Key Takeaways
• QantasLink launches Perth-Newcastle direct flights September 8, 2025, with three weekly A319 services.
• Perth-Hobart flights restart September 26, 2025, three times weekly, excluding May, June, and August.
• A319 aircraft offer 150 all-economy seats, free meals, checked bags, and personal device entertainment.
QantasLink’s Expansion: New Perth-Newcastle and Perth-Hobart Routes Using A319 Aircraft
QantasLink has announced a major expansion of its domestic network, introducing two new interstate routes from Perth. Starting in September 2025, travelers will be able to fly directly from Perth to Newcastle and Perth to Hobart, both operated by QantasLink’s Airbus A319 aircraft. This move marks a significant step in connecting Western Australia 🇦🇺 with key cities on the east coast and Tasmania 🇦🇺, making travel easier for business, tourism, and especially for workers in the resources sector.
Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How
QantasLink, the regional arm of Qantas Airways, will launch direct flights from Perth to Newcastle and from Perth to Hobart in September 2025. The Perth-Newcastle route will begin on September 8, 2025, while the Perth-Hobart service will restart on September 26, 2025. These routes will use the A319 aircraft, known for their comfort and reliability. The main goal is to improve travel options for people working in mining and resources, business travelers, and tourists, while also strengthening Perth’s role as a major hub for both domestic and international flights.
Let’s break down what these new routes mean for travelers, the aviation industry, and the broader community.
Perth-Newcastle: Australia’s First Direct Connection
For the first time, travelers will have a direct link between Perth and Newcastle. This is a big change for people who used to spend extra hours connecting through other cities.
Key Details:
– Start Date: September 8, 2025
– Frequency: Three flights per week (Mondays, Fridays, Sundays)
– Aircraft: QantasLink A319
– Annual Seat Capacity: Over 45,000 seats
Who Benefits Most?
– FIFO (Fly-In, Fly-Out) Workers: Many people in Western Australia 🇦🇺 work in mining and need to travel back and forth from the east coast. This direct route saves them time and makes their work-life balance easier.
– Business Travelers: Companies with offices or projects in both cities will find it much easier to connect.
– Tourists and Families: Direct flights mean less hassle and more time at your destination.
Rachel Yangoyan, CEO of QantasLink, said the airline is committed to supporting Western Australia’s resources sector by making travel easier for workers across the country.
Perth-Hobart: Direct Flights Return
The Perth-Hobart route is being reinstated after it was stopped in 2023. This is good news for people who want to travel between Western Australia 🇦🇺 and Tasmania 🇦🇺 without having to change planes.
Key Details:
– Start Date: September 26, 2025
– Frequency: Three flights per week (most of the year)
– Seasonal Suspension: No flights in May, June, and August
– Annual Seat Capacity: 32,000 seats
This route is expected to boost tourism between the two states and make it easier for families and friends to visit each other. Kate Holsgrove, Chief Commercial and Aviation Officer at Perth Airport, pointed out that this route is the result of teamwork between Qantas, airports, and tourism organizations.
QantasLink’s A319 Aircraft: Comfort and Convenience
Both new routes will use QantasLink’s Airbus A319 aircraft. These planes are already used for flights within Western Australia 🇦🇺, especially for the resources sector.
A319 Features:
– All-Economy Layout: 150 seats, all in economy class
– Free Meals and Checked Bags: Every passenger gets a meal and can check in luggage at no extra cost
– Entertainment: Passengers can stream movies and TV shows on their own devices using Qantas Entertainment
– Comfortable Seats: Ergonomically designed leather seats for a more pleasant journey
Note: The A319 aircraft do not have in-flight WiFi, but the entertainment system offers plenty of options for passing the time.
The A319 fleet is special to QantasLink, with each plane named after a Western Australian destination, such as Abrolhos Island, Cape Leeuwin, Geographe Bay, Karijini, and Kings Park. These aircraft started flying in Western Australia 🇦🇺 in January 2024, first serving routes like Perth-Broome.
Why These Routes Matter: Strategic Importance
Adding these two new routes is not just about convenience. It’s part of a bigger plan to make Perth a stronger hub for both domestic and international travel.
Benefits for Perth:
– Better Connections: Passengers can now connect more easily to international flights from Perth, including direct services to London, Paris, and seasonal flights to Rome.
– Tourism Growth: More direct flights mean more tourists can visit Western Australia 🇦🇺 and Tasmania 🇦🇺, helping local businesses and communities.
– Support for the Resources Sector: Many workers in mining and related industries need to travel between these cities. Direct flights save time and reduce stress.
This move follows Qantas’ earlier announcement of new international routes from Perth to Auckland and Johannesburg, showing that Perth is becoming even more important in Qantas’ network.
Booking and Promotional Fares
To celebrate the launch, QantasLink is offering special fares for both new routes.
