Qantas Launches Auckland to Adelaide Flight

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Qantas Revives International Flights from Adelaide and Unveils New Adelaide Airport Lounge Precinct



Qantas Takes Off Again from Adelaide: The Return of International Flights After 12 Years

After more than a decade on the ground, the flying kangaroo is finally stretching its wings from Adelaide once again. On 31 October 2025, Qantas launched its long-awaited direct service from Adelaide to Auckland - a move that 2019s being hailed as a turning point for South Australia 2019s tourism and international connectivity.

The inaugural flight, QF175, departed Adelaide Airport on Friday morning to applause and excitement, marking Qantas 2019 first international route from South Australia in over twelve years.




A direct link to the world Operating four times a week - Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday - the Boeing 737-800 service offers around 30,000 additional seats between the two capitals over the summer season, with the schedule running until early May 2026.

For South Australians, it 2019s not just about easier access to New Zealand. The new route opens a gateway to North America, connecting seamlessly through to Qantas 2019 Auckland 2013New York service (QF3). That means travellers can now reach New York in just one stop - a 21-hour journey door to door.

Cam Wallace, Qantas CEO International, described it as 201ca major milestone for Qantas and South Australians, 201d highlighting the airline 2019s rapid international growth and the importance of bringing that connectivity to Adelaide.

"South Australians can now reach New York with just one stop via Auckland, while the new route also opens greater opportunities for inbound connections throughout South Australia," Wallace said.

The announcement coincides with a major international sale across Qantas 2019 network, with one-way economy fares from Adelaide to Auckland starting at $359 for travel between February and May 2026 - further proof that the airline is serious about rebuilding its Adelaide presence.

A big win for tourism and trade The return of Qantas international services is being celebrated across South Australia 2019s tourism, aviation, and business sectors.

Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison MP called the new route "an important milestone," adding that it would strengthen South Australia 2019s connection to one of its most valuable tourism markets.

"New Zealand is our fourth-largest tourism market, contributing $93 million to South Australia 2019s economy - up 42 per cent on last year. And with this service connecting to New York, it also improves access to the North American market, worth $118 million to our state."

Adelaide Airport Managing Director Brenton Cox echoed the sentiment, calling it a "much-anticipated milestone' and emphasising that demand for trans-Tasman travel has been building steadily post-pandemic.

"Along with a direct service to Auckland, this new flight opens a one-stop connection to New York 2014 a significant step forward for our airport and travellers."

Tourism New Zealand 2019s Chief Executive Ren e9 de Monchy also weighed in, noting that 1.47 million Australians had visited New Zealand in the past year and that 201cdirect services like this play a vital role in strengthening connectivity and making trans-Tasman travel even more seamless. 201d

Malinauskas 2019 push pays off Premier Peter Malinauskas has been publicly calling for Qantas to reinstate international services from Adelaide since 2023. His lobbying appears to have paid off.

In a statement, the Premier welcomed the new route as "a signal of confidence in South Australia" and hinted that it may be just the beginning.

"We hope this marks the start of a long-term commitment by Qantas to grow their international network out of Adelaide," Malinauskas said.

The Premier has been a visible advocate for boosting the state 2019s global connections - part of a broader effort to strengthen South Australia 2019s economy, tourism industry, and business competitiveness.

While there 2019s no evidence that the Premier played a direct role in Qantas 2019 operational decisions, his government 2019s consistent advocacy has undoubtedly helped put Adelaide back on the airline 2019s radar.

What 2019s next for Qantas in Adelaide? This Auckland route is likely a test flight for something bigger. Qantas executives have hinted at a 201ctrial-and-build 201d approach -starting small, assessing demand, and then expanding.

Industry watchers suggest that if the route performs strongly, Adelaide could see additional direct Qantas services to destinations like Singapore or Bali, both of which have strong inbound and outbound potential.

As Qantas strengthens its Adelaide presence, the investment extends beyond routes to the traveller experience itself. Qantas has unveiled its new Adelaide Domestic Business Lounge and a fully refreshed Qantas Club at Adelaide Airport - both inspired by South Australia 2019s natural and cultural icons, from the Botanic Gardens and Central Market to Kangaroo Island 2019s Flinders Chase. The redesign captures the region 2019s warmth and creativity while offering a more spacious, comfortable experience for travellers.

The Adelaide to Auckland route is expected to boost inbound tourism, trade, and cultural links between South Australia and New Zealand 2014 and, perhaps more importantly, to re-establish Adelaide as an international gateway after years of being left out of Qantas 2019 global network.

A milestone that goes beyond the runway Beyond the flight itself, the move marks renewed confidence in Adelaide as a travel hub. With Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand also serving the trans-Tasman market, competition is heating up - which means better fares and more choice for travellers.

For now, Qantas 2019 return to the international stage in South Australia is a powerful symbol: the state is back on the map, and the world is one step closer.

Image Credit: https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-brings-international-flying-back-to-south-australia-as-new-adelaide-to-auckland-service-takes-off]

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