Qantas will start nonstop passenger flights between Sydney Airport and Cape Town Airport on October 19, 2027. The service will run seasonally with flights three times a week on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays under flight number QF89.
These flights will be operated using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. Departure from Sydney is scheduled for 9:15 a.m. local time with arrival in Cape Town at 2:40 p.m. local time, completing a journey of roughly 14 hours and 25 minutes.
Service Schedule and Ticketing
The seasonal nonstop service will be available until March 24, 2028. Qantas plans to add approximately 30,000 seats between Australia and South Africa
during this period. Ticket sales opened on November 6, 2026, with economy return fares starting at A$2,470.
The new Sydney-Cape Town route represents the first nonstop passenger connection from Australia to the Western Cape. It eliminates the need for travelers to transfer through Johannesburg or other connecting airports when traveling between these cities.
Existing South Africa Connections and Route Complement
Qantas already operates nonstop flights from Sydney and Perth to Johannesburg, South Africa. The addition of the nonstop Cape Town flight will complement these existing services rather than replace them.
Currently, passengers bound for Cape Town often connect via Johannesburg on Qantas flights and then transfer to
Airlink-operated services for the onward segment to Cape Town. This new direct flight is expected to serve travelers preferring a nonstop option.
Passenger Demand and Market Trends
Qantas International’s CEO, Cam Wallace, cited tens of thousands of passengers transferring in Johannesburg annually as proof of strong demand for a nonstop service between Sydney and Cape Town.
In 2025, more than 120,000 Australians visited South Africa. By June 2026, Australian travelers surpassed German visitors to become South Africa’s third-largest overseas visitor market, with a 19% increase in arrivals compared to June 2025.
Approximately 225,000 people born in South Africa reside in Australia; about 25% live in
New South Wales, where Sydney is located. This demographic supports travel demand between the two countries.
Historical Context and Official Perspectives
Qantas’ original Wallaby Route to Johannesburg began 75 years ago in 1952, taking 66 hours with multiple stops in Perth, the Cocos Islands, and Mauritius. The new nonstop Sydney to Cape Town flight reduces travel time to under 15 hours and connects directly to South Africa’s southwest coast.
Australia’s Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell, expressed support for the route as a chance to strengthen bilateral travel and trade connections. Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander highlighted that the direct air link will foster opportunities
for tourism, business travel, trade, and investment between Australia and the Western Cape.
