Qantas Elevates Adelaide’s Travel Scene with New Business Lounge and International Flights

Adelaide, South Australia – May 16, 2025

Adelaide’s lifestyle and travel landscape received a significant boost today with Qantas unveiling its first Domestic Business Lounge at Adelaide Airport and announcing the return of international flights to Auckland. These developments, reported by Glam Adelaide and Australian Aviation, mark a pivotal moment for the city, enhancing its appeal as a hub for business travelers and tourists alike while reinforcing its growing status as a sophisticated urban destination.

A Premium Pre-Flight Experience

The newly opened Qantas Domestic Business Lounge at Adelaide Airport, launched on May 16, 2025, is designed to cater to the needs of business travelers and frequent flyers. The lounge, a first for Qantas in Adelaide, offers a premium pre-flight experience with modern amenities, comfortable seating, and curated dining options. Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace emphasized the lounge’s significance, stating, “For the millions of customers that visit our lounges, we know just how important it is to have a premium pre-flight experience, and we’re so pleased to be bringing this to Adelaide today” (Australian Aviation). The lounge’s design incorporates feedback from customers, prioritizing features like high-speed Wi-Fi, private workspaces, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a game-changer for Adelaide’s corporate and leisure travelers.

The opening aligns with Adelaide’s increasing prominence as a business and tourism hub, supported by its robust infrastructure, including three universities, two medical schools, and a thriving film industry. The lounge is expected to cater to the growing number of professionals and visitors drawn to the city’s laid-back yet dynamic lifestyle.

International Flights Return to Adelaide

In a further boost to Adelaide’s connectivity, Qantas announced the launch of a seasonal international route to Auckland, starting October 31, 2025, and running through May 3, 2026. The airline will operate four weekly flights using Boeing 737-800 aircraft, marking the first time Qantas has flown internationally from Adelaide since 2013 (Australian Aviation). This development responds to long-standing calls from South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas for Qantas to reinstate international services, enhancing the state’s global accessibility.

The Auckland route is poised to tap into New Zealand’s significant tourism market, with 48,000 Kiwi visitors traveling to South Australia last year, making it the state’s second-largest overseas market after the UK (Australian Aviation). The flights will also open up connections to destinations like New York via Auckland, offering Adelaide residents greater access to global travel networks. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas welcomed the move, noting, “It is great news that Qantas is re-establishing a direct international flight out of Adelaide with this new service to Auckland.”

Impact on Adelaide’s Lifestyle and Economy

These developments are more than just infrastructure upgrades; they signal Adelaide’s evolution into a premier destination for business and leisure. The Business Lounge elevates the city’s appeal to high-end travelers, aligning with the recent surge in luxury developments like the Oakwood Premier hotel and Rose Park apartments. Meanwhile, the Auckland flights strengthen Adelaide’s position as a gateway to international markets, boosting tourism and local businesses.

Adelaide’s lifestyle scene is already thriving, with events like the Coastal Sounds Festival and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Adelaide Festival Theatre drawing crowds. The enhanced airport facilities and international connectivity are expected to attract more visitors, further fueling the city’s cultural and economic vibrancy. However, challenges like water scarcity, with Adelaide enduring its driest 15-month period since 1839, and rising property prices, with median home values exceeding $1 million, underscore the need for sustainable growth to maintain the city’s accessibility and charm.

Looking Ahead

The opening of the Qantas Domestic Business Lounge and the return of international flights to Auckland mark a transformative day for Adelaide, positioning it as a key player in Australia’s travel and lifestyle sectors. As the city continues to blend its laid-back charm with world-class amenities, residents and visitors can look forward to a more connected and luxurious experience in 2025. Whether it’s a seamless business trip or a cultural getaway, Adelaide is ready to welcome the world with open arms.