Qantas Expands Perth – Rome Flights with Exciting Boost for Summer 2026

Qantas Expands Perth – Rome Flights with Exciting Boost for Summer 2026

When Qantas first launched its Perth–Rome nonstop service in 2022, it was billed as the “first direct flight between Australia and continental Europe.” Translation: no more endless layovers in Dubai or Singapore just to get a slice of pizza in the Eternal City. Since then, over 70,000 passengers have taken the leap—and it turns out Australians really, really like the idea of landing in Rome without having to play airport musical chairs.

Now Qantas has decided to turn the volume up even higher for the 2026 northern summer. Not only is the season starting earlier and ending later (3 May to 23 October, to be exact), but there’s also going to be an extra flight every week during the peak. That’s more than 40 extra flights and nearly 10,000 more seats—basically doubling the fun.

Perth: Australia’s Gateway to Pasta and History

Let’s be honest: Perth doesn’t always get the same love as Sydney or Melbourne. But when it comes to getting Australians to Europe, it’s suddenly the main character. Qantas has positioned Perth as the perfect “European gateway,” and this Rome connection is its showpiece. East coast travelers can hop to Perth and then jet straight to Italy without breaking stride. It’s like a magic portal—one minute you’re in Brisbane, the next you’re wandering past the Colosseum wondering if Russell Crowe is still lurking somewhere in gladiator sandals.

Need assistance with groups and incentives in Australia? Contact this fantastic DMC!

Rome Calling (Loudly)

So why Rome? Because it’s Rome. The place where history, carbs, and Instagram opportunities collide. You get the Colosseum for your cultural side, Trevi Fountain for your superstitious side, and about a thousand trattorias for your hungry side. For Australians, the appeal is obvious: you swap Vegemite toast for fresh pasta in less time than it takes to binge-watch a Netflix series about ancient emperors.

And clearly, the demand is there. Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said the expansion is all about “strong demand and high customer satisfaction.” Translation: people are booking this thing faster than you can say “buongiorno.”

More Seats, More Sunshine, More Aperol

Here’s the math: extending the season by eight weeks plus bumping peak frequency from three flights per week to four means thousands of extra opportunities for Australians to chase the Italian summer. Whether you’re heading to a vineyard in Tuscany, a gondola in Venice, or just chasing the world’s best gelato (scientifically proven to taste better in Rome), Qantas is making it that much easier to get there.

Almost doubling capacity compared to earlier years is no small feat. It’s basically Qantas saying, “We see you, Aussies with European summer dreams, and we’re here to deliver.”

Western Australia Plays It Smart

Naturally, leaders in Western Australia are thrilled. The service doesn’t just benefit passengers flying to Rome; it also boosts WA’s own profile. Tourism, trade, international exposure—basically everything politicians love to stand in front of a podium and celebrate. Perth gets bragging rights as Australia’s launchpad to Europe, which is a pretty sweet gig for a city that already enjoys more sunshine hours than almost anywhere else on Earth.

From Down Under to La Dolce Vita

At the end of the day, this isn’t just a flight. It’s a direct line between two worlds: kangaroos and koalas on one end, gelato and gladiators on the other. It’s the promise that you can leave Australia’s winter behind and step into an Italian summer with no messy stopovers, no sprinting through foreign airports, and no awkward nights on uncomfortable airport benches.

So whether you’re in it for the pasta, the piazzas, or just the bragging rights of taking one of the world’s longest nonstops, Qantas has your ticket. Literally.

Summer 2026 just got a whole lot more Italian. Pack your sunnies, your stretchy pants, and maybe a phrasebook—Perth to Rome is ready when you are.