Qantas announces direct international flights from Gold Coast to Auckland

The new route will mark the first time Qantas international services have operated from the Gold Coast in almost five years, adding more than 52,000 seats annually across the Tasman and boosting tourism in both directions.

Starting from 16 June 2026, Qantas will operate three flights per week year-round from the Gold Coast to Auckland, connecting Queensland’s tourism capital with New Zealand and providing customers with enhanced connectivity across the Tasman.

Customers will be able to connect via Auckland to four other domestic destinations across New Zealand on Jetstar, including Christchurch and Queenstown, as well as Rarotonga in the Cook Islands.

“Today marks a huge milestone for the Gold Coast with Qantas international services returning after almost five years. There’s been real demand for a premium option to Auckland and we’re the only airline offering business class on this route,” according to Qantas International chief executive, Cam Wallace.

“Our new Auckland to Samoa service launching the same day gives Sydney and Brisbane travellers near-daily Qantas connectivity to the Pacific, strengthening our trans-Tasman and Pacific network.”

Qantas will be the only airline offering Business class between the two cities, providing both leisure and business travellers with a premium option on the popular trans-Tasman route.

VIEW ALL

“The return of Qantas international flights from the Gold Coast is welcome news for our city and tourism industry,” according to Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn.

“The announcement by Australia’s long running and iconic airline is testament to the strong aviation attraction collaboration between the airport and Experience Gold Coast and the continued growth in international visitation to the city, and in particular the strength of the New Zealand market.

“217,000 Kiwis chose to visit the Gold Coast in the year ending June 2025 and the new Qantas service between the Gold Coast and Auckland will make it even easier to cross the ditch and experience the best of our destination.”

Qantas has also announced the launch of flights from Sydney to Apia (Samoa) via Auckland, providing Australian travellers with additional options to reach the Pacific through Auckland.

Operating on alternate days to the airline’s direct Brisbane–Samoa flights, the new service creates near-daily Qantas connectivity between Australia and Samoa.

Coinciding with the route announcement, Qantas is preparing to open the doors to its new International Lounge at Auckland Airport on 17 December. The footprint of the new lounge is 60 per cent larger than the previous space, providing capacity for more than 370 customers across dedicated zones for dining, relaxing and working.

“Qantas has been a long-standing and valued partner for our airport and we can’t wait to see them flying internationally from the Gold Coast once again,” Queensland Airports CEO Amelia Evans said.

“This expansion reflects the strength of our partnership and our shared commitment to connecting travellers with the world, further cementing our position as Australia’s most connected airport to New Zealand.

“Auckland is already our most popular international route, with more than 320,000 passengers travelling between the two destinations annually – this new service will add a further 54,000 seats.

“More than 65 per cent of passengers travelling on flights from New Zealand into the Gold Coast are visitors, and this will provide even more options, particularly for business and premium travellers.”