First-ever direct flight from sister city lands in Adelaide
A new direct route between Adelaide and a New Zealand city has officially opened, with the first plane touching down in the South Australian capital.
A new Air New Zealand connection between Adelaide and Christchurch would bolster the state’s tourism coffers, the government said.
The first-ever Christchurch-Adelaide service landed last night, marking the first direct route between the South Australian capital and a sister city.
Christchurch was Adelaide’s first sister city, with the international partnership dating back to 1972.
Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison welcomed the “terrific news for tourism in South Australia”.
“More direct flights into Adelaide from New Zealand – currently our state’s fourth largest tourism market – means more potential visitors coming to experience all our state has to offer,” Bettison said.
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“The direct Air New Zealand service from Christchurch is the first in a series of exciting arrivals of new routes and new airlines through to the end of the year – strengthening the world’s connection to South Australia and seeing more international airlines servicing Adelaide than ever before.”
The seasonal service will operate twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays through to 27 March, with 15,000 Airbus jet seats available for travellers over the period.
“This new service is about more than just connecting two cities – it’s about strengthening tourism and cultural ties between South Australia and the South Island”, Short Haul Air New Zealand general manager Lucy Hall said.
“We’re excited to welcome more Australians to explore our beautiful South Island, from its world-class food and wine to its adventure and nature experiences.
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“At the same time, this route gives Cantabrians even more convenient access to Australia – our most popular international destination – for holidays, events, and reconnecting with friends and family across the Tasman.”
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Adelaide’s new airline arrivals and routes include:
- Air New Zealand: Christchurch-Adelaide (started 27 October)
- Qantas: Auckland-Adelaide (starting 31 October)
- Cathay Pacific: Hong Kong-Adelaide (starting 11 November, arriving in Adelaide 12 November)
- United Airlines: San Francisco-Adelaide (starting 11 December, arriving in Adelaide 13 December).
Adelaide Airport managing director Brenton Cox said he was proud to celebrate the launch, calling it a “milestone that responds to strong demand between our sister cities”.
“Nearly 50,000 people travel between Adelaide and the South Island each year, primarily for holidays or to visit family,” he said.
“This new non-stop service offers a seamless gateway to world-class destinations on both sides of the Tasman, making travel more convenient and appealing for South Australians and New Zealanders alike.”
