Qantas Airways Launches Direct Flight to South Africa, Boosting Tourism and Trade

Published on December 9, 2025

South Africa’s trade and tourism sectors will greatly benefit from the recent opening of Qantas flights from Johannesburg to Perth, Australia. This advancement increases the business and vacation travel market which will stimulate trade. This growth will foster and deepen the relationship between the two countries.

Opening the flight to Australia will improve travel options and stimulate tourism from Australia to South Africa. This is the most important goal under the Tourism Growth Partnership 2025-2029 and will greatly reduce travel frustrations and open barriers to travel. The newly opened flights from Johannesburg to Perth will greatly add to the tourism from Australia and add to the travel options available to South Africans.

Strengthening Connectivity Between South Africa and Oceania

The Johannesburg–Perth route marks a significant development in air connectivity between South Africa and Australia, a region that holds substantial tourism and business potential. Prior to the launch, air access between the two countries was somewhat limited, making it harder for tourists, business travelers, and others to travel between the two destinations.

With the introduction of this direct flight, travelers now have a faster and more convenient way to reach Australia, a country known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique cultural experiences. This improved connectivity also strengthens South Africa’s links to other countries in the Oceania region, including New Zealand, which holds significant appeal for South African travelers.

Boosting Tourism and Two-Way Travel

The new flight is set to have a positive impact on tourism by facilitating both leisure and business travel. Tourism from Australia to South Africa has already shown robust growth, with arrivals from Australia in 2025 nearly 30% higher than in the previous year and 10% above pre-COVID levels. The launch of the direct flight is expected to further bolster this growth, providing Australians with more convenient access to South Africa’s rich array of tourist attractions, including its iconic wildlife safaris, diverse landscapes, and cultural heritage.

In addition to enhancing inbound tourism, the route will also benefit South African travelers heading to Australia for business, education, or family reasons. By improving air access, this flight will facilitate greater mobility between the two nations, enabling South Africans to more easily participate in business events, conferences, and educational exchanges, particularly in key cities like Perth and Sydney.

Economic and Tourism Growth Opportunities

The direct route between Johannesburg and Perth is set to create significant economic opportunities for both nations. By making it easier for travelers to visit, the new air link will support South Africa’s efforts to position itself as a leading business destination within Africa. The improved connectivity will enhance opportunities for trade, investment, and international business partnerships, supporting the growth of the South African economy and fostering global economic participation.

In terms of tourism, the route will be particularly beneficial for South Africa’s efforts to attract more international business events and conventions. South Africa has been increasingly positioning itself as a premier destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), and the launch of the new flight will support this vision, with the route providing vital access for international delegates attending major industry events such as Meetings Africa 2026 and Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026.

Connecting South Africa to Major International Sporting Events

As South Africa prepares to host major international sporting events, the direct Johannesburg–Perth flight is expected to become an integral part of the country’s tourism and travel infrastructure. The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2027 and other global sporting events are expected to bring thousands of international visitors to South Africa, with the new air link playing a pivotal role in facilitating sporting tourism between the two nations.

Sport has long been a powerful bond between South Africa and Australia, and the launch of the direct flight strengthens that connection further. Fans attending international sporting events, such as cricket matches or rugby games, will find it easier to travel between both countries, further cementing the bond between these two nations and their shared passion for sport.

Expanding Air Capacity and Growth in Long-Haul Routes

The Johannesburg–Perth service is part of a broader trend in the aviation industry to expand air capacity and improve connectivity between South Africa and global markets. The launch of this new route coincides with strong growth in international seat capacity, which now stands at 8.5 million seats, reflecting a 9.1% increase over the previous year. Long-haul routes, including those to Australia, now account for a significant portion of this growth, with 4.6 million seats allocated to long-haul destinations.

The expansion of air capacity reflects the ongoing recovery and growth of South Africa’s aviation sector, which has seen double-digit seat growth since June 2025. This increase in air capacity, backed by strong government planning and industry partnerships, is expected to have a lasting impact on South Africa’s tourism sector, providing travelers with more flight options and enhancing the overall travel experience.

The Role of Qantas and Industry Partnerships

Qantas Airways, along with key industry partners such as the Gauteng Tourism Authority and South African Tourism, has played an essential role in the creation of the Johannesburg–Perth direct route. Through collaborations between airlines, tourism boards, and government agencies, this new service is not only a win for tourists but also a strategic development for the broader travel and tourism industries in both South Africa and Australia.

South African Tourism has committed to working closely with Qantas and local tourism partners to stimulate demand for the new route, ensuring that the service becomes a long-term success. By leveraging joint marketing campaigns and promotional activities, both nations aim to position the flight as a gateway for travelers and business professionals looking to access the opportunities offered by both countries.

Strengthening Ties Between South Africa and Australia

Qantas Airways South Africa is happy to announce that we are commencing our first direct flight to Perth. This is more than just an addition to our flight paths, as it allows us to establish vital tourism relationships with South Africa. This is extremely important in building business partnerships and collaboration, while easing the travel route for our customers. This flight path strongly supports the ongoing advancement of South Africa’s tourism industry and reinforces South Africa’s growing prominence as a leading international destination in sporting, business, and leisure travel.

With the addition of this new route, South Africa will be able to attract even more international tourists, increase economic activity, and solidify its place in the world tourism market.