South Australians are preparing for an aviation milestone, as United Airlines announces the first-ever direct flight from Adelaide to North America. From 11 December 2025, travellers will be able to fly non-stop to San Francisco, marking a historic connection between South Australia and the United States. This new 15-hour flight opens up countless opportunities for both leisure and business travel, while showcasing the growing prominence of Adelaide as a gateway city.
A Seamless Connection Across Continents
The seasonal service will operate three times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays—using United Airlines’ cutting-edge Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. This aircraft, featuring 257 seats, includes the comfort of 48 Polaris Business Class and 21 Premium Plus seats, ensuring an elevated travel experience for passengers. Adelaide departures are scheduled for 2:55 pm, with arrivals in San Francisco the same day. Return flights will arrive in Adelaide at 9:30 am, making for convenient travel both ways.
Travellers departing from Adelaide can also take advantage of one-stop connections to more than 75 US destinations, from iconic cities like New York and Las Vegas to cultural hubs like Chicago and Seattle. Even Perth passengers, who currently lack direct access to the US, can seamlessly connect through this route, further enhancing accessibility for Western Australia.
United’s Commitment to Australia
With the addition of Adelaide to its network, United Airlines becomes the only carrier offering direct flights between the US and four major Australian cities—Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and now Adelaide. This strategic expansion, adding almost 25,000 seats annually between Australia and the US, underscores United’s dedication to providing unmatched connectivity.
United Airlines Managing Director for APAC Airport Operations, Sam Shinohara, highlighted the significance of this new service: “Direct flights are a big factor in people deciding where to travel. This game-changing flight makes United the only airline to offer nonstop service to four major Australian cities, enhancing travel options for more Australians than ever before.”
Boosting South Australia’s Tourism Industry
SA Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison celebrated the announcement as a historic collaboration that will have transformative benefits for South Australia. “South Australia has been named one of the most welcoming regions on the planet by Booking.com, and this route reflects the growing appeal of our state. It’s a wonderful coincidence that Napa Valley lies one hour north of San Francisco, just as the Barossa is one hour north of Adelaide—creating exciting opportunities for wine tourism and cultural exchange.”
Adelaide Airport Ltd Managing Director Brenton Cox echoed the excitement, emphasising the potential for long-term success: “We intend to make this service a great success and build this towards a year-round route in the future.”
A New Horizon
United Airlines’ Adelaide-San Francisco route is a breakthrough moment for aviation in South Australia. This direct connection not only links two vibrant regions but also fosters closer ties between Australia and the United States. From seamless travel options to unparalleled experiences, this milestone redefines international connectivity for Australians, while bringing global travellers closer to South Australia’s unique charm. As this partnership takes flight, the future of travel in the Top End has never looked brighter.
New Pacific Routes: A Landmark Expansion
This October, United will become the only U.S. airline offering direct flights to Bangkok, Thailand and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. These daily services will operate via Hong Kong, providing convenient one-stop connections from Los Angeles and San Francisco. These routes open doors to vibrant cities known for their rich culture, history, and attractions, enhancing United’s presence in Asia.
Also launching this October is a second daily flight between San Francisco and Manila. This additional service will give travellers the flexibility of choosing between daytime and evening travel options, ensuring more convenience in both directions.
Unparalleled Pacific Connectivity
With these new additions, United Airlines will offer flights to 32 destinations across the Pacific. This expansive network solidifies United’s commitment to providing customers with unparalleled options for international travel. Whether heading to Asia, Australia, or beyond, United continues to lead the way in creating innovative travel opportunities that connect the world.
These transformative routes showcase United Airlines’ dedication to meeting the needs of travellers while fostering closer ties between continents. From leisure to business travel, the possibilities for discovery and connectivity continue to grow, making United the airline of choice for navigating the Pacific. The future of travel has never looked more promising.
