QF64 2024 listed subject govt approval

[Womble99]

We are looking at a trip to South Africa in July 24 but the flights which seem the best included QF64 JNB-SYD, however this flight is listed as still requiring Government approval?

Question to you guys who probably have had plenty more experience than us, is it safe to book this or is it a risky option? Never come across a flight advertised as awaiting approval before?

Cheers CJ

 

[oz_mark]

We are looking at a trip to South Africa in July 24 but the flights which seem the best included QF64 JNB-SYD, however this flight is listed as still requiring Government approval?

Question to you guys who probably have had plenty more experience than us, is it safe to book this or is it a risky option? Never come across a flight advertised as awaiting approval before?

Cheers CJ

In most cases it is ok.
Very occasionally, something trips up, but those cases are few and far between.

 

[Himeno]

The air service agreement with South Africa allows 21 flights/week between SYD/MEL/BNE/PER to JNB/CPT/DUR. Qantas holds 10 of them.

The "government approval" doesn't appear to be related to the agreement. It might be related to needing approvals from the South African end relating to the planned change to A380 use.

 

[Womble99]

So I guess at worst it would be a change of aircraft?

 

[williamsf1]

So I guess at worst it would be a change of aircraft?

Yes .. worse case 787
as the A380 is almost x 2 passenger numbers they need "government approval" for the increased numbers ....
These notices are very common with any new route or change of aircraft type, I can't think of any where they have not been approved

 

[elanshin]

So I guess at worst it would be a change of aircraft?

Well technically worst case is no flights at all, but that's a very unlikely scenario. Technically speaking every flight is subject to government regulatory approval which in theory could be rescinded at any given moment. (Like suddenly airspace closes due to a fight or war).

The practical likelihood of it happening is very low so realistically it should be fine.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

A lot of new flights on the QF website does have this, ie, the one from SYD - PER - FCO.
Also, SYD - AKL - JFK has it too.

 

[Womble99]

Well I guess I will see how it goes, booked it

 

[Himeno]

Yes .. worse case 787

Or an A330 via PER

 

[Mattg]

Well I guess I will see how it goes, booked it

You'll be absolutely fine. I doubt there will be any issues getting the necessary approvals for this.

 

[kpc]

Hope no issues as we are booked on QF 64 in F in late August 2024...also booked a tour Namibia-->Botswana-->Vic Falls.

 

[MelbFlyer]

Sorry to bring up an old topic, however I'm also looking at some possible routes and have found QF54 Singapore to Brisbane, which also has the "subject to government and regulatory approval" disclaimer.

Reading the comments above, it should be relatively safe / okay to book?

 

[Cynicor]

Yep, something like that is usually fine. I do vaguely recall a semi recent instance of a delayed start to a route due to issues. Can’t quite remember the resolution. Iirc was JNB related