United Airlines to start direct flights from Adelaide to San Francisco

Residents of one state will soon be able to fly direct to the cultural heartland of the United States for the first time after a major announcement by an airline.

South Australians will be able to fly direct to America’s cultural heartland with United Airlines launching a direct flight from Adelaide to San Francisco.

The new flight path will takeoff from December 11 with passengers flying on board a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

The 15-hour flight will run three times a week until March next year when the number of flights could increase if demand grows.

San Francisco is a major hub for United Airlines that connects travellers to more than 75 US destinations including New York City, Orlando, Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago, Seattle and Washington, D.C.

United Airlines will fly direct from Adelaide to San Francisco from December. Photo – iStock

United Airlines also has a partnership with Virgin Australia, giving members loyalty benefits for Velocity Frequent Flyer and United MileagePlus programs.

The United States is Australia’s third largest international visitor market, which resulted in almost 670,000 trips and a visitor spend of $20b in the year ending December 2024.

Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said more than 44,000 Americans visited South Australia contributing $77m to the state’s economy last year.

More than 44,000 Americans visited South Australia contributing $77m to the state’s economy in 2024. Image supplied.

“Our guests from America love to explore and know that South Australia is a great place to experience unique settings and wildlife – to get up close with kangaroos and koalas or swim with dolphins and sea lions,” she said.

“They love the rugged outback of the Flinders Ranges, and the pristine nature of Kangaroo Island, our premium produce, delicious dining – and of course our wine.

“It’s a nice coincidence that the Napa Valley is one hour north of San Francisco – just as the Barossa is one hour north of Adelaide.”

Premier Peter Malinauskas said the AUKUS agreement would drive unprecedented investment into South Australia – and it was the right time for direct flights to the US. Picture: Christian Gilles / NewsWire

Premier Peter Malinauskas said for many years a direct route between South Australia and the US had been out of reach.

“Today is a historic occasion for South Australians who have long wanted to fly direct to the United States,” he said.

“With our State’s economy outperforming the nation, and the historic AUKUS agreement set to drive unprecedented investment into South Australia – now is the right time for direct flights to the US.

“I encourage any South Australians who are heading to the US to take advantage of this magnificent service into San Francisco each year.”

Originally published as United Airlines to start direct flights from Adelaide to San Francisco