Qantas will launch direct flights from Perth to Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands on Monday, 3 November 2025, with bookings opening 18 August 2025. This five‑year partnership with the Australian Government is designed to support residents, tourism, freight, and essential services in the Indian Ocean Territories.
The services mark the first time QantasLink enters scheduled service on these routes, replacing previous arrangements and aiming to provide a steadier lifeline for the more than 2,500 people who call the islands home. The airline will operate twice weekly to provide reliable connections for community life, government work, tourism and the movement of goods.
Service pattern and aircraft
- Start date: 3 November 2025 (first flights from Perth)
- Bookings open: 18 August 2025 (passenger sales opened on that date)
- Frequency: Twice weekly — Mondays and Fridays
- Aircraft: Airbus A319 / A320 in an all‑economy layout
- Flight duration: About five hours each way
- Flight numbers: QF361 / QF363 outbound from Perth; QF362 / QF364 returns
- Perth terminal: Terminal 1
- Freight: Dedicated freight capacity will be added; cargo booking details to be released in coming months
Important: The inaugural departures are slated for Monday, 3 November 2025. Passenger sales opened on 18 August 2025; freight-booking announcements will follow.
How to book passenger flights (step-by-step)
- From 18 August 2025, visit the Qantas website or contact QantasLink to book Perth–Christmas Island or Perth–Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
- Select travel dates on Mondays or Fridays from 3 November 2025 onward.
- Choose outbound QF361 or QF363, and return QF362 or QF364.
- Complete payment and receive confirmation.
- For cargo, monitor Qantas updates for dedicated freight schedules and booking instructions.
Impact on residents, tourism and government services
- For island residents, the direct Perth link reduces uncertainty and improves timely access to medical care, education and family visits.
- A fixed twice‑weekly schedule helps with planning appointments, government service delivery and program administration.
- Tourism operators expect the timetable to broaden appeal for domestic and international visitors routing through Perth. Key attractions include Christmas Island’s red crab migration and the clear‑water beaches and diving at the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Tourism stakeholders anticipate a boost in visitor numbers and wider economic activity as access becomes simpler and more predictable.
- Freight capacity is central to keeping local businesses running. Dedicated cargo space lets retailers, builders and service providers plan inventory and projects with more confidence.
- The link also supports emergency response and everyday administration in the islands, where reliable air access is essential.
Operational rationale and schedule benefits
QantasLink frames the move as part of its mission to connect remote Australian communities. The five‑hour sector time enables many travelers to keep same‑day connections on either side of the route, and the Monday/Friday pattern aligns with business weeks and official visits—beneficial for government travel, school calendars, medical referrals and family plans.
The single‑class A319/A320 choice reflects a simple service model focused on dependable seating and freight capacity rather than premium cabins. The twice‑weekly rotations give communities a predictable pattern while leaving room to scale up if demand grows.
Policy context, partnership length and next steps
- The services form part of a five‑year agreement between Qantas and the Australian Government, expected to run through at least 2030.
- The arrangement followed a competitive Government selection process to secure a long‑term provider for critical air connections to the Indian Ocean Territories.
- Officials say the routes are designed to meet the needs of residents, businesses and public agencies and to address long‑standing connectivity challenges.
Key next steps and stakeholder actions:
- Qantas to publish freight booking channels and timetables in the coming months.
- Regular reviews will occur, with scope to adjust schedules or add capacity if demand grows.
- Travel agents can use Qantas Agency Connect for sales support and operational updates.
- Passengers and freight customers should monitor Qantas channels for any updates to flight times, aircraft type, and cargo booking details.
For policy and regulatory material about the Indian Ocean Territories, consult the Department of Infrastructure’s official page: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/territories/indian-ocean-territories.
Key takeaway: After years of interrupted services under various operators, this single, accountable provider arrangement aims to deliver steadier passenger seats and freight lift—supporting community life, tourism jobs, government services and supply chains in the Indian Ocean Territories.
This Article in a Nutshell
QantasLink will start twice‑weekly Perth services to Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands from 3 November 2025, improving connectivity for over 2,500 residents, tourism and freight. Bookings opened 18 August 2025. The A319/A320 all‑economy flights offer predictable Monday and Friday schedules and dedicated cargo capacity forthcoming.
