Western Australia has taken a significant step in enhancing its tourism landscape with the introduction of two new non-stop flight routes from Auckland and Johannesburg to Perth. Effective from today, these services will be operated by Qantas and will run three times a week using an Airbus A330, significantly improving travel convenience for visitors from both New Zealand and South Africa.
The new Auckland route is projected to add nearly 40,000 inbound seats each year, making it an essential link as New Zealand ranks as Western Australia’s third-largest international market. In the year ending June 2025, New Zealand visitors contributed approximately $181 million to the state’s economy. Furthermore, this route establishes a new connection to Perth from the United States via New York City, aligning with WA’s strategy to attract visitors from key global markets.
Similarly, the Johannesburg service is expected to boost the annual influx of visitors by an additional 40,000 seats, facilitating easier travel for tourists from this emerging market. The presence of strong South African and New Zealand communities in Western Australia is anticipated to support family reunions, tourism, and business travel. This opens up opportunities for tens of thousands of travelers to explore Perth and its renowned coastline and regions.
Strengthening Perth’s International Connectivity
The introduction of these new services reinforces Perth’s position as Australia’s Western Gateway, currently serviced by 23 international airlines operating 20 non-stop routes to various global destinations. This expansion is a crucial element of the Cook Government’s economic diversification strategy, aimed at enhancing tourism, trade, and investment opportunities for local businesses while creating jobs within the community.
Tourism Minister Reece Whitby expressed optimism regarding the new routes, stating, “Western Australia welcomes visitors from Auckland and Johannesburg with open arms with these new non-stop services taking flight today.” He emphasized that these connections reflect a strong vote of confidence in Perth as a world-class visitor destination.
Whitby further noted the importance of expanding non-stop international connections, declaring, “Expanding WA’s non-stop international connections is central to our tourism strategy to make WA more accessible to the world, so that we can attract more visitors and encourage longer stays.” With an estimated 80,000 additional seats arriving in the state each year, the aviation industry is poised to enhance WA’s visitor economy significantly, supporting local jobs and businesses.
For more details on the new flight services, visit qantas.com.au.
