Qantas Makes History with First-Ever Direct Flights From Australia to Las Vegas

Qantas will operate the first non-stop service between Australia and Las Vegas, flying Sydney to Las Vegas as QF55 with QF56 returning. The inaugural flight departs 29 December 2026 and the seasonal service runs until 12 March 2027, three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on a sector of about 15 hours 15 minutes. Removing the connection saves passengers up to five hours, and the season has been timed around major demand periods including the Consumer Electronics Show and the start of the National Rugby League season, which strengthens access for Australian business travellers and convention delegates. Australia is Las Vegas's second-largest overseas market, with more than 250,000 Australian visitors a year, and had been its largest international market without a non-stop link. Qantas International Chief Executive Cam Wallace said Australian appetite for international travel remains very strong and that seasonal services address proven demand. LVCVA President and CEO Steve Hill noted the market's consistent ranking and visitor volume. The release also cites 745,000 American visits to Australia last year, with round-trip economy fares from 999 US dollars.