Qantas Unveils Direct Johannesburg–Perth Flight, Unlocking New Travel Opportunities

Published on December 9, 2025

Qantas has launched a new direct flight route between Johannesburg and Perth, marking a significant milestone in expanding travel options between Australia and South Africa. This new service is designed to enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, and offer more seamless travel experiences for passengers. With this addition, travelers now have a direct and convenient way to journey between the two cities, promoting tourism, business, and cultural exchange. The introduction of the direct flight opens up fresh opportunities for both leisure and corporate travel, fostering stronger ties between the regions.

Qantas, Australia’s national airline, has launched a new direct flight service connecting Johannesburg, South Africa, with Perth, Western Australia. This expansion marks a key milestone in the airline’s international operations and is expected to strengthen travel ties between South Africa and Australia, particularly benefiting the large South African expatriate community based in Perth. Many of these expats are eager to return to South Africa for holidays, visit family and friends, or maintain personal and professional connections with their home country. As a result, the new route is anticipated to provide a vital service that will not only meet the demand of the South African community in Perth but also offer increased opportunities for tourism and business exchanges between the two nations.

The new direct service from Johannesburg to Perth is a significant addition to Qantas’ existing international network. Prior to this, Qantas already operated a direct route between OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and Sydney, but with Perth being a key gateway to Australia’s western region, it is an ideal location to expand the airline’s services to better serve the growing needs of both Australian and South African travelers.

The Johannesburg-Perth route is expected to deliver nearly 80,000 additional seats annually to Qantas’ current total capacity, which stands at 212,000 across both the Johannesburg-Perth and Johannesburg-Sydney routes. This increase in capacity is part of Qantas’ broader strategy to cater to growing demand and strengthen its position as the leading airline operating between South Africa and Australia. The new service will significantly enhance passenger options for travel between the two countries, providing more flexibility and convenience for both leisure and business travelers.

Qantas will operate the new Johannesburg-Perth route using its Airbus A330 aircraft, a wide-bodied aircraft known for its comfort and efficiency on long-haul flights. The Airbus A330 is an ideal choice for this route, offering a range of amenities and features that will enhance the overall travel experience. Passengers will benefit from the spacious cabins, comfortable seating, and entertainment options that make the long journey from Johannesburg to Perth more enjoyable. Additionally, the aircraft is equipped with modern technology, ensuring a smooth and efficient flight for passengers traveling between these two destinations.

Perth, being one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in Australia, is home to a significant number of South African expatriates. According to the latest Australian census data, there are approximately 45,000 South African-born residents living in Western Australia, making South Africa the fourth-most common country of birth for people in this region, after England, New Zealand, and India. This demographic makes Perth an ideal destination for a direct flight from Johannesburg, as it provides a much-needed service for the South African community and their families. The addition of this route also complements Perth’s growing role as a key hub for business, education, and tourism in the Asia-Pacific region.

The direct flight service between Johannesburg and Perth is expected to further enhance the accessibility of Australia for South African tourists, students, and business professionals. By offering a direct connection to Perth, Qantas is providing more options for South African travelers looking to visit Australia for holidays or business trips. Perth is a popular destination for its beautiful beaches, vibrant arts scene, and cultural attractions. Moreover, its proximity to other major Australian cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide offers seamless onward connections to domestic destinations, making it easier for travelers to explore the rest of the country.

In addition to catering to the South African community, the new route will also provide an opportunity for Australian tourists to visit South Africa. South Africa is renowned for its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and world-class tourist attractions, including the iconic Table Mountain, Kruger National Park, and the Cape Winelands. The Johannesburg-Perth route will allow Australians to travel directly to one of South Africa’s busiest airports, enhancing the ease of access for travelers wishing to explore the country.

Furthermore, Qantas’ new route will benefit travelers beyond just the Johannesburg-Perth connection. With Perth now directly connected to Auckland, New Zealand, via Qantas’ new service, travelers will have the added convenience of connecting to other destinations in Australia and New Zealand. This opens up a range of travel opportunities for both Australian and international passengers, allowing them to explore multiple destinations on a single ticket.

The launch of this new route between Johannesburg and Perth is just one part of Qantas’ strategy to expand its global network and cater to growing demand in key markets. The airline is continuously working to improve its services, increase its capacity, and strengthen its connections with international destinations to provide customers with more choices and better travel options. With this new service, Qantas is demonstrating its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its customers and further solidifying its position as a leader in the global aviation industry.

Qantas has launched a direct flight between Johannesburg and Perth, offering travelers a faster, more convenient route while boosting tourism, trade, and cultural connections between South Africa and Australia. This new service enhances travel options and strengthens bilateral ties.

Qantas’ new direct service between Johannesburg and Perth is a welcome development that will benefit travelers on both sides of the Indian Ocean. It provides much-needed connectivity for the South African expatriate community in Perth, boosts tourism between Australia and South Africa, and offers greater flexibility for Australian and South African travelers. With its modern fleet of Airbus A330 aircraft and strategic expansion into key markets, Qantas continues to enhance its service offerings, providing passengers with an unparalleled flying experience and easy access to new destinations.