Best Airlines UK to Australia: Quick Comparison
| Airline | Best For | Typical Routing | Strongest Routes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qantas | Direct & fastest option | Perth (direct) / Singapore | Perth, Sydney, Melbourne |
| Emirates | UK airport choice | Dubai | Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth |
| Qatar Airways | Value & business class | Doha | Sydney, Melbourne, Perth |
| Singapore Airlines | Comfort | Singapore | Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth |
| British Airways | UK network | Singapore / Kuala Lumpur | Sydney, Melbourne |
| Etihad Airways | Abu Dhabi connection | Abu Dhabi | Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane |
| Cathay Pacific | Hong Kong connection | Hong Kong | Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane |
Routes and frequencies change regularly — always confirm current schedules directly with the airline or on our flights to Australia page before booking.
Which Is the Best Airline UK to Australia?
Rather than one single winner, the right airline for you depends on your priorities.
- Best overall: Qantas / Singapore Airlines
- Best for price: Emirates / Qatar Airways
- Best for direct travel: Qantas
- Best for business class: Qatar Airways
- Best for premium service: Singapore Airlines
- Best for UK regional airports: Emirates / Qatar Airways
- Best for Perth: Qantas
- Best for Sydney: Qantas / Emirates / Singapore Airlines
- Best for Melbourne: Qantas / Singapore Airlines / Emirates
- Best for Brisbane: Emirates / Singapore Airlines / Qatar Airways
These are route- and date-dependent recommendations rather than fixed rules — always compare live fares for your specific trip.
Qantas: UK to Australia
Qantas is the standout choice for speed, currently operating the only direct London Heathrow to Perth flight between the UK and Australia. Its network also covers London to Sydney via Singapore and London to Melbourne via Perth, with onward connections to Brisbane and Adelaide. Qantas's long-standing partnership with British Airways adds further UK connection options across economy, premium economy and business class, alongside competitive baggage allowances for the ultra-long-haul journey.
Compare Qantas alongside other carriers on our flights to Australia page.
Emirates: UK to Australia via Dubai
Emirates is one of the strongest one-stop options for travellers outside London, with departures from Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh connecting through Dubai to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. Its extensive Dubai hub network, modern widebody fleet and generous baggage allowances make it a consistently popular choice, particularly for regional UK travellers who don't want to first travel to London.
See current Emirates fares and routes on our flights to Australia page.
Qatar Airways: UK to Australia via Doha
Qatar Airways connects Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh to Sydney, Melbourne and Perth via its Doha hub. Its highly rated Qsuite business class and competitive economy pricing make it a strong all-round choice for one-stop UK-Australia travel, and it's a frequent comparison point against Emirates for travellers weighing up value and premium service.
Singapore Airlines: UK to Australia via Singapore
Singapore Airlines is widely regarded as one of the most comfortable ways to reach Australia, connecting London with Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth through its Singapore hub. Beyond the flight itself, a Singapore stopover is a genuinely popular way to break up the journey, combining strong cabin service with the option of a short city stay en route.
British Airways: UK to Australia
British Airways connects the UK with Australia via Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. The airline has announced a return to Melbourne with a daily London Heathrow service via Kuala Lumpur starting 11 January 2027, alongside its existing Sydney service — a significant expansion for UK travellers who prefer flying with a familiar British brand for part of an otherwise ultra-long-haul journey.
Etihad Airways: UK to Australia via Abu Dhabi
Etihad Airways offers one-stop Australia connections via Abu Dhabi from Heathrow, Manchester and Birmingham, reaching Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. It's a strong option for travellers wanting a free Abu Dhabi stopover to break up the journey, alongside competitive business and economy fares.
Cathay Pacific: UK to Australia via Hong Kong
Cathay Pacific routes UK travellers to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane via its Hong Kong hub, making it a solid choice for anyone wanting a well-regarded Asian stopover city alongside a strong business class product on the UK-Australia route.
