Qantas will launch the first-ever nonstop flights between Sydney Airport (SYD) and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, beginning December 29th. The route will operate three times weekly—Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays—using Boeing 787-9 aircraft through March 12, 2027. The flights will take approximately 13 hours and 55 minutes.
Expanding Qantas’ Network
This addition makes Las Vegas the Australian carrier’s sixth U.S. destination, joining Dallas-Fort Worth, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. The new service is part of Qantas’ ongoing growth strategy, fueled by a rapid fleet renewal, with an average of one new aircraft delivered every three weeks.
The airline is incorporating Airbus A220s and A321neos for domestic and regional routes, Boeing 787s for long-haul flights, and Airbus A350-1000s for its ultra-long-haul “Project Sunrise” ambitions, including nonstop services to London and New York. According to Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace, this fleet expansion allows the airline to capitalize on demand and open up previously inaccessible routes.
Demand and Partnerships
The decision to launch the SYD-LAS route comes after Qantas successfully operated charter flights to Las Vegas for the National Rugby League’s season kickoff since 2024, indicating strong market demand. The new route will also strengthen Qantas’ partnership with American Airlines, providing reciprocal loyalty benefits for members of both AAdvantage and Frequent Flyer programs.
Recent network expansions include Perth to Paris (2024), Melbourne to Honolulu and Sydney to Sapporo (2025). These additions contributed to a 300 million Australian dollar operating profit for Qantas’ international business during the first half of its 2026 fiscal year.
Vegas’ International Growth
The Sydney flight is a significant win for Las Vegas, which also secured new thrice-weekly flights from Air France starting April 15th. Australia has long been a key international market for Las Vegas, consistently ranking as the fourth-largest source of visitors since 2010.
In 2024, over 250,000 Australians visited Las Vegas. While numbers have not yet fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels, they are steadily climbing. The LVCVA has actively incentivized international service by offering up to $3 million in airport fee waivers annually for up to three years to airlines launching new routes. Currently, Korean Air provides the only other nonstop service between LAS and the Asia-Pacific region via flights to Incheon.
Las Vegas has consistently ranked as our second-largest overseas market and our top international market without a nonstop flight, said Steve Hill, president and CEO of the LVCVA.
The addition of Qantas’ nonstop service represents a major step towards better connectivity for Australian travelers seeking direct access to the entertainment and business opportunities of Las Vegas.
