Qantas Project Sunrise: Direct London to Sydney Flights Are Coming
Qantas has confirmed plans for non-stop London to Sydney flights under ‘Project Sunrise’, but tickets are not yet available to book. The service is expected to launch sometime in 2027, with timing dependent on aircraft delivery and final approvals.
What Is Qantas Project Sunrise?
Project Sunrise is Qantas’ plan to operate the world’s longest non-stop commercial flights, connecting:
- London ↔ Sydney
- New York ↔ Sydney
The flights will take up to 20–22 hours non-stop, eliminating the need for a layover in hubs like Dubai, Singapore or Doha.
For UK travellers heading to Australia, this is a major shift in how the route will work.
When Will London to Sydney Non-Stop Flights Start?
This is where it’s important to be precise:
- First aircraft delivery: April 2027
- Launch timing: expected during 2027 (not fixed yet)
- Route order: London is confirmed as the first route
Project Sunrise has already seen multiple delays due to aircraft production and supply chain issues.
Bottom line:
- The route is confirmed
- The product is confirmed
- But you cannot book it yet
What Will the Experience Be Like?
These aren’t standard long-haul flights, they’re being built specifically for ultra-long travel.
Expected features include:
- Airbus A350-1000 aircraft designed for extreme range
- Smaller cabins (~238 passengers) for more space
- Dedicated onboard wellbeing zones
- Lighting and meal timing designed to reduce jet lag
The entire experience is being optimised for comfort over 20+ hours. You can see the full Qantas A350-1000 cabin reveal here.
Why Business Class Will Be the Smart Choice on This Route
On a flight of this length, the difference between cabins becomes far more significant.
Business class on Project Sunrise is expected to include:
- Fully flat beds with direct aisle access
- Enclosed suites for privacy
- Significantly more personal space
On ultra-long-haul routes, business class isn’t just an upgrade, it’s how you make the journey workable.
Will Project Sunrise Flights Be Expensive?
Early indications suggest:
- Fares may carry a premium vs current one-stop routes
- Strong demand is expected, especially in premium cabins
With limited seats and high demand, initial pricing is likely to be at the top end of the market.
Should You Wait - Or Book Australia Flights Now?
This is the key decision for most travellers.
✔️ What We Know
- Project Sunrise is coming
- It will change the UK to Australia journey
- But it’s not available yet and timing isn’t fixed
What This Means in Practice
If you’re planning travel in the next 6–18 months:
Waiting isn’t practical
Current routes still offer excellent business class products
Pricing opportunities exist right now across multiple airlines
The Reality Today: Flying to Australia in Business Class
Right now, all UK to Australia routes involve one stop, typically via:
- Middle East hubs
- Southeast Asia
While not direct, these routes:
- Break up the journey
- Offer strong premium cabin options
- Often provide better availability and pricing flexibility
For most travellers today, this remains the most effective way to fly to Australia.
Final Verdict
Qantas Project Sunrise is one of the most exciting developments in long-haul travel but it’s not here yet.
- No confirmed launch date (beyond 2027 window)
- No tickets available yet
- High expected demand when it launches
In the meantime, business and first class travel to Australia remains strong, competitive, and available now.
Next Step: Plan Your Australia Trip Now
If you’re travelling to Australia in the near future:
- Waiting for Project Sunrise isn’t necessary
- There are excellent business and first class fares available today
- The right booking strategy can unlock significant value
SkyClub continuously monitors new routes like Project Sunrise and will be ready when availability opens.
For now, we’ll help you secure the best available premium fares to Australia based on current routes and real availability.
FAQs
Can I book Qantas Project Sunrise flights now?
No. Tickets are not yet on sale.
When will London to Sydney non-stop flights start?
Expected in 2027, but no exact launch date is confirmed.
Will London definitely be included?
Yes. London is a confirmed key route, although it may not be the very first to launch.
Should I wait for Project Sunrise to book flights?
If you’re travelling in the next 6 -18 months, it’s better to book current routes rather than wait.
Written by the SkyClub Travel Specialists
SkyClub has been helping premium leisure and corporate travellers book business and first-class flights worldwide for over 30 years, managing thousands of itineraries annually. Our team combines real-world experience, airline expertise and industry insights to provide accurate, actionable advice for long-haul, multi-stop and luxury travel. SkyClub have a 5-star Trustpilot rating with thousands of positive reviews and bookings are ATOL, ABTA and IATA protected.
All content is reviewed for accuracy, updated regularly and based on verified booking data and customer experiences. SkyClub is a registered travel consultancy dedicated to trusted, seamless and informed travel planning.