Qantas is adding more flights from Perth to Rome, with the airline extending its seasonal flying and adding an extra weekly service, almost doubling its capacity for 2026.

The airline will extend its seasonal Perth-Rome service by eight weeks from 3 May to 23 October and increase frequency from three to four flights per week during peak season, adding more than 40 extra services and close to 10,000 seats.

Qantas International CEO, Cam Wallace, said this longer season will run across the northern summer, capturing Rome’s transition from late-spring and early autumn, and will provide more options and greater choice for customers travelling to Rome and onward throughout Italy and Europe.

“Rome is one of Europe’s most iconic destinations and our nonstop flight is incredibly popular with customers who tell us they love being able to depart Perth in the evening and wake up in Rome,” he said.

“As over half the customers on our Rome flights originate from the east of Australia, our Italian flights are timed to connect seamlessly in Perth with our domestic services from the east coast.

“Almost doubling our capacity means even more Australians can experience our non-stop European routes, which have some of the highest customer satisfaction scores on our international network.

“Our long-haul flights from Perth have been game-changing for Western Australia and next year will be our biggest yet, with nearly 300,000 seats connecting the major European capitals of London, Paris and Rome nonstop with Perth,” Wallace said.

Qantas first launched its nonstop service from Perth to Rome in 2022, making history as the first nonstop flight between Australia and continental Europe by any airline.

Since then, the national carrier’s Rome service has carried over 70,000 passengers, giving Australians the fastest route to Rome and making it easier than ever for Italians and Europeans to make Perth their first stop when visiting Australia.

Western Australia Premier, Roger Cook, said: “My government has prioritised connecting Perth and WA with the world via direct flights, with 20 non-stop routes now available.

“From eager tourists to Western Australians with family ties to Italy, the flights have meant thousands have stepped off at Perth Airport then set foot in the eternal city.

“The success of the Perth to Rome flights has rewarded Qantas’ confidence in the service, and we are thankful for the continued relationships and the additional seats over the 2026 northern summer.

“It cements WA’s status as the gateway to Australia from Europe and is another way my government is diversifying our economy.”

From Perth, Qantas operates international flights to London, Paris, Rome and Singapore and, from December 2025, will launch new nonstop services to Johannesburg and Auckland.

“This is a major win for WA, delivering thousands of additional visitors and reinforcing our position as Australia’s Western Gateway,” said Western Australia Minister for Tourism, the Hon. Reece Whitby MLA.

“With more flights and a longer operating season, we’re making it easier than ever for European travellers to experience everything WA has to offer while strengthening our ties with key international markets.

“We’re committed to diversifying our economy through tourism and securing additional direct flights will make it even easier for Italian visitors to come and explore our wonderful State.”