Qantas will significantly expand its nonstop services between Perth and Rome in 2026, extending the seasonal route and adding an extra weekly flight to almost double capacity.
From 3 May to 23 October 2026, the national carrier will extend its Rome schedule by eight weeks and increase frequency from three to four flights per week during the peak northern summer. This will deliver more than 40 additional services and nearly 10,000 extra seats.
The extended season will cover Rome’s late-spring through early-autumn period, giving travellers more choice and flexibility when flying to the Italian capital and onwards across Europe.
Qantas launched its groundbreaking nonstop Perth–Rome route in 2022 — the first direct flight between Australia and continental Europe. Since then, more than 70,000 passengers have flown the service, with Perth emerging as a major gateway for Australians heading to Europe and Europeans visiting Australia.
In addition to Rome, Qantas operates international services from Perth to London, Paris and Singapore. From December 2025, the network will grow further with the introduction of direct services to Johannesburg and Auckland.
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said:
“Rome is one of Europe’s most iconic destinations and our nonstop flight has been hugely popular with customers, who love being able to leave Perth in the evening and wake up in Rome.
Over half our Rome passengers come from Australia’s east coast, and the timing of our flights ensures seamless connections through Perth.
By almost doubling capacity, we’re giving even more Australians the chance to experience our direct European services, which continue to deliver some of the highest satisfaction scores in our network.
Next year will be our biggest yet from Perth, with close to 300,000 seats connecting the European capitals of London, Paris and Rome directly to Western Australia.”
WA Premier Roger Cook said:
“My government has prioritised strengthening Perth’s international connections, with 20 nonstop routes now available.
These Rome services have been embraced by both tourists and Western Australians with family ties to Italy, and we’re pleased to see Qantas extend and expand them.
This success cements Perth’s position as Australia’s European gateway while supporting tourism, trade and economic diversification.”
WA Minister for Tourism Reece Whitby MLA added:
“This is a major win for Western Australia, bringing thousands more visitors and reinforcing our status as Australia’s Western Gateway.
By making it easier than ever for European travellers to visit, these flights strengthen our global ties and help showcase everything our state has to offer.
Direct connections like this are critical to growing tourism and broadening our economy.”
Extended Perth–Rome season: 3 May – 23 October 2026
Frequency increase: 3 to 4 flights per week at peak
More than 40 extra services and ~10,000 additional seats
Nearly 300,000 total seats across Qantas’ nonstop European network from Perth in 2026
