Qantas will launch its first nonstop flights between Sydney and Cape Town on October 19, 2027. The seasonal service will run until March 24, 2028, operating three times weekly on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
The flight, designated QF89, departs Sydney at 9:15 a.m. and arrives in Cape Town at 2:40 p.m. local time the same day, with a duration of approximately 14 hours and 25 minutes. Tickets have been on sale since November 6, 2026, with economy return fares starting at AUD 2,470.
Current Route Operations and Partner Airline Connections
Currently, Qantas operates nonstop flights from Sydney and Perth to Johannesburg. Passengers
traveling to Cape Town connect via Johannesburg flights operated by Qantas and partner airline Airlink. The new nonstop Sydney-Cape Town flight provides a direct alternative without aircraft changes.
Passenger Demand and Travel Market Data
Tens of thousands of passengers transfer through Johannesburg annually to reach Cape Town, demonstrating demand for the nonstop route. Over 120,000 Australians visited South Africa in 2025. By June 2026, Australia became South Africa’s third-largest overseas visitor market, overtaking Germany, with arrivals rising 19% compared to June 2025. Approximately 225,000 South African-born people live in Australia, with about 25% residing in New South Wales.
Historical Context and Time Savings
This announcement marks 75 years since Qantas began
scheduled services to South Africa in 1952. The original Wallaby Route took 66 hours with multiple stops. The new nonstop flight reduces this travel time to under 15 hours, directly linking Sydney with Cape Town and the Western Cape region.
Official Statements and Future Operations
Cam Wallace, CEO of Qantas International, stated that “tens of thousands of passengers use those connections each year, providing evidence of demand for a nonstop alternative.” Australia’s Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell, welcomed the route, highlighting expanded travel options and strengthened bilateral ties. Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro, emphasized the direct connection’s potential to promote tourism, business travel,
trade, and investment between Australia and the Western Cape.
The seasonal service will add nearly 30,000 seats between Australia and South Africa. To support this expansion, new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners will join the Qantas fleet in late 2027.
