Qantas makes history with first direct Australia-Las Vegas flights this December

Qantas announced that it will launch the world’s first non-stop flights between Australia and Las Vegas in December 2026, establishing a new seasonal route that eliminates lengthy connections through other US cities.

The Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) – Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) service will run from December 29, 2026, through March 12, 2027, operating three times weekly on Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. 

The Australian flag carrier said that the route reduces travel time by up to five hours compared to current options requiring connections through cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco.

Qantas’ strategic route expansion

Las Vegas becomes Qantas’s 101st destination and its eighth city in North and South America, joining existing services to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu, Dallas, New York, Vancouver, and Santiago. The timing capitalizes on major Las Vegas events including the Consumer Electronics Show and the National Rugby League’s annual Las Vegas Festival.

“Australians’ appetite for international travel continues to be incredibly strong,” said Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace. “Rome and Sapporo have shown us there’s real demand for seasonal services to destinations people want to visit at certain times of year.”

The airline has operated charter flights to Las Vegas for the past three years in partnership with the NRL, with this year’s flights again selling out completely.

Market demand and tourism impact

Las Vegas represents a significant market for Australian travelers, with more than 250,000 Australians visiting annually. According to Steve Hill, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Australia ranks as the city’s second-largest overseas market and top international market without existing non-stop service.

The route also aims to boost American tourism to Australia, building on growing travel between the two countries. Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell noted that 745,000 Americans visited Australia last year, making the US a key source market for inbound tourism.

“The flow of people between our countries has never been stronger,” Farrell said, describing the new route as making it easier for American visitors to experience Australia’s tourism offerings.

Flight details and pricing

The service operates as flight QF55, departing Sydney at 21:00 local time and arriving in Las Vegas at 15:55 local time after a flight time of approximately 13 hours and 55 minutes .

Return economy fares start at around US$736, making the route accessible to leisure travelers seeking direct access to Las Vegas attractions and entertainment.

The timing allows passengers to arrive in Las Vegas during afternoon hours, providing immediate access to the city’s entertainment districts and serving as a gateway to attractions like the Grand Canyon and southwestern United States.

Fleet utilization strategy

Wallace emphasized that Qantas’s ongoing fleet renewal program provides operational flexibility to deploy aircraft based on seasonal demand patterns. This approach allows the airline to serve destinations during peak travel periods without maintaining year-round service on routes with variable demand.

The Las Vegas route follows successful seasonal services to Rome and Sapporo, indicating Qantas’s strategy of identifying destinations where Australian travelers concentrate their visits during specific times of year.

The service launches during Las Vegas’s peak entertainment season, when major music residencies and special events draw international visitors. For Australian travelers, the timing coincides with summer vacation periods and provides an alternative to traditional Pacific routes during Northern Hemisphere winter months.

Bookings for the inaugural service opened February 26, 2026 with Qantas offering bonus frequent flyer points for hotel and vacation package bookings to Las Vegas made before March 2, 2026.

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The post Qantas makes history with first direct Australia-Las Vegas flights this December appeared first on AeroTime.

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