16. New ‘all-premium’ airline to link Australia and Maldives for the first time
Called ‘Beond’, the carrier plans to launch in September 2023.
#15. A million more! Qantas unveils new routes, ups capacity on major int’l services
QF reveals a raft of updates to its network, including big boosts to US & Asia.
#14. No more visa-free travel to Bali for Aussies
Bali-bound? Prepare to put aside a little extra for your next trip to Bali…
#13. NSW just got a new airline … but it’s not flying to “middle man” Sydney
Bonza made its first foray into NSW, but not to the city most other airlines target.
#12. The recap: Flight Centre doco Grounded screens across Australia
A journey that in real-time lasted three, emotional years through the pandemic.
#11. Flichella 2023: Everything we know about FCTG’s music fest (so far)
We preview Flight Centre Travel Group’s ‘neon’ themed Flichella music fest.
#10. Melbourne Airport forecasts record int’l travel as direct Air India flights take off
MEL-Mumbai have been linked for the first time as hub predicts record travel.
#9. A microcosm of Fiji: Nadi International Airport reviewed
Leaving Fiji is never easy. But NAN makes the experience more palatable.
#8. Exclusive: three new international full-service airlines bound for Avalon?
“We are talking to multiple international airlines,” AVV’s CEO tells Karryon.
#7. First airlines and routes announced for Western Sydney International Airport
Which two airlines were the first to sign up to Western Sydney Airport?
#6. FLIGHT TEST: Singapore Airlines Flight 232 – SYD to SIN – Economy Class
SQ cabin crew made this writer feel like she was the only one flying.
#5. Herstory in the making? Two women the frontrunners to replace Qantas CEO Joyce
Who would become the first female CEO of the airline?
#4. Western Sydney receives its three-letter IATA airport code in RECORD fashion
IATA normally releases the code within 12 months of the opening of an airport.
#3. London calling! New UK-based airline plans to fly to Sydney
Carrier says it will link cities with premium, full-service flights.
#2. CBA to finance new NSW international airport terminal … and it’s not in Sydney
NTL’s ambition of returning overseas services to the Hunter is a step closer.
#1. Review: The Aussie airport where every international traveller gets ‘lounge’ access
Karryon reviews Canberra Airport’s resumed international operations.
And that’s Karryon‘s Top 23 stories for the year that was. Roll on 2024!
