Qantas trims flights, reshapes Europe schedule as Govt secures 100M litres of jet fuel

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Qantas Trims Flights, Reshapes Europe Schedule as Govt Secures 100M Litres of Jet Fuel

Qantas and Jetstar have extended changes on domestic and international routes, trimming Trans-Tasman capacity while reshaping parts of their European schedules. Qantas Group confirmed that the previously announced changes will remain in place between July and September, as high fuel prices linked to the Middle East conflict continue to impact operations.

European Route Adjustments

Specifically, Qantas will extend its additional Perth-Rome services through to the end of October, while Paris flights will reduce to three return services per week from August, operating via Singapore from Sydney. These changes will add around 2,000 extra seats each week between Australia and Europe as demand for European travel remains strong.

!Jetstar aircraft in Tasmania

Boarding a Jetstar plane in Tasmania.

Capacity Reductions on Other Routes

But as they redeploy planes, Qantas and Jetstar will cut capacity on other routes. This includes reduced services across the Tasman and a temporary suspension of Qantas' Sydney-Bengaluru route from August until late October. The airline group said the changes reduce planned international capacity by two per cent for the first quarter of FY27.

Domestic capacity reductions on major capital city routes will also continue until the end of September, resulting in five per cent fewer seats. Qantas will contact customers directly and offer alternative flights or refunds.

Government Secures Critical Jet Fuel Supply

!Refuelling a Dreamliner

Refuelling a Dreamliner.

The network adjustments come as the Federal Government announced it had secured two shipments carrying 100 million litres of jet fuel — plus a shipment containing 50 million litres of diesel — bound for Brisbane, Perth and Darwin.

In total, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government had now secured "more than 450 million litres of additional diesel and 100 million litres of additional jet fuel to keep Australia moving".

"In the face of global instability, we are leaving no stone unturned as we work to keep Australia moving, working and flying," he added.

Industry Support and Certainty

Transport Minister Catherine King said the deal ensures the aviation sector "has the certainty it needs to keep passengers and freight moving".

"This is a practical step towards strengthening Australia's jet fuel supply. This will help support Australian airlines and keeping our nation connected," she remarked.

Tourism and Trade Minister Don Farrell said the fuel deal "gives Australians the peace of mind they need to travel and see their loved ones and to keep exploring our vast and beautiful country".

!Virgin Australia B737 departing Sydney Airport

A Virgin Australia B737 departs Sydney Airport.

KARRYON UNPACKS

Qantas' cuts show how exposed aviation remains to fuel volatility and geopolitical tensions. While Europe demand remains red hot, fuel costs are clearly forcing carriers to constantly rebalance networks. However, travellers and travel advisors will hope extra jet fuel shipments may help ease supply pressure and reduce further disruption risks, even just a little.

Key Takeaways

• Extended European Services: Perth-Rome flights continue through October with Paris services reduced to three weekly return flights via Singapore from August
• Domestic Impact: Five per cent capacity reduction on major capital city routes until end of September
• International Adjustments: Two per cent reduction in planned international capacity for Q1 FY27
• Government Support: 100 million litres of jet fuel secured for major Australian airports
• Customer Communication: Qantas to contact affected passengers with alternative flight options or refunds

What This Means for Travellers

The reshaping of Qantas and Jetstar's schedules reflects the ongoing pressures facing Australia's aviation sector. While the reduction in some domestic and regional services may impact travel options, the strong European demand has prompted the airline to maintain and extend key long-haul routes.

The Federal Government's commitment to securing additional jet fuel supplies provides a welcome measure of stability for the industry and offers passengers greater confidence in the reliability of air travel as fuel cost pressures persist.

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