QantasLink has announced it will commence flying to Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands for the first time. The flights from Perth to the Indian Ocean Territories will take off from 3 November 2025.
At present, Virgin Australia operates the flights for the federal government. However, from November, QantasLink will take over the service.
Indian Ocean Services
Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands are two of Australia’s most remote destinations. Located in the Indian Ocean, QantasLink will operate the services under a new five-year agreement with the Australian Government.
The service will run twice weekly from Perth, providing a crucial link for around 2,500 residents across the two territories. The services will operate twice weekly using Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft in full economy configuration.
Indian Ocean Territories
With the new flight, you may be thinking of visiting the territories. Each has some interesting attractions.
Christmas Island is perhaps most famous for its annual red crab migration, with millions of crabs making their way to the ocean. In addition, Christmas Island has some excellent birdwatching.
For its part, Cocos (Keeling) Islands features turquoise lagoons, beaches and a unique Cocos Malay culture.
QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan said
We’re proud to have been selected by the Australian Government to provide these essential services to the Indian Ocean Territories. QantasLink has a long history connecting remote communities across Australia, and we’re committed to delivering a reliable and warm service to customers.
We look forward to supporting these island communities and helping maintain their vital connection to mainland Australia, while also making it easier for Australians to discover the incredible natural beauty and unique cultures of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
Route information
Tickets will go on sale from 18 August 2025, with the inaugural service set to depart Perth on Monday 3 November 2025.
Services will initially operate on Mondays and Fridays, and will operate from Terminal 1 at Perth Air[port. While it is a domestic flight, it will operate from the international terminal for biosecurity screening.
On the outbound flights, the service will stop in Learmonth. However, the return journey will be a non-stop service.
On the current schedule, on Monday, QF361 will operate Perth – (Learmonth) – Christmas Island – Cocos (Keeling) Island. The return flight QF362 will operate Cocos (Keeling) Island – Perth.
The Friday flight will see flights to the island swapped around. QF363 will fly Perth – (Learmonth) – Cocos (Keeling) Island. – Christmas Island. The return flight, QF364 will fly from Christmas Island back to Perth.
