Qantas jets back to Rome as 2024 seasonal flights are locked in

The seasonal route marks the only non-stop connection from Australia to continental Europe.

By Chris Ashton, June 19 2023
Qantas jets back to Rome as 2024 seasonal flights are locked in

Australians craving a summery Italian holiday can once again enjoy non-stop flights from Perth to the Eternal City, with Qantas resuming its connection to Rome for the second year on June 18. And it won’t be the last time either, with 2024 flights greenlit to return.

Now bouncing off thrice weekly on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner until October 3, the 16-hour seasonal trek from Perth to Fiumicino ‘Leonardo da Vinci’ Airport unlocks 16 destinations across Europe, including Nice and Madrid, as well as 14 domestically in Italy.

Onboard, travellers will find the airline’s familiar David Caon-designed business class, as well as a limited edition amenity kit featuring the artwork of West Australian Wongi artist Kevin Wilson.

Those seeking a taste of ‘La Dolce Vita’ can make use of the following schedule:

  • QF5 sees wheels up from Perth at 10.50pm every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, touching down in Rome at 8.50am the following day.
  • Following a brief stop, QF6 bids arrivederci to Rome at 10.50am on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, before touching down in Perth at 8.33am.
Qantas' 787-9 is equipped with the David Coan-designed Business Suite.
Qantas' 787-9 is equipped with the David Coan-designed Business Suite.

Passengers are also able to take advantage of a “circle fare” allowing them to fly into Rome and return to Australia from London on the one Qantas ticket.

Adding to the convenience, the city also makes a perfect jump-off to popular European destinations such as Athens, Frankfurt, Milan, and Nice with Qantas’ partner airlines.

In Rome, Frequent Flyers and business passengers can access the Terminal 3 lounge of Oneworld partner British Airways, which opened in 2018 and combines British and European design, for what the airline describes as “a luxurious and contemporary look and feel.”

The British Airways Lounge at Rome's T3 Terminal.
The British Airways Lounge at Rome's T3 Terminal.

Qantas International CEO Cameron Wallace says last year’s inaugural service, which ended a near-20 year absence of the Red Roo from the city, was one of its “most popular routes”. Flights for 2024 go on sale in early July.

“The route is fantastic for tourism operators across Western Australia, not just because of the influx of visitors we’ve seen from Italy, but also because it promotes Perth as a stopover for Australians travelling to Europe from the east coast,” Wallace adds.

Perth acts as Qantas’ Australian gateway for European flights, as current aircraft lack the range to make direct flights from the east coast capitals. However, with Project Sunrise confirmed to take wing in 2025, its days as the primary hub could be numbered.

Though Sunrise is a while off, the airline recently lifted the lid on what passengers can expect onboard, from first and business class through to premium economy.

In addition to eventual non-stop Sydney and Melbourne to London and New York, outgoing Qantas CEO Alan Joyce has also hinted at the possibility of direct flights to Paris and Frankfurt, giving travellers even greater choice.

American Airlines - AAdvantage

13 Jul 2015

Total posts 274

When do they actually start flying?

It's flying now. The service restarted on June 18. 

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

06 Oct 2016

Total posts 162

I haven't been able to find a start date for 2024, which is what I think you are referring to, but if it is early July QF usually release 353 days out, so you would say late June 2024

30 May 2014

Total posts 10

Until more aircraft are potentially ordered, I do not see "Sunrise" flights extending much further than London and New York. Qantas has already confirmed PER-LHR will be upgraded to an A350-1000. With a daily flight from Perth, Melbourne and Sydney to London plus a daily to JFK, 8 aircraft are already committed, realistically leaving only 3 more operational frames on a 12 aircraft order. 

It will be interesting to see if Qantas operates to Paris and Frankfurt with A350's or with 787's via Perth.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Chicago thrown into the mix. Qantas has had 2 false starts with Chicago and given AA feed and no direct competitor, it fits the "sunrise" bill. Without AA or United having suitable aircraft to operate it, Qantas' only competition would be from Air NZ via Auckland.

08 Feb 2018

Total posts 158

First flight over 3 hours late ;-/

At least they’re consistent 

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

21 Aug 2014

Total posts 2

A shame it’s not all year round, would there be enough demand for it

20 Jun 2023

Total posts 1

Travelled on the first FCO-PER for the season on 18 June. Yes, it was a bit over 3 hours late. It was also less than half full in Y: I'm not complaining, nearly everyone got to lie down. Certainly better than being packed in like the proverbial sardines. I'm sure the numbers will build once QF has delivered enough pax to FCO to start bringing home again!

I can also verify the summary of lounge options in FCO given in an earlier post here: the BA lounge is very good, although the staff are very particular about signing guests in and it can take a while; the lounge also has no toilet or shower facilities. The QF checkin agents channel pax to the adjacent Plaza Premium lounge, which has showers and toilets, but on my visit it was crowded, needed a tidy up, and alcoholic drinks were an extra-cost option.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

20 Mar 2012

Total posts 233

Flew SYD-PER-FCO in Premium Economy. 

Business nearly full, premium and economy less than than half full.

FA’s refused to do announcements in Italian (much to the chagrin of two ladies in the row ahead of me), which seemed unusual. 

These were packed full last season’s run.. confusing. 


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