Qantas and Jetstar have extended changes on domestic and international routes, trimming Trans-Tasman capacity while reshaping parts of their European schedules.
Qantas Group confirmed that the previously announced changes will remain in place between July and September, as high fuel prices linked to the Middle East conflict continue to impact operations.
Specifically, Qantas will extend its additional Perth-Rome services through to the end of October, while Paris flights will reduce to three return services per week from August, operating via Singapore from Sydney.
These changes will add around 2,000 extra seats each week between Australia and Europe as demand for European travel remains strong.
But as they redeploy planes, Qantas and Jetstar will cut capacity on other routes. This includes reduced services across the Tasman and a temporary suspension of Qantas’ Sydney-Bengaluru route from August until late October.
The airline group said the changes reduce planned international capacity by two per cent for the first quarter of FY27. Domestic capacity reductions on major capital city routes will also continue until the end of September, resulting in five per cent fewer seats.
Qantas will contact customers directly and offer alternative flights or refunds.
Jet fuel boost
The network adjustments come as the Federal Government announced it had secured two shipments carrying 100 million litres of jet fuel – plus a shipment containing 50 million litres of diesel – bound for Brisbane, Perth and Darwin.
In total, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government had now secured “more than 450 million litres of additional diesel and 100 million litres of additional jet fuel to keep Australia moving”.
“In the face of global instability, we are leaving no stone unturned as we work to keep Australia moving, working and flying,” he added.
Transport Minister Catherine King said the deal ensures the aviation sector “has the certainty it needs to keep passengers and freight moving”.
“This is a practical step towards strengthening Australia’s jet fuel supply. This will help support Australian airlines and keeping our nation connected,” she remarked.
Tourism and Trade Minister Don Farrell said the fuel deal “gives Australians the peace of mind they need to travel and see their loved ones and to keep exploring our vast and beautiful country”.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Qantas’ cuts show how exposed aviation remains to fuel volatility and geopolitical tensions. While Europe demand remains red hot, fuel costs are clearly forcing carriers to constantly rebalance networks. However, travellers and travel advisors will hope extra jet fuel shipments may help ease supply pressure and reduce further disruption risks, even just a little.
