Qantas international services return to Adelaide

Adelaide Airport has welcomed Qantas’s announcement it will recommence international services out of Adelaide with a four-weekly service to Auckland to start in October this year.

The first flight will depart Adelaide on October 31 and will operate on a seasonal basis until May 3, creating 30,000 seats between the two cities.

The service will utilise the Boeing B737-800 aircraft and will operate from Adelaide every Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The announcement coincides with Qantas opening its new Business Lounge at Adelaide Airport.

Adelaide Airport Managing Director, Brenton Cox, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Qantas international services to Adelaide skies. It’s always been our goal to see a return of Qantas flying internationally out of Adelaide, and today’s announcement will also add much needed capacity to our vital and highly underserved Trans Tasman market.

“The flights also offer good connections on Qantas and American Airlines codeshare flights to the US, including Qantas’s QF3 New York service.

“Adelaide Airport is also delighted to welcome the launch of Qantas’s new premium lounge facilities. The opening of the new Qantas Business Lounge this month will be a great addition to the lounge precinct. The timely investment by Qantas in its new Qantas Club and Business Lounge will meet growing demand from our customers for premium travel experiences.

“We’re particularly excited to see how the design has drawn inspiration from the South Australian landscape and particularly Kangaroo Island. This complements Adelaide Airport’s overall retail philosophy for the main terminal where our retailers and dining establishments showcase the best of South Australia through fine foods and premium wines and other local products.”

Qantas Group CEO Qantas International Cam Wallace said it was an exciting and significant day both for Qantas and South Australians.

“Today we’re celebrating two huge milestones in Adelaide – launching a new direct international flight and our first Qantas Business Lounge at Adelaide Airport. This is fantastic news for our South Australian customers who will have access to a direct international flight to Auckland as well as opening up connections to New York via Auckland.

“For the millions of customers that visit our lounges, we know just how important it is to have a premium pre-flight experience and we’re so pleased to be bringing this to Adelaide today. The new lounge has been designed based off feedback and the features we know our customers' value the most.” 

Comments to be attributed to Premier of South Australia, Peter Malinauskas MP: 

“It is great news that Qantas is re-establishing a direct international flight out of Adelaide with this new service to Auckland. There is no better friend to Australia than New Zealand – and this connection is only set to bring us even closer.

“It also connects South Australians through to New York City with a single stop, strengthening our bond with a key economic and AUKUS partner. We hope that this marks the beginning of a long-term commitment by Qantas to grow their international services out of Adelaide.” 

Comments to be attributed to Minister for Tourism and Multicultural Affairs, Zoe Bettison MP: 

“This new service makes travel to South Australia easier for New Zealanders, who have long been a key source of tourism for our State. New Zealand is presently the equal second biggest source market for visitation to South Australia – behind only the UK and equal with China.

“Tourism expenditure from New Zealand grew by 29% in the last year, with 48,000 visitors coming to South Australia in 2024. We invite our friends across the ditch to come and experience the simple pleasures of South Australia – to taste our premium food and wine, experience our natural beauty, and enjoy a plethora of events and festivals across the calendar.”