In a major boost for Western Australia's connectivity, Qantas has launched two pivotal new non-stop international routes from Perth. The airline commenced its direct services to Johannesburg in South Africa and Auckland in New Zealand on Sunday, 7 December 2025, marking a significant expansion of its Perth-based international network.
A Long-Awaited Link for Families and Travellers
The inaugural flights were met with enthusiasm, particularly from the local South African community. Former South African resident Joe Oosthuizen, who now lives in Perth, was among the first passengers. He recalled journeys that once took over 24 hours via Singapore. Accompanied by his children, Xander, 19, and Danielle, 16, he was returning to visit family for the first time in 14 years, cutting the travel time to just around 11 hours.
Another passenger, Maylands resident Marlene Fester, was travelling to South Africa for a family memorial. She expressed surprise and delight at discovering the new direct Qantas option while searching for flights, highlighting the immediate demand and convenience for the local diaspora.
Economic and Tourism Windfall for Western Australia
The new services are projected to have a substantial economic impact. The flights are expected to bring an additional 80,000 passengers into Western Australia each year. Operated by an Airbus A330 aircraft, the routes will run three times weekly, supplementing existing services offered by Air New Zealand and South African Airways.
Federal Tourism and Trade Minister Don Farrell hailed the development as vital for connecting Australians with overseas loved ones and strengthening economic ties. He stated it was an outstanding outcome for tourism, delivering more visitors and cementing Perth's status as a world-class hub.
State Government Sees Western Gateway Strengthened
WA Tourism Minister Reece Whitby said the new Qantas routes represented a strong vote of confidence in Perth as the western gateway to Australia. "Expanding WA’s non-stop international connections is central to our tourism strategy to make WA more accessible to the world," Minister Whitby emphasised. The goal is to attract more visitors and encourage longer stays in the state.
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace noted the almost fully-booked inaugural Johannesburg flight was a "significant milestone" for the airline. The new routes join Qantas's existing direct flights from Perth to London, Paris, Singapore, and a seasonal service to Rome, solidifying the airline's commitment to its Perth international hub.
