Qantas Reignites Johannesburg-Perth Route with New Direct Flights Launching December 2025

Qantas has announced it will reintroduce direct flights between Johannesburg and Perth, Australia, starting on 7 December 2025—a move set to boost international travel options for South Africans heading to Australia and New Zealand.

The new route, operating three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, adds to Qantas’ long-standing legacy of flights between the two countries, dating back to 1952. The flights will be operated by Qantas’ A330 aircraft, featuring 27 business class suites that convert into lie-flat beds, and 224 economy seats—promising both comfort and capacity.

According to Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace, “We’re so excited to be launching a brand-new route, unlocking more travel options for South Africans looking to explore Australia, reconnect with family and friends, or discover somewhere new.”

Wallace added that the new Johannesburg to Perth route will also connect travellers easily to key Australian cities like Brisbane, Melbourne, and Adelaide, thanks to Qantas’ domestic network.

Qantas also announced a new direct route between Perth and Auckland, making it even easier for South Africans to reach New Zealand via a one-stop journey.

This marks a significant expansion of Qantas’ offerings in the region. The airline already operates a direct route between Johannesburg and Sydney, which recently saw the return of the Airbus A380—a move that nearly doubled capacity and reintroduced First Class service on the route.

A Challenge to SAA’s Comeback?

The announcement is likely to intensify competition for South African Airways (SAA), which only reintroduced its own Johannesburg-Perth route in April 2024 as part of its international comeback strategy.

While SAA has made strides—launching or reviving routes to São Paulo, Dar Es Salaam, Lagos, Kinshasa, and Accra—it now faces renewed competition from a carrier with an established global network and brand.

In recent months, other international carriers like Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, and Norse Atlantic Airways have also increased capacity on South African routes. Meanwhile, United Airlines, despite Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille’s claims, has denied plans to expand its South Africa operations, though it will adjust its Cape Town and Johannesburg flight schedule for the 2025/26 summer season.

Boost for Tourism and Business

Qantas’ expanded service is expected to support both tourism and business travel, providing more flexible options for South Africans and Australians alike. With daily service between Australia and South Africa across its routes, Qantas is clearly betting on growing demand for intercontinental travel.

Tickets for the Johannesburg to Perth route (QF66) are already on sale via Qantas.com, subject to regulatory approval.

{Source: BusinessTech}

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