Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States unite in tourism growth: Qantas launches new direct flights from Perth to global destinations

Wednesday, May 7th, 2025

Australia's flagship carrier Qantas is set to turn Perth into a true international gateway, with two brand new routes and an expanded US schedule to be launched. Starting December 2025, travelers will enjoy more direct international connections from Western Australia to New Zealand, South Africa and the US, opening new corridors for leisure, business and tourism exchanges.

The move emphasizes that aviation expansion is a catalyst for not only flights but tourism growth, economic development and global involvement.

✈️New destination

Auckland to Perth (QF111): triple flights a week, ~6 hours 45m travel time to Johannesburg (QF65): triple flights a week, ~11 hours 15m travel time Aru Bus A330 aircraft: 27 Lee Flat business seats, 224 economy seat sex pandalflight via Yoppan's hiding airline partner

Rising Perth as a Global Gateway

Perth's geographical advantages as Australia's Western Front have long been a potential springboard for international connections. With these new routes, Qantas is increasing the role of cities not only in aviation but also in the global tourism trend.

The three-time weekly service to Auckland (QF111) operates Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, providing a short and comfortable link to one of the Pacific's most dynamic cultural and tourist capitals. On Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, travelers will board the QF65 in Johannesburg to announce their strategic return to the African continent.

Each flight is operated by an Airbus A330 aircraft and offers premium onboard experiences such as Lie-Flat business class and refresh economy services.

Connecting tourists and promoting tourism

Qantas' move arrives as both New Zealand and South Africa are watching a strong tourism revival after the pandemic. These direct routes remove the need for long layovers in Eastern Provinces or Southeast Asia, reducing travel time and improving convenience.

For tourist operators in Western Australia, there are two advantages:

Easy access for outbound travel options for Western Australians seeking leisure, family and adventure holidays for inbound travelers from South Africa and New Zealand More

Partner connections through Airlink and others allow passengers to easily reach destinations such as Cape Town, Durban, New York and other destinations, and also deepen Perth's global reach as a tourist hub.

Increase in the economy and infrastructure

The expansion is being supported by the Australian government through funds allocated to enhance biosecurity and staffing at Perth Airport. These improvements pave the way for more international services and smoother passenger movements. It is particularly essential for protecting the agriculture and tourism sectors.

The expansion adds over 155,000 additional seats a year, translated into important economic stimuli, including visitor nights, hospitality growth, and employment across tourism and airport services.

Kate Holsgrove, Chief Commercial and Aviation Director at Perth Airport, highlighted the importance of this growth. “These flights not only create better travel options, they will increase jobs and visibility in Western Australia on a world map.”

Strengthening the US network: Great tourism in Queensland and Victoria

Qantas has also strengthened its US operations with major improvements since October 2025. Returning to daily flights from Brisbane to Los Angeles to Dreamliner, offering more frequency and premium cabin options. For the peak months from December 2025 to January 2026, Qantas and American Airlines will jointly operate this route and introduce the trans-Pacific partnership.

Melbourne offers 787 services daily to Dallas, Fort Worth (DFW), further connecting Australians to North America and beyond. These routes support both leisure and business exchanges due to strong outbound tourism to the US and growing US interest in Australian travel.

Sydney – Honolulu reorganization supports the island's tourism needs

Jetstar's decision to cancel the Sydney-Honolulu route in October 2025 is balanced by Qantas intervening to provide 5-6 flights per week. This complements the newly launched Melbourne-Honolulu service and ensures continuous connectivity to your favorite Hawaii among Australian holiday makers.

Hawaii Tourism Oceania and Australian tour operators are expected to benefit from the continued demand for tropical escapes, weddings and multi-generational travel.

Fleet Strengthening and Long-term Planning

Qantas' Final Airbus A380 will return to the sky in January 2026 and will be deployed to the Daily Sydney and Dallas Fort Worth routes. This upgrade adds first class and premium economy to important US connections, allowing more space and comfort for long distance travelers.

Meanwhile, Perth Airport is preparing to meet the increased demand for passengers. Terminals 3 and 4 will be expanded as interim solutions until Qantas moves to a new Airport Central facility in 2031. This development ensures that Perth can accommodate larger aircraft, more passengers and larger international movements.

Aviation innovation is driving tourism expansion

Updates to these strategic networks are more than just airline logistics. They reflect a broader tourism vision that connects continents, cultures and commerce in ways that directly fuel the local economy.

Tourism boards in Western Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the US may strengthen promotional efforts to leverage these new connections. Expect marketing campaigns, travel packages and updated business travel partnerships to continue.

What does this mean for travelers?

We made progress through opportunities for savings in the eastern part of Australia, more direct access to culturally rich destinations, airline partnerships and airline partnerships for travel to Western Australia without backtracking a better onboard experience.

In summary
The expansion of Qantas network from Perth – backed by infrastructure investments and thoughtful route planning – brings more of the world near Western Australia. It is a great opportunity for tourism. For travelers, it is an adventure with more choice, more comfort, more connected.