Qantas will begin operating a seasonal nonstop flight service between Sydney and Cape Town on 19 October 2027, the airline announced. The flights, marking the first direct air link between the two cities, will run three times weekly on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays until 24 March 2028 using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Flight Schedule, Duration and Aircraft
The new route’s flight number from Sydney to Cape Town will be QF89. Departing Sydney at 09:15, the aircraft will arrive in Cape Town at 14:40 local time the same day after a flight lasting approximately 14 hours and 25 minutes. The return flight will leave Cape Town
at 16:40, landing in Sydney at 13:45 the following day.
Travel Demand and Passenger Profile
Passengers currently traveling between Australia and Cape Town must connect through Johannesburg or other international hubs, typically using partner airline Airlink for the segment between Johannesburg and Cape Town. This direct service addresses strong demand for a more convenient link, particularly for nearly 225,000 South African-born residents living in Australia, with about a quarter residing in New South Wales, home to Sydney.
Official Statements and Market Context
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said the airline has observed strong interest from customers traveling to Cape Town via Johannesburg, adding, “Cape Town is a true bucket-list city
and Australia’s appetite to visit has never been stronger.” He emphasized that the nonstop service will simplify travel by removing the need for stopovers.
Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander highlighted the route’s role in supporting tourism, trade, and business exchanges in the Western Cape, stating that “direct air access is one of the most important drivers of tourism growth.” Australia’s Minister for Trade and Tourism Senator Don Farrell also welcomed the new direct flights as a valuable addition to bilateral travel connections.
Economic Impact and Historical Background
The route will add nearly 30,000 seats between Australia and South Africa during its seasonal operation, potentially boosting tourism,
hospitality, trade, investment, and employment in the Western Cape. More than 120,000 Australians visited South Africa in 2025, and by June 2026 Australia had become South Africa’s third-largest overseas source market for visitors, surpassing Germany with a 19% year-on-year growth in arrivals.
Qantas first began scheduled passenger services to South Africa in 1952 with the Wallaby Route connecting Australia with Johannesburg via Perth, the Cocos Islands, and Mauritius, a journey lasting about 66 hours. The new Sydney-Cape Town direct flights will reduce travel time significantly, allowing passengers to arrive on the same day they depart.
Ticket Sales and Event Timing
Tickets for the new route
went on sale on 6 November 2026, with return economy fares starting at AUD 2,470. The service launch coincides with the 2027 Rugby World Cup hosted in Australia, providing added convenience for travelers attending the event.
