International visitors to say ciao with direct flights from Italy

  • Direct flights between Perth and Rome now on sale
  • Service to operate three times per week from June 2022
  • Vote of confidence in McGowan Government’s safe and strong reconnection with the world 
  • Tickets are now on sale for a new direct Qantas flight between Perth and Rome, which will launch in June 2022.

    Supported by the McGowan Government, the new seasonal route will operate three times a week and provide a direct link to one of Western Australia’s key international markets and provide seamless connection across continental Europe.

    The new direct Boeing 787 Dreamliner service will be the only non-stop link between Australia and continental Europe, with the inaugural flight to depart from Perth to Rome on Wednesday, June 22, 2022. The first flight from Rome to Perth will touch down two days later on Friday June 24, 2022.

    Onwards from Rome, connecting flights will be available to 16 European destinations, including Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Frankfurt, Madrid and Paris as well as a further 15 destinations in Italy such as Milan and Venice.

    Fares start from $1,620 return, with the service operating until October 6, 2022.

    In 2019, an estimated 11,100 visitors from Italy came to WA and injected an estimated $29 million into the economy.

    The new direct Perth-Rome flights will complement the reintroduction of the highly popular direct Perth-London flights, that are set to resume from April – re-engaging tourism opportunities from one of Australia’s key markets.

    As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:

    “Direct flights connecting Perth with Rome will be a game-changer for WA’s economy as Western Australia safely re-engages with the world.

    “These new flights, together with our Reconnect WA Plan, will help diversify our economy and help support new jobs in our tourism and hospitality sector.

    “The new flight will be welcomed by many WA travellers who will be able to step off at Perth Airport, then set foot in the eternal city.

    “Many Western Australians have family links with Italy and it will now be easier to safely reunite after so long apart.

    “The new route will also open up our tourism industry to vaccinated overseas visitors, who will see Perth and WA as an appealing and safe destination with unique attractions that can’t be experienced anywhere else.

    “The State Government will work closely with Qantas to make the most of the many benefits the new Perth-Rome direct flights bring to our economy and our community.”

    As stated by Tourism Minister David Templeman:

    “New direct aviation access like this is absolutely critical to unlocking the potential of Western Australia’s tourism, business and international education sectors and is a key focus as we reset our tourism industry.

    “Today’s announcement by Qantas could not have come at a more exciting time as we prepare to welcome the return of international visitors to Western Australia in 2022.

    “As the only direct non-stop service between Australia and continental Europe, this highlights the importance of Perth as Australia’s western gateway – and we welcome the opportunity to work with Qantas to maximise the benefits this new route will bring to the State.”

    /Public Release. View in full here.