Qantas has postponed its planned nonstop service between Sydney and London for the fourth time, now targeting an October 2027 launch. The airline's Project Sunrise, first announced in 2017, has faced repeated delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic and extended wait times for delivery of specially designed Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft.
On Wednesday, Qantas confirmed the new start date, noting that aircraft delivery, ticket sales, and service commencement are subject to regulatory approvals and aircraft certification. Airbus recently revealed the first aircraft would be delivered in April 2027, pushing back the previously expected late 2026 delivery.
Qantas chief executive Vanessa Hudson stated: “We made a commitment in 2017 that Qantas would conquer the final frontier of long-haul aviation and connect Australia’s east coast directly to London … From October 2027, that promise becomes reality.” The airline expects the direct flights to be four hours shorter than typical one-stop services.
Qantas has also dropped references to direct flights from Melbourne and Brisbane, focusing solely on Sydney. The airline plans to offer 238 seats per flight, with 40% in premium cabins. Tickets for the Sydney-London route could go on sale in February 2027, though prices remain undisclosed.
Additionally, Qantas plans a Sydney to New York City nonstop route, with a launch date to be revealed in 2027. The airline estimates over 12,000 passengers flew between Sydney and London weekly in 2025, compared with 7,500 on the Melbourne route and 5,300 for Brisbane.
