The first non-stop flights from Sydney to Cape Town are expected in October 2027. This new route became possible after Qantas introduced the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to expand its African network.
The seasonal service between Sydney’s Kingsford Smith Airport and Cape Town International Airport will begin on 19th October next year to March 2028. The connecting flight is scheduled to run three times per week, on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
With an estimated flight time of 14 hours and economy return fares starting from $2,470, Senator Hon Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism of Australia, could only comment with high regard on the Qantas fleet’s growth “This is the first direct link between Australia and Cape Town and is a fantastic outcome for our Tourism Industry. More planes in the sky means more options for Australian travellers and exporters”
With more than 120,000 Australians travelled to South Africa in 2025, demand continues to grow. June this year, Australia surpassed Germany to become South Africa’s third-largest overseas source market.
Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro, backed the new service, saying, “Australia is an important and growing tourism market for our destination, and this route will unlock new opportunities for tourism, trade, investment and business exchange.”