Qantas announced new flights between Adelaide and Auckland set to take off in October 2025*, marking the airline’s return of non-stop international flying from South Australia.
The new route offers connections to North America via New Zealand for South Australians on the airline’s QF3 service from Auckland to New York.
The new seasonal route will add more than 30,000 seats between the two capital cities, boosting inbound tourism to the state.
Marking a significant day for South Australians, the airline is also opening the doors to its first Domestic Business Lounge in Adelaide.
“It is great news that Qantas is re-establishing a direct international flight out of Adelaide with this new service to Auckland,” SA Premier, Peter Malinauskas said. “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.”
The new lounge celebrates the best of South Australia featuring a market kitchen, inspired by the Adelaide Central Market, serving up dishes created by Qantas Creative Director of Food, Beverage and Service, Neil Perry and lighter snack options by Maggie Beer.
Qantas Group CEO 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.”
SA Minister for Tourism and Multicultural Affairs, Zoe Bettison said New Zealanders have long been a key source of tourism for the State.
“New Zealand is presently the equal second biggest source market for visitation to South Australia – behind only the UK and equal with China,” she said.
“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.”
Adelaide Airport managing director, Brenton Cox welcomed Qantas international services back to Adelaide, offering both the direct service to Auckland and the one-stop connection to New York.
“We also welcome the wonderful new Business Lounge featuring great local produce in keeping with Adelaide Airport’s overall retail philosophy to showcase the best of South Australia,” he said.
The opening of the Domestic Business Lounge marks the final stage in construction of the new Adelaide Lounge precinct and a significant milestone in the national carrier’s investment in upgrading its global lounge network and ongoing commitment to enhancing customer experience.
Designed in collaboration with Architectus, the new Domestic Business Lounge aims to capture the essence of South Australia, taking inspiration from three iconic locations; the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, Adelaide Central Markets and Kangaroo Island’s Flinders Chase National Park.
New Adelaide to Auckland flights
- Adelaide to Auckland fares are available now on Qantas.com with the inaugural service taking off on Friday 31 October 2025*
- Launch fare $699 AUD economy return (incl. taxes, travel period 31 October 2025 to 12 December 2025 and 19 January 2026 to 28 March 2026).
- The route will operate seasonally from 31 October 2025 to 3 May 2026 four times per week on a Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
- Adelaide to Auckland will operate as QF175 on Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday with approximate flight time 4 hours and 15 minutes.
- Qantas currently operates nearly 280 services per week from Adelaide to more than 14 destinations around Australia.
Adelaide Domestic Business Lounge
- The lounge spans 1016 square meters and has capacity for 190 customers.
- Available from mid-2025, the signature concept in the Adelaide Business Lounge will be the Market Kitchen, featuring a live cooking station, inspired by the Adelaide Central Markets and the producers across the state, including Maggie Beer.
- The lounge features locally sourced furniture, lighting and natural materials, including a commissioned blown glass light installation from the JamFactory.
- In response to customer feedback, around 80 per cent of seats have access to power stations including USB-A/C and wireless charging mats so customers can easily charge before their flight.
*Subject to government and regulatory approval, schedule subject to change.
