Qantas Expands Network with New Direct Flights to Johannesburg and Auckland

Qantas has initiated a direct flight service connecting Perth Airport (PER) with Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport (JNB). This development was announced on December 5, 2025, alongside the launch of flights linking Perth with Auckland Airport (AKL), highlighting a significant expansion for the airline’s Western Australian hub.

The inaugural flight, QF65, took off from Perth on December 7, 2025, creating the first direct link between Western Australia and South Africa for Qantas. This expansion is expected to greatly enhance travel options for passengers.

Earlier that day, Qantas welcomed QF112 from Auckland, marking the airline’s first service connecting New Zealand to Western Australia. With these new routes, Qantas aims to add over 150,000 seats annually through Perth, reinforcing the city’s role as a gateway connecting three continents.

Federal Support Drives Expansion

Qantas attributes the launch of these routes to federal funding provided to the Australian Border Force and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. This financial support allowed Perth Airport to enhance its border and biosecurity capacity through improved staffing, equipment, and facilities.

Cam Wallace, Qantas’ International CEO, shared the positive feedback received since the announcement of these routes in May 2025. He stated that the response has been overwhelmingly positive, with the inaugural flight to Johannesburg already nearly full and strong forward bookings expected.

Wallace highlighted the broader route options available, including connections to Cape Town through Qantas’s partnership with Airlink, allowing travelers from Western Australia to reach New York via Auckland.

Benefits for Travelers and Economy

Australian Tourism Minister Don Farrell emphasized that these additional international flights will benefit travelers, tourism operators, and exporters alike. He noted that increased flight options mean more convenience, more customers for local tourism, and significant opportunities for Aussie exporters.

With more direct services, the expansion is likely to attract tourists to Perth, which could lead to job creation and economic growth.

Trans-Tasman Connections

Andrew Waddell, Regional Director for Tourism New Zealand in Australia, expressed the importance of the new direct route for the 75,000 New Zealanders residing in Western Australia. He pointed out that this route would offer greater flexibility and improve connectivity between Australia and New Zealand.

Waddell mentioned a 17% year-on-year rise in the number of Australian visitors to New Zealand. This new service, coupled with Qantas’s other route developments, enhances travel options for both Australians and Kiwis, making it easier for them to visit family and friends.

Gold Coast Returns to International Service

Additionally, Qantas announced the return of international flights from Gold Coast Airport (OOL), with a direct route to Auckland starting June 16, 2026. This marks the first Qantas international service from the Gold Coast in nearly five years and will introduce over 52,000 additional seats each year.

Operating three times weekly on Boeing 737 aircraft, this route will feature business class service, setting Qantas apart in this market.

The airline also plans to introduce flights from Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Samoa via Auckland, which will offer almost daily connectivity between Australia and Samoa.

John Warn, CEO of Experience Gold Coast, welcomed the news. He highlighted that the new service would facilitate travel from New Zealand and enhance the tourism industry.

New Auckland Lounge

Coinciding with these route announcements, Qantas will open a new international lounge at Auckland Airport on December 17, 2025. This lounge will be 60% larger than the previous facility, accommodating over 370 customers and offering dedicated spaces for dining, relaxing, and working.

Route Details

The Perth to Johannesburg route will operate three times weekly on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday using Airbus A330 aircraft, featuring 27 business and 224 economy seats, with a flight time of around 11 hours and 15 minutes.

The Perth to Auckland route will also run three times weekly on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, with a flight duration of approximately six hours and 45 minutes. The Gold Coast to Auckland service is set to begin on June 16, 2026, operating three times weekly.

Are you looking forward to the new travel options Qantas is introducing?