Qantas has today announced the return of international flying from the Gold Coast, with direct flights to Auckland on sale now and 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 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 travellers with a premium option on the popular trans-Tasman route.

More connections to Apia (Samoa) with flights via Auckland

Qantas also today 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.

New Auckland Lounge

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.

More information can be found here.

Comments to be attributed to Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace:

“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.

"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.”

Comments to be attributed to Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn:

“The return of Qantas international flights from the Gold Coast is welcome news for our city and tourism industry.

“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.”

Comments to be attributed to Queensland Airports Limited CEO Amelia Evans:

“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.”

“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.”

Key information:

• The new route will fly year-round on a Boeing 737 aircraft three times per week on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.**
• Gold Coast (OOL) to Auckland (AKL) will operate as QF209, scheduled to depart the Gold Coast at 1:05pm and arriving in Auckland at 6:10pm.
• The inaugural flight will take off on Tuesday 16 June 2026, with economy one way fares starting from AUD$364
• 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.

Imagery can be found here.

*subject to government and regulatory approval

**schedule subject to change