Direct international flights from Adelaide
United Airlines will soon fly direct to Adelaide from San Francisco, but what other international airlines fly here?
Adelaide Airport opened at its current location in 1954, but regular overseas flights didn’t commence until 2 November 1982, following the completion of a new international terminal.
With only two aircraft bays and one aerobridge, the terminal was often referred to as the “tin shed,” until it was replaced in 2005.
The first flight from overseas was a Qantas Boeing 747B (jumbo) from London, via Singapore, which arrived on opening day.
The first international departure was a Qantas flight to Auckland on 4 November the same year.
There are currently seven airlines flying direct to international destinations from Adelaide, and Qantas will soon be one of them.
Jetstar
Qantas’ younger sibling currently flies an Airbus A321neo direct to Bali up to 11 times a week.
Malaysia Airlines
The flagship Malaysian carrier flies direct to Kuala Lumpur five times a week on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, using an Airbus A330-300.
Singapore Airlines
The country’s national airline flies a Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner to Singapore up to 10 times a week.
Emirates
Travellers can choose from daily direct flights to Dubai, the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates. Emirates currently fly a Boeing 777-200LR on this route, but from 1 December this year, a new long-range A350 will make the trip.
The A350 will include a Premium Economy cabin.
Qatar Airways
Qatar operates an Airbus A350-900 on daily direct flights to Doha.
There are also daily Qatar flights to Doha via Melbourne, but these will stop on 1 December.
Air New Zealand
Travellers can fly across the ditch aboard an Airbus A320neo direct to Auckland four times a week, on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Fiji Airways
Direct flights to the tropical nation’s capital, Nadi, leave Adelaide three times a week on Monday, Thursday and Saturday. The Boeing 737 Max 8 is Fiji’s current aircraft of choice.
Coming soon
Qantas
Qantas will run a seasonal service direct to Auckland, operating four flights a week on Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, aboard a Boeing 737-800.
Flights start this year on 31 October and run until 3 May 2026.
Cathay Pacific
Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific will be back in town with a seasonal service running from 11 November this year to 27 March 2026.
Passengers will fly direct to Hong Kong aboard an Airbus A350-900, with flights departing Adelaide every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
Premium Economy will be available on these flights.
China Southern
The Chinese airline operated direct flights out of Adelaide to Guangzhou three times a week from December last year to March this year.
The seasonal service, aboard a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, will recommence on 1 December, flying on Monday, Thursday and Saturday.
Indonesia Air Asia
Starting from 25 June, low-cost carrier Indonesia Air Asia will begin direct flights to Bali four times a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Bookings are open for flights aboard their Airbus A320-200 to Denpasar.
United Airlines
US carrier United Airlines will test the waters from 13 December with three direct flights a week to San Francisco, flying on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
The service, aboard a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, will operate until 18 March 2026, unless strong demand sees it extended.
Note: The aircraft types shown here were current at the time of publication, but airlines will occasionally switch planes. If you have a favourite plane, check with your travel agent before you fly.