More Airlines Connecting the UK and Australia
Beyond the major carriers above, several Asian, Middle Eastern and Chinese airlines offer one-stop UK-Australia connections worth comparing, particularly if your dates or destination city don't line up well with the bigger networks.
- Malaysia Airlines: connects the UK to Sydney, Melbourne and Perth via a Kuala Lumpur stopover.
- Thai Airways: routes UK-Australia travellers via Bangkok to Sydney and Melbourne.
- Turkish Airlines: connects via Istanbul, useful for travellers combining a UK-Australia trip with a stop in Europe or Asia.
- China Southern: offers competitive fares via Guangzhou to major Australian cities.
- Air China: connects via Beijing to Sydney and Melbourne.
Best Airline by Australian Destination
Best airlines from UK to Sydney
Qantas, Emirates and Singapore Airlines are the strongest options for London-Sydney, each routing via a different hub. Compare all three on our flights to Australia page.
Best airlines from UK to Melbourne
Qantas, Singapore Airlines and Emirates all serve London-Melbourne, and British Airways' new Heathrow-Melbourne service via Kuala Lumpur from January 2027 adds a further option on this route.
Best airlines from UK to Perth
Qantas is the clear choice here, operating the only nonstop UK-Australia flight on the London-Perth route, alongside one-stop alternatives from Emirates, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines.
Best airlines from UK to Brisbane
Emirates, Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways are the strongest one-stop options for London-Brisbane, each connecting via Dubai, Singapore or Doha respectively.
Best airlines from UK to Adelaide
Adelaide is generally reached via a connection through Qantas's Perth or Singapore network, or via Emirates and Qatar Airways one-stop routings — compare current options on our flights to Australia page.
Best airlines from UK to Canberra
Canberra is typically reached via a connection through Sydney or Melbourne, making Qantas, Emirates and Singapore Airlines the most practical choices for this route.
Which UK Airport Is Best for Flights to Australia?
| UK Airport | Direct Options | One-Stop Options |
|---|---|---|
| London Heathrow | Qantas (Perth) | Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Etihad, Cathay Pacific & more |
| Manchester | None currently | Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Cathay Pacific |
| Birmingham | None currently | Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad |
| Edinburgh | None currently | Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines |
| Glasgow / Leeds / Bristol / Newcastle | None currently | Connect via London or a regional one-stop hub |
Don't assume your nearest airport is automatically cheapest — compare the total journey cost (fare, baggage, and getting to the airport itself) across at least two or three UK departure points. For more on choosing the right UK airport, see our UK airport guide.
Which Australian Airport Is Best for Flights to the UK?
| Australian Airport | Direct Options | One-Stop Options |
|---|---|---|
| Perth | Qantas (London) | Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines |
| Sydney | None currently | Qantas, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, British Airways |
| Melbourne | None currently | Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, British Airways (from Jan 2027) |
| Brisbane | None currently | Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways |
| Adelaide | None currently | Connect via Perth, Singapore or a Gulf hub |
Which Airline Is Cheapest from the UK to Australia?
Rather than a fixed promise, think of this as a comparison methodology. Fares change by:
- Departure airport — London options compete against regional one-stop fares.
- Destination — Perth (with a direct option) can price differently to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.
- Season — Australian summer, school holidays and December-January are the most expensive periods.
- Baggage included — a cheaper headline fare with less baggage may not actually be better value.
- Connection — your stopover city and layover length affect total fare and journey time.
- Cabin — economy, premium economy and business class pricing structures vary significantly by airline.
- Travel dates — fares generally rise the closer you get to departure.
Cheapest Time to Fly from UK to Australia
British Airways generally identifies May, August and September as cheaper months to fly to Australia, while noting that demand rises around the Australian spring and the March-May period. Treat this as a general seasonal pattern rather than a permanent fare rule — always compare live prices for your specific dates.
| Month | Demand | Typical Fare Tendency |
|---|---|---|
| January | High | Higher |
| February | Medium | Moderate |
| March | Medium | Moderate |
| April | Medium | Moderate |
| May | Lower | Often cheaper |
| June | Medium | Moderate |
| July | High | Higher |
| August | Lower | Often cheaper |
| September | Lower/Medium | Often cheaper |
| October | Medium | Moderate |
| November | Rising | Moderate/High |
| December | Very High | Highest |
Direct or One-Stop: Which Is Better for Australia?
