Qantas Confirms First-Ever Nonstop Sydney–New York Flights From Mid-2028

Qantas has confirmed plans to launch the first scheduled nonstop commercial flights between Sydney and New York, giving travellers a direct connection between Australia and the United States without a stopover. The new service is scheduled to begin in mid-2028 as part of the airline’s ultra-long-haul Project Sunrise programme.

The new Sydney–New York route will be operated using specially configured Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft designed for exceptionally long-distance flights. Qantas expects the nonstop journey to take around 18 hours, cutting approximately three hours from the fastest current travel time between the two cities.​​​​​​​

Qantas has confirmed that Sydney–New York will become the second route under Project Sunrise. The airline's first Project Sunrise service, connecting Sydney and London nonstop, is scheduled to begin in October 2027.

The Sydney–New York flights are expected to go on sale in August 2027. Qantas has not yet announced the exact launch date, flight schedule or ticket prices, so travellers will need to wait for further details before making bookings.​​​​​​​

The planned service will significantly change how travellers move between Sydney and New York. Instead of connecting through another airport, passengers will be able to remain on the same aircraft for the entire journey.

Qantas expects the flight to take approximately 18 hours, although the actual journey time can vary depending on operating conditions and routing. The airline says the nonstop service will reduce the fastest current travel time between the two cities by around three hours.

For travellers, eliminating a connection could also mean fewer opportunities for missed connections, less time spent changing aircraft and a simpler overall journey between Australia and the US.​​​​​​​

The new service will be particularly significant for travellers in the New York area who are planning trips to Australia.

Today, travellers between Sydney and New York generally need to use a connecting itinerary. Qantas currently operates a Sydney–New York service via Auckland, while the new Project Sunrise route will provide a nonstop alternative.

For US travellers, the biggest change will be the ability to travel between New York and Sydney without changing aircraft during the journey. This could make Australia more accessible for travellers who prefer a direct itinerary, particularly for long-haul holidays and business trips.​​​​​​​

The Sydney–New York announcement is part of Qantas' wider Project Sunrise strategy to operate nonstop flights from Australia's east coast to major international destinations.

Sydney–London is scheduled to become the first Project Sunrise route when daily nonstop services begin in October 2027. Sydney–New York will follow from mid-2028.

Qantas says the A350-1000ULR will allow it to operate direct services from Australia's east coast to destinations that previously required a stopover, marking a major expansion of its ultra-long-haul network.​​​​​​​

Travellers will have to wait until August 2027, when Qantas plans to put the new Sydney–New York flights on sale.

The service itself is expected to begin in mid-2028. Qantas has not yet released the exact start date, operating frequency or fares, so travellers should wait for the airline's official schedule and booking information before making plans around specific departure dates.

For travellers planning future Australia trips, the new route could provide a significantly more straightforward way to travel between New York and Sydney once operations begin.

For more international travel news, route updates and guidance for planning long-haul journeys, MundoTrip continues to bring travellers the latest developments from airlines and airports around the world.​​​​​​​