Direct flights between the United States and Australia are experiencing a notable increase, with a total of 910 flights scheduled for October 2025. This growth reflects the significant demand for transpacific travel, which has traditionally focused on routes to Asia. Aviation analytics firm Cirium reports that the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the most commonly used aircraft on these routes, accounting for 442 flights across its variants.
U.S. Airlines Strengthen Their Australian Routes
Among the major American carriers, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines are expanding their services to Australia. American Airlines operates non-stop flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Sydney (SYD) using the Boeing 777-300ER. Additionally, the airline is set to commence services from Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) to Brisbane (BNE) with the Boeing 787-8 later this month.
United Airlines has a comprehensive schedule to Australia, offering daily flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Melbourne (MEL), Brisbane, and Sydney. The airline also provides daily connections from Los Angeles to Sydney, with additional services from Los Angeles to Melbourne and from Houston (IAH) to Sydney. United primarily utilizes the Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft for these routes.
Delta Air Lines is also enhancing its offerings, flying daily from Los Angeles to Sydney with the Airbus A350-900. The airline plans to start services from LAX to Brisbane later this month, emphasizing its commitment to expanding its presence in the South Pacific. Delta stated, “This marks our most extensive schedule to the South Pacific to date, and as we build our presence in the region, we know our customers will enjoy the enhanced experience consistently provided by Delta.”
Australian Carriers and a Low-Cost Option
Australian flag carrier Qantas plays a significant role in connecting the U.S. with Australia. Its most prominent route is the daily service from Los Angeles to Sydney, operated by the Airbus A380. Qantas also runs services from DFW to Sydney and LAX to Melbourne, though these have lower frequencies. Additionally, the airline employs its Boeing 787-9 aircraft for various routes, including flights from DFW to Melbourne.
From Los Angeles, Qantas offers daily flights to Brisbane and connects San Francisco with direct Dreamliner flights to Sydney. One-stop options also link New York JFK to Sydney via Auckland, illustrating the breadth of Qantas’ international reach.
Low-cost carrier Jetstar, part of the Qantas Group, has a limited presence in the U.S., with 11 flights from Honolulu to Sydney scheduled for this month. Some of these flights will also continue to Melbourne, showcasing Jetstar’s efforts to connect budget travelers with Australian destinations.
The Role of Hawaiian Airlines
While the Airbus A330 is less common on transpacific routes, Hawaiian Airlines is utilizing its A330-200s for non-stop flights between Honolulu and Sydney. These flights operate five times a week in October, covering a distance of approximately 5,066 miles (6,543.6 km). The aircraft features a total of 278 seats, including 18 business class flatbeds and 260 economy class seats, catering to a range of passenger preferences.
As the demand for travel between the U.S. and Australia continues to grow, airlines are responding by expanding their services and fleet options. This trend not only enhances connectivity for travelers but also reflects the evolving landscape of international air travel.
