When Qantas Melbourne direct Japan flights recommence?

[mkng]

Hi all QFF,

Excited, although slightly nervous about flying international again. Looking at a holiday in Japan in Jan 2023 next year with family for 4 -preferably business.
I note that all business is flex (which is reassuring), but none are direct from Melb to Tokyo - via Sydney/via Brisbane.
Does anyone have any inside intel on when direct flights will recommence or where is a better place to track any announcements via Qantas please?

My strategy is to book 4 business flex anyway with the interchange destination, and if I need to cancel to swap over to a more direct flight, I could hopefully do that without financial penalty ( although I do need to read the full conditions)

Thank you in advance.
M

 

[levelnine]

Currently scheduled to restart towards the end of March 2023, but they will almost certainly be moved up now that Japan is reopening.

I would hold out for a little bit. Qantas and other airlines are going to be adding a lot more flight capacity to Japan, probably prompting some sales on either Qantas or JAL.

 

[AIRwin]

Does anyone have any inside intel on when direct flights will recommence or where is a better place to track any announcements via Qantas please?

https://www.qantas.com/au/en/qantas-experience/international-flight-network.html

 

[jpp42]

Qantas has limited availability of international aircraft at the moment due to delays in Boeing 787 deliveries. So they aren't going to quickly and easily add more capacity, as they have redirected capacity that used to serve Japan/China/etc to other destinations like India. Japan has always been a popular destination for Australians and I'm sure it will come back over the long term, but don't expect to see it immediately. Do you have a specific reason you must fly Qantas? Japan Airlines flies from MEL to NRT nonstop three days a week at present, and likely will increase this.

Agreed with the other poster though that waiting to see capacity increases, and thus fares go down, is probably best.

 

[Stevo.1702]

I did have Melbourne to Japan booked for Feb with return to Brisbane same month. Both were cancelled and rerouted to Syd.

 

[AIRwin]

So they aren't going to quickly and easily add more capacity, as they have redirected capacity that used to serve Japan/China/etc to other destinations like India.

And Korea...

 

[mkng]

Thanks all for the best up to date information on this, and advice. Super helpful to understand why you qantas can't just flick a switch on when there is a plane shortage plus other reasons.

I checked JAL: doesnt come up with many choices along the week for direct flight when searching for 4 business. options that come up is I have to go via sydney or singapore!

I probably 'out of practice' with the rules: but I chose Qantas just to get me over the line for Lifetime Gold and uncertain how much I will be flying in the post-COVID pandemic era.

By the way, is there harm, if Im sticking with Qantas, to book a business flex ticket now? Secure the flight/day with the option of 'pay later' and even if I have to swap for a better offer within Qantas if more flights come on: I can cancel for full refund and rebook? I guess the cons are outlaying 4xbusiness tickets upfront and maybe a relative small cancellation fee.

Thx every1
M

 

[AIRwin]

Not MEL but BNE:

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/flying-kangaroo-takes-off-again-between-brisbane-and-tokyo/

 

[Captain Halliday]

Not MEL but BNE:

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/flying-kangaroo-takes-off-again-between-brisbane-and-tokyo/

Two page release and they don’t list the date when the service starts. Very helpful.

 

[AIRwin]

Two page release and they don’t list the date when the service starts. Very helpful.

BNE? First direct flight to HND launched today...

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Why fly direct when you can connect for additional status credits and arguably a better lounge experience?

 

[jakeseven7]

Why fly direct when you can connect for additional status credits and arguably a better lounge experience?

Because a lot of us value time more

But your point is very valid in this forum. Hit up the via Syd or when Mel recommences for some F lounge fun!

 

[AIRwin]

https://www.qantas.com/au/en/qantas-experience/international-flight-network.html

26 March

 

[AIRwin]

26 March

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/flying-kangaroo-takes-off-again-between-melbourne-and-tokyo/