Qantas Joins South African, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways and Air Mauritius to Revolutionise Perth to Johannesburg Travel – A New Era of Seamless Global Connectivity

Published on December 7, 2025

Qantas has officially joined forces with South African Airways, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Air Mauritius to transform the travel experience between Perth and Johannesburg. This exciting new partnership is set to revolutionise the way passengers travel between Australia and South Africa. With these renowned airlines working together, travellers can expect faster, more convenient, and seamless journeys. The new connections will not only enhance the ease of travel but also offer greater flexibility and choice for both business and leisure passengers.

By expanding their reach and providing direct and connecting flight options, this collaboration marks the beginning of a new era of global connectivity. Perth and Johannesburg, once separated by long, exhausting flights, are now closer than ever before. This partnership promises to make international travel more accessible, efficient, and enjoyable for everyone involved, bridging two vibrant continents with unparalleled convenience.

A Historic Take-Off: What Happened on 7 December 2025

The much-anticipated first direct flight from Perth to Johannesburg took off on Sunday, 7 December 2025. The route, operating on Qantas‘s A330-200 aircraft, is scheduled to run three times a week — Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. This means no more long layovers or complicated transfers. Passengers can now enjoy an uninterrupted, 11-hour-and-15-minute journey directly from Perth to Johannesburg.

This flight marks a turning point in international travel. The introduction of a direct link between Australia and South Africa makes the trip far more convenient, quicker, and simpler for everyone.

Why This Route Matters: More Than Just a Flight

Faster, Simpler Connections

Before this route, passengers travelling between Perth and Johannesburg often had to deal with long stopovers and complicated flight plans. The new Qantas service changes all that. Now, passengers can save time and avoid the hassle of connecting flights. With a flight time of just over 11 hours, travellers can enjoy a smoother, quicker journey, whether they are flying for business, leisure, or family visits.

Meeting Passenger Demand

There has been strong demand for this direct route, with many Australians of South African descent eager to travel home with greater ease. For business travellers, it opens doors for new opportunities in trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. The direct link allows Western Australians to visit South Africa’s cities, wildlife, and landscapes without worrying about inconvenient connections or additional travel stress.

Boosting Perth’s Position as a Global Travel Hub

The introduction of the Perth–Johannesburg route strengthens Perth’s role as an international travel hub. As the city builds its reputation as a gateway to the world, more flights will help grow the local economy by increasing the number of incoming and outgoing passengers. With this increase in travel, there will also be a boost to the local job market, particularly in the sectors of tourism, hospitality, and travel-related industries.

What Passengers Can Expect: A Smooth, Comfortable Journey

Aircraft and Seating

The Qantas flight to Johannesburg uses a modern A330-200 aircraft. The aircraft is equipped with both business class and economy class seating. Business class passengers can expect luxury, with seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration that offers direct aisle access and fully lie-flat beds for ultimate comfort. Economy class provides a comfortable and convenient experience for those seeking a more budget-friendly option.

Flight Schedule and Duration

This direct route operates three times a week — on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The flight departs from Perth and heads directly to Johannesburg, cutting down on travel time and making it easier for passengers to plan their trips. The flight duration is approximately 11 hours and 15 minutes, meaning travellers can enjoy a quick, comfortable journey between the two cities.

Easy Booking

Bookings for the new route are already open. Passengers can reserve their seats on Qantas’s official website or through travel agents. Thanks to this new direct service, planning your next trip to Johannesburg has never been easier.

What This Means for Families, Business, and Tourism

For Families and Friends

The Perth to Johannesburg flight is a huge benefit for families and friends separated by distance. Long layovers and tiring travel schedules are no longer a concern, as the direct flight brings loved ones closer. Whether for holidays, reunions, or special occasions, families can now plan visits with more ease and flexibility.

For Business and Work Travel

For professionals and entrepreneurs, this new flight opens up exciting business opportunities. With fewer transfers and less travel fatigue, people can now manage meetings, partnerships, and contracts between Perth and Johannesburg more efficiently. This route strengthens trade relations between Australia and South Africa, providing a streamlined connection for people working in both regions.

