QANTAS LAUNCHES FIRST NON-STOP CAPE TOWN FLIGHTS FROM SYDNEY, SAVING FOUR HOURS
If South Africa has been sitting on your travel wish list, here is your sign to start planning.
Qantas has announced the first ever non-stop Cape Town flights from Australia, linking Sydney with the Mother City for the first time without a stopover.
The seasonal service is due to start on 19 October 2027 and run until 25 March 2028, subject to government and regulatory approval, according to Bizcommunity.
Tickets went on sale on Friday 6 November.
What we know about the new Cape Town flights
The route will operate three times a week using Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with schedule site AeroRoutes listing the 787-9.
Yahoo Lifestyle Australia reports the flight time will be about 14 hours and 25 minutes.
That is roughly four hours quicker than Qantas's current option, which connects through Johannesburg.
Depending on the airline and the number of stops, getting to Cape Town today can take more than 24 hours.
The new flights will add almost 30,000 seats between the two countries over Cape Town's summer.
They sit alongside Qantas's existing direct services from Perth and Sydney to Johannesburg.
Qantas International chief executive Cam Wallace said Australia's appetite to visit "has never been stronger".
How much will it cost?
This is the one detail still up in the air.
Yahoo Lifestyle says Qantas has not yet revealed fares for the new route.
For comparison, the outlet found a one-way Sydney to Cape Town trip in February on Qantas and South African Airways currently costs about $1,717.
Finder travel expert Sarah Megginson told Yahoo the real appeal of non-stop flying is no rushing to make a connection and less chance of your bag going astray.
She added that whether it is worth paying more for a direct flight depends on what you value most.
If you are travelling with children or simply hate airport transfers, that time saved might be priceless.
Why the timing works
The first flights land just as the southern hemisphere summer kicks off in Cape Town, which is peak season for beaches, hiking and long, golden evenings.
They also line up with the Rugby World Cup being held in Australia in 2027, giving South African fans a direct way to follow the Springboks.
The launch is a lovely nod to history, too.
Bizcommunity notes it marks 75 years since Qantas first flew scheduled passengers to South Africa.
Back in 1952, the so-called Wallaby Route to Johannesburg took 66 hours, stopping in Perth, the Cocos Islands and Mauritius.
Fourteen and a half hours suddenly sounds rather civilised.
What to see once you land
Cape Town packs a remarkable amount into one city.
Table Mountain looms over the centre, and you can hike or take the cable car to the top for sweeping views of the coastline.
A short drive away, the Cape Winelands around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are famous for long lunches among the vines.
Boulders Beach is home to a colony of African penguins, which makes it a firm favourite with families.
Further south, the Cape Point drive offers dramatic cliffs and wild ocean scenery.
And the city's food scene, markets and waterfront are perfect for slower days.
Planning tips for your trip
Book early if you have your heart set on particular dates, especially around school holidays and the rugby.
Check the latest entry requirements and travel advice on Smartraveller before you go.
Make sure your passport has plenty of validity left and blank pages.
Consider travel insurance as soon as you book, so you are covered if plans change.
With more than 224,000 South African-born people living in Australia, according to Bizcommunity, the route will also make visiting family a lot easier.
You can find more details through the Qantas Newsroom and book at qantas.com.
