Qantas Reveals Major Expansion with Two New International Routes

Qantas has exciting news for travelers based in Western Australia, as they unveiled plans for a significant expansion from their hub in Perth with the introduction of two new international routes. Starting from the end of 2025, Qantas will be adding Johannesburg in South Africa and Auckland in New Zealand to their roster of destinations from Perth International Airport (PER).

From December 7, 2025, Qantas will kick off the Perth to Johannesburg route, serviced by their fleet of Airbus A330-200 aircraft. Operating three flights a week to each new city, this expansion aims to enhance connectivity for Australians, with the airline's CEO, Cam Wallace, emphasizing the impact of these new services. "By connecting Perth directly with Auckland and Johannesburg, we’re supporting the local economy by opening valuable inbound tourism opportunities for Western Australia, as well as generating new jobs for the state," Wallace stated, expressing enthusiasm for the routes’ potential benefits.

The addition of these new routes is made possible through funding allocated from the Australian government to bolster border services, enabling Perth Airport to enhance its capacity for international flights. Kate Holsgrove, Perth Airport’s Chief Commercial and Aviation Officer, welcomed the news of Qantas’ new services, highlighting the growth opportunities they bring to Western Australia and the tourism industry.

In addition to the Perth expansion, Qantas will roll out its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners for daily flights between Brisbane and Los Angeles from October 2025, offering increased premium seat availability and introducing a premium economy cabin on the route. Collaborating with American Airlines through the Oneworld partnership, Qantas will also adjust its flying schedule to enhance services between Brisbane, Melbourne, Los Angeles, and Dallas during the Australian summer period.

Furthermore, as part of their dual-brand strategy, Jetstar will conclude its Sydney to Honolulu flights in October 2025, with Qantas set to take over by operating additional services between Sydney and Honolulu, augmenting their existing flights to Hawaii from Melbourne. Lastly, Qantas will see the return of their twelfth and final A380 from long-term storage later this year, with plans to deploy the aircraft on their daily routes between Sydney and Dallas-Fort Worth starting in January 2026.

The airline’s expansion not only signifies growth for Western Australia’s aviation sector but also underscores Qantas’ commitment to offering diverse travel options and strengthening connections for passengers across its extensive network. Stay tuned for more updates as Qantas continues to make waves in the aviation industry.