For Tourists and Adventure Seekers

South Africa is known for its breathtaking wildlife, vibrant cities, and rich culture. Now, Australians have quicker and easier access to this wonderful destination. Whether it’s a safari in Kruger National Park or exploring the vibrant streets of Cape Town, South Africa is now more accessible. This could result in a surge in tourism, benefiting local businesses and boosting the global appeal of both cities.

A Revival of Old Ties: From Wallaby Route to Modern Travel

This new flight also symbolises a revival of old connections. The original air link between Australia and South Africa was known as the Wallaby Route, which began in 1948. Back then, the journey involved multiple stopovers and long flights. Over the years, technology, aircraft improvements, and better navigation systems have made long-haul travel much more efficient. In 2025, Qantas resurrects a direct route, bridging the gap between the two continents more quickly and easily than ever before.

Wider Economic Impact: Growth and Global Connectivity

This flight is more than just a convenience for travellers. It also has the potential to create significant economic benefits for both Australia and South Africa. Here are some of the broader impacts:

Economic Growth for Perth and Western Australia

More international flights mean more travellers, which leads to increased spending in Perth. Hotels, restaurants, and local attractions will see more visitors, boosting Perth’s economy. The growth of the travel sector will also lead to more jobs in hospitality and tourism.

Strengthened Trade and Business Links

Easier travel between the two countries makes it simpler for businesses to collaborate and trade. With this route, companies in both countries can now build stronger relationships, facilitate smoother transactions, and even launch joint ventures that may have been too complicated before.

Better Global Connectivity

The new Qantas flight improves global connectivity, linking Africa with Australia more directly. It strengthens international travel networks and creates opportunities for travellers to explore more parts of the world, whether it’s other cities in Africa, the Middle East, or Asia.

Growth in Tourism

With easier access to Johannesburg and South Africa, the new route is expected to boost tourism. Whether it’s for business, leisure, or cultural exploration, more people from around the world will be able to visit these two amazing regions.

Challenges Ahead: What to Keep in Mind

While the new flight route brings many advantages, it’s important to consider a few potential challenges:

• Maintaining Demand: For the route to be sustainable, there must be a consistent demand for travel between the two cities. If demand falls, Qantas may scale back the service.
• Cost Considerations: While direct flights are more convenient, they can also be more expensive. Some travellers may prefer cheaper options with stopovers.
• Competition: Other airlines still offer connecting flights between Perth and Johannesburg. Passengers may choose these alternatives based on cost or convenience.
• Regulatory Issues: International travel often comes with complexities around visas, security, and regulations. Any disruptions in these areas could impact the flight schedule.

A Flight That Bridges Continents and Brings People Together

The launch of Qantas’s direct Perth to Johannesburg flight is a groundbreaking moment in international travel. It not only simplifies the travel process but also strengthens business, tourism, and personal connections. Whether you are a tourist, a business traveller, or someone looking to reconnect with family, this new flight offers a quicker, more convenient way to bridge two distant continents. As Qantas continues to connect people across the globe, this flight reminds us that the world is a little smaller, a little more accessible, and a lot more connected.

South African Airways: A Long-Standing Link Between Australia and Africa

South African Airways has been serving the Perth to Johannesburg route for many years, offering travellers a reliable and straightforward way to get from Australia to South Africa. This non-stop flight takes around 11 hours and 25 minutes, making it the fastest way to travel between these two cities.

• Flight Schedule: South African Airways operates daily direct flights from Perth to Johannesburg, giving passengers flexibility in their travel plans.
• Aircraft and Comfort: The airline uses modern aircraft, providing passengers with comfortable seating and a range of amenities. Whether you’re flying economy or business class, you can expect a smooth and enjoyable experience.
• Booking and Pricing: Ticket prices for SAA’s direct flights vary, but you can often find return fares starting from around AUD $1,100. This makes SAA a great option for travellers who want to avoid the hassle of layovers but still need affordable flights.

Connecting Flights: More Choices and Flexibility

If you’re not in a rush or if you’re looking for a cheaper option, connecting flights may be a good alternative. These flights involve one or more stopovers before reaching Johannesburg, and they can often be found at competitive prices. Here are some of the airlines that offer connecting services from Perth to Johannesburg.