The direct Qantas Perth service wins on speed, but a one-stop connection can open up more Australian destinations, more UK departure airports, and sometimes a lower fare — plus the option of a stopover holiday along the way.
| Direct | One-Stop |
|---|---|
| Qantas → Perth | Emirates → Dubai |
| — | Qatar Airways → Doha |
| — | Singapore Airlines → Singapore |
| — | Malaysia Airlines / British Airways → Kuala Lumpur |
| — | Cathay Pacific → Hong Kong |
| — | Etihad → Abu Dhabi |
Most UK-Australia itineraries involve one stop, with Qantas's direct London-Perth service the sole exception on this ultra-long-haul route.
How Long Is the Flight from UK to Australia?
Total journey time depends heavily on your connection and destination city — Australia's size means there is no single "UK to Australia flight time" figure that applies everywhere.
- London → Perth (direct, Qantas): around 17 hours.
- London → Sydney (via a connection): generally longer, depending on layover time.
- London → Melbourne (via a connection): similar to Sydney, depending on your routing.
- London → Brisbane (via a connection): varies by hub and layover length.
Which Airline Has the Best Baggage Allowance to Australia?
| Airline | Typical Economy Checked Baggage | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Qantas | Generous allowance on standard international fares | Direct travel & families |
| Singapore Airlines | Standard international allowance included | Comfort-focused travel |
| British Airways | Standard international allowance included | UK-brand full-service travel |
| Emirates / Qatar / Etihad / Cathay Pacific | Varies by fare class — check at booking | Flexible one-stop connections |
Baggage allowances change by fare class and route — always verify your specific ticket's allowance before booking, particularly for extended stays or student relocations.
Best Airline by Traveller Type
Best airline for students
Ask specifically about student fares and extra baggage allowances when comparing options for the popular UK-Australia student route — Qatar Airways, Emirates and Singapore Airlines are frequently compared for their combination of fare flexibility and baggage allowance.
Best airline for families
Qantas, Singapore Airlines and Emirates are often preferred by families on this ultra-long-haul route thanks to generous baggage, strong entertainment options and, in Qantas's case, the option to shorten the journey via the direct Perth service. See our family travel tips for more guidance.
Best airline for business class
Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qantas and Etihad all offer strong business class products on UK-Australia routes — Qatar's Qsuite and Singapore Airlines' cabin service are particularly strong comparison points for this route's long flight times.
Best airline for regional UK departures
Emirates and Qatar Airways generally offer the widest choice of UK regional airports for Australia-bound travellers, useful for anyone outside London and the South East.
Best airline for a stopover holiday
Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Malaysia Airlines all route through cities popular for a short stopover — Singapore, Dubai, Doha and Kuala Lumpur — letting travellers break up the journey to Australia with a city stay along the way.
Airline vs Airline: Head-to-Head
Qantas vs Emirates
Qantas wins on speed with its direct Perth service, while Emirates offers wider UK regional departure options and connections to more Australian cities via Dubai. Choose Qantas for the fastest journey, Emirates for airport choice.
Qatar vs Emirates
Both are strong one-stop options with extensive Australian networks. Qatar Airways is often praised for its Qsuite business class and competitive pricing, while Emirates offers slightly broader UK regional coverage — compare both for your dates.
Qatar vs Singapore Airlines
Qatar Airways' Doha hub and Qsuite stand out for premium travellers, while Singapore Airlines is consistently rated for overall cabin comfort and service — both are strong choices depending on your priority.
Emirates vs Singapore Airlines
Emirates' Dubai hub offers a larger overall network and more UK departure points; Singapore Airlines is often preferred for its comfort and the option of a Singapore stopover.
