Vanessa Hudson, chief executive officer of Qantas Airways Ltd., speaks during a news conference at the company's head office in Sydney, Australia, on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. Hudson said the relentless appetite for travel since the Covid pandemic shows no sign of faltering as the airline ordered more Airbus SE jets and splashed cash at staff and shareholders. Photographer: Brendon Thorne/Bloomberg
UPDATE: Qantas is experiencing a significant surge in travel demand as it positions Perth as a vital western hub, just in time for the busy Christmas holiday period. The airline’s recent initiatives, including new non-stop flights to Asia and beyond, are proving extremely popular among travelers.
As of last week, Jetstar began offering direct flights from Perth to Manila, which has seen a rapid uptake. Additionally, exciting new non-stop routes to Johannesburg and Auckland are set to launch this weekend, with the first Perth-Johannesburg service taking off on Sunday, December 3, 2023. The Perth-Auckland route will kick off the following day, December 4, 2023. Both routes will operate three times a week on a Qantas A330 aircraft featuring 27 business class seats.
This expansion brings the total number of long-haul flights from Perth to six, a significant increase from just two before the COVID-19 pandemic. Qantas aims to establish Perth Airport as a major hub for both domestic and international travel, complementing existing routes to London, Paris, Singapore, and a seasonal service to Rome.
Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson emphasized the airline’s commitment to enhancing the travel experience. “We want to see Perth to be really up there with the best in terms of airport experience, but be able to unlock as many destinations on the Qantas and Jetstar network as possible,” she stated in an interview with The West Australian.
The airline’s strategy aligns with a substantial $5 billion expansion plan that includes relocating services to a new terminal in the Airport Central precinct by 2031. This ambitious project aims to elevate Perth’s status in the global travel landscape.
Travelers are already responding positively to Qantas and Jetstar’s offerings, particularly as the holiday season approaches. Hudson noted that many cost-conscious customers are pre-booking flights to secure better deals, stating, “The demand we’re seeing from Perth in the lead-up to the holidays is really good.”
With the rising cost of living on the minds of consumers, Qantas has actively engaged in multiple sales initiatives throughout the year to attract Western Australians. Hudson expressed optimism about the current demand environment, highlighting the importance of early bookings for travelers looking to save.
As Qantas continues to roll out its new routes, the airline is set to increase its flight frequency to Rome nearly twofold next year, reflecting the robust demand from passengers.
In conclusion, Qantas’ efforts to make Perth a key hub for international travel are gaining momentum, offering travelers more options than ever as the festive season approaches. With both airlines ready to meet the demand, Qantas is poised for a successful holiday travel season. Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds.
