Qantas International relauches at Gold Coast Airport

Qantas International has today returned to Gold Coast Airport, with services now operating between Auckland and the Gold Coast, providing passengers with more choice on the airport’s busiest international route.

The service will operate three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays offering both economy and business class options.

Queensland Airports Limited CEO Amelia Evans said the return of Qantas to this busy route strengthens Gold Coast Airport’s position as Australia’s most connected airport to New Zealand.

“We are thrilled to welcome Qantas back to our international network, further strengthening connectivity across the Tasman and providing customers with a business class option," Ms Evans said.

“Auckland is our busiest international route, with around 330,000 people travelling between the two cities in the past year alone and flights averaging around 90 per cent full – a clear reflection of the demand between our two regions.

Cam Wallace, CEO Qantas International and Freight said the new service represents an important milestone, bringing Qantas International back to the Gold Coast after five years.

“Today’s inaugural service marks an exciting new chapter for the Gold Coast, with Qantas adding 52,000 seats a year between the Gold Coast and Auckland.

“We’re proud to be the only airline offering a Business cabin on this route, giving travellers more choice and a premium experience across the Tasman.

“This is the first time in five years that international flights have been available from the Gold Coast, and we know there is strong demand from locals wanting to reconnect with New Zealand and explore more of our network.”

This service has been supported by the Queensland Government and Experience Gold Coast through the Connecting Queensland Fund.

Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell MP said the additional flights would support jobs and strengthen Queensland’s visitor economy.

“The Crisafulli Government’s Connecting Queensland Fund is driving new connections, bringing more visitors into our regions, and backing local businesses,” Minister Powell said.

“Queensland is the Home of the Holiday, and we’re making it easier for more people to get here and experience it.”

Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn welcomed the new Auckland – Gold Coast link, saying the service delivers a significant boost for the city and its largest international market.

“The return of Qantas international flights between Auckland and the Gold Coast is fantastic for our city and tourism industry.

“New Zealand is our largest international market with 217,000 Kiwis choosing to visit our city last year, so expanding connectivity between our two destinations is vital to meet growing demand. With more than 7000 of those visitors travelling here for business, the introduction of a business class option on the new Qantas service will be a welcome addition.”