Qantas New York Flight 2028: Sydney Nonstop Route, Tickets and Time
Qantas is getting ready to make one of the world’s longest passenger journeys a little simpler. The Australian airline has confirmed plans to launch nonstop flights between Sydney and New York from mid-2028, creating the first-ever commercial nonstop connection between the two cities. The new route will be part of Qantas’ Project Sunrise ultra-long-haul programme.
The SydneyāNew York flight is expected to take around 18 hours, cutting more than three hours from the current one-stop journey. Qantas plans to begin selling tickets in August 2027.
When will Qantas start Nonstop Sydney to New York Flights?
Qantas plans to begin Sydney ā New York nonstop flights from mid-2028. Passengers will be able to purchase tickets from August 2027, giving travellers an opportunity to plan well ahead of the launch. The airline has not yet announced the exact first-flight date, so travellers should wait for the airline’s official schedule before making firm travel plans.
How Long Will the Qantas SydneyāNew York Flight Take?
The nonstop Qantas flight is expected to take approximately 18 hours.
That will make the journey around three hours faster than Qantas’ current fastest one-stop option via Auckland.Ā For passengers, the biggest difference is not only the flying time but also the removal of the connection.Ā Instead of leaving the aircraft in Auckland and waiting for another flight, passengers will remain onboard from Sydney until they arrive at New York JFK.
What Aircraft will Qantas Use?
Qantas will operate the route using the specially configured Airbus A350-1000ULR.
The airline has ordered 12 A350-1000ULR aircraft for Project Sunrise. These aircraft have been designed specifically for ultra-long-haul operations and feature an additional fuel tank to support journeys of more than 16,000 kilometres.
Qantas says the aircraft can fly for up to 22 hours nonstop, depending on the route and operating conditions.
What Is Project Sunrise?
Project Sunrise is Qantas’ programme to operate nonstop flights from Australia’s east coast to some of the world’s most distant major cities.
The programme is focused on routes that previously required passengers to make at least one connection.
First scheduled Project Sunrise route will be:
- Route: Sydney ā London Heathrow
- Service Begins: October 2027
Second confirmed route will be:
- Route: Sydney ā New York JFK
- Service Begins: Planned mid-2028
Why SydneyāNew York Route Significant?
The SydneyāNew York route has long been one of the most challenging long-haul markets because of the enormous distance between Australia and the US East Coast.
Currently, travellers generally need to make a stop before continuing to New York.
Qantas’ new service will remove that connection, allowing passengers to fly directly between Sydney and New York.
The airline says demand for travel between Sydney and New York has nearly doubled since 2023, supporting its decision to add the nonstop route.
What will the Qantas A350-1000ULR Offer?
Qantas is designing its Project Sunrise A350 around passenger comfort as well as range.
The aircraft will include a dedicated Wellbeing Zone between the Premium Economy and Economy cabins. Qantas says the space will include hydration facilities, refreshments and an area designed to encourage movement during the ultra-long flight.
The aircraft will also feature Qantas’ premium cabin products, including First and Business Class suites.Ā The goal is to make an approximately 18-hour nonstop journey more comfortable for passengers.
How Many Passengers will the Aircraft Carry?
Qantas’ Project Sunrise A350-1000ULR is configured for 238 passengers across four cabins.
The planned configuration includes:
- First Class: 6 suites
- Business Class: 52 suites
- Premium Economy: 40 seats
- Economy: 140 seats
The relatively low number of seats compared with some A350 configurations gives Qantas additional space to support the ultra-long-haul mission and passenger comfort.
When you can Book Qantas SydneyāNew York?
Qantas says tickets for the SydneyāNew York nonstop service will go on sale from August 2027.Ā However, passengers should note that ticket sales are still some time away because the flights are planned for mid-2028.
Travellers interested in the inaugural services should monitor Qantas’ official announcements for the exact launch date, flight number, frequency and fares.
Will Qantas Fly Sydney to New York Every Day?
Qantas has confirmed the route and planned mid-2028 launch, but the airline has not yet published the full operating schedule. Passengers should wait for the official timetable before assuming a particular daily frequency.
What Travelers should know?
The new route will give Australian travellers a direct option to New York without the need to change planes.
For passengers travelling between the two cities, the main benefits will be:
āļø No connection
ā±ļø Around 18 hours of flying
š« Sydney to New York JFK
š©ļø Airbus A350-1000ULR
š Launch planned for mid-2028
šļø Tickets expected from August 2027
š Part of Qantas Project Sunrise
The service will also expand Qantas’ growing ultra-long-haul network, following the planned launch of the SydneyāLondon nonstop service in 2027.
Final Takeaway
The Qantas Sydney to New York nonstop flight is scheduled to become a reality in mid-2028, giving passengers the option to travel between Australia and New York without a stop.
The approximately 18-hour service will operate on Qantas’ specially configured Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft as part of Project Sunrise. Tickets are expected to go on sale in August 2027.
For now, travellers will need to wait for Qantas to announce the exact launch date, flight schedule and fares.