Qantas Airways is set to nearly double its capacity to Rome in 2026, extending its popular Perth–Rome nonstop service and adding more weekly flights to meet surging demand from Australian and European travelers.
The carrier announced that it will stretch the seasonal service by eight weeks, starting May 3 and running until October 23, covering the northern summer peak. During this period, Qantas will increase frequencies from three to four flights per week, creating more than 40 additional services and nearly 10,000 extra seats.
The move underscores the airline’s strategy to position Perth as a premier international hub while strengthening connectivity between Australia and continental Europe.
Building on a Successful Route
The Perth–Rome nonstop flight, introduced in 2022 as the first direct connection between Australia and continental Europe, has carried more than 70,000 passengers to date. Its success has been driven largely by convenience: evening departures from Perth allow travelers to arrive in Rome refreshed, while Europeans can use Perth as their entry point into Australia.
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace pointed to the route’s strong performance as a driver of the expansion. “Rome is one of Europe’s most iconic destinations, and our nonstop flight is a favourite among customers,” Wallace said.
He noted the service also draws heavily from beyond Western Australia. “Over half of our Rome passengers come from Australia’s east coast. Our flights are timed to connect seamlessly with domestic services in Perth.”
Expanding the European Footprint
The extended Rome schedule builds on Qantas’ growing European network out of Perth, which includes services to London and Paris. Starting in December 2025, the airline will also add Johannesburg and Auckland to its international map.
Wallace emphasized the long-haul strategy’s broader significance: “Our long-haul flights from Perth are transforming travel for Western Australia. There are nearly 300,000 seats connecting major European capitals like London, Paris, and Rome in 2026.”
Qantas’ European services have also achieved some of the airline’s highest customer satisfaction ratings, according to the carrier. The additional Rome capacity is expected to cement that reputation while opening the door to greater tourism and business exchanges.
A Boost for Western Australia
Government leaders in Western Australia welcomed the expanded Rome flights as both an economic and cultural win.
“My government is focused on connecting Perth and WA to the world through direct flights, with 20 nonstop routes now available,” said Western Australia Premier Roger Cook. “The Perth–Rome flights have brought thousands of visitors to WA, from tourists to those with family connections in Italy.”
Cook stressed that the additional capacity reinforces Perth’s role as Australia’s primary European gateway, supporting the state’s economic diversification agenda.
WA Tourism Minister Reece Whitby echoed the sentiment, calling the development a “major win for Western Australia.”
“The longer season and extra flights make it easier for Europeans to explore WA’s attractions while boosting our tourism economy,” Whitby said. He added that securing direct flights with key markets such as Italy strengthens the state’s international ties and encourages visitors to discover its unique cultural and natural offerings.
Strategic Timing for 2026
The 2026 season promises to be particularly significant as global travel patterns continue to rebound. By extending the Perth–Rome service well into autumn and increasing frequencies during the busiest months, Qantas is positioning itself to capture both leisure and family travel demand.
For Australians heading to Europe, the longer season provides more flexibility to plan holidays across the Mediterranean and beyond. For Italians and other Europeans, the route provides a direct link not only to Perth but also to Australia’s eastern cities via smooth domestic connections.
The expansion reflects a broader industry trend of airlines leveraging strong-performing routes and investing in nonstop long-haul connections. For Qantas, the move signals confidence in the sustainability of its direct Europe services and reinforces its commitment to Perth as a long-haul hub.
With more flights, an extended season, and growing political support, the Perth–Rome service looks set to play a pivotal role in shaping travel between Australia and Europe in 2026.
