Along with three ministers and 147 Belgian business heavyweights, the future king of Belgium was scheduled to meet with New South Wales Premier Barry O’Farrell, then head to Sydney Opera House for a special concert by Jos Van Immerseel.

Instead, Prince Philippe and his delegation spent seven hours in Perth Airport, News.com.au reported.

Sydney festival director the Belgian Lieven Bertels took to twitter to express his outrage:

"Sad to see the Sydney leg of HRH Prince Philippe's Oz visit ruined because of a typical #qantas #fail. Great PR!,'' Mr Bertels tweeted.

"Seems like @qantasairlines wants to give our Belgian crown prince a fair go at experiencing their real service. #fail #IncredibleDelay.''