Qantas Expands Perth–Rome Nonstop Service, Nearly Doubling Capacity
Qantas is significantly boosting its direct flights between Perth and Rome Fiumicino for the 2026 summer season, extending the season and adding thousands of seats to the popular European gateway.
Qantas has announced a major expansion of its successful nonstop service connecting Perth, Australia, and Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO). For the 2026 Northern Summer season, the airline will extend the operating period by eight weeks and increase its peak-season frequency.
This strategic move adds more than 40 flights and nearly 10,000 seats, effectively doubling the route's capacity compared to previous years. The extended season will now run from May 3 through October 23, giving travelers a much wider window to plan their direct trips between Australia and continental Europe.
A Pioneer in Connectivity
Launched in 2022, the Perth–Rome service was historic, establishing the first-ever nonstop link between Australia and continental Europe. Since its launch, the route has successfully transported over 70,000 passengers, quickly becoming a key connection for Australian travelers, particularly those connecting seamlessly through Perth from the east coast.
Key Expansion Details for 2026
- New Season Length: Extended from 15 weeks to 23 weeks (May 3 – Oct 23).
- Peak Frequency: Boosted from three to four flights per week.
- Capacity Increase: Nearly doubling the total number of available seats.
- Aircraft: Service continues to be operated using the high-efficiency Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
The 'European Gateway' Effect
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace confirmed that the expansion is a direct reflection of "strong demand and high customer satisfaction." This sentiment was strongly echoed by Western Australian leaders, who enthusiastically welcomed the announcement.
Western Australian officials lauded the expansion as a significant boost for tourism and trade, reinforcing Perth’s strategic position as Australia’s preferred “European gateway” for seamless long-haul travel.
More Opportunities for Italian and Australian Travelers
The continued growth of the Perth–Rome route provides unparalleled convenience for travelers on both continents, eliminating multiple stops and shortening the overall travel time. This expansion further strengthens FCO’s role as a major intercontinental hub for the Southern Hemisphere.