Qantas vs Singapore Airlines
Qantas is the fastest way to reach Australia thanks to its direct Perth route, while Singapore Airlines offers a highly regarded cabin experience for travellers who don't mind an additional connection.
Best Airlines from Australia to the UK
Every airline covered above also operates the reverse Australia-to-UK direction, giving Australian-based travellers, students and returning UK residents the same range of direct and connecting choices.
Sydney to London
Qantas, Emirates and Singapore Airlines all connect Sydney with London — compare on our flights to Australia page.
Melbourne to London
Qantas, Singapore Airlines and Emirates serve Melbourne-London, with British Airways' new service via Kuala Lumpur adding a further option from January 2027.
Perth to London
Qantas operates the only nonstop Perth-London flight, making it the fastest option for this route, alongside one-stop alternatives from Emirates, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines.
Brisbane to London
Emirates, Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways are the strongest one-stop options for Brisbane-London.
Adelaide to London
Adelaide-London journeys typically connect via Perth, Singapore or a Gulf hub — compare current options on our flights to Australia page.
Explore Every UK to Australia Route
Frequently asked questions
What is the best airline from the UK to Australia?
There is no single best airline for every traveller. Qantas offers the fastest routing with a direct London-Perth service, while Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines and Etihad offer extensive one-stop networks from more UK airports, often at a lower fare and with a wider choice of Australian destinations.
What is the cheapest airline from the UK to Australia?
No airline is consistently cheapest on every date and route. Emirates and Qatar Airways are generally among the more competitively priced one-stop options, but comparing fares across Qantas, Singapore Airlines, British Airways and Etihad for your specific dates remains the most reliable way to find the lowest fare.
Are there direct flights from the UK to Australia?
Qantas operates a direct London Heathrow to Perth service, which is currently the only nonstop option between the UK and Australia. Flights to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and other Australian cities all require at least one connection via a hub such as Singapore, Dubai, Doha or Perth.
Which airline flies nonstop from London to Australia?
Qantas is the only airline currently operating a nonstop flight between the UK and Australia, on its London Heathrow to Perth route.
How long is the flight from London to Australia?
The direct Qantas London-Perth flight takes around 17 hours. Journeys to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane generally take longer once a connection is included, so total travel time depends heavily on your routing and layover.
What is the fastest way to get from the UK to Australia?
The Qantas nonstop London-Perth service is the fastest way to reach Australia from the UK, at around 17 hours. For other Australian cities, a well-timed one-stop connection via Singapore, Dubai or Doha is typically the quickest option.
What is the cheapest month to fly to Australia?
British Airways generally identifies May, August and September as cheaper months to fly to Australia, since demand is lower outside the Australian spring and the December-January peak. Treat this as a general seasonal pattern rather than a guaranteed fare.
When should I book flights to Australia?
Booking outside peak periods such as December, January and the Australian spring (September-November), and staying flexible on both departure airport and stopover city, are the most effective ways to secure a lower fare to Australia.
Is Qantas better than Emirates for Australia?
Qantas is the stronger choice for speed thanks to its direct London-Perth route, while Emirates offers wider UK regional departure options and connections to more Australian cities via Dubai. The better choice depends on your departure airport, destination and priority between speed and choice.
Is Qatar better than Emirates for Australia?
Both are strong one-stop options with extensive Australian networks via Doha and Dubai respectively. Qatar Airways is often praised for its Qsuite business class and competitive pricing, while Emirates offers slightly broader UK regional departure options — compare both for your exact dates.
Is Singapore Airlines good for Australia?
Yes, Singapore Airlines is widely regarded as one of the most comfortable ways to reach Australia, connecting through its Singapore hub to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth with a strong reputation for cabin service and reliability.
Which airline has the best baggage allowance to Australia?
Baggage allowance varies by airline and fare class, so always check your specific ticket before booking. Full-service carriers such as Qantas, British Airways and Singapore Airlines generally include a generous checked allowance on standard international fares, while Gulf carriers' allowances vary more by fare type.
Which airline is best for students travelling to Australia?
