Qantas reveals new ‘flight to somewhere’ experience

Building on the success of its viral ‘flight to nowhere’ initiative, Qantas is now offering an even more exciting adventure—flights to, well, somewhere.

With global air travel on pause and borders closed, airlines have had to get inventive during this challenging period.

Qantas’ playful ‘flight to somewhere’ caters to Australians eager for a holiday but unable to travel overseas.

The getaway is a 24-hour trip from Sydney to Uluru, complete with sightseeing and a hotel stay, taking place from December 5-6.

According to a press release from Qantas, the journey begins with an 8 a.m. departure from Sydney, heading toward the Northern Territory. Upon arrival at Uluru, travelers will experience the stunning Field of Light installation, enjoy a three-course dinner beneath the stars, and hear from Indigenous community members about the cultural significance of Uluru.

Guests will spend the night at the luxurious Sails in the Desert resort. Though the wake-up call is early, it will be worth it as travelers can watch the sunrise over Uluru, enjoy a brunch, and then board the flight back to Sydney.

During Qantas’ ‘flight to nowhere,’ a seven-hour sightseeing tour across Australia, passengers were treated to incredible aerial views of famous landmarks, including Uluru and Sydney Harbour, as the plane flew at lower altitudes than usual. Despite concerns over carbon emissions, the concept was a hit, with tickets selling out in just 30 minutes.

As part of the ‘flight to somewhere,’ the low-flying planes will offer stunning fly-bys at both the start and end of the trip, providing passengers with aerial views of iconic Australian landmarks.

The three-and-a-half-hour flight from Sydney to Uluru follows a route typically operated by Jetstar, a Qantas-owned budget airline, which has been suspended since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Uluru, once known as Ayers Rock, is a sacred site for Australia’s Indigenous people, particularly the Anangu, who have a deep cultural and historical connection to the landmark.

Uluru was officially closed to climbers in October 2019, which led to a surge in last-minute travel. Normally, over 300,000 visitors would come to Uluru each year. At 1,142 feet, it stands taller than the Eiffel Tower.