PERTH- Qantas (QF) has launched new nonstop international services from Perth Airport (PER) to Johannesburg (JNB) and Auckland (AKL), expanding its western international hub.
The new routes link Western Australia directly to Africa and New Zealand, adding capacity, supporting jobs, and strengthening Perth’s role in global aviation.
Qantas Adds Two New Routes
Qantas has formally commenced two new international routes from Perth, marking a strategic expansion of its western hub.
Flight QF65 departed Perth for Johannesburg, creating the airline’s first direct connection between Western Australia and South Africa.
Earlier the same day, QF112 arrived from Auckland, operating the first nonstop Qantas flight linking New Zealand with Western Australia.
Together, the routes connect three continents through Perth and add more than 150,000 international seats annually. The expansion supports inbound tourism, boosts trade links, and generates employment tied to aviation and airport operations across Western Australia.
The inaugural return service from Perth to Auckland is scheduled for Monday, 8 December, completing the start of regular two-way operations on both routes.
Government Support and Border Infrastructure Investment
The launch of the new services was enabled by federal funding allocated to the Australian Border Force and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. This funding supported enhanced border and biosecurity services at Perth Airport.
Perth Airport used the investment to expand staffing levels, upgrade equipment, and improve facilities. These measures increased border processing capacity, allowing the airport to handle a higher volume of international flights and support long-haul services more efficiently.
Network Benefits and Global Connectivity
According to Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace, customer response to both routes has been strong since their announcement.
The inaugural Johannesburg service departed with high load factors, and forward bookings indicate sustained demand for direct travel between Perth, South Africa, and New Zealand.
The Johannesburg route provides onward connections to Cape Town and other African destinations through Qantas’ partnership with Airlink. The Auckland service improves options for West Australians traveling to North America, including connections to New York via New Zealand.
These additions expand choice for Australian travelers while positioning Perth as a practical and competitive international gateway.
Tourism and Economic Impact
Tourism Minister Don Farrell highlighted that increased international capacity into Perth delivers benefits beyond aviation. Additional flights bring more visitors, support local tourism businesses, and open new opportunities for Australian exporters.
Tourism New Zealand noted that the Perth to Auckland route strengthens ties between Australia and New Zealand. Australian holiday arrivals into New Zealand have increased 17 percent year on year, and the direct connection also benefits the more than 75,000 New Zealand citizens living in Western Australia by improving access to family and friends.
Perth Airport also emphasized the broader economic value of new international routes, including job creation, increased tourism activity, and stronger links to global markets.
Route Details and Aircraft Configuration
| Route | Flight No. | Frequency | Aircraft | Est. Flight Time | Connections |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perth (PER) – Johannesburg (JNB) | QF65 | Tue, Fri, Sun | Airbus A330 | 11h 15m | Cape Town and Africa via Airlink |
| Perth (PER) – Auckland (AKL) | QF111 | Mon, Wed, Sat | Airbus A330 | 6h 45m | New York via Auckland |
Johannesburg: Gold Capital of the World
Johannesburg is South Africa’s most dynamic city and the country’s clearest window into its past, present, and future. It blends history, creativity, and economic power in ways no other destination can match.
Often skipped by visitors, the city rewards those who stop with deep cultural insight, strong food and arts scenes, and easy access to safaris, heritage sites, and outdoor adventure.
Understanding Johannesburg Beyond the Stereotypes
Johannesburg is the country’s largest and most diverse city, shaped by migration, activism, and constant reinvention. It reflects modern South Africa more honestly than any coastal destination.
The city’s cultural mix is evident in its languages, neighborhoods, and street life. Afrikaans, Zulu, and Xhosa are common, alongside Hindi, Urdu, and Mandarin, mirroring decades of global movement and trade. Despite its intensity, Johannesburg is unexpectedly green, with nearly ten million trees earning it the nickname of the world’s largest man-made urban forest.
Why Johannesburg Is Worth Visiting
Johannesburg delivers culture at street level. Its live music scene spans jazz, soul, and experimental club spaces, while neighborhoods like Maboneng, Braamfontein, and Soweto support artists, designers, and independent food producers.
Markets, galleries, and cafes focus on local craft and expression rather than polished spectacle. This is a city that does not curate culture for visitors. It invites them into everyday life.
Getting to Johannesburg
Johannesburg is sub-Saharan Africa’s main air hub. Most international flights arrive at OR Tambo International Airport, with direct connections from Europe and limited nonstop routes from North America.
Tourist information services are available at the airport, alongside car rentals, hotel shuttles, and licensed taxis.
Getting Around the City
The Gautrain provides the fastest connection between the airport and key business districts, especially during peak hours. It is reliable and widely used.
While public transport has improved with Gautrain buses and the Rea Vaya BRT system, driving remains the most practical option for visitors. Central areas like Maboneng, Melville, and parts of the CBD are walkable, but many attractions sit far apart.
Safety in Johannesburg
Johannesburg is generally safe for visitors who follow basic precautions. Some areas are safer than others, with northern suburbs and regenerated districts like Maboneng considered visitor-friendly.
