United Airlines is set to launch a historic non-stop route connecting San Francisco to Adelaide, Australia, with flights commencing on December 11, 2025. This seasonal service will operate three times a week, marking a significant milestone as the first direct link between Adelaide and the United States. The new route expands United’s offerings in Australia, complementing existing non-stop flights to Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne.
New Connection Enhances Travel Options
The service will utilize the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, providing a comfortable travel experience with a total of 257 seats, including United’s Polaris business class and Premium Plus premium economy options. The flight will depart San Francisco International Airport (SFO) at 23:05 on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, arriving in Adelaide Airport (ADL) at 09:30 two days later, after crossing the international date line. Return flights will leave Adelaide at 14:55 local time on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, landing back in San Francisco at 11:15 the same day.
According to Brenton Cox, managing director of Adelaide Airport, this new service is crucial for enhancing the region’s connectivity. He stated, “Adelaide will now be connected directly to an entirely new continent. This is a core connection in our aviation network vision that has been decades in the making.”
Streamlined Travel Experience
Previously, travelers from the United States to Adelaide had to navigate stopovers at various Australian airports, including Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. With the introduction of this non-stop service, passengers can now enjoy a more efficient travel experience. This route is expected to attract substantial demand from both American and Australian travelers, facilitating easier access to popular destinations such as Kangaroo Island, the Eyre Peninsula, and the Barossa Valley.
United Airlines’ new service will also enhance its overall presence in Oceania. This launch brings the total number of United’s routes to the region to six, complementing its existing services from Melbourne and Sydney to both San Francisco and Los Angeles, as well as seasonal flights to Houston. Additionally, United operates year-round flights to Auckland and seasonal routes to Christchurch.
Passengers utilizing the new service will benefit from a code-share partnership with local carrier Virgin Australia, allowing seamless connections to numerous destinations across Australia, including Alice Springs, Canberra, Perth, and Hobart.
With over 1.4 million residents, Adelaide serves as the largest city in South Australia and has a robust international travel market. In 2025, the airport served more than 8.7 million passengers, providing a range of international connections to major Asian and Middle Eastern cities.
United Airlines’ new route to Adelaide not only enhances travel options for residents of South Australia but also signifies a vital link between the two continents, fostering business, investment, and tourism opportunities. As the service operates until the end of March 2026, travelers can look forward to a direct and efficient route between the United States and Australia.
