SYDNEY- QantasLink (QF) has confirmed it will launch 2 new passenger and freight destinations from Perth (PER) to Christmas Island (XCH) and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands (CCK) starting 3 November 2025.
The new route marks the airline’s first direct operations to these Indian Ocean territories under a five-year agreement with the Australian Government, providing crucial air connectivity for residents, visitors, and essential cargo.
Photo: By Bidgee, CC BY-SA 3.0 au, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61147715QantasLink 2 New Destinations
The launch of these flights represents a major step in strengthening Australia’s aviation links to its external territories.
With a population of more than 2,500 across Christmas Island and the Cocos Islands, air services are vital for passenger movement, tourism development, healthcare support, and supply chain reliability.
The Australian Government’s partnership with QantasLink ensures that these communities remain connected to mainland Australia with stable and scheduled services.
QantasLink has a long-standing reputation for servicing regional and remote areas across the nation. By extending its operations into the Indian Ocean Territories, the airline reinforces its role in supporting both community needs and strategic government objectives.
Beyond passenger flights, the inclusion of freight services will help sustain local businesses, fisheries, and essential industries that rely on timely logistics.
Photo: James St. John | FlickrFlight Operations and Schedule
QantasLink will operate the new services twice weekly from Perth Airport (PER) Terminal 1. The schedule includes departures every Monday and Friday, with flight numbers QF361 and QF363 operating outbound and QF362 and QF364 for the return journeys.
The route will be served by Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft configured entirely for economy class seating, offering a consistent and reliable service for passengers.
Flight times average around five hours, reflecting the remote location of both island groups.
This schedule not only allows residents to plan travel around predictable services but also provides greater accessibility for tourists who wish to explore these unique destinations.
Photo: Wikimedia CommonsDestination Highlights
Christmas Island (XCH)
- Famous for its annual red crab migration, with millions of crabs moving to the ocean.
- Home to Christmas Island National Park, covering 63% of the island.
- Recognized globally for birdwatching, featuring rare and endemic species.
Cocos (Keeling) Islands (CCK)
- Comprising 27 coral islands across two atolls.
- Offers pristine beaches, world-class diving, and vibrant Cocos Malay culture.
- Known for its unspoiled marine environments and cultural heritage.
Photo: By Bidgee, CC BY-SA 3.0 au, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61167403Strategic Importance
These new services are more than a tourism initiative; they provide lifeline connections for island residents and ensure continuity in freight transport, which is essential for medical supplies, food distribution, and economic activity.
The partnership underscores the importance of reliable aviation links for remote Australian territories and ensures that critical services remain available in a sustainable manner.
For QantasLink, the expansion builds on its history of regional connectivity while supporting government commitments to isolated communities.
The airline’s integration of these services into its broader domestic and international network means smoother connections for passengers traveling to and from the islands.
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