New Qantas Johannesburg–Perth direct route eases travel time and makes for an easier journey

As part of the launch of the new direct service between Johannesburg and Perth, a trio of journalists was hosted by Qantas to be on the inaugural flight. 

And also to experience it in Business Class. 

The new route, launched earlier this month, reduces travel time to just nine hours and 55 minutes – providing the quickest way for South Africans to reach Western Australia and beyond.

The route, operated by a Qantas A330 aircraft three times a week on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, also offers convenient onward connections to Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and other destinations across Qantas’ extensive domestic network. 

Passengers travelling to New Zealand will also benefit from the airline’s new Perth-Auckland service, allowing South Africans to reach family and friends in New Zealand with just one stop in Perth.

The inaugural flight set off on a Sunday night, with many South Africans making full use of the new route. 

However, there were some delays when the flight crew arrived after the passengers due to transport issues from their hotel, and then another delay from Perth to Johannesburg that was related to a tyre replacement. 

Of course, delays are inevitable, and sometimes when you find yourself feeling tired from the long travels, it can make you feel deflated, but to give credit where credit is due, the Qantas team made a concerted effort to address it and maintained their high level of service.

What should be commended was the lead flight attendant who took the time to stop at each of the journalists on the inaugural flight, explain what had happened, and apologise for the delay. They also relayed their apology to the passengers over the intercom.

They explained what happened and delivered their service with a smile on their face. 

The complimentary champagne also did not hurt.

Everyone in my personal life had forewarned me that travelling in Business Class would ruin future travel, as Economy is not as nice, and I fear that they may be right.

Not only were my legs thankful for the extra space, but the free pyjamas were also a bonus.

It is also worth mentioning that travelling to Johannesburg from Cape Town for the flight was greatly helped thanks to Qantas's codeshare agreement with Airlink.

According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics' latest census shows almost 45,000 people are living in Western Australia who were born in South Africa, ranking South Africa as the fourth most common country of birth for Western Australians (after England, New Zealand and India). 

The significant South African diaspora, combined with strong business and trade ties between the two regions, reinforces the demand for direct connectivity.

Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said the new route is about strengthening ties between the two countries. 

 “We’ve seen a really positive response since announcing the route in May, with the inaugural flight almost full and strong forward bookings. 

“The new flights also make it easier for South Africans to visit Western Australia, reconnect with family and friends, or continue on to destinations across Australia through seamless connections to our domestic network,” Wallace said.

Western Australia Tourism Minister, The Honourable Reece Whitby MLA said with these flights from Johannesburg and Auckland bring an estimated 80,000 additional seats to their State each year. 

“Our aviation industry continues to supercharge Western Australia’s visitor economy, supporting local jobs and local businesses as part of our government’s economic diversification strategy.”

Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, said that the launch of the new route comes as the country heads into its peak tourism season. 

“The Johannesburg–Perth direct service deepens our connectivity with the Oceania region and will play an important role in growing inbound business events traffic,” De Lille said.

“As we prepare for Meetings Africa 2026 in February and Africa’s Travel Indaba in May, this route creates an easier, faster and more attractive pathway for delegates, exhibitors and buyers from across Australia and New Zealand.”

The new direct flight is also expected to play a strategic role as South Africa prepares to host major international sporting events, including the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2027, further strengthening sporting and cultural ties between the two nations.

The minister said that sport has always been a powerful bridge between South Africa and Australia.

She added that South African Tourism will work closely with Qantas and industry partners to stimulate demand and ensure the long-term success of the route.

Fares are available on Qantas.com.

theolin.tembo@inl.co.za