AHA|SA Applauds New San Fran Flights

More international flights direct into Adelaide are a major boost for the hospitality sector

The AHA|SA is delighted that United Airlines will commence direct flights between Adelaide and San Francisco from December 2025 in what will be the first ever direct route between SA and the USA.

The new flights were also welcomed by the Minister for Tourism, the Hon Zoe Bettison.

“Our guests from America love to explore and know that South Australia is a great place to experience unique settings and wildlife – to get up close with kangaroos and koalas or swim with dolphins and sea lions,” she said.

“They love the rugged outback of the Flinders Ranges, and the pristine nature of Kangaroo Island, our premium produce, delicious dining – and of course our wine.”

This sentiment was echoed b SATC CEO Emma Terry (pictured next page).

“The introduction of United Airlines’ direct flights between Adelaide and San Francisco is a game-changer for South Australia’s tourism and hospitality sectors,” she said.

“This new connection will make it easier for international visitors to experience our world-class food and wine regions, coastline, outback, and welcoming city and open up exciting opportunities for our local pubs, hotels, and regional businesses.

“For accommodation providers and hospitality venues, this is a chance to welcome a growing number of visitors who are eager to explore authentic Australian experiences.

“We look forward to seeing the positive impact this historic route will have on our state’s economy and the broader tourism industry."

Perfect Timing

AHA|SA CEO, Anna Moeller, said San Francisco is a major hub for United Airlines in the US.

“It acts as the airline's primary West Coast and transpacific gateway,” she said.

“International tourists coming to Adelaide can take advantage of one-stop connections from more than 75 US destinations, previously only reachable with two connections.

“We also become a gateway to Perth, which isn’t served by a US direct route. This is a huge boost to the visitor economy.”

She also pointed out that significance of the timing of the service.

"Flights from San Francisco to Adelaide, commencing just before Adelaide's major events season, will be a massive boost in showcasing what our state has on offer.

"Hotels and pubs are among the big winners from this new deal, who will continue providing premier accommodation and venue experiences across the state to direct travellers from the USA.”

Power Of Direct Flights

United Airlines Managing Director for APAC Airport Operations, Sam Shinohara, said United had a strong focus on providing better access for travellers.

“We know that direct flights are a big factor in people deciding where to travel,” he said.

“This game-changing new flight will add almost 25,000 more seats between the US and Australia each year and makes United the only airline to offer nonstop service between the US and four major cities in Australia.”

He also stressed the importance of “our strong partnership with Virgin Australia and our comprehensive US domestic network provide(s) unparalleled connectivity”.

SA Premier Peter Malinauskas said direct flights with the USA had been “out of reach” for many years.

“With our State’s economy outperforming the nation, and the historic AUKUS agreement set to drive unprecedented investment into South Australia – now is the right time for direct flights to the US,” he said.

Adelaide Airport Ltd Managing Director, Brenton Cox, business, investment and SA’s broader tourism economy all stood to benefit.

“We will now have even greater business connectivity and export and supply chain opportunities with North America – improving links with what is already our State’s second biggest export market,” he said.

The Specifics

• Commencing as a seasonal service departing San Francisco on 11 December 2025 and subject to government approvals, the 15-hour flight will operate three times per week until March – with a possibility to increase in the future as demand grows.

• The first flight will depart Adelaide for San Francisco on 13 December 2025.

• The flight will operate on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, with 257 seats, including 48 in United Polaris Business Class and 21 in United Premium Plus.

• Flights will arrive into Adelaide at 9:30am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays and departing the same day for San Francisco at 2:55pm.

The Numbers

• United Airlines is the world’s largest airline as measured by available seat miles.

• It operates the most comprehensive global route network among North American carriers.

• This deal with United Airlines will see direct flights from the 3rd largest international visitor market for Australia. For the year ending December 2024, there were 669,000 trips from the U.S. to Australia with visitors spending $2.0 billion.

• The USA injected $77 million to South Australia's visitor economy in 2024, up a massive 48% on 2023, and is now set to grow even further.