Qantas Inaugurates Direct Flight Service Between Johannesburg and Perth

New Direct Air Link Strengthens South Africa-Australia Ties

Qantas Airways officially launched its new direct flight service between Johannesburg, South Africa, and Perth, Western Australia, on December 7, 2025. This new route marks a significant expansion of air connectivity between the two countries, promising to enhance tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges. The inaugural flight, QF65, departed Perth for Johannesburg, establishing the airline's first direct link between Western Australia and South Africa.

The service operates three times a week on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, utilizing an Airbus A330 aircraft. The flight from Johannesburg to Perth is expected to take approximately 9 hours and 55 minutes, providing the quickest way for South Africans to reach Western Australia. The return flight, QF66, from Johannesburg to Perth, also operates on these days.

Boosting Tourism and Economic Opportunities

The new direct route is anticipated to generate substantial benefits for both South Africa and Australia. It is expected to add nearly 80,000 seats annually, contributing to a total of 292,000 seats each year between South Africa and Australia, including the existing Sydney route. This increased capacity is set to stimulate inbound tourism, support local businesses, and create new opportunities for Australian exporters.

South African Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille welcomed the launch, stating, 'This is not just a new connection on a route map; it is a bridge between two nations, two peoples, and two tourism markets with enormous potential.' She emphasized that the route would play a critical role in growing inbound business events and leisure tourism, especially as South Africa prepares to host major events like Meetings Africa 2026 and Africa's Travel Indaba 2026. Data indicates that arrivals from Australia in 2025 are nearly 30% higher than in 2024 and 10% above pre-COVID levels, signaling sustained expansion in tourism.

Enhanced Connectivity and Diaspora Links

The direct flights significantly improve connectivity for the large South African diaspora residing in Western Australia. Census data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals that almost 45,000 people living in Western Australia were born in South Africa, making it the fourth most common country of birth for Western Australians. This strong diaspora, coupled with existing business and trade ties, underscores the demand for direct air links.

Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace highlighted the positive customer response, noting, '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.' He added that the new flights make it easier for South Africans to visit Western Australia, reconnect with family and friends, or continue to other destinations across Australia through seamless connections to Qantas' domestic network. The route also offers onward connections to Cape Town and other African destinations through Qantas' partnership with Airlink.

Government Support and Future Outlook

The realization of these new flights was supported by federal funding allocated to the Australian Border Force and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. This investment enabled Perth Airport to enhance its staffing, equipment, and facilities, increasing border and biosecurity capacity to accommodate more international flights. This strategic expansion reinforces Perth's role as a key international hub, connecting three continents and adding over 150,000 international seats annually.

Western Australia Tourism Minister Reece Whitby stated that the new flights would 'supercharge Western Australia's visitor economy,' supporting local jobs and businesses. The new service complements Qantas' longstanding presence in South Africa, where it has operated flights since 1952, and its existing Johannesburg-Sydney route.