Qantas announces first international flights out of Adelaide in more than a decade with new service to Auckland
Qantas has announced it is launching international flights out of Adelaide for the first time in more than a decade, but only on a seasonal basis.
The flying kangaroo has not flown an overseas route out of the South Australian capital since 2013 when it axed flights to Singapore.
But that will change on October 31 when Qantas services between Adelaide and Auckland commence.
The Boeing 737 flights will operate four times per week until May 3 next year, with Qantas competing against Air New Zealand, which already operates the route.
Qantas said that in addition to connecting South Australia and New Zealand, it will provide a one-stop service to New York through its Auckland-New York service.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas appeared hopeful that Qantas would continue to grow its international network out of Adelaide after such a long hiatus.
"It is great news that Qantas is re-establishing a direct international flight out of Adelaide with this new service to Auckland," Mr 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."
Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison noted that "New Zealand is presently the equal second biggest source market for visitation to South Australia - behind only the UK and equal with China".
'Tourism expenditure from New Zealand grew by 29 per cent in the last year, with 48,000 visitors coming to South Australia in 2024," she said.
"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."
The announcement comes less than two weeks after Qantas confirmed it was launching seasonal flights between Perth and Auckland from December 8.
The Airbus A330-200 flights will operate three times per week.
Earlier this year, Mr Malinauskas revealed United Airlines will commence seasonal flights between San Francisco and Adelaide on December 11.
Airlines which currently operate international flights out of Adelaide include Fiji Airways, Emirates, China Southern, Jetstar, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand.
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