Qantas has quietly adjusted schedules and aircraft rotations on its Johannesburg and Jakarta routes after South African and Indonesian authorities advised the carrier that additional passenger-and-baggage screening would be required for flights bound for Australia from 19 February.
The West Australian reports that, to absorb longer ground-handling times, QF64 (Johannesburg–Sydney) will now depart 45 minutes earlier, while the Sydney–Jakarta–Sydney rotation will operate with an Airbus A330 instead of a 787 on selected days through March. Transit-time buffers have also been increased to protect against slot loss at Sydney and Perth.
For passengers needing clarity on Australian entry or transit visa requirements amid these new security measures, VisaHQ’s online portal (https://www.visahq.com/australia/) offers quick eligibility checks and streamlined application services. Using the platform to secure the correct documentation in advance can help travellers avoid last-minute hassles and move through the enhanced screening process with confidence.
![Qantas Tweaks Johannesburg and Jakarta Flights as Extra Security Screening Bites]()
The enhanced screening—believed to involve random secondary checks for explosive trace and agricultural contraband—follows an ABF risk assessment that classified both origin airports as requiring “heightened vigilance.” Travellers connecting from domestic South African or Indonesian services are being urged to leave extra time for security queues and to ensure all electronic devices are charged for potential power-on inspections.
Corporate travel managers should update traveller briefing notes and consider re-booking tight onward connections. Freight forwarders moving high-value cargo on passenger services report that belly-hold cut-off times have been brought forward by up to two hours.
The airline says lounge opening hours in Johannesburg have been adjusted and a dedicated priority-screening lane for premium customers will operate on trial until 31 March.
The West Australian reports that, to absorb longer ground-handling times, QF64 (Johannesburg–Sydney) will now depart 45 minutes earlier, while the Sydney–Jakarta–Sydney rotation will operate with an Airbus A330 instead of a 787 on selected days through March. Transit-time buffers have also been increased to protect against slot loss at Sydney and Perth.
For passengers needing clarity on Australian entry or transit visa requirements amid these new security measures, VisaHQ’s online portal (https://www.visahq.com/australia/) offers quick eligibility checks and streamlined application services. Using the platform to secure the correct documentation in advance can help travellers avoid last-minute hassles and move through the enhanced screening process with confidence.
The enhanced screening—believed to involve random secondary checks for explosive trace and agricultural contraband—follows an ABF risk assessment that classified both origin airports as requiring “heightened vigilance.” Travellers connecting from domestic South African or Indonesian services are being urged to leave extra time for security queues and to ensure all electronic devices are charged for potential power-on inspections.
Corporate travel managers should update traveller briefing notes and consider re-booking tight onward connections. Freight forwarders moving high-value cargo on passenger services report that belly-hold cut-off times have been brought forward by up to two hours.
The airline says lounge opening hours in Johannesburg have been adjusted and a dedicated priority-screening lane for premium customers will operate on trial until 31 March.
