From 3 November 2025, the airline QantasLink will begin direct flights from Perth to Australia’s remote external territories, Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands. These are the first regular direct services by the national carrier to these locations.
The flights will operate twice weekly, on Mondays and Fridays, with a return leg from the islands. In addition, monthly Saturday services to Christmas Island will also run.
Flight codes include QF361 and QF363 for outbound journeys, and QF362 and QF364 for the return leg. The flight time from Perth is approximately five hours.
Why the service matters
The islands have a combined population of about 2,500 people and until now have had limited mainland air connectivity. The new service provides direct access for both residents and visitors alike.
Better access means improved options for health, education and government services for island communities. At the same time, tourism becomes more viable thanks to easier travel. Freight supply is also part of the project: the contract adds more than 5,000 passenger seats and over 200 tonnes of freight capacity annually to support growth and logistics.
Tourism boost for two unique destinations
Christmas Island
Known for its rainforest, dramatic limestone cliffs and the world-famous red-crab migration, Christmas Island offers a rare nature-based tourism experience. Over 60 % of the island mass is national park, adding to its appeal for eco-travellers.
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
This atoll group features turquoise lagoons, coral reefs and a rich cultural heritage with the Cocos Malay community. It is a remote, pristine tropical escape from the mainland.
With the new flights, both destinations become more accessible from Western Australia. Tourism businesses on the islands now have the opportunity to scale up—through accommodation, reef-diving experiences, tours and local enterprise—while balancing environmental and community values.
Government strategy and contract details
The service is part of a five-year contract between the Australian Government’s Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development (and related agencies) and QantasLink. Two optional two-year extensions can lengthen the agreement.
The tender process included extensive community consultation across the territories. Priorities identified by island residents included affordable fares, reliability, seat availability, baggage allowances and timely freight delivery. QantasLink’s proposal was selected as best-value and aligned with these priorities.
Flights will depart from Terminal 1 at Perth Airport and operate on fixed days (Mondays, Fridays, and one Saturday each month) in line with community feedback. Freight flights will run fortnightly.
Travel and infrastructure implications
For travellers already booked on the previous carrier beyond 30 October, transitional arrangements are in place to manage the switch.
On the infrastructure side: both territories will need to support aircraft types like the Airbus A319/A320 and increased passenger numbers. Airport facilities on the islands are being planned or upgraded to meet future demand and logistics needs. Airport master-planning for the region emphasises the importance of accommodating growth, freight flows and sustainable tourism in remote islands.
Local tourism operators will need to scale responsibly. Growth in visitor numbers must be aligned with environmental safeguards, community wellbeing and the isolated nature of these island ecosystems. The five-year contract gives time to monitor performance and adapt services based on feedback, demand and regional outcomes.
Looking ahead: opportunities and careful balance
With the new weekly direct flights, the Indian Ocean Territories are set for better connectivity, increased visitor flows and enhanced freight support. This aligns with the region’s 2030 strategic plan which emphasises liveability, competitive supply chains, sustainable tourism and economic diversification.
At the same time, growth must be managed. Accommodation, local transport, waste and water services and ecological preservation must keep pace. The local communities’ voice, environmental limits and infrastructure capability will be key to achieving balance. The strategy offers promise: improved access, tourism growth and stronger links with the mainland, all built with sensitivity to the special nature of these territories.
Final thoughts
The launch of direct flights by QantasLink to Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands represents a major step forward for Australia’s remote Indian Ocean territories. Twice-weekly services from Perth starting 3 November 2025 unlock new opportunities for tourism, trade and local mobility.
Placed within a national framework of strategic regional development and remote connectivity, the initiative supports the islands’ growth and integration with mainland services, while offering travellers access to some of the nation’s most unique and remote natural destinations.
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