Qantas has officially launched its long-awaited direct service between Johannesburg and Perth, connecting South Africa and Western Australia with a non-stop flight time of just 9 hours and 55 minutes.
- The new non-stop service, launched 7 December 2025, connects South Africa and Western Australia.
- The new route reduces travel time to just under 10-hours – providing the quickest way for South Africans to reach Australia and beyond.
- The new route complements Qantas’ existing Johannesburg-Sydney route, with both seeing strong demand from South Africans ahead of the upcoming peak holiday season.
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The new route operates three times weekly on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, marking a significant milestone in air travel between the two nations. The Sandton Times joined a select group of media for an intimate breakfast at The Saxon Pavilion to celebrate the occasion – a fitting venue to welcome a new link to the land Down Under. The new route will provide easier access for South Africans wanting to see a Roo, and, just as importantly, for Australians hoping to spot their first Kudu. The relationship between the two countries has flourished over the years through travel, family links, business ties, and a mutual appreciation for good rugby. This direct route stands poised to strengthen it even further.
A Faster, Seamless Connection Down Under
For years, travel between Johannesburg and Western Australia meant connecting through the Middle East, Asia, or Johannesburg – Sydney before doubling back. Now, Qantas has trimmed that journey to under ten hours, making it the quickest way for South Africans to reach Australia. The new service complements Qantas’ existing Johannesburg – Sydney route, which continues to enjoy strong demand ahead of the peak holiday period. Together, the two routes significantly expand travel options for South Africans, giving travellers greater flexibility and access to Australia’s vast domestic network. The Johannesburg – Perth flights also connect smoothly to Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and numerous regional destinations.
A Flight Designed for Comfort
The route is operated using the Qantas Airbus A330, a well-regarded aircraft for medium- to long-haul travel. Business travellers will appreciate the aircraft’s 27 Business Class suites arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, each offering direct aisle access, enhanced privacy, and a fully lie-flat bed. Economy travellers are supported with 224 seats, warm service, and the airline’s distinct focus on delivering a comfortable experience across all cabins. It’s a product well-suited to nearly 10 hours in the air – and for many, the shortest possible route home or to holiday.
Celebrating a New Chapter in Connectivity
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace described the new service as a meaningful step in deepening ties between the two countries.
Today marks an important milestone as our inaugural direct service from Johannesburg to Perth takes to the skies, strengthening connectivity between South Africa and Western Australia. We’ve seen a really positive response since announcing the route in May, with the inaugural flight almost full and strong forward bookings.
// Qantas International CEO, Cam Wallace
He added that the new link not only connects travellers to Perth, but opens onward access across Australia and New Zealand through seamless connections into Qantas’ domestic network.
And with the launch of our new Perth–Auckland service, customers travelling from Johannesburg now have more options to reach New Zealand with just one stop.
// Qantas International CEO, Cam Wallace
Serving a Significant Community
The launch is more than a route expansion – it’s an acknowledgement of a large and active South African community in Western Australia. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, nearly 45,000 South Africans now call Western Australia home, making South Africa the fourth most common country of birth in the region, after England, New Zealand, and India. This diaspora, combined with strong business, academic, and trade links, makes direct connectivity both practical and long overdue. Western Australia Tourism Minister, Reece Whitby, also highlighted the economic boost the new service represents.
With these flights from Johannesburg and Auckland bringing an estimated 80,000 additional seats to our State each year, our aviation industry continues to supercharge Western Australia’s visitor economy, supporting local jobs and local businesses as part of our government’s economic diversification strategy.
// Western Australia Tourism Minister, Reece Whitby
A Growing Transcontinental Network
With this launch, Qantas now offers up to 292,000 seats between Australia and South Africa each year, distributed between:
• Up to 212,430 seats annually on Johannesburg – Sydney
• Up to 79,650 seats annually on Johannesburg – Perth
These expanded frequencies reflect Qantas’ long-term confidence in the South African market, and the consistently strong travel flows between the two countries. In addition, Qantas recently announced a codeshare agreement with Airlink, giving Australian travellers convenient access to 15 countries and 45 destinations across Africa, including more remote locations such as Madagascar and St Helena Island. This partnership is expected to significantly grow inbound tourism to Southern Africa.
A New Era of Travel Between South Africa and Australia
The Johannesburg – Perth route signals the beginning of a new chapter for travellers on both sides of the Indian Ocean. For South Africans, it’s the fastest, most efficient way to reach Australia – and for many, a more direct connection to loved ones. For Australians, it opens easier access to Southern Africa’s wildlife, culture, landscapes, and business opportunities.
And for Qantas, it’s a powerful step in expanding long-haul connectivity and strengthening its presence across the Indian Ocean rim.
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