Qantas is making a number of changes to its international and domestic network from 25 October 2026, with adjustments to several key routes, aircraft and flight schedules.
If you’re travelling with Qantas during this period, it’s worth being aware of how these changes could affect your itinerary. If you would like to know more, please get in touch with one of our airfare specialists.
Qantas Business Class passengers will see key changes to European services. The Perth to London service will see a temporary change to its routing. From 25 October 2026 to 31 January 2027, flights from Perth to London will operate via Melbourne and Singapore, rather than non-stop. From 1 February 2027, the Perth to London service will return to its non-stop routing. The return London to Perth service will continue to operate direct throughout this period.
Qantas is also changing the routing of its Sydney to Paris service. From 25 October 2026 to 31 January 2027, flights from Sydney to Paris will operate via Singapore instead of Perth. The return Paris to Sydney service will remain unchanged.
Qantas is also preparing to introduce its new Airbus A321XLR aircraft on selected international routes. This means a new product for Qantas Business Class travellers heading to Asia. The Brisbane to Manila service will continue to operate using an Airbus A330 until 31 January 2027. From 1 February 2027, the route will transition to the new Airbus A321XLR.
The extension of the A330 service is great news for value conscious Business Class travellers routing via Manila with Oman Air, especially ex-Brisbane which has fewer low cost options than some other departure points. While we expect the Manila route to continue to be popular due to the price point with Oman Air, those who can book using the A330 will be much happier to experience fully flat bed comfort until the new aircraft operates the route again.
The A321XLR will also play a greater role across Qantas' domestic network. From 25 October 2026, Qantas will add more A321XLR-operated flights on key routes between Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, while reducing some services to and from Perth.
This aircraft is quieter than a Boeing 737, especially when cruising in the air; and while only slightly wider, Airbus’ clever design highlights that sense of space.
Onboard, you can expect fast Wi-Fi throughout the aircraft. This will be more important than ever on the A321XLR because Qantas has decided these domestic jets won’t come with seatback video screens. The airline’s rationale is that the majority of passengers will bring their own devices, and Qantas’ extensive library of movies and TV shows will still be available via WiFi.
In Business Class, expect 25” wide recliners, with 20 seats arranged in five rows of the familiar 2-2 layout.
Legroom will be the same as on the Boeing 737, with a 37” pitch and 5” recline; other comfort factors include a six-way adjustable headrest plus calf-rest and leg-rest.
Conveniently tucked under the centre armrest of each A321XLR Business Class seat you’ll find USB-A and USB-C power outlets. The latter is rated at 60 watts, for fast-charging phones, tablets and laptops- accompanied with a wireless charging pad further back.
These changes may also result in different flight numbers, operating aircraft and day-of-week adjustments across the network. If you already have a Qantas booking during this period, your itinerary may be affected by these changes. Travellers considering flights for late 2026 and early 2027 should also check the latest schedules before booking. Our team of airfare specialists will be able to assist with any questions you may have.
Contact one of our airfare specialists to learn more about the new network changes and how it may affect your travels.
