Qantas will begin a new direct flight service connecting Sydney, Australia, to Cape Town, South Africa, starting October 19, 2027. The seasonal route will operate until March 24, 2028, providing the first nonstop air link between these two cities.
Flight Schedule and Aircraft
The service will run three times weekly on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays using Qantas’ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. Flights will depart Sydney at 09:15 local time and arrive in Cape Town at 14:40 local time, with a journey time of approximately 14 hours and 25 minutes. The inaugural flight will carry the designation QF89.
Demand and Existing Connections
More than 120,000 Australians visited South Africa
in 2025, and Australia surpassed Germany as South Africa’s third-largest overseas source market in June 2026, with visitor arrivals growing 19% year on year. Currently, many passengers heading to Cape Town connect via Johannesburg on Qantas services, linking through partner airline Airlink. Tens of thousands of travellers use these connections annually.
Tourism and Business Impact
This new nonstop route is expected to enhance tourism, trade, and business relations between Western Cape and Australia. Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander emphasized that direct air access drives tourism growth and welcomed the route’s potential to generate employment and investment opportunities across the Western Cape. The link is anticipated
to improve accessibility for Australian business travellers and support commercial exchanges.
Official Comments and Strategic Context
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace noted strong demand for a direct service, calling Cape Town a “true bucket-list city” with an expanding Australian market. He pointed out that tens of thousands currently fly via Johannesburg, affirming the route’s market potential. Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism Senator Don Farrell described the flight as an important addition to the travel links between South Africa and Australia.
Qantas first began scheduled flights to South Africa in 1952 with the Wallaby Route connecting Australia and Johannesburg. The new Sydney-Cape Town service will
be supported by Qantas’s largest fleet renewal program, including the delivery of additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners in late 2027, enabling nonstop long-haul operations.
Passenger Benefits and Fare Information
The new nonstop flight will reduce travel time and eliminate layovers required when connecting through Johannesburg or other hubs. Passengers will benefit from a direct journey of around 14 hours and 25 minutes. Tickets went on sale on November 6, 2026, with return economy fares starting at AU$2,470 according to Qantas.
Additional Context
The timing of the seasonal service launch precedes the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, providing travel options for South African supporters. Cape Town’s aviation sector
is experiencing growth, with several airlines adding international flights and routes, reinforcing the city’s status as a key tourism and business destination.
