Gold Coast Airport welcomes Qantas back
Qantas International is now back at Gold Coast Airport as Auckland services return with new business class choice
What’s happening?
Qantas International has returned to Gold Coast Airport, with Auckland services now operating again on the airport’s busiest international route.
The service gives passengers more choice between the Gold Coast and New Zealand, with flights running three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Passengers can also choose between economy and business class, adding a higher-end option across the Tasman.
The service has been supported by the Queensland Government and Experience Gold Coast through the Connecting Queensland Fund.
Why it matters?
The relaunch brings Qantas International back to the Gold Coast after five years and strengthens the airport’s position as Australia’s most connected airport to New Zealand.
Queensland Airports Limited CEO Amelia Evans said Qantas’ return was an important addition to the airport’s international network.
“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.
Cam Wallace, CEO Qantas International and Freight, said the inaugural service marked a new chapter for the Gold Coast, with strong demand from locals wanting to reconnect with New Zealand.
“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.”
Local Impact
The new Auckland service is expected to support local jobs, tourism operators and Gold Coast businesses by making it easier for New Zealand visitors to reach the city.
Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell MP said the Connecting Queensland Fund was helping bring more visitors into regional destinations while backing local businesses.
“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 said the return of Qantas international flights was a strong result for the city and its tourism industry.
“The return of Qantas international flights between Auckland and the Gold Coast is fantastic for our city and tourism industry.”
He said stronger access from New Zealand was vital, with New Zealand remaining the Gold Coast’s largest international visitor market. Last year, 217,000 Kiwis visited the city, including more than 7,000 who travelled for business.
“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.”
By The Numbers
Around 330,000 people travelled between Auckland and the Gold Coast in the past year, making it Gold Coast Airport’s busiest international route.
Flights on the route averaged around 90 per cent full, showing strong demand between the two cities.
Qantas says the new Auckland service will add 52,000 seats a year between the Gold Coast and New Zealand.
Zoom In
Auckland is already the Gold Coast’s strongest international route, and the return of Qantas adds more airline choice for travellers on both sides of the Tasman.
Ms Evans said the route’s passenger numbers showed clear demand between the two regions.
“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.”
The business class cabin is also a major part of the relaunch. It gives corporate travellers and holidaymakers another option when flying between Auckland and the Gold Coast, especially as business travel from New Zealand continues to support the local visitor economy.
Zoom Out
The return of Qantas International adds weight to Gold Coast Airport’s role as a major link between Queensland and New Zealand.
It also supports Queensland’s wider push to grow visitor numbers through stronger air access. For the Gold Coast, the timing matters because New Zealand remains its largest international market, and direct flights play a major role in tourism growth.
The new service gives the city more seats, more airline choice and a stronger connection to Auckland.
What To Look For Next?
If demand remains strong, the service could help bring more New Zealand visitors to the city and support more business travel between Auckland and the Gold Coast.
Flights are available to purchase at www.qantas.com.