Students should specifically ask about student fares and extra baggage allowances when comparing airlines, since some carriers and travel agents offer discounted student tickets with additional luggage allowance for valid student ID holders travelling to study in Australia.
Which airline is best for families travelling to Australia?
Airlines with generous baggage allowances and strong onboard entertainment and meal options, such as Qantas, Singapore Airlines and Emirates, are often preferred by families making the long journey to Australia, though comparing total journey cost and connection time across all options remains worthwhile.
What is the best business-class airline to Australia?
Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qantas and Etihad all offer strong business class products on UK-Australia routes, with Qatar's Qsuite and Singapore Airlines' cabin service particularly well regarded for this ultra-long-haul journey — compare specific fares for your dates rather than assuming one airline is always best.
What is the best airline from London to Sydney?
Qantas, Emirates and Singapore Airlines are all strong choices for London-Sydney, each connecting via a different hub. Comparing live fares and schedules across all three for your specific travel dates is the best way to find the right fit.
What is the best airline from London to Melbourne?
Qantas, Singapore Airlines and Emirates all serve London-Melbourne via a connection, and British Airways has also announced a return to Melbourne with a daily Heathrow service via Kuala Lumpur from January 2027, adding a further option on this route.
What is the best airline from London to Perth?
Qantas is the clear choice for London-Perth, operating the only nonstop flight between the UK and Australia on this route, taking around 17 hours.
What is the best airline from London to Brisbane?
Emirates, Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways are the strongest one-stop options for London-Brisbane, each connecting via Dubai, Singapore or Doha respectively.
What is the best airline from Sydney to London?
The same carriers serving London-Sydney — Qantas, Emirates and Singapore Airlines — also operate the reverse Sydney-London direction with equivalent route choice and connection options.
What is the best airline from Melbourne to London?
Qantas, Singapore Airlines and Emirates all connect Melbourne with London, and British Airways' new Melbourne-Heathrow service via Kuala Lumpur from January 2027 will add another direct-brand option for this route.
What is the best airline from Perth to London?
Qantas operates the only nonstop Perth-London flight, making it the fastest option, while Emirates, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines offer one-stop alternatives from Perth to the UK.
Is it cheaper to fly via Dubai or Doha to Australia?
Neither Dubai (Emirates) nor Doha (Qatar Airways) is consistently cheaper — pricing depends on your specific travel dates, departure airport and destination city, so comparing both hubs for your exact journey is the most reliable approach.
Is it cheaper to fly direct or with a stopover to Australia?
It depends on the route and dates. The direct Qantas Perth service is prized for speed but is not always the cheapest option, and one-stop connections via Asian or Middle Eastern hubs can sometimes undercut it, particularly outside peak season.
Which UK airport has the cheapest flights to Australia?
This varies by date and route rather than one fixed airport. London Heathrow offers the widest choice of airlines, but regional airports like Manchester and Birmingham can offer competitive one-stop fares via Gulf or Asian hubs — compare multiple airports for your specific trip.
Which airlines fly directly from the UK to Australia?
Qantas is currently the only airline operating a nonstop UK-Australia flight, connecting London Heathrow with Perth. All other airlines require at least one connection.
Does British Airways fly direct to Australia?
British Airways does not currently operate a nonstop UK-Australia route. It connects to Sydney and, from January 2027, to Melbourne via a stop in Kuala Lumpur.
How many airlines fly from the UK to Australia?
Around a dozen major airlines connect the UK and Australia either directly or via a connection, including Qantas, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Etihad, Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, China Southern and Air China.
What is the best airline for a stopover holiday on the way to Australia?
Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Malaysia Airlines all route through cities — Singapore, Dubai, Doha and Kuala Lumpur — that are popular for a short stopover holiday, letting travellers break up the ultra-long-haul journey to Australia.
Which airline is best for regional UK departures to Australia?
Emirates and Qatar Airways generally offer the widest choice of UK regional departure airports for Australia-bound travellers, reducing the need to first travel to London before connecting onward.