Qantas to reopen international flights out of Gold Coast
Australia national carrier Qantas has today announced the return of international flying from the Gold Coast, with direct flights to Auckland set for take-off in June 2026.
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 in a Boeing 737 from the Gold Coast to Auckland, connecting Queensland’s tourism capital with New Zealand and providing customers with enhanced connectivity across the Tasman.
Qantas will be the only airline offering Business class between the two cities, providing both leisure and business travelers with a premium option on the popular trans-Tasman route.
For Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace, “this route 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 Queensland Airports Limited CEO Amelia Evans, Auckland is already Gold Coast most popular international route, with more than 320,000 passengers traveling between the two destinations annually.
Qantas also recently announced the launch of flights from Sydney to Apia (Samoa) via Auckland, providing Australian travelers 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 just opened the doors to its new International Lounge at Auckland Airport on 17 December. The new lounge is 60% larger than the previous space, providing capacity for more than 370 customers.
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