Why is the Flight Centre share price soaring today?

We take a look at what might be fuelling the travel agent's stock.

| More on:
A smiling woman in a hat holding a ticket takes selfie inside a Qantas plane next to the window.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • The Flight Centre share price is in the air on Friday, gaining 3.47% to trade at $19.38
  • Its movement follows the release of a positive update on the company's corporate travel segment, released late yesterday
  • Additionally, the stock might be being boosted by news Australia will soon drop COVID-19 testing requirements for international arrivals 

The Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) share price is back in the green again today amid plenty of positive news.

The company released a positive update on its COVID-19 recovery only minutes before the market closed yesterday.

Additionally, there's set to be a major change to Australia's border entry requirements.

Finally, the stock's movements come as Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) launches its latest 'I Still Call Australia Home' campaign.

At the time of writing, the Flight Centre share price is $19.38, 3.47% higher than its previous close.

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is also up today, having gained 0.38%.

Let's take a look at the news that could be boosting Flight Centre shares today.

What's sending the Flight Centre share price sky high on Friday?

The Flight Centre share price is taking off today amid news the company's corporate travel segment is expected to blast back into the green soon.

The segment is predicted to return to profitability in March or April 2022, The Motley Fool Australia's Tristan Harrison reports.

The company expects to see between 60% and 75% of pre-pandemic corporate travel return next financial year. Additionally, it hasn't recorded any notable disruptions due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

On top of the latest news from Flight Centre, there's been big news regarding Australia's entry requirements.

International arrivals to Australia will soon be able to skip currently mandated COVID-19 testing prior to their departure.

Health Minister Greg Hunt announced the change at a press conference today. Hunt said Australia is "ready to move on from the emergency declaration" that's impacted the travel sector for more than two years.

The change will come into effect on 17 April.

Arrivals to Australia will still need to be 'double-jabbed' with a COVID-19 vaccine and wear masks on flights.

Nearly simultaneously, Qantas announced it had launched its latest ad campaign to attract visitors to Australia.

The airline also stated demand for domestic travel has been increasing since February. It's expecting its capacity over Easter to reach 110% of pre-COVID levels.

For comparison, the second half of 2021 saw the company reporting capacity of 40% of pre-pandemic levels.

That's good news for Qantas ­– its shares are up 1.58%. It also likely provides some positive sentiment for the travel sector.

The share prices of Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD) and Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) are also higher today. They've gained 1.55% and 0.72% respectively at the time of writing.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Corporate Travel Management Limited, Flight Centre Travel Group Limited, and Webjet Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Travel Shares

A corporate-looking woman looks at her mobile phone as she pulls along her suitcase in another hand while walking through an airport terminal with high glass panelled walls.
Travel Shares

This ASX travel share is 'going to take off' after falling 30%

Back your bags.

Read more »

A woman sits crossed legged on seats at an airport holding her ticket and smiling.
Travel Shares

Down 23% in a month, why this ASX 200 stock is an 'attractive opportunity'

After falling hard, a top fund manager is seeing an opportunity with this stock.

Read more »

A line of people sitting at a long desk in an annual general meeting
Travel Shares

Why today is a big day for Flight Centre shares

Why is everyone talking about Flight Centre shares today?

Read more »

A woman reaches her arms to the sky as a plane flies overhead at sunset.
Travel Shares

Why this fund manager still thinks Qantas shares are a cheap buy

One expert still has a lot of belief in Qantas shares.

Read more »

Man sitting in a plane looking through a window and working on a laptop.
Travel Shares

How Qantas shares are targeting growth amid the Virgin-Qatar deal

Here’s what to expect next.

Read more »

A woman stands on a runway with her arms outstretched in excitement as a plane takes off behind her representing the rising Qantas share price today
Travel Shares

Why this fundie says Qantas shares are 'very well placed'

The airline is above the clouds of the ASX.

Read more »

A little boy runs around the playground lifting a toy aeroplane in the air above his head.
Travel Shares

Up 56% in 2024, should I buy Qantas shares in November?

After flying higher in 2024 are Qantas shares still a good buy?

Read more »

Happy couple looking at a phone and waiting for their flight at an airport.
Travel Shares

Flight Centre share price higher on acquisition news

The travel agent is betting big on cruises. Here's what you need to know.

Read more »