Qantas to Launch Adelaide-Auckland Flights, Boosting Tourism Connectivity

Qantas is gearing up to launch new flights between Adelaide and Auckland in October 2025, signaling the airline’s return to non-stop international flying from South Australia. This move will not only offer convenient connections to North America via New Zealand but also significantly boost inbound tourism, adding over 30,000 seats between the two capital cities. The announcement comes as a welcome development for South Australians, with the airline also unveiling its first Domestic Business Lounge in Adelaide.

The South Australian Premier, Peter Malinauskas, expressed enthusiasm about Qantas re-establishing direct international flights from Adelaide to Auckland, emphasizing the strengthened bond between Australia and New Zealand. The new service opens up exciting travel opportunities, including connections to New York City with just one stop in Auckland. The airline’s CEO International, Cam Wallace, highlighted the importance of these milestones for both Qantas and South Australians, underscoring the premium pre-flight experience offered by the new Business Lounge.

For the tourism sector, the Minister for Tourism and Multicultural Affairs, Zoe Bettison, highlighted the significance of New Zealand as a key source market for visitation to South Australia. The growth in tourism expenditure from New Zealand underscores the potential for increased visitor numbers from across the Tasman Sea. The new Business Lounge in Adelaide Airport, featuring local produce and a Market Kitchen inspired by the Adelaide Central Market, adds to the overall travel experience for passengers.

Adelaide Airport’s managing director, Brenton Cox, welcomed the return of Qantas international services to Adelaide, emphasizing the enhanced travel options for passengers, including the direct service to Auckland and the convenient one-stop connection to New York. The new lounge precinct reflects the airline’s commitment to providing top-notch facilities and services to its customers. Designed in collaboration with Architectus, the lounge captures the essence of South Australia through its design elements inspired by iconic local locations.

Travelers can now book fares for the Adelaide to Auckland route on Qantas.com, with the inaugural flight scheduled for October 31, 2025. The seasonal service will operate four times a week on a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, with a flight time of approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes. The launch fare for economy return tickets is set at $699 AUD, offering a travel period from October to December 2025 and January to March 2026. With nearly 280 weekly services from Adelaide to various destinations in Australia, Qantas continues to expand its offerings for travelers.