Qantas has officially launched direct flights connecting Perth with both Auckland and Johannesburg, marking a significant expansion of the airline’s long-haul network and strengthening travel links across the Southern Hemisphere.
The new routes come after Qantas secured Australian Government funding aimed at boosting its western international hub. The first revived Auckland–Perth service, Flight QF112, touched down on Sunday, ending a long pause in direct travel between New Zealand and Western Australia.
For South African travellers—especially those in Johannesburg—the more notable development is the new Perth–Johannesburg service. The route opens up another direct link between South Africa and Australia at a time when demand for intercontinental travel continues to grow. It also gives Joburg passengers greater flexibility, particularly those travelling for work, migration, or leisure across the Indian Ocean.
Qantas says the additions form part of a broader strategy to rebuild and grow its long-haul network after years of pandemic-related constraints. The airline has cast Perth as a key international gateway, with the city’s location well suited for connections into Africa, Europe and New Zealand.
Aviation analysts note that competition on South Africa–Australia routes has historically been limited, with carriers such as Qantas and South African Airways alternating dominance depending on fleet availability and demand. The new service is expected to ease capacity pressure during peak periods and offer more schedule choices.
While Qantas has not yet released the full operational details of the Johannesburg service, the airline indicated more information—including schedules, aircraft type and pricing—will be rolled out in the coming weeks.
For Joburg-based travellers, this expansion signals growing interest from international airlines in South Africa as long-haul travel rebounds, providing a welcome boost to connectivity, business links and tourism.