Thursday, May 15, 2025

In a bold move to expand its international network, Qantas Airways (QF), Australia’s flagship carrier, has announced the launch of a seasonal non-stop route connecting Adelaide (ADL) and Auckland (AKL). This new service, set to begin on October 31, 2025, will operate until May 3, 2026, offering a direct link between the two cities. The announcement marks a significant milestone for South Australia, enhancing the region’s global accessibility and supporting tourism and business growth.

New Non-Stop Route Set to Strengthen Adelaide’s Global Connectivity

Qantas will operate the new route with a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, offering four weekly services—on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The flight duration is approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes, providing travelers with a convenient and efficient option to travel between the two cities.

This direct flight will cater to both leisure and business travelers, offering the first non-stop international service from Adelaide since 2013. The route directly competes with Air New Zealand (NZ), the dominant player on the trans-Tasman market, and aims to provide increased competition, service variety, and improved connectivity.

The Adelaide-Auckland service is expected to fill a significant gap in the market, offering over 30,000 seats annually and helping foster stronger connections between South Australia and New Zealand. The introduction of this route aligns with Qantas’ broader strategy to strengthen tourism and business ties between the two regions. The airline’s seasonal flights are expected to contribute to increased tourism traffic, supporting South Australia’s economy and enhancing the state’s appeal as a travel destination.

With launch fares starting at $699 AUD for return economy tickets, the route is designed to attract both leisure travelers looking to visit New Zealand and business professionals seeking smoother travel between the two cities. Additionally, the new service will offer enhanced connectivity to North America, as travelers can easily connect to Qantas’ North American services via Auckland.

The new Adelaide-Auckland route will significantly boost Adelaide’s profile as an international gateway. By tapping into New Zealand’s growing tourism market, the service supports South Australia’s broader goal of increasing visitor numbers and expenditure, which saw a notable 29% increase in 2024 due to the influx of New Zealand visitors.

The state’s tourism offerings, including world-class wineries, nature parks, and cultural festivals, make it an attractive destination for international travelers, particularly those from New Zealand. South Australia is already recognized as New Zealand’s second-largest tourism market, behind only the UK, and the new route will help further solidify this relationship.

As part of its ongoing commitment to improving the travel experience, Qantas is also set to open its first Domestic Business Lounge at Adelaide Airport in mid-2025. The lounge, which will span 1,016 square meters, will be designed to reflect the essence of South Australia, with elements inspired by the region’s iconic landmarks, including the Adelaide Botanic Gardens and Kangaroo Island.

The lounge will feature a Market Kitchen with live cooking stations, showcasing local delicacies and produce. Passengers can expect a high-end dining experience curated by renowned chefs and industry experts, with lighter dishes created by celebrated South Australian culinary figure Maggie Beer. The lounge will provide a comfortable space for travelers, offering 80% of seating with access to power stations and wireless charging mats, ensuring passengers remain connected and comfortable during their journey.

The new lounge will be part of Qantas’ investment in Adelaide Airport, which already houses the Qantas Club and Chairman’s Lounge, completing the airline’s premium offering at the airport.

This new route and lounge open the door to greater economic benefits for South Australia. The increase in direct flights between Adelaide and Auckland will facilitate smoother travel for business professionals and entrepreneurs, boosting trade between the two regions. In addition, the influx of New Zealand tourists is expected to bring further investment and expansion to local businesses, particularly in the hospitality, retail, and travel sectors.

The introduction of the Adelaide-Auckland service is also part of Qantas’ broader strategy to grow its international network and expand its market share in key regions. This expansion aligns with the airline’s plans for fleet renewal, which includes new aircraft like the Airbus A321 XLR, potentially enabling the airline to increase capacity on high-demand routes like Adelaide to Auckland.

Qantas has made it clear that the Adelaide-Auckland route is just the beginning of the airline’s international growth strategy. The airline plans to expand further into other high-demand markets, with new routes scheduled for Perth to Auckland and Johannesburg in December 2025. The new Adelaide-Auckland service will also allow Qantas to monitor demand, making it easier to adjust and expand the route if necessary.

Qantas Group CEO International described the Adelaide-Auckland route and lounge opening as key steps in the airline’s ongoing commitment to offering premium experiences to travelers while continuing to expand its global network. By reintroducing Adelaide’s international service and enhancing the airport experience, Qantas aims to position Adelaide as a major player in the international travel market.

Route and Lounge Key Details

Route: Adelaide (ADL) to Auckland (AKL)

Start Date: October 31, 2025

End Date: May 3, 2026

Frequency: Four times weekly (Monday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday)

Aircraft: Boeing 737-800

Flight Duration: Approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes

Launch Fare: AUD $699 return (select dates)

Qantas Lounge: Opening mid-2025, 1,016 sqm, 190-capacity, South Australia-themed design

Qantas’ new seasonal service and the introduction of its premium Domestic Business Lounge at Adelaide Airport will play a pivotal role in enhancing South Australia’s global connectivity. This strategic expansion is set to benefit both the tourism industry and business sectors, establishing Adelaide as a key destination for international travelers and strengthening the city’s position as a gateway to Australia.