Qantas Group extends international and domestic schedule adjustments to manage fuel costs and shifting travel demand
(IN SHORT) Qantas Group has extended its schedule adjustments into the first quarter of FY27 in response to ongoing geopolitical tensions, high fuel costs, and strong demand for European travel. The airline is increasing capacity on routes between Australia and Europe, including extending Perth to Rome services and maintaining key connections via Singapore, while reducing capacity in other areas such as the Sydney to Bengaluru route and trans-Tasman services. Domestic capacity reductions across major city routes will also continue through September. Overall, the changes are expected to reduce international capacity by two percentage points and domestic capacity by five percentage points, with affected customers being offered alternative travel options or refunds.
(PRESS RELEASE) MASCOT, Australia, 2026-May-1 — /Travel PR News/ — Qantas Group has confirmed it will extend previously implemented schedule adjustments across both its international and domestic networks into the first quarter of FY27, as it continues to respond to external pressures and evolving travel demand.
The Group’s decision reflects the ongoing impact of geopolitical instability in the Middle East, alongside persistently high fuel costs and sustained strong demand for travel to Europe. These factors have prompted Qantas and Jetstar to refine their capacity planning through the July to September period.
Across its international operations, Qantas will continue reallocating aircraft to increase services between Australia and Europe. This move is intended to provide greater flexibility for customers, particularly those previously booked on partner airlines who may wish to transfer to Qantas-operated flights.
The airline’s additional Perth to Rome services will now remain in operation until the end of October, extending their availability by a further three months. Meanwhile, flights to Paris will proceed with a reduced frequency of three return services per week from August, continuing to operate via Singapore from Sydney. These adjustments are expected to add approximately 2,000 extra seats per week on routes connecting Australia and Europe.
At the same time, the Group is reducing capacity in other areas of its international network. Qantas will temporarily suspend its Sydney to Bengaluru route from August, with services scheduled to resume toward the end of October. Both Qantas and Jetstar will also scale back capacity on trans-Tasman routes during this period.
Collectively, these international network changes are projected to lower the Group’s planned capacity by around two percentage points for the first quarter of FY27 compared to earlier forecasts.
Domestically, the Group will continue previously announced capacity reductions of approximately five percentage points through to the end of September. These adjustments will primarily affect high-frequency routes between major Australian capital cities operated by both Qantas and Jetstar.
Customers impacted by these changes are being contacted directly and will be offered alternative travel arrangements or refunds where necessary, ensuring flexibility and support during the transition.
The extended schedule changes form part of the Qantas Group’s broader strategy to balance operational efficiency with customer demand, while navigating ongoing global challenges affecting the aviation sector.
SOURCE: Qantas Airways Limited ABN
