The possibility of direct flights from Australia to Athens, with the possible start of routes from Perth, is being examined by the airline Qantas, as revealed by a report prepared by the Office of Economic and Commercial Affairs in Sydney.
Although no specific dates have been announced, as noted, Athens is a priority for the expansion of the company’s international network.
Due to the large geographical distance, air connectivity is the dominant mode of passenger transport between Greece and Australia, connecting the main airports of the two countries.
At present, there are no direct flights from Australia to Greece, nor are there any Greek companies operating this route. Travelers typically fly from major airports such as Sydney’s Kingsford Smith, Melbourne International Airport, and Perth Airport to Athens International Airport, with at least one stopover.
Airlines connecting Australia to Greece include Qatar Airways, with a stopover in Doha, Emirates with a stopover in Dubai, Etihad Airways with a stopover in Abu Dhabi, Singapore Airlines with a stopover in Singapore, Turkish Airlines with a stopover in Istanbul, Cathay Pacific with a stopover in Hong Kong, Thai Airways with a stopover in Bangkok and Scoot with a stopover in Singapore.
Another major development is the ongoing construction of Western Sydney International Airport (WSI), an ambitious infrastructure project that is expected to transform the region’s air connectivity. The new airport is designed to serve the rapidly growing western Sydney region and relieve the existing, congested international airport.
The operation of WSI is expected to attract new airlines and international flights, enhancing the region’s connectivity with the rest of the world. The choice of this specific location is intended to avoid the restrictions imposed by the proximity of the existing airport to residential areas, which limit night flights. The airport is scheduled to officially open in 2026.
340 airports handle passengers and cargo in Australia
In addition, air cargo and passenger traffic in Australia is carried out through more than 340 airports, of which 31 are major international gateways.
In 2023–24, 40 million passengers were transported on international flights to and from Australia, up from 6 million in 2021–2022, but down from 42 million in 2018–2019, before the coronavirus pandemic. Domestic flights in Australia were expected to carry 59 million passengers in 2023–2024, up from 22 million in 2020–2021.
Sydney Airport is the busiest airport in Australia, handling 41 million passengers during 2023–2024. It also handles 45% of the country’s imported goods. Melbourne Airport follows, handling over 30% of imported goods, followed by Brisbane Airport, while Perth Airport is in fourth place, distinguished for its gold exports.
Notable is the transfer of Antonov124-100s from Adelaide Airport, while Canberra Airport holds a leading position in fresh fruit exports. Plans for new infrastructure for the movement of goods exist for Hobart Airport in Tasmania, which is expected to be completed in May 2025.
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