Qantas adds new ultra-long-haul flights from Australia to popular destinations just in time for 2026 World Cup
Qantas has made a very exciting announcement that will make putting up with airport-priced coffee and limited leg room just a tiny bit easier on those long-haul flights.
Between June and October 2026, Qantas will increase flights on its Sydney–Auckland–New York route from five per week to daily services, marking the first time the airline has operated daily to New York since before the pandemic.
The carrier last ran daily services to the city in 2019 via Los Angeles, before COVID-19 grounded long-haul travel. The Sydney–Auckland–New York route was launched in June 2023.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Qantas CEO International Cam Wallace said demand for the flights had been strong.
“We’re thrilled to be increasing our Sydney–New York flights via Auckland to daily from June to October next year,” Mr Wallace said.
“These flights have been very popular with our customers and we’re looking forward to continuing the service alongside our future nonstop options between Sydney and New York with Project Sunrise.”
The network boost comes in the same week Qantas reinstates its A380 on the Sydney–Dallas route and returns the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Brisbane–Los Angeles, both part of a previously announced international expansion.
“This year, we’ve seen more Americans wanting to travel to Australia, so we’re pleased to be giving them even more reasons to visit and connect onto our extensive domestic network across the country,” Mr Wallace said.
“We also know how much our Australian customers value premium travel options, and through our partnership with American Airlines, there are plenty of options to connect seamlessly to destinations right across the United States.”
The announcement comes ahead of a busy year for New York, which will host the FIFA World Cup final in July 2026, along with new cultural openings, including the Hip Hop Museum at Bronx Point.
Travellers to the US can also use the Mobile Passport Control app at JFK Airport to speed up immigration processing, with the service now available to Visa Waiver Program travellers with an approved ESTA. This service is completely free and significantly minimises shorter wait lines in customs.
