Qantas Sydney-New York nonstop: what is confirmed for 2028

Qantas plans to begin nonstop flights between Sydney and New York in mid-2028, using a specially configured Airbus A350-1000ULR. The airline says tickets should go on sale in August 2027.

That is the useful headline, but it is not a complete timetable. Qantas has not announced the first flight date, weekly frequency, departure times, flight numbers or fares. The service also remains subject to aircraft delivery, regulatory approval and certification. Travelers can plan around a future option, but cannot book this nonstop yet.

*Original AI-generated editorial illustration created for OpenSim. The aircraft, skyline and traveler are illustrative and do not depict an operating Qantas flight.*

The practical answer: Put August 2027 on your calendar if you want to compare the first published fares. Until Qantas releases the timetable, do not build a fixed 2028 itinerary around a particular day, connection or arrival time.

This guide was checked on September 29, 2026, after Qantas announced the mid-2028 target.

What Qantas has actually announced

Qantas's Project Sunrise update says Sydney-New York is planned for mid-2028 and should take about 18 hours, roughly three hours less than the fastest current one-stop trip. The airline describes it as the first nonstop commercial service between the two cities.

The wording matters. "Mid-2028" is a target window, not a confirmed inaugural date. The airline's Project Sunrise information also makes the schedule conditional on aircraft delivery, regulatory approvals and certification. A delay in any of those steps could move the launch.

Tickets are expected to go on sale in August 2027. Until an itinerary appears in Qantas's booking system, any exact time, frequency, flight number or fare shown elsewhere should be treated as unofficial.

The aircraft and cabin plan

Qantas's Project Sunrise fact sheet describes a 238-seat A350-1000ULR with six First suites, 52 Business suites, 40 Premium Economy seats and 140 Economy seats. That is a relatively low seat count for the aircraft type, designed around very long sectors rather than maximum capacity.

The plan includes a dedicated Wellbeing Zone between Premium Economy and Economy. Qantas also says free fast Wi-Fi is planned in every cabin. The aircraft has an additional 20,000-litre fuel tank and a stated capability of flying for up to 22 hours, although the Sydney-New York estimate is shorter.

These are fleet and cabin plans, not a promise about the exact aircraft on every future date. Check the seat map and operating aircraft again before paying and before departure. Aircraft substitutions can happen after a booking is made.

How to plan before tickets go on sale

The first useful comparison will be the complete itinerary, not only the nonstop's headline duration. Consider the local departure and arrival times, airport transfer, fare conditions, baggage allowance and how much connection time you would otherwise spend on a one-stop journey.

For a 2028 trip, keep accommodation and positioning flights flexible until the nonstop is ticketed. If you buy a separate domestic or international flight to reach Sydney, it is normally an unprotected connection unless the flights are issued together under terms that protect the transfer. Leave enough time to collect bags, change terminals if necessary and check in again.

Qantas's current checked-baggage rules for routes to and from North or South America are piece-based, but the final allowance depends on cabin, frequent-flyer status and operating carrier. Use the allowance printed on the 2028 ticket rather than treating today's table as a permanent promise.

The airline's current international check-in guidance recommends arriving well before departure and lists airport-specific exceptions. Ultra-long-haul service does not remove passport, entry, security or document checks. Recheck the route's final airport guidance when the timetable opens.

Mobile data in Sydney and New York

OpenSim's live catalog includes Australia eSIM plans and United States eSIM plans. Travelers who want one plan covering both countries can compare the current AUKUS eSIM and Global 120+ areas eSIM coverage lists before purchase.

Use the live product card for data amount, validity, network, hotspot support, speed behavior and top-up eligibility. Those details vary by plan. Install before travel while you have reliable Wi-Fi, and keep the QR code or setup details available offline.

An OpenSim eSIM uses terrestrial mobile networks after landing. It does not provide service in flight. Qantas says onboard Wi-Fi is planned for the Project Sunrise aircraft, so treat that as a separate airline service with its own availability and conditions.

Ten questions about the Qantas Sydney-New York nonstop

When will Qantas start nonstop Sydney-New York flights?

Qantas is targeting mid-2028. It has not announced the exact first flight date, and the plan remains subject to aircraft delivery, approvals and certification.

When can I book the nonstop?

The airline says tickets should go on sale in August 2027. There is no confirmed day yet, so use Qantas's own booking system and announcement channels rather than an unofficial countdown.

Is the nonstop operating now?

No. A search result may show current Sydney-New York itineraries, but the announced Project Sunrise nonstop is a future service. Check the stops and operating carriers on every result.

How often will Qantas fly the route?

Qantas has not published the frequency. Do not assume daily service or plan a same-day connection until the airline releases a bookable timetable.

How long will the flight take?

Qantas estimates about 18 hours, around three hours less than the fastest current one-stop option. Actual block time can vary with winds, routing and air traffic.

Which aircraft and cabins are planned?

The planned aircraft is a 238-seat Airbus A350-1000ULR with First, Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins, plus a Wellbeing Zone. Confirm the aircraft and seat map for the specific flight before choosing a seat.

Will Economy be different on this ultra-long flight?

Qantas lists 140 Economy seats and says the cabin is part of an aircraft designed for ultra-long-haul travel. Seat pitch, paid seat-selection choices and the final onboard service should be checked when the booking pages become available.

Can I book the flight with Qantas Points?

Qantas has not announced reward-seat availability or points pricing for the route. A cash on-sale date does not guarantee that Classic Reward seats will appear at the same time.

How will the route's baggage allowance be set?

The ticketed cabin, status and operating carrier will determine the final allowance. Current Qantas routes to and from the Americas use a piece system, but travelers should rely on the 2028 booking confirmation.

Will my travel eSIM work during the flight?

No. A travel eSIM connects to supported mobile networks on the ground. Qantas says the aircraft will have free fast Wi-Fi in every cabin, but availability and performance should be checked for the actual flight.

Before building a 2028 itinerary

• Wait for the route to appear in Qantas's booking system.
• Confirm the exact date, flight number and operating carrier.
• Compare the complete fare, including seat and baggage choices.
• Check the cancellation and change terms before paying.
• Keep separately booked positioning flights flexible.
• Recheck the aircraft and seat map near departure.
• Verify passport and entry requirements from official government sources.
• Save the booking reference and essential documents offline.
• Arrange ground transport for the actual local arrival time.
• Choose mobile data for the countries you will use on the ground.

Sources and what could change

Qantas's September announcement supports the mid-2028 launch target, August 2027 sales target and approximate flight time. Its Project Sunrise pages and fact sheet support the aircraft, cabin, seat-count, Wellbeing Zone, Wi-Fi and approval boundaries. Current Qantas help pages support the baggage and check-in cautions, but the final 2028 ticket will control.

Public traveler discussions were used to identify recurring questions about Economy comfort, reward seats, baggage, current one-stop results and onboard connectivity. They were not used as proof of airline plans or policy.

This page should be reviewed when Qantas announces the exact launch date, timetable, frequency, flight numbers, fares or reward availability; when the route becomes bookable; or if aircraft delivery, certification, cabin or baggage plans change.

*Route, cabin, policy and OpenSim catalog details were reviewed on September 29, 2026.*