Friday, May 16, 2025

Qantas has officially announced the return of international flights from Adelaide, marking a significant advancement in the airline’s efforts to enhance the city’s global travel connectivity. As part of a long-term plan to grow its Australian network, Qantas intends to eventually offer direct connections from Adelaide to major Asian hubs, including Singapore, using its new Airbus A321XLR fleet. For now, however, the airline will start with a seasonal service between Adelaide and Auckland, operated on a Boeing 737 aircraft.

The Adelaide-Auckland route will begin on October 31, 2025, and will operate four times weekly, offering a direct connection between South Australia and New Zealand. Flights will run every Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with a flight duration of approximately four hours. This service will provide a convenient link for passengers traveling to New Zealand, as well as those connecting to other international destinations through Auckland.

This inaugural international route marks the beginning of Qantas’s broader plans to restore and expand Adelaide’s position as an international travel hub. The Adelaide-Auckland flights will run seasonally until May 3, 2026, and are expected to lay the groundwork for further international services from Adelaide as demand for global travel continues to grow.

In addition to the direct Adelaide-Auckland service, passengers will benefit from seamless connections to North America, thanks to Qantas’s popular Auckland-New York route. The connection via Auckland offers travelers from Adelaide the opportunity to easily access one of the U.S.’s most sought-after cities, making this new service a key option for those planning to visit North America.

The new Adelaide-Auckland flights are now available for booking, with return fares starting from \$699 in economy class. This competitive pricing provides South Australian travelers with an affordable option for international travel, whether they are visiting New Zealand or continuing their journey to the United States or other global destinations through Auckland.

The announcement of the new route coincides with the unveiling of Qantas’s newly upgraded Adelaide Business Lounge. The revamped lounge joins the Qantas Club and Qantas Chairman’s Lounge to provide travelers with a premium airport experience. Passengers will enjoy comfortable seating, modern workspaces, and a diverse selection of food and beverages. These improvements are part of Qantas’s broader commitment to enhancing the travel experience for its customers at Adelaide Airport, ensuring travelers have access to world-class amenities during their time in the airport.

These improvements to lounge facilities reflect Qantas’s dedication to providing passengers with a top-tier experience, from check-in to boarding. The expanded lounge offerings come at a time when the demand for international travel from South Australia is on the rise. The new Adelaide-Auckland flight service, combined with the improved lounge facilities, is expected to contribute positively to both the local tourism sector and business connections between South Australia and New Zealand.

The Adelaide-Auckland route is expected to become a popular choice for both leisure and business travelers. Adelaide’s appeal as a vibrant cultural hub, known for its stunning landscapes and unique food and wine scene, is attracting increasing numbers of international visitors. The new flight service provides an ideal connection for those looking to explore Adelaide or for those based in Adelaide who need efficient travel options to New Zealand and beyond.

Qantas’s investment in Adelaide’s international air services is also part of a broader strategy to enhance the airline’s global footprint. The Adelaide-Auckland route is just the beginning of Qantas’s plans for expanding international services from South Australia, with additional destinations expected in the future. As the airline continues to strengthen its presence in Adelaide, the city is set to become an even more integral part of Qantas’s global network.

In conclusion, the launch of the Adelaide-Auckland flight service represents a major step in Qantas’s ongoing efforts to restore and expand Adelaide’s international travel connections. This new seasonal route provides an affordable, convenient option for South Australian travelers looking to visit New Zealand, with the added benefit of easy connections to North America. With competitive fares, expanded flight options, and enhanced lounge facilities, Qantas is making it easier than ever for South Australians to travel internationally.