- Western Australia to welcome 44 additional flights between Rome and Perth
- Additional flights to add close to 10,000 inbound seats to WA between May and October 2026
- Further bolsters WA's reputation as the only Australian state with nonstop aviation services to Europe, with Qantas flying from Perth direct to Rome, Paris and London
Western Australia's position as a key aviation hub has been bolstered by news that Qantas will expand its direct service between Rome and Perth in 2026.
The news further bolsters WA's reputation as the only Australian state with nonstop aviation services to Europe, with Qantas flying from Perth direct to Rome, Paris and London.
The seasonal service will now run from 3 May to 23 October 2026, extending the operating season by eight weeks and increasing the frequency from three to four flights per week during the peak travel period.
The increase in flights represents a total of 44 additional services and close to 10,000 extra inbound seats to WA compared to the 2025 season.
Backed by the Cook Government through Tourism WA, the extended services will be supported with co-operative marketing initiatives to drive awareness and bookings.
The seasonal uplift will support growing demand from European travellers to explore WA and visit friends and family, providing greater connectivity between WA and continental Europe.
Italy is a key market for WA through both leisure travellers and those visiting friends and relatives. In the 2024 calendar year, arrivals to WA from Italy were 8 per cent ahead of pre-COVID levels.
The additional flights are part of the Cook Government's economic diversification strategy to drive out-of-state visitation and generate valuable tourism dollars for local business and industry.
The Rome-Perth route is one of 20 nonstop international services connecting WA to the world, supporting tourism, trade, and investment.
Find out more at qantas.com
As stated by Premier and Economic Diversification Minister Roger Cook:
"My government has prioritised connecting Perth and WA with the world via direct flights, with 20 nonstop routes now available.
"From eager tourists to Western Australians with family ties to Italy, the flights have meant thousands have stepped off at Perth Airport then set foot in the eternal city.
"The success of the Perth to Rome flights has rewarded Qantas' confidence in the service, and we are thankful for the continued relationships and the additional seats over the 2026 northern summer.
"It cements WA's status as the gateway to Australia from Europe, and is another way my government is diversifying our economy."
As stated by Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:
"This is a major win for WA, delivering thousands of additional visitors and reinforcing our position as Australia's Western Gateway.
"With more flights and a longer operating season, we're making it easier than ever for European travellers to experience everything WA has to offer while strengthening our ties with key international markets.
"We're committed to diversifying our economy through tourism and securing additional direct flights will make it even easier for Italian visitors to come and explore our wonderful State."
