Qantas has suspended the westbound non-stop segment of its landmark Perth–London service, ending for now the route that became the first direct air link between Australia and Europe when it launched in 2018.

Since 16 June 2026, flights from Perth to London have been operating via Singapore, with the airline redesignating the service as QF209. The eastbound London–Perth flight, operated as QF10, continues to operate non-stop.

The change follows ongoing disruptions to Middle Eastern airspace, which have forced airlines to adopt longer routings between Europe and Australia. According to Qantas, the revised flight path pushed the Boeing 787-9 beyond its practical operating range when carrying a full commercial payload.

Airspace Restrictions Force Operational Changes

The Perth–London route was one of the aviation industry’s most significant achievements, eliminating the need for a traditional stopover between Australia and Europe and cutting travel times for passengers.

However, the closure of key airspace corridors across parts of the Middle East has required aircraft to fly longer distances, increasing fuel consumption and reducing operational flexibility.

Rather than continue operating with strict passenger and cargo limitations, Qantas opted to restore a technical stop in Singapore on westbound services.

Journey Time Exceeds 20 Hours

The trade-off for passengers is a longer journey. With the Singapore stop included, total travel time from Perth to London now exceeds 20 hours. While the route is no longer non-stop westbound, Qantas continues to offer one of the shortest travel options between Australia and Europe through its Perth hub.

The airline has not indicated when non-stop westbound operations might resume, with the decision likely to depend on future developments in Middle Eastern airspace access and operational conditions.