Qantas axes Perth-London mega flight over Middle East fears

Qantas is scrapping its signature non-stop flight from London to Perth due to soaring tensions in the Middle East.

Qantas has axed its non-stop mega flight from Perth to London due to soaring tensions in the Middle East.

The 17-hour flight will now stop in Singapore before taking an alternative route that dodges risky airspace, the airline said on Thursday.

“We’re making adjustments to some of our flight paths due to the situation in parts of the Middle East as a precaution,” a spokesperson said.

“We’ll contact customers directly if there’s any change to their booking.”

It’s understood return flights from London to Perth will operate direct, due to prevailing winds.

The flight from Perth to London is a staggering 17-hours, making it the fourth-longest route in the world. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tony McDonough

The move comes as Israel braces for retaliation from Iran over the deaths of Hamas political leader Ismael Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in the Lebanese capital Beirut.

Iran backs both militant groups and has vowed revenge on Israel, even though the Israeli government has only taken responsibility for Shukr’s death.

Qantas previously paused the route over the Middle East in April after Iran said it would strike Israel for killing a senior Iranian commander in Syria -- a promise it followed through with.

The Albanese government has called on Australians in Lebanon to leave while they can, warning they may be trapped there indefinitely if Beirut’s airport closes.