Damon Mcknight
Qantas, Australia's national airline, is still flying domestically and internationally. Qantas was founded in 1920 and has since grown to become the worldwide airline its founders envisaged. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Qantas temporarily stopped all international flights, but some airlines continued to operate skeleton schedules to help stranded travellers return to their home countries. Other airlines that continued to fly to and from Australia during the pandemic include United Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Malaysia Airlines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airlines flying to and from Australia | United Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Qantas, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Cathay Dragon, Lufthansa, Korean Air, Asiana |
| Reasons for flying | Cargo, repatriation, essential travel |
| Airlines with reduced schedule | Qantas, Virgin Australia, Emirates, Etihad, Vietnam Airlines, HK Express, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Cathay Dragon |
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What You'll Learn
United Airlines continues to fly to and from Australia
United Airlines is currently the only airline offering a regular daily service between the US and Australia, with flights between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Sydney International Airport (SYD). These flights, UA 863 and 870, are scheduled to run through May.
The airline also provides an important cargo service, with freight being transported between the two countries.
United Airlines is the sole operator on the SFO-SYD route, with other airlines such as Hawaiian, American Airlines, Delta, and Qantas having halted flights between the US and Australia.
The airline's continued presence in Australia ensures vital connectivity and travel options for those who need it, whether for personal or professional reasons.
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Qantas is not flying internationally
Qantas, Australia's national airline, is currently not flying internationally. Qantas, or Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services, was founded in November 1920 by World War I veterans Paul McGinness and Hudson Fysh. The airline's first flights connected people and goods to the country's remote northern region. Over the years, Qantas has grown to be the worldwide airline its founders initially envisioned, with flights to intercontinental destinations in Europe and North America.
Before the pandemic, Qantas had offered international flights to various destinations, including the United States, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Qantas was also planning to launch the world's longest non-stop flights from Melbourne and Sydney to New York and London in 2026.
However, due to the impact of the pandemic and the resulting travel restrictions, Qantas has temporarily suspended its international flights. As of November 2024, Qantas's website still advertised international flights to Australia and promoted various deals and adventures for travelers. It is unclear when exactly Qantas stopped offering international flights, but one source from 2024 mentions that Qantas is not flying internationally at the moment.
The suspension of international flights by Qantas could be due to several factors, including travel restrictions, low demand, or operational challenges. Qantas may be prioritizing domestic flights or focusing on cargo operations during this time. It is important to note that some international flights are subject to government and regulatory approval, which could also impact Qantas's ability to fly internationally.
Despite not flying internationally, Qantas continues to be a prominent airline in Australia, offering domestic flights and various deals and programs for its customers.
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Qatar Airways is adding flights from Australia
The Australian government has been reluctant to grant Qatar Airways additional flying rights to the country, with Transport Minister Catherine King rejecting the airline's request to increase flights in 2023. The decision was attributed to Australia's "national interest" and concerns about an incident in 2020 where Australian citizens were forcibly removed from a Qatar Airways plane and subjected to invasive searches. Despite this, Qatar Airways remains determined to boost its capacity on routes to Australia's largest cities.
In a creative move, Qatar Airways discovered a loophole to increase flights to Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane. The airline acquired a 25% stake in Virgin Australia, which doesn't have long-haul aircraft. By providing Virgin Australia with Qatar Airways planes and crew, they could operate flights on its behalf through a 'wet lease' agreement. This strategy received interim clearance from the ACCC in November 2024, with flights going on sale soon after. The final approval for the partnership was granted in March 2025, with the first flights from Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth to Doha launching in June 2025, followed by Melbourne in December 2025.
This partnership is expected to benefit travellers by increasing capacity, enhancing connectivity, and potentially lowering airfares on routes between Australia and the Middle East. It also provides Virgin Australia customers with expanded international flight options and loyalty program advantages. The agreement has sparked discussions about competition in the Australian aviation market, particularly regarding the dominant position of Qantas and its relationship with Emirates.
Qatar Airways' push for additional flights to Australia highlights the challenges and opportunities in the dynamic aviation industry. While the airline encountered resistance from the Australian government, it found an innovative solution through its partnership with Virgin Australia. This development underscores the importance of adaptability and perseverance in navigating regulatory complexities and expanding operations in competitive markets.
