Qantas to Launch Nonstop Sydney to New York Flights
The airline plans to commence 18-hour direct service between the cities starting in mid-2028.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Air Travel
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Qantas will introduce nonstop flights between Sydney and New York by mid-2028, cutting the current 21-hour travel time to 18 hours. The airline is utilizing a fleet of 12 new Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft to facilitate the journey.
Why it matters
The route expansion is a key component of Project Sunrise, which is expected to generate $400 million in additional earnings over five years. Demand for Qantas flights to New York has doubled since 2023, reflecting a growing consumer preference for long-haul direct travel.
The new 18-hour direct flight route utilizes aircraft with a 22-hour nonstop capability and 238-passenger capacity. This service replaces the current route via Los Angeles, which requires 21 hours of travel time.
The players
Qantas
The flagship carrier of Australia is actively expanding its international reach through the development of ultra-long-haul flight paths.
Airbus
This major aerospace corporation is manufacturing the A350-1000ULR aircraft specifically designed for extended, nonstop commercial flight durations.
The details
Each Airbus A350-1000ULR will include a specialized wellbeing zone for passengers to exercise and access refreshments during the 18-hour flight. Qantas is currently training 1,560 staff members, including 360 pilots and 1,200 cabin crew, to support the new service.
Timeline
2023: Demand for New York flights began doubling.
April 2027: First Airbus A350-1000ULR delivery expected.
August 2027: Tickets for New York route become available.
October 2027: Sydney to London flights scheduled to commence.
Mid-2028: Nonstop Sydney to New York service begins.
Travel Outlook
This route expansion reflects the broader trend of airlines prioritizing ultra-long-haul direct connectivity to capture premium market share. These developments align with the long-term goals of Project Sunrise, which aims to link Australia to global hubs via the most distant possible direct flight paths.
Travelers should monitor the airline's website starting in August 2027 when tickets for the new direct route become available to the public. Prospective passengers should anticipate a projected 20% price increase for direct flights compared to current stopover options.
The takeaway
The implementation of dedicated wellbeing zones indicates a growing industry focus on passenger comfort during record-breaking flight times. Frequent flyers should prepare for a new class of ultra-long-haul travel that prioritizes direct routing over traditional hub-and-spoke transit models.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving landscape of long-haul aviation, visit the Air Travel section.
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