Qantas to launch first non‑stop Sydney‑London flights in 2027

Australian carrier Qantas announced that its Project Sunrise program will commence non‑stop flights from Sydney to London in October 2027. The service will use specially modified Airbus A350‑1000ULR aircraft capable of flying more than 16,000 km in about 22 hours, cutting the journey time by up to four hours compared with current itineraries that require a stop‑over. The new cabins will feature a dedicated “Wellbeing Zone” with private suites, AI‑driven digital services and lighting designed to reduce jet‑lag effects.

Qantas also plans to add a non‑stop Sydney‑New York route at a later date. The initiative comes as airlines face higher fuel costs linked to Middle‑East conflicts and a modest decline in global passenger demand, according to an IATA report that noted a 1.7 % drop in June 2026 versus the previous year. Qantas product director Sarah Udy highlighted the project as an opportunity to rethink the passenger experience from departure to arrival.