Singapore Airlines: A Flexible and Popular Option

Singapore Airlines is a major player in global aviation, offering high-quality service and a range of connecting flights between Perth and Johannesburg. Passengers flying with Singapore Airlines typically stop over in Singapore before continuing their journey to Johannesburg.

• Flight Duration: The total flight time from Perth to Johannesburg via Singapore is around 17 to 19 hours, depending on the length of your layover in Singapore.
• Fare Range: Singapore Airlines is often priced slightly lower than the non-stop carriers, with return tickets starting from AUD $1,000.
• Service and Comfort: Known for its excellent in-flight service, Singapore Airlines provides a comfortable journey even with a longer travel time. It’s a great option for travellers who prefer to take a break in Singapore or those who enjoy flying with a well-established airline.

Emirates: Stopover in Dubai Before Reaching Johannesburg

Emirates is another airline that offers connecting flights between Perth and Johannesburg, with a layover in Dubai. Emirates is a popular choice for many passengers, as it provides excellent service and one of the largest international networks.

• Flight Duration: With a stopover in Dubai, the total journey time can range from 17 to 21 hours, depending on the length of the layover.
• Fare Range: Tickets for Emirates flights are often priced in the AUD $1,300 to $1,500 range for return trips. While not the cheapest, Emirates offers a comfortable flying experience, especially for those who prefer to transit through the luxury of Dubai’s airport.
• Extra Perks: Emirates offers a world-class experience, from comfortable seating to top-tier entertainment options. If you have time for a layover in Dubai, you can even take advantage of the city’s many attractions before continuing your journey.

Qatar Airways: Another Excellent Connecting Option

Qatar Airways is widely regarded as one of the best airlines in the world, and it offers connecting flights from Perth to Johannesburg via Doha. Like Emirates, Qatar Airways provides passengers with a high level of comfort and service during their journey.

• Flight Duration: Depending on the layover in Doha, the total flight time is usually around 17 to 20 hours.
• Fare Range: Qatar Airways is priced similarly to Emirates, with return fares typically starting at around AUD $1,200 to $1,400.
• Flight Experience: Qatar Airways offers a luxurious flying experience, with spacious seats, excellent food, and entertainment options. It’s perfect for those who value quality service and a smooth travel experience.

Air Mauritius: A Smaller, but Reliable Carrier

Air Mauritius is another option for travellers flying from Perth to Johannesburg with a stopover. Typically, passengers will stop over in Mauritius before continuing their journey to Johannesburg.

• Flight Duration: The total flight time with Air Mauritius can range from 16 to 19 hours, depending on the layover duration in Mauritius.
• Fare Range: Air Mauritius often offers competitive prices, with return flights starting at AUD $1,100.
• Service and Comfort: Although Air Mauritius doesn’t have as large an international network as other carriers, it offers a solid flying experience with friendly service and comfortable seating.

How to Choose the Best Option for You

Choosing the right flight for your trip from Perth to Johannesburg depends on several factors, including your budget, travel preferences, and schedule. Here are a few things to consider:

• Non-Stop vs Connecting: If time is your priority and you want to avoid layovers, then South African Airways or Qantas are the best choices. Both airlines offer direct, non-stop flights that get you to Johannesburg in under 12 hours.
• Budget: If you’re looking to save money and don’t mind longer travel times, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, or Qatar Airways may offer more affordable options. These flights generally involve one stopover and can sometimes be found for a lower price than direct flights.
• Flight Comfort: If you prefer extra comfort during your flight, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates are known for their high service standards and luxurious in-flight experiences.
• Flexibility: If your travel dates are flexible, you might find better fares and more options with connecting flights, especially if you’re looking for flights during peak travel seasons.

The Perth to Johannesburg route offers a variety of options, from direct flights to connecting flights with layovers in major global hubs. Whether you’re looking for the fastest, most convenient option or a cheaper alternative with a stopover, there is an airline and flight type to suit your needs.

South African Airways and Qantas Airways are the go-to options for those seeking a direct connection between Perth and Johannesburg. However, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Air Mauritius provide excellent connecting flights with affordable pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable flying experiences.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your travel priorities, budget, and comfort preferences. With so many great options to choose from, your journey from Perth to Johannesburg has never been easier or more convenient. Safe travels!

Image Source: www.qantas.com