SYDNEY- Qantas Airways (QF), the Australian flag carrier, is set to launch a new seasonal international route connecting Adelaide (ADL) to Auckland (AKL). This service will begin on October 31, 2025, and will continue until May 3, 2026.
The flights will be operated using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, scheduled to depart four times weekly on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays as flight QF175. The expected flight duration is around 4 hours and 15 minutes.
This new route represents Qantas’ first non-stop service from Adelaide to international destinations since 2013, directly competing with Air New Zealand (NZ), which has been the leading airline for trans-Tasman travel.
Qantas Adds Adelaide to Auckland Flights
The new route will provide over 30,000 seats between Adelaide and Auckland, promoting tourism and business travel in the region. Launch fares are starting at $699 AUD for economy round trips during specific travel windows, including October 31 to December 12, 2025, and January 19 to March 28, 2026.
Tickets can be purchased through Qantas’ official website. This service will also offer seamless one-stop connections to New York (JFK) through Qantas’ QF3 flight from Auckland, enhancing the connectivity between South Australia and North America, as noted by South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas.
Qantas’ strategic move demonstrates its commitment to expanding its network, which now includes over 100 destinations worldwide.
Re-entering the international market from Adelaide, Qantas aims to capture an increasing share of the visitor traffic from New Zealand, which recorded 48,000 visitors to South Australia in 2024, resulting in a 29% rise in tourism spending.
This new route positions Adelaide as an attractive destination for New Zealand travelers eager to experience the region’s acclaimed food, wine, and cultural festivals, as emphasized by Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison.
Adelaide Domestic Business Lounge Unveiled
As part of the announcement, Qantas will also unveil its inaugural Domestic Business Lounge at Adelaide Airport (ADL). The lounge will span 1,016 square meters and accommodate up to 190 passengers.
Opening in mid-2025, the lounge will feature a Market Kitchen with live cooking stations inspired by the Adelaide Central Market.
Menu options will be curated by Qantas’ Creative Director of Food, Beverage, and Service, Neil Perry, alongside lighter fare by renowned South Australian chef, Maggie Beer.
Designed by Architectus, the lounge will embody South Australian culture through architectural elements influenced by the Adelaide Botanic Gardens and other local attractions.
Utilizing locally sourced furniture and natural materials, the lounge will also feature a unique blown glass light installation from the JamFactory. Furthermore, incorporating customer feedback, 80% of seating will have accessible power stations for charging devices.
This new lounge complements Qantas’ existing facilities in Adelaide, reinforcing the airline’s dedication to enhancing passenger experience and supporting Adelaide Airport’s initiative to promote local produce, as highlighted by Managing Director Brenton Cox.
Economic and Tourism Impacts
The introduction of the new route and lounge is expected to yield considerable economic advantages for South Australia, fortifying connections with New Zealand, which is a key tourism market, alongside China and the UK.
With the anticipated increase in capacity, visitor numbers and spending are projected to grow, building on the past year’s influx of 48,000 visitors from New Zealand. This approach aligns with South Australia’s ambition to boost its tourism sector, as stated by Minister Bettison.
Qantas will operate nearly 280 weekly flights to 14 domestic destinations from Adelaide Airport, further expanding its role as a key travel hub. The new international route will provide Kiwi travelers with direct access to South Australia’s offerings while enhancing travel options to North America. The lounge’s emphasis on local design and produce adds a unique touch to the Adelaide travel experience.
Qantas’ Strategic Vision
Cam Wallace, Qantas Group CEO International, hailed the dual announcements as significant achievements for both the airline and South Australia. The new route and lounge reflect Qantas’ strategy to broaden its international footprint while elevating customer service through enhanced amenities.
Investments in Adelaide are part of Qantas’ overarching fleet expansion and network enhancement strategy, including forthcoming routes from Perth to Auckland and Johannesburg slated to launch in December 2025.
By positioning itself alongside Air New Zealand for the Adelaide-Auckland route, Qantas is leveraging its established brand and operational network to attract a mix of leisure and business travelers.
The seasonal nature of the route will provide flexibility to respond to demand with possibilities for future enhancements using modern aircraft such as the Airbus A321 XLR, as suggested by Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson during discussions on Adelaide’s prospects.
Flight and Lounge Launch Details
- Route: Adelaide (ADL) to Auckland (AKL)
- Start Date: October 31, 2025
- Seasonal Service: Concludes on May 3, 2026
- Frequency: Four times weekly (Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun)
- Aircraft: Boeing 737-800
- Flight Duration: Approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes
- Launch Fare: AUD $699 economy return (selected dates)
- Qantas Lounge: Opens mid-2025, 1,016 square meters, catering for 190 passengers, featuring a South Australia-themed design
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Based on an article from aviationa2z.com: https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/05/15/qantas-adelaide-auckland-flight/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=qantas-adelaide-auckland-flight
