How long is flight QF2?

The LHR to SYD route is the basis for the schedule. View the full route forecast and typical duration on the Turbcast route page.

Flight QF2

QF2 Turbulence ForecastQantas · LHR → SYD

About flight QF2

The return Kangaroo Route.

Airline: Qantas (QF)
Route: LHR → SYD
Typical Aircraft: A380
Distance: 17,021 km
Duration: 20h 17m
Cruise Altitude: FL410

See today’s turbulence forecast

Qantas QF2 flies the jet-stream + mountain-wave corridor from London to Sydney. Conditions change hour to hour - view the live forecast for your departure date.

View live forecast

Check QF2 on a specific date

Turbulence on the LHR → SYD route

Jet-stream exposure on this corridor is significant. Long mid-latitude legs mean clear-air turbulence is the dominant source of bumps, typically encountered at cruise altitude. The route crosses or passes near the Himalayas, which can generate mountain-wave turbulence downwind when upper-level winds are strong. At tropical latitudes, convective turbulence from thunderstorms is the main driver - pilots generally route around storm cells, but afternoon/evening flights encounter more build-up than morning departures. Flying eastbound, aircraft usually benefit from tailwinds near the jet core, which trims flight time - but the edges of the jet are where clear-air turbulence most often sits.

Calmest season: Dry season. This corridor is most turbulent in the relevant hemisphere’s winter, when the jet stream is strongest and sits closer to the route. Wind flowing over the Himalayas can generate mountain-wave turbulence that extends hundreds of kilometres downwind - most pronounced in the relevant hemisphere’s winter, when upper-level winds are strongest. At tropical latitudes, convective (thunderstorm-driven) turbulence dominates during regional wet seasons and monsoon cycles, typically worst in the afternoon and evening.

Full LHR to SYD route guide

Frequently asked questions

Is QF2 usually a bumpy flight?

Qantas QF2 operates between LHR and SYD. Whether it’s bumpy depends on the day’s weather - Turbcast pulls live NOAA aviation-grade data so you can check the actual forecast for your departure date rather than relying on averages.

What aircraft does QF2 use?

QF2 is typically operated by the A380. Aircraft swaps happen - confirm with your booking before flying.

How long is the LHR to SYD flight?

Approximately 20h 17m direct, covering 17,021 km at a typical cruise of FL410.

When does QF2 have the smoothest weather?

Historically calmest during Dry season. Forecast accuracy improves as you get closer to departure - within 48 hours the NOAA WAFS model is at peak skill.