Western Australia has taken a significant step in enhancing its tourism sector with the launch of new non-stop flights connecting Perth to both Auckland and Johannesburg. Starting today, these services, operated by Qantas, will provide three weekly flights using an Airbus A330, aimed at increasing visitor numbers from New Zealand and South Africa.
These new routes will add essential capacity to the existing services from Air New Zealand and South African Airways, which already operate flights into Perth. The Auckland route alone is projected to deliver nearly 40,000 additional inbound seats annually. New Zealand ranks as Western Australia’s third-largest international market, with approximately 79,000 visitors contributing around $181 million to the state’s economy in the year ending June 2025. This new connectivity also introduces a route to Perth from the United States via New York City, further enhancing WA’s appeal in the global tourism landscape.
The Johannesburg service is expected to mirror the Auckland route with an estimated 40,000 extra inbound seats each year, facilitating travel for visitors from this emerging market. The strong South African and New Zealand communities residing in Western Australia are anticipated to benefit significantly, as these flights will support family reunions, tourism, and business travel.
Strengthening Perth’s Global Connectivity
These new services bolster Perth’s status as Australia’s Western Gateway, with 23 international airlines servicing 20 non-stop routes from various global destinations. The expansion of direct international flights aligns with the Cook Government’s strategy for economic diversification, aimed at enhancing tourism, trade, and investment opportunities for local businesses.
Tourism Minister Reece Whitby expressed enthusiasm about the new flights, stating, “Western Australia welcomes visitors from Auckland and Johannesburg with open arms. These new non-stop services are a strong vote of confidence in Perth as Australia’s Western Gateway and a world-class visitor destination.” He emphasized that expanding WA’s international connections is central to the state’s tourism strategy, designed to attract more visitors and encourage longer stays.
Whitby noted the significant impact of these flights on the local economy, estimating an influx of approximately 80,000 additional seats to Western Australia each year. He remarked, “Our aviation industry continues to supercharge WA’s visitor economy, supporting local jobs and local businesses as part of our government’s economic diversification strategy.”
As these new routes take to the skies, they not only promise to enhance the travel experience for visitors but also signify a determined effort to position Western Australia as a key player in the global tourism market.
