AKL expands trans-Tasman connections with new Qantas route to Adelaide

Auckland Airport is set to welcome more Australian visitors this summer with the launch of a new non-stop air service to Adelaide by Qantas.

The new route, which will operate over the summer months, is expected to bring thousands of additional visitors to New Zealand each year, driving economic growth for regional tourism operators, hospitality providers and local businesses.

Qantas will fly between Auckland and Adelaide, the South Australian capital, four times a week between 31 October 2025 and 3 May 2026, providing travellers with another convenient option across the Tasman and marking another step in rebuilding connectivity between New Zealand and Australia. It builds on last week’s announcement that Qantas will be returning to the Perth route flying three times a week to the Western Australian capital and on to Johannesburg.

Auckland Airport’s Chief Customer Officer, Scott Tasker, said today’s announcement of Qantas’s Auckland–Adelaide route is welcome news not just for Kiwi travellers looking to experience the best of Adelaide and South Australia, from major international festivals and the Ashes at the Adelaide Oval to the wine regions of the Barossa and Adelaide Hills, but also for New Zealand’s tourism sector.

“Not only does Qantas’s entry add some healthy competition on the Auckland–Adelaide route, but it will also stimulate travel demand and make it easier for Australians to visit New Zealand. With so many Kiwis living in Australia and vice versa, there’s always strong demand for travel to reconnect with friends and whānau and more flights will help meet that need.

“For New Zealand’s tourism sector, this is about more than convenient flights – it’s about accelerating our recovery,” Mr Tasker said.

“Australia is our number one visitor market, so making it easier for more Aussies to come and explore New Zealand is great news for tourism operators and local businesses across the country. We’re excited to welcome more Australian visitors and see them travel to regions throughout New Zealand, from iconic attractions to hidden gems, supporting local tourism operators, accommodation and hospitality providers.”
Mr Tasker noted that the added capacity will help towards returning Auckland Airport’s network to pre-Covid strength.

“Auckland Airport has been working hard with airlines to rebuild connectivity. We’re still not quite back to our pre-2020 international seat capacity, so every extra seat counts in closing that gap. The around 30,000 additional seats over summer on this route will bring us closer to that pre-pandemic capacity. It also aligns well with our strategy of working alongside regional tourism organisations to grow visitation from Australia,” he said.

Last week, Auckland Airport joined North Island tourism leaders in announcing an alliance aimed at encouraging overseas visitors to experience more of the attractions and experiences across the North Island.

“We’ve also seen the Government bring some focus on the tourism industry as an economic value engine for New Zealand with a boost in funding for marketing campaigns and ensuring growth is matched by investment in vital infrastructure and biodiversity protection.”