Promotional Details:
– Economy Fares: Starting at $299 one-way for both Perth-Newcastle and Perth-Hobart
– Booking Window: Promotional fares are available until 11:59 PM AEST on June 2, 2025
– Availability: Fares depend on seat availability and chosen travel dates
Travelers can book these flights directly on qantas.com, with bookings open since May 28, 2025.
Teamwork Behind the Scenes
Launching new routes takes a lot of coordination. QantasLink worked closely with several partners to make these flights possible:
- Perth Airport (PER)
- Newcastle Airport (NCL)
- Hobart Airport (HBA)
- Destination NSW
- Tourism Tasmania
- Tourism WA
These groups worked together to plan the routes, set up airport services, and promote the new flights. Their goal is to help local economies, create jobs, and make travel easier for everyone.
The Bigger Picture: Qantas’ Network Expansion
These new domestic routes are just one part of a much larger expansion by Qantas Group. Here’s what else is happening:
- Perth-Johannesburg: Direct flights start December 7, 2025
- Perth-Auckland: Direct flights start December 8, 2025
- Brisbane-Los Angeles: Boeing 787 Dreamliner will be used from October 2025
- Melbourne-Dallas: More Boeing 787 flights
- Sydney-Dallas: Airbus A380 will be used for this long-haul route
All these changes show Qantas’ commitment to making Perth a key gateway for both domestic and international travel. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these network expansions are expected to boost tourism, business, and job opportunities across Australia 🇦🇺.
What This Means for Immigrants, Workers, and Travelers
For Immigrants and New Residents:
– Easier Family Visits: If you have family in Newcastle or Hobart, direct flights mean less travel time and more time together.
– Job Opportunities: The resources sector often relies on workers from across Australia 🇦🇺. These new routes make it easier to move for work or attend job interviews.
– Community Connections: Direct flights help people stay connected to their communities, which is especially important for new arrivals.
For Employers and the Resources Sector:
– Efficient Travel: Companies can move staff quickly between key locations, saving time and money.
– Attracting Talent: Easier travel options make jobs in Western Australia 🇦🇺 more attractive to people from other parts of the country.
For Tourists and Students:
– More Choices: Direct flights mean more options for holidays, study trips, or visiting friends.
– Lower Stress: No need to worry about missed connections or long layovers.
How to Book and What to Expect
If you’re interested in these new routes, here’s what you need to know:
- Check Availability: Go to qantas.com to see flight times and prices.
- Book Early: Promotional fares are limited, so book as soon as possible.
- Prepare for Your Flight: Remember that the A319 aircraft offer free meals, checked bags, and entertainment on your device, but no WiFi.
- Travel Documents: If you’re not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, make sure your visa is valid for domestic travel. You can find more information about visas and travel requirements on the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for QantasLink and Perth
QantasLink’s decision to add these new routes is part of a long-term plan to make Perth a top choice for travelers. With more direct flights, better connections, and comfortable aircraft like the A319, Perth is set to become an even bigger player in Australia’s aviation scene.
Possible Future Developments:
– More Direct Routes: If these new services are successful, QantasLink may add more direct flights to other cities.
– Upgraded Aircraft: As demand grows, newer planes with more features could be introduced.
– Stronger International Links: With more international flights from Perth, travelers will have even more options for reaching destinations around the world.
Practical Tips for Travelers
- Plan Ahead: With new routes and promotional fares, flights may sell out quickly.
- Check Baggage Rules: All passengers get a free checked bag, but make sure you know the size and weight limits.
- Use Entertainment: Bring your own device and headphones to enjoy movies and TV shows during the flight.
- Stay Informed: Flight schedules can change, so check your booking and email for updates before you travel.
Conclusion: A Win for Travelers and the Economy
The launch of direct QantasLink flights from Perth to Newcastle and Hobart using A319 aircraft is a big step forward for Australia’s domestic travel network. It saves time, supports important industries, and makes it easier for people to connect across the country. Whether you’re a worker, tourist, student, or new immigrant, these new routes offer more choices and greater convenience.
For more details on travel requirements, visas, and the latest updates on domestic and international flights, visit the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.
As QantasLink continues to grow its network, travelers can look forward to even more ways to explore Australia 🇦🇺 and beyond.
Learn Today
QantasLink → Regional airline branch of Qantas Airways operating domestic and regional flights in Australia.
Airbus A319 → A narrow-body commercial aircraft seating 150, used for short-to-medium range flights with economy class seating.
FIFO (Fly-In, Fly-Out) → Work arrangement where employees travel to remote locations for shifts, then return home temporarily.
Promotional Fares → Discounted ticket prices offered for a limited time to encourage early bookings and increase demand.
Perth Hub → Perth Airport serving as a major connection point for domestic and international flights in Western Australia.
This Article in a Nutshell
QantasLink expands domestic flights from Perth with new direct routes to Newcastle and Hobart starting September 2025. Using A319 aircraft, these routes improve connectivity for workers, business travelers, and tourists, supporting the resources sector and boosting Perth’s role as a key travel hub with promotional fares available now.
— By VisaVerge.com
