South Australia has officially entered a new era of global aviation, with the first-ever direct passenger flight between the United States and South Australia touching down at Adelaide Airport this morning.
United Airlines’ inaugural San Francisco–Adelaide service marks a historic milestone for the state, delivering a long-anticipated direct link to the US and opening the door to expanded tourism, trade and business opportunities.
The new service will operate three times a week until the end of March 2026, with flights arriving in Adelaide at 9:30am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Return services depart later the same day at 2:55pm, allowing travellers seamless same-day connections in both directions.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said the arrival of the flight reflected South Australia’s growing global profile. “The arrival of these direct flights to Adelaide speaks to our state’s economic trajectory. We are now a global destination, and the world is paying attention,” he said. “This represents a massive leap forward for aviation in South Australia and brings a big boost to the state: more visitors and more opportunities for business and freight which will inject millions of dollars into our economy.”
The new route adds to a strong year for Adelaide Airport, following expanded and announced services from Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Air New Zealand and China Eastern, which is set to commence flights in mid-2026. With United now servicing Adelaide, South Australia has more international airlines than ever before — and locals no longer need to transit via Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane to reach the United States.
Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison described the service as a turning point for the state’s visitor economy. “Welcoming United Airlines to Adelaide Airport is historic – our first direct link to the United States,” she said. “The addition of new international flights into Adelaide is a massive vote of confidence in our state as a visitor destination, and as a place to do business.”
The United States is already South Australia’s largest inbound international tourism market outside the UK, with 44,000 US visitors recorded last financial year — an 8 per cent increase year-on-year — contributing $81 million to the economy. The new direct route is expected to add a further $22 million annually through tourism and freight.
Joe Szakacs said the flight would significantly strengthen trade links. “This link will deliver 45-tonnes of air freight direct to California every week, allowing our premium products get into market quicker and cheaper,” he said. “It will also make it easier for businesses engaged in the nuclear shipbuilding pipeline – both local and US-based – to transit between South Australia and North America.”
The service operates on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with 257 seats, including 48 United Polaris Business Class seats and 21 United Premium Plus seats. The San Francisco–Adelaide journey takes just under 16 hours, travelling at speeds exceeding 900 kilometres per hour.
United Airlines Senior Vice President Patrick Quayle said the route was about more than aviation. “Being the first airline to provide service between Adelaide and the U.S. is an exciting step for United and for travellers on both sides of the Pacific,” he said. “This new route is about connecting people to places they want to go.”
Passengers on the inaugural flight were welcomed with a taste of South Australia, greeted by iconic local brands including Jurlique, Haigh’s and Penfolds, as United marked the occasion with a special South Australia-themed aircraft design celebrating the new connection.
