Service Enhancement Delivers Nearly Double the Capacity
Qantas has announced a substantial expansion of its popular Perth-Rome route, with plans to nearly double passenger capacity for 2026 through extended seasonal operations and increased flight frequency.
The national carrier will extend its seasonal service by eight weeks, operating from May 3 to October 23, 2026, while boosting weekly frequencies from three to four flights during the peak summer period. This expansion adds over 40 additional services and approximately 10,000 extra seats to the route.
Extended Season Captures Prime European Travel Period
The longer operating season will span the entire northern summer, encompassing Rome’s transition from late spring through early autumn. This timing provides Australian travelers with enhanced flexibility when planning European holidays, while offering European visitors extended access to Australia via Perth.
The expanded schedule will operate across three distinct periods:
- May 3 – June 26, 2026: Three weekly flights (Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday)
- June 27 – September 26, 2026: Four weekly flights (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday)
- September 27 – October 23, 2026: Three weekly flights (Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday)
Historic Route Continues Success Story
Since launching in 2022 as the first nonstop service between Australia and continental Europe, the Perth-Rome route has transported more than 70,000 passengers. The service represents a significant milestone in aviation history, providing Australians with the fastest path to Rome while positioning Perth as a premier European gateway.
The route complements Qantas’s broader Perth international network, which includes services to London, Paris, and Singapore, with new routes to Johannesburg and Auckland launching in December 2025.
Strong Passenger Demand Drives Expansion
More than half of the Rome service passengers originate from Australia’s eastern states, with the flight schedule specifically designed to connect seamlessly with domestic services through Perth. This connectivity has proven crucial to the route’s success and passenger appeal.
Industry and Government Response
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace emphasized the route’s popularity: “Rome is one of Europe’s most iconic destinations and our nonstop flight is incredibly popular with customers who tell us they love being able to depart Perth in the evening and wake up in Rome.”
Wallace noted that the expansion represents Qantas’s largest European operation from Perth to date, with nearly 300,000 seats connecting Perth nonstop to London, Paris, and Rome in 2026.
Western Australia Premier Roger Cook highlighted the service’s economic significance: “My government has prioritised connecting Perth and WA with the world via direct flights, with 20 non-stop routes now available. The success of the Perth to Rome flights has rewarded Qantas’ confidence in the service.”
Tourism Minister Reece Whitby described the expansion as “a major win for WA, delivering thousands of additional visitors and reinforcing our position as Australia’s Western Gateway.”
Strategic Impact on Western Australia
The expanded service strengthens Western Australia’s position as Australia’s primary European gateway, supporting the state government’s economic diversification strategy through enhanced tourism connectivity. The additional capacity is expected to deliver significant visitor numbers while facilitating stronger business and cultural ties between Australia and Italy.
