It’s been a long time coming (some would say too long). Qantas has resumed international flights to South Australia today, launching a new non-stop service between Adelaide and Auckland, New Zealand.
Marking the first international service from SA in over ten years, the new route is expected to boost leisure and business travel between the two ports.
Departing this morning, the new service will operate four times a week (on Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) until May 2026, adding more than 30,000 seats to the route.
The flying kangaroo will utilise its B737-800 for the approximately four-hour service, which boasts free wi-fi among other features.
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said the restart was a “major milestone” for the carrier and for SA.
“South Australians can now reach New York in around 21 hours and with just one stop via Auckland on our QF3 service, while the new route also opens up greater opportunities for inbound connections throughout South Australia and beyond through our domestic network,” he remarked.
“We’ve seen significant growth across our international network over the past 18 months and we’re pleased to bring more of that choice and connectivity to South Australia.”
South Australia Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison said the launch would boost tourism between the ports as well as connecting destinations.
“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 stated.
“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.”
Tourism New Zealand CEO René de Monchy lauded the new direct service.
“With 1.47 million Australians visiting New Zealand over the past year, these direct services play a vital role in strengthening connectivity and making trans-Tasman travel even more seamless,” he said.
“We’re excited to continue welcoming South Australians to New Zealand, now with even more travel options that make it easier than ever to experience the unique magic of a 100% Pure New Zealand holiday.”
The launch coincides with Qantas’ major international sale, with one-way fares from $359 between February and May 2026. Read more about that sale here.
The new route also comes just days after Air New Zealand launched the first-ever Adelaide-Christchurch flights, a twice-weekly service that will operate on Monday and Friday until 27 March 2026.
