Sydney to Cape Town Without a Stop Is Finally Happening

Qantas has confirmed its first nonstop flights between Sydney and Cape Town, and tickets went on sale on November 6. Flight QF89 begins on October 19, 2027 and operates as a seasonal service through Cape Town’s summer until March 24, 2028. Until now, travelers heading to Cape Town from Australia have had to connect through Johannesburg or another hub.

The flights operate three times a week, on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner made possible by additional 787-9s joining the Qantas fleet. The schedule shows departure from Sydney at 9:15 a.m. and arrival in Cape Town at 2:40 p.m. local time, a journey of about 14 hours and 25 minutes. The route adds almost 30,000 seats between Australia and South Africa.

Introductory economy return fares start from A$2,470, subject to availability and fare conditions, so that price may not appear on every departure. Qantas already flies Sydney to Johannesburg and Perth to Johannesburg, and it framed the new route as following 75 years of service to South Africa, which began with the 1952 Wallaby Route to Johannesburg that took about 66 hours with several stops.

Western Cape tourism authorities welcomed the announcement, saying direct air links drive tourism, investment and trade. Qantas is also planning nonstop Sydney to London flights starting in October 2027, so next spring’s long-haul map is shaping up to look quite different from today’s.

Sources: Rus Tourism News, Travel Weekly Asia