Qantas has officially resumed international operations from Adelaide for the first time in more than a decade, launching a direct flight route between Adelaide and Auckland. The inaugural flight took off on a Friday morning, responding to what the airline described as a “significant growth” in demand for travel between the two cities. This strategic move aligns with the broader increase in New Zealand migration to Australia, with nearly 72,000 New Zealanders relocating overseas in the year ending June 2025 — 60 percent of them to Australia.
The new service is expected to operate seasonally, with four weekly flights running until early May. It also acts as a stepping stone for South Australians traveling to New York, reducing total travel time to 21 hours via a single stop in Auckland.
Cross-Border Demand Driving New Route Strategy
The decision to launch the Adelaide–Auckland service is rooted in a surge of trans-Tasman travel. As reported by news.com.au, South Australia has seen a 42 percent increase in New Zealand visitors over the past year alone. This translates into a $93 million boost for the local economy, with New Zealand now ranked as the state’s fourth largest tourism market.
During a press conference marking the route’s launch, René de Monchy, Chief Executive of Tourism New Zealand, emphasized the mutual economic benefits of the connection. “It’s got to work in both directions, right? So I think that’s important,” he said. He also acknowledged the inconvenience of previous flight options: “But I flew up here last night and having to make that one stop on the way here makes it that much harder. So, it’s just great for people that, that barrier gets reduced.”
This aligns with broader regional tourism strategies aimed at enhancing two-way travel, attracting Australian tourists to New Zealand, while accommodating the increasing number of Kiwis moving or traveling to South Australia.
A Milestone in South Australian Aviation
The launch marks the return of Qantas international flights from Adelaide, a service absent for more than ten years. The new route offers strategic connectivity not only for leisure but also for business and long-haul international travel. Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace described the move as a landmark moment: “We’re pleased to bring more of that choice and connectivity to South Australia,” he said in comments reported by news.com.au.
The flight also opens direct access to New York, with just one layover in Auckland, expanding Adelaide’s reach into one of North America’s key markets, valued at $118 million to South Australia. This layered connectivity enhances the global position of Adelaide as a hub for both outbound and inbound tourism.
Government Welcomes the Return of International Travel
South Australian officials have also highlighted the strategic importance of the new service. Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison commented on the broader implications in remarks shared with news.com.au: “It is an important milestone for South Australia today to welcome Qantas international services back to Adelaide after more than a decade,” she said.
Bettison emphasized that the route does more than just simplify travel — it strengthens economic ties. “This new service direct to Auckland will further strengthen our State’s access to New Zealand, our fourth largest tourism market which has seen huge growth, up 42 per cent on the last year to contribute $93 million to South Australia’s economy,” she noted. “This service also provides greater access to another key global market in North America – worth $118 million to our State – as it connects through to New York City with a single stop.”
