Qantas to Launch 20-Hour Direct Flights from Sydney to London

Australian airline Qantas is set to launch direct flights from Sydney to London in autumn 2027, marking a significant step in ultra-long-haul travel. This new route, part of the airline's Project Sunrise initiative, will connect passengers between the two cities in approximately 20 hours without any layovers.

The historic flights will be operated by new Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft. These planes are specifically configured for extreme-distance journeys, accommodating only 238 passengers across four classes: first, business, and premium economy. This reduced capacity allows for enhanced comfort and amenities tailored to the nearly 20-hour flight duration.

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Flying across all those time zones is a major biological challenge.

Qantas aims to persuade customers that the premium price for a non-stop journey is justified. To mitigate the effects of crossing multiple time zones, the airline is implementing strategies such as optimizing meal times and developing advanced lighting systems to help passengers adjust to their destination's time zone and reduce jet lag. While ideas like exercise bikes and yoga mats were considered, the final design includes a well-being zone encouraging movement and stretching.

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Qantas was built on the idea that Australia's distance from the rest of the world should never be an obstacle. This is the biggest step in that mission in our entire 105-year history.