Qantas will begin the first-ever direct nonstop flights connecting Cape Town and Australia, starting on 19 October 2027. The airline will operate seasonal services between Sydney Airport and Cape Town Airport using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Flight Schedule and Duration
The new route will operate three times a week on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from 19 October 2027 until 24 March 2028. Flights will depart Sydney at 09:15 and arrive in Cape Town at 14:40 local time, with a flight duration of approximately 14 hours and 25 minutes.
Historic Direct Air Link
This route marks the first direct air connection between Cape Town and Australia, eliminating the need
for passengers to connect through Johannesburg or other South African hubs. Previously, travelers had to transit via Johannesburg using Qantas codeshare flights with Airlink for the final leg to Cape Town.
Qantas’s South Africa Service Background
Qantas initially started scheduled services to South Africa in 1952 on the Wallaby Route, which connected Australia to Johannesburg via Perth, the Cocos Islands, and Mauritius. The launch of this nonstop Sydney-Cape Town service is enabled by Qantas’s fleet renewal program, which will bring additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners in late 2027.
Travel Demand and Community Links
Australian arrivals in South Africa increased by 19% year on year as of June 2026, with over 120,000
Australians visiting South Africa in 2025. Australia became South Africa’s third-largest overseas visitor source by mid-2026. Additionally, approximately 225,000 South African-born residents live in Australia, with around a quarter based in New South Wales, where Sydney is located.
Traveler Benefits
The nonstop flights will reduce travel time by several hours over previous routes requiring connections. This improvement enhances convenience for Australian travelers and South African residents in Australia visiting the Western Cape. Sydney serves as a key connection point for onward flights to other Australian cities such as Melbourne and Brisbane, as well as New Zealand.
Official Statements
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said,
“Cape Town is a true bucket-list city and Australia’s appetite to visit has never been stronger.” He emphasized the consumer demand observed on the Johannesburg-Cape Town connecting flights operated in partnership with Airlink.
Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander noted, “Direct air access is one of the most important drivers of tourism growth, which is why the launch of the new Sydney-Cape Town service is such a significant development for the Western Cape.” Australia’s Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator Don Farrell, also welcomed the new travel link between the two countries.
Capacity and Fare Details
The inaugural season will add nearly 30,000 seats between Australia
and South Africa. Tickets went on sale on 6 November 2026, with return economy fares starting at AU$2,470. The service launch coincides with the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, providing direct options for attendees traveling to Cape Town.
Industry Context
Cape Town’s aviation sector continues to grow with expanding international flight services. This new Qantas route enhances direct access between two increasingly connected markets, supporting tourism, trade, and investment opportunities in the Western Cape.
