Qantas and Jetstar will extend previously announced flight schedule changes into the first quarter of FY27, as ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to have an effect on fuel costs and airline operations.
Fuel costs remain an issue
The airline group says persistent increases in jet fuel prices remain a key factor behind the extended changes. Global energy markets have stayed unstable due to supply chain disruption making it harder for airlines to plan ahead with confidence.
As a result, Qantas has been adjusting its network planning, choosing to extend earlier schedule adjustments instead of quickly reversing them, aiming to manage costs more carefully.
Changes across international and domestic routes
Within Australia, Qantas and Jetstar have already reduced flights by 5% on some busy city routes, for example Sydney to Busselton and Darwin to Gold Coast, and will extend these reductions until the end of September. These changes are to ensure efficiency of the aircraft, matching seats with how many people are actually flying.
On international routes, some services are being reduced or paused while more capacity is being placed on routes that are performing better. In particular, the Perth to Rome route has been extended another three months and the Sydney to Paris route will revert to three return flights per week in August 2026. However, both carriers have reduced capacity across the Tasman and the service from Sydney to Bengaluru will be suspended from August to October 2026.
Balancing cost and demand
These changes mean the airline is trying to balance saving money with keeping up on travel demand.
Even though some routes are scaled back, others are being strengthened where demand is higher. Qantas has said that customers affected by changes will be offered alternative flights or refunds where needed.
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