Qantas Launches Direct International Flights In South Africa

South African travellers will soon have even more convenient access to Australia with Qantas. The international flight is set to launch on 7 December 2025, the reinstated route is expected to significantly enhance connectivity between South Africa and Australia. The flight will offer improved travel options, increased comfort, and faster flight times.

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A Strategic Move by Qantas

Qantas, Australia’s national carrier, has a long-standing relationship with South Africa, having first operated flights between the two nations in 1952. The airline currently flies a long-haul route between Johannesburg and Sydney, recently upgraded to feature the Airbus A380. This aircraft nearly doubles the route’s capacity and reintroduces First Class service to customers.

Now, Qantas is expanding its presence in South Africa by offering a new direct route between Johannesburg and Perth. The new flights will run three times a week—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays—with the service identified as QF66. The flight duration is estimated at 9 hours and 55 minutes. This cuts down travel time compared to indirect routes and offering a more streamlined journey for South Africans headed to Western Australia.

Enhanced Connectivity Across Australia and New Zealand

The benefits of the new route go far beyond just connecting Johannesburg and Perth. Qantas’ domestic network allows travellers to seamlessly reach major Australian cities such as Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide, opening up a range of business, family, and tourism opportunities.

In addition, Qantas will launch a direct route between Perth and Auckland in December 2025. This gives South African travellers a one-stop option to New Zealand—a significant bonus for those exploring the wider Australasian region.

Aircraft Features and Passenger Comfort

The Johannesburg–Perth route will be operated by the Qantas A330 aircraft, known for its comfort and service excellence. The plane includes:

• 27 Business Class Suites configured in a 1-2-1 layout, each with direct aisle access and convertible lie-flat beds.
• 224 Economy Class seats, ensuring ample space and comfort for long-haul travellers.

This layout provides a luxurious and efficient experience for both business and leisure travellers. However, it is important to note that these arrangements are subject to government and regulatory approval and may change before the route’s official launch.

Competitive Pressures for SAA

The reintroduction of Qantas’ Johannesburg–Perth route is expected to present challenges for South African Airways (SAA), which launched its own Perth route in April 2024. The two airlines will now compete directly on this important international corridor.

SAA has been gradually rebuilding its international footprint after years of financial losses and government bailouts. The airline recently added new routes to Dar Es Salaam, Nigeria, Ghana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and plans to expand even further by 2028 with anticipated flights to Frankfurt, Munich, London, and cities along the east coast of the United States.

Despite this aggressive strategy, the return of Qantas to the Perth route—with its strong international reputation and seamless domestic connections—could divert a significant portion of premium and business travel from SAA.

South Africa’s Evolving Aviation Landscape

South Africa’s aviation sector continues to attract attention from major global carriers. Lufthansa, for example, launched a long-haul route between Johannesburg and Munich in September 2023 and continues to operate flights to Frankfurt. Meanwhile, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, and Norse Atlantic Airways all maintain connections between London and South Africa, giving travellers more international options.

The United States market also remains competitive. While Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille recently claimed that United Airlines would expand flights between the U.S. and South Africa, the airline clarified that it has no plans for expansion. Instead, it will shift one of its Newark–Johannesburg flights to a Newark–Cape Town route during the 2025/26 summer season.

A Win for South African Travellers

The return of Qantas’ direct Johannesburg–Perth route signals a win for South African travellers seeking faster, more comfortable, and flexible travel options to Australia and beyond. With daily flights between the two continents and new one-stop access to New Zealand, the move not only enhances leisure travel but also strengthens business and family connections.

As global aviation continues to rebound, South Africans can look forward to a future of greater travel freedom, international access, and competition-driven service improvements in the skies.