Qantas is set to broaden its international reach with two new direct routes launching from Perth to Auckland and Johannesburg starting December 2025.
These additions strengthen the airline’s global network, which now covers over 100 destinations. They also solidify Perth’s role as a key western hub, bringing significant economic benefits to Western Australia.
The new routes will add over 155,000 seats annually to and from Perth. This boost is expected to create jobs and drive inbound tourism to the state.
Both services will operate three times weekly on Qantas’ A330-200 aircraft. The A330 features 27 business class seats in a 1-2-1 layout, each with direct aisle access and lie-flat beds, alongside 224 economy seats.
These routes will also enhance connectivity for travelers from New Zealand and South Africa through Qantas’ extensive global airline partnerships.
Boosting Connectivity and Local Economy
Cam Wallace, CEO of Qantas International, shared his thoughts on the expansion. “We’re thrilled to launch these new routes, offering Australians more ways to connect globally through our growing network,” he said.
“By linking Perth directly with Auckland and Johannesburg, we’re opening doors for tourism in Western Australia and creating new job opportunities. These routes also support seamless connections across our domestic network.”
The Perth to Auckland route provides a convenient one-stop connection for West Australians traveling to New York via Qantas’ popular QF3 service through Auckland.
Meanwhile, the Johannesburg route offers easy access to cities like Cape Town through Qantas’ partnership with Airlink.
Wallace expressed gratitude to Perth Airport, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and the Australian Border Force for their collaboration in making these flights possible.
Perth Airport’s Growth as a Hub
Kate Holsgrove, Perth Airport’s Chief Commercial and Aviation Officer, also welcomed the new services. “These Qantas routes are fantastic news for Western Australia,” she said.
“Perth is a vibrant, growing hub with immense potential. We’re committed to working with our airline partners to enhance connectivity, support tourism, and provide more travel options for West Australians.”
To accommodate Qantas’ expansion, Perth Airport is increasing capacity at Terminals 3 and 4. Perth Airport will expand capacity to support additional services until it completes new terminal facilities at Airport Central in 2031. Qantas is then set to relocate when the new terminal is commissioned.
Enhanced International Schedule
Qantas is further upgrading its international offerings. Starting October 2025, the airline will deploy its Boeing 787 Dreamliner on daily flights between Brisbane and Los Angeles.
This change will increase premium seat availability, including Premium Economy, for Queensland travelers.
Qantas and American Airlines, as part of their ongoing partnership, will adjust schedules for the busy Australian summer. From December 2025 to January 2026, the airlines will maintain daily 787 Dreamliner services between Brisbane and Los Angeles.
This will see Qantas operating four weekly flights and American Airlines handling three. During the same period, Qantas will increase flights between Melbourne and Dallas to daily. From February 2026, Brisbane-Los Angeles flights will return to daily Qantas operations.
Strategic Fleet Adjustments
Qantas’ low-cost carrier, Jetstar, will end its Sydney to Honolulu route on October 24, 2025. The Boeing 787 Dreamliners used on this route will be reassigned to Asian destinations.
Qantas will maintain strong service to Honolulu, operating five to six weekly flights from Sydney, building on the success of its recently launched Melbourne-Honolulu route.
In another update, Qantas’ final A380 will return to service in January 2026, operating daily flights between Sydney and Dallas Fort Worth. This will offer more premium seats, including First, Business, and Premium Economy, on the route.
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