Travelers between Sydney and New York will soon experience a seamless journey as Qantas plans to introduce nonstop flights connecting the two cities by mid-2028. This development significantly reduces the travel time to approximately 18 hours, eliminating the current stopover in Los Angeles and trimming the journey by around three hours.
The new route marks a major enhancement in Qantas’ ultra-long-haul capabilities under its ambitious Project Sunrise program. Following the planned Sydney to London direct service set for 2027, this Sydney-New York flight will be the second such offering by the airline, highlighting its commitment to providing direct connections between Australia and key global destinations without stopovers.
Qantas will operate these nonstop flights using the Airbus A350-1000ULR, an aircraft specifically designed for extended journeys up to 22 hours. The airline has ordered 12 of these planes, each accommodating 238 passengers across various classes, including first-class suites, business suites, premium economy, and economy cabins. A unique feature of the aircraft will be a dedicated “wellbeing zone,” offering passengers a space to stretch, engage in guided exercises, and access refreshments during the long flight.
Tickets for the Sydney-New York nonstop service are expected to be available for purchase in August 2027, although exact pricing and the specific start date have yet to be disclosed. This route will be the first-ever scheduled nonstop commercial flight between Sydney’s Kingsford Smith Airport and New York’s JFK Airport, underlining Qantas’ strategy to expand its reach and enhance passenger convenience.
With the first Airbus A350-1000ULR expected to arrive in Australia in 2027, Qantas is poised to redefine long-haul travel, providing a direct and efficient link between Australia and major international hubs. This initiative promises to greatly enhance the travel experience for passengers, offering them a quicker and more comfortable journey across the globe.