Most incidents involve opportunistic theft. Visitors are advised to avoid displaying valuables, limit cash carried, and use local guides when exploring unfamiliar neighborhoods.
How to Spend a Day in Johannesburg
A strong introduction begins downtown. Maboneng’s Market on Main, open on Sundays, offers local food, crafts, and design. Nearby, Collector’s Treasury remains one of Africa’s largest second-hand bookshops.
Guided tours provide crucial context. Walking tours in Maboneng explain urban regeneration, while full-day Johannesburg and Soweto tours explore township life, political history, and contemporary realities through local voices.
Museums deserve time. MuseuMAfricA and the Museum of African Design cover art and social development, while the Apartheid Museum and Hector Pieterson Memorial present a detailed and factual account of South Africa’s segregation era.
Johannesburg After Dark
Evenings begin well in Fordsburg, where Indian street food and night markets line Mint Street. Maboneng and Braamfontein follow with rooftop bars, creative dining, and strong cocktail culture.
Johannesburg’s jazz legacy is central to its nightlife. Venues like The Orbit, Afrikan Freedom Station, and the Marabi Club showcase local talent while honoring early twentieth-century musical traditions.
Where to Stay in Johannesburg
Sandton offers luxury hotels and international chains, but little local character. Melville and Parkhurst provide smaller guesthouses, walkable streets, and independent restaurants.
In the CBD, Hallmark House combines modern comfort with urban edge, while budget travelers favor centrally located hostels like Curiocity. Soweto stays, including locally run lodges, offer direct insight into the city’s social history and community life.
Best Time to Visit Johannesburg
Spring from September to November brings mild temperatures and blooming jacarandas, making it ideal for outdoor exploration.
Summer from December to February is warm and lively, with afternoon thunderstorms and frequent festivals. Autumn, from March to May, offers dry weather and comfortable days. Winter from June to August is cool, dry, and well-suited for museums and galleries, though evenings can be cold.
Easy Escapes from the City
The Magaliesberg Mountains sit less than an hour away and offer hiking, cable cars, and scenic dining near Hartbeespoort Dam.
Thrill-seekers can reach zipline courses and canopy tours within driving distance. The Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features the Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng Museum, key to understanding human evolution.
Safari options include malaria-free reserves in North West Province. Pilanesberg suits independent travelers, while Madikwe offers a quieter, lodge-based experience with strong wildlife sightings.
New Flights from Gold Coast to Auckland
Qantas Airways (QF) will resume international operations from the Gold Coast with direct flights to Auckland starting in June 2026, marking a key network expansion. The new service reconnects Gold Coast Airport (OOL) with Auckland Airport (AKL) after nearly five years, adding capacity and business class options across the Tasman.
This route strengthens trans-Tasman connectivity, introduces premium travel on the sector, and supports tourism growth between Queensland and New Zealand.
It also aligns with broader network upgrades, including new Pacific connections and a redesigned Auckland international lounge.
Qantas Restores International Flying from the Gold Coast
Qantas will launch year-round Gold Coast to Auckland flights from 16 June 2026, operating three times per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The service will use a Boeing 737 aircraft and deliver more than 52,000 seats annually between the two destinations.
This marks the airline’s first international service from the Gold Coast since 2020. Qantas will also be the only carrier offering business class on this route, targeting demand from both leisure and corporate travelers. Flights are already on sale, with one-way economy fares starting from AUD 364.
The schedule positions the Gold Coast as a stronger international gateway and reinforces Auckland’s role as a major connection hub across the Tasman.
The Gold Coast to Auckland service will operate as flight QF209, departing OOL at 1:05 pm and arriving in AKL at 6:10 pm local time. The inaugural flight is scheduled for Tuesday, 16 June 2026.
From Auckland, customers can connect onward to several destinations through Jetstar, including Christchurch, Queenstown, and Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. This improves one-stop access for Gold Coast passengers traveling deeper into New Zealand and the South Pacific.
Expanded Pacific Connectivity via Auckland
Qantas will also introduce Sydney to Apia services via Auckland, launching on the same date as the Gold Coast–Auckland route. The new service will operate on alternate days to Qantas’ direct Brisbane–Apia flights, creating near-daily connectivity between Australia and Samoa.
This addition strengthens Auckland’s position as a strategic transfer point and expands Qantas’ Pacific network without reducing existing capacity from Brisbane.
New Qantas International Lounge in Auckland
Alongside the route launch, Qantas will open its new International Lounge at Auckland Airport on 17 December. The new facility is 60 percent larger than the previous lounge and will accommodate more than 370 passengers.
The lounge includes dedicated spaces for dining, relaxation, and work, supporting premium travelers and enhancing the overall trans-Tasman customer experience.
Regional Tourism and Airport Impact
Industry stakeholders have highlighted the importance of the route for the Gold Coast visitor economy. With more than 217,000 New Zealand visitors to the Gold Coast in the year ending June 2025, the new service is expected to further stimulate inbound travel.
Auckland is already the Gold Coast’s busiest international market, with more than 320,000 annual passengers. The new Qantas service will add approximately 54,000 more seats each year, with a strong focus on premium and business travel demand.
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