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Qantas Flights to South Africa

Qantas A380

Flights to South Africa with Qantas

If you’re looking for Qantas flights to South Africa, we’re here to help. Planning a trip to this incredible country is exciting, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you find your perfect flight.


We’ll run through Qantas’ flights to South Africa, the best cities to fly from in Australia, and give you tips on planning your visit. 


Before your trip, we highly recommend checking out our guide on the best places to travel in South Africa. You’ll learn all of our favourite spots in the country, tips on when to visit, and the nearest airports to each major attraction.

Sydney Opera House

Qantas Flights from Sydney

Qantas currently operates one direct flight to South Africa from Australia. They fly five times a week, non-stop, from Sydney (SYD) to Johannesburg (JNB). The journey takes about 15 hours. These flights also operate in the opposite direction, bringing you home from South Africa to Australia.


You'll be flying on Qantas’ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. It’s a comfortable and modern plane, perfect for a long-haul journey. Plus, this route is one of the most southerly flight paths in the world. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the Antarctic ice sheets on your way down!


Qantas offers three different ways to fly to South Africa. Economy is a good option if you're on a budget. It's comfortable enough for a long flight, and you'll have everything you need. 


If you want a bit more space and comfort, we'd recommend Premium Economy. You'll have more legroom and a wider seat, which can make a big difference on a long journey. 


Want to treat yourself? Business Class is the way to go. You'll have a fully flat bed to sleep on, delicious food, and plenty of space to relax.

Melbourne CBD at dusk

Qantas Flights from Melbourne

Unfortunately, there aren't any direct Qantas flights from Melbourne to South Africa. 


The quickest way to get there is to fly from Melbourne to Sydney, which takes about an hour and a half, and then catch the direct flight to Johannesburg. All in all, it'll take you around eighteen hours including the stopover


The flight from Melbourne to Sydney is on a Boeing 737, while the longer flight to Johannesburg is on a larger 787 aircraft. 


If you’re travelling in business class, you'll notice a big difference in the seats between the two planes. The seats on the 737 are comfortable for the short flight, but they're not as luxurious as the fully flat beds you'll find on the 787.

Perth skyline, Australia

Qantas Flights from Perth

If you're looking for flights from Perth to South Africa, we'd recommend considering your options carefully.

While Qantas does offer flights, they're indirect, requiring a stop in Sydney.  This means you'll be flying a total of around 22 hours, following the Perth to Sydney to Johannesburg route. Compared to a direct flight, this adds around 13 hours to your journey time.


Instead, we recommend South African Airways (SAA). They operate direct flights from Perth to Johannesburg three times a week. It’s a much quicker option, taking just over nine hours. Plus, their fares are often more affordable than flying Qantas to Sydney and connecting.


SAA’s business class isn’t quite as luxurious as Qantas, but it’s still comfortable. You’ll get great food and drinks. If you’re not too fussed about having the newest technology on board, and value a shorter journey and potentially lower cost, then business class flights to South Africa with SAA could be a great choice.

Book Qantas Flights to South Africa

At Alternative Airlines, booking Qantas flights to South Africa from Australia couldn’t be easier. You can pay in over 160+ currencies, including the South African Rand and the Australian Dollar, with a choice of over 600+ airlines worldwide - including Qantas. 

Rather than paying for your flights upfront, you can use Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) solutions to help you split the cost of your flights into more manageable instalments. 

If you’re a South African resident, you can now take advantage of PayJustNow when booking flights through Alternative Airlines. This Buy Now, Pay Later service lets you split your payments into 3 equal parts. You won’t be charged interest, providing payments are made on time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Qantas flying to South Africa?

Yes, Qantas are flying to South Africa. Currently, the only direct Qantas flight from Australia to South Africa is from Sydney to Johannesburg.

How many times a week does Qantas fly to South Africa?

Qantas operates 5 direct flights per week between Sydney and Johannesburg.

Are there any direct flights from Perth to South Africa?

Yes, there are direct flights from Perth to South Africa. Specifically, there are direct flights between Perth and Johannesburg. South African Airways operates this route multiple times a week, and it’s often the cheapest way to fly from Australia to South Africa.

Which airlines fly directly from Australia to South Africa?

Only two airlines offer direct flights between Australia and South Africa: Qantas and South African Airways (SAA). Qantas operates direct flights from Sydney to Johannesburg, while South African Airways offers direct flights between Perth and Johannesburg.