Qantas to launch 22‑hour nonstop Sydney‑London flight in 2027

Qantas Airways will commence the world’s longest scheduled passenger service – a nonstop flight between Sydney and London – in October 2027. The route, part of the airline’s Project Sunrise, will be operated by a specially‑modified Airbus A350‑1000ULR capable of flying up to 22 hours and covering more than 16,000 km. The aircraft will carry 238 seats in a premium‑heavy layout, including a dedicated “wellness zone” where passengers can move, stretch and access light‑therapy lighting designed to reduce jet‑lag.

Tickets are slated to go on sale in February 2027. Qantas expects the ultra‑long‑haul fleet of 12 A350‑1000ULR jets to generate about $400 million in annual earnings, leveraging Australia’s geographic isolation to offer point‑to‑point service to both London and a later‑to‑be‑launched Sydney‑New York route. The airline cites passenger demand for faster, premium travel and aims to save up to four hours compared with current one‑stop services.

The launch will rely on additional fuel capacity (a 20,000‑litre tank) and a cabin design tuned for sleep, nutrition and movement, developed with sleep scientists and cabin designers. Regulatory approval, aircraft delivery schedules and successful trial flights remain critical before commercial operations begin.