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Air New Zealand reduced its international flights
Air New Zealand has reduced its domestic schedule for 2025 due to weakening demand. The airline is finalising which flights will be cut, but it has been confirmed that around 2% of its schedule will be affected between February and June 2025. This adds to the cuts announced in October 2024, which included reductions in frequencies and capacity on some key domestic routes.
Air New Zealand has also cut back on some international flights due to ongoing engine maintenance issues with its Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The airline has stated that these reductions will allow them to respond better to the level of demand and improve recovery options in the event of flight disruptions.
In addition to the above, Air New Zealand has also faced challenges with engine shortages affecting its short-haul Airbus A320 and A321 fleets, primarily used for domestic flights. As of November 2024, the airline reported that up to six of its A320neo family aircraft and four of its widebody Boeing 787s were out of service due to engine-related issues, impacting their operational flexibility.
While Air New Zealand navigates these challenges, it is important to note that other airlines are still operating in Australia. Qantas, Australia's national airline, continues to offer intercontinental flights to destinations in Europe and North America. United Airlines also operates daily flights to and from Australia, catering to essential travel, cargo, and other purposes.
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Malaysia Airlines reinstated international flights to Australia
As of March 2023, many airlines are still operating flights to and within Australia, indicating that air travel to the country is very much alive and well. Among these airlines is Malaysia Airlines, which has recently reinstated its international flights to Australia, marking a significant development for travelers between the two countries. This move by Malaysia Airlines comes as a welcome development, especially for those looking to travel to Australia from Malaysia and beyond. Here are the key details about this reinstatement of international flights:
Malaysia Airlines Resumes Australia Services:
Malaysia Airlines has resumed its services to Australia, offering direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Sydney. This reinstatement of international flights provides a convenient and comfortable travel option for those looking to travel between the two countries. The airline operates modern and well-equipped aircraft, such as the Airbus A330 and Boeing 737, ensuring a pleasant journey for all passengers.
Flight Schedule and Details:
The current flight schedule offered by Malaysia Airlines includes three weekly flights between Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD). These flights are strategically timed to provide convenient connections for passengers traveling from other parts of Malaysia, Southeast Asia, and beyond. The flight duration between Kuala Lumpur and Sydney is approximately 8 hours, depending on wind conditions and aircraft type.
Onboard Experience and Safety Measures:
Passengers flying with Malaysia Airlines can expect a comfortable and enjoyable journey. The airline offers a range of amenities and services onboard, including comfortable seating, a selection of meals, and in-flight entertainment. The airline's friendly and professional crew are known for their warm hospitality and are dedicated to ensuring a pleasant travel experience. In addition, Malaysia Airlines maintains stringent safety measures and health protocols in line with global standards. These measures include aircraft disinfection, enhanced cabin cleaning, and the provision of hygiene kits to all passengers.
Travel Requirements and Visa Information:
Passengers planning to travel to Australia should ensure they are aware of the latest travel requirements and visa regulations. As of March 2023, Australia has largely reopened its borders to international travelers, including those from Malaysia. However, travelers may still need to meet specific requirements, such as providing proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result. It is always advisable to check the latest government advice and travel guidelines before making any international journey.
The reinstatement of international flights to Australia by Malaysia Airlines offers a convenient and comfortable travel option for those looking to explore the diverse landscapes and vibrant cities that Australia has to offer. With its modern fleet, exceptional onboard services, and dedication to safety, Malaysia Airlines is well-positioned to cater to the needs of travelers between these two amazing countries. So, whether you're planning a vacation, visiting family, or traveling for business, Malaysia Airlines provides a seamless connection between Malaysia and Australia.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, some airlines are still flying in Australia. Qantas, the Australian national airline, is still operating, as are other airlines such as United Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Malaysia Airlines.
Qantas has stopped all international flights during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some airlines such as United Airlines are still flying internationally to and from Australia.
Some people are still being repatriated, and there is also a demand for cargo and mail.
Qantas is avoiding Russian airspace on flights to Europe.
Yes, essential travel is also a reason for flights still operating.
