Qantas and Jetstar Expand Global and Domestic Networks with New Las Vegas, Sri Lanka, Europe and Western Sydney Routes from August to December 2026

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A major milestone is being marked by Qantas through the introduction of a direct service between Sydney and Las Vegas. The new route is scheduled to commence on December 29, 2026, with flights operating three times each week using Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

Through this launch, Australia will be connected directly with Las Vegas for the first time by a non-stop service operated by Qantas. The airline will become the only carrier providing a direct air link between Australia and the globally recognised entertainment and convention destination. The service is expected to improve access for leisure travellers, business visitors and those attending major international events, while reducing overall journey times by eliminating the need for connecting flights through other North American gateways.

The addition of Las Vegas further strengthens Qantas’ presence in the United States, reflecting continued investment in long-haul international operations.

European Services Receive Seasonal Expansion

A series of important changes is also being implemented across Qantas’ European network during the 2026-2027 northern winter season.

A seasonal Melbourne service will be restored from October 26, 2026, with operations continuing until late March 2027. The return of this seasonal route is intended to provide additional capacity during one of the busiest travel periods of the year while offering more direct travel opportunities for passengers departing from Victoria.

Another seasonal service from Sydney will begin on December 7, 2026, and will continue until March 31, 2027. The winter operation has been scheduled to meet increased demand for travel between Australia and Europe during the holiday season.

In addition, flights that had temporarily been operated through Perth will once again be based entirely in Melbourne from October 26, 2026. The temporary Perth-London terminator arrangement will therefore be replaced, restoring the previous operating pattern and simplifying travel options for Melbourne-based passengers.

These adjustments demonstrate how network planning is being aligned with seasonal demand while improving operational efficiency across Qantas’ long-haul fleet.

Daily Airbus A380 Operations to Boost Capacity

A significant increase in passenger capacity will also be delivered through the expansion of Airbus A380 operations.

Beginning on December 7, 2026, daily Airbus A380 services will be introduced on the designated route, providing a substantial increase in available premium seating alongside additional economy capacity. The deployment of the larger aircraft is expected to accommodate stronger demand during the peak travel season while enhancing the overall passenger offering on one of Qantas’ busiest long-haul services.

By increasing the frequency of A380 operations, additional flexibility will be provided for travellers seeking premium cabins, while greater seat availability is also expected across the network.

Jetstar Opens Australia’s First Low-Cost Link to Sri Lanka

The Qantas Group’s low-cost carrier, Jetstar, is also undertaking a major international expansion during the second half of 2026.

A new service between Melbourne and Sri Lanka will be launched on August 25, 2026, with flights operating three times weekly using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

The route is particularly significant because Australia’s first low-cost connection to Sri Lanka will be established through this service. Greater affordability is expected to be provided for travellers visiting family and friends, holidaymakers exploring South Asia and passengers seeking alternative travel options at lower fares.

The introduction of the route also reflects growing travel demand between Australia and Sri Lanka while expanding Jetstar’s presence across the Asian region.

Sydney International Service Returns

Jetstar will also restore another international connection from Sydney beginning on October 26, 2026.

The resumed service will operate four times each week, strengthening the airline’s international schedule and providing additional travel opportunities during the busy summer period. The return of this route forms part of Jetstar’s broader effort to rebuild and expand its overseas network while offering greater flexibility across key international markets.

The additional flights are expected to support both outbound Australian tourism and inbound visitor growth.

Seasonal Perth Service to Support Summer Travel

Another seasonal international route will be introduced from Perth beginning on October 27, 2026.

The service will operate until late March 2027 using Airbus A321LR aircraft, which have been selected for their fuel efficiency and ability to operate longer narrow-body routes. The seasonal schedule has been designed to capture strong summer travel demand while improving connectivity from Western Australia to international destinations.

The deployment of the Airbus A321LR also reflects Jetstar’s ongoing fleet modernisation strategy, allowing additional medium-haul markets to be served more efficiently.

Western Sydney Airport Becomes a New Jetstar Base

A major domestic expansion is also being planned around the opening of Western Sydney Airport.

Jetstar will introduce three new domestic services from the airport between October 25 and October 26, 2026, marking the airline’s initial operations from the newly developed aviation hub.

Flights to Melbourne will operate 14 times each week, creating one of the airport’s highest-frequency services. Connections to the Gold Coast will be offered four times weekly, while Brisbane will receive three weekly flights.

These new domestic services are expected to improve travel choices for residents across Greater Western Sydney by reducing dependence on Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport while supporting the long-term growth of Western Sydney Airport as Australia’s newest major aviation gateway.

The additional routes are also expected to stimulate competition, improve passenger convenience and contribute to regional economic development through enhanced domestic connectivity.

A Strategic Expansion Across Multiple Continents

The combined network developments being introduced by Qantas and Jetstar between August and December 2026 represent one of the group’s most significant expansion phases in recent years.

International growth is being pursued through the launch of Australia’s first direct Las Vegas service, the country’s first low-cost connection to Sri Lanka, expanded seasonal European operations and additional long-haul capacity through daily Airbus A380 deployments. At the same time, domestic connectivity is being strengthened through the opening of multiple new routes from Western Sydney Airport.

Together, these initiatives are expected to reinforce the Qantas Group’s position across international and domestic aviation markets while improving travel options for passengers, supporting tourism growth and increasing capacity across several strategically important destinations as demand continues to strengthen into 2027.