Emirates returns to Adelaide for first time in years as another carrier delays comeback
Emirates has resumed its flights to Adelaide after a four-year hiatus in a move that will inject $160 million into the South Australian economy, but a fellow international carrier has delayed its own comeback to the state.
An Emirates Boeing 777 aircraft touched down in Adelaide from Dubai last night – a route that will now carry over 220,000 passengers every year.
"We have now completed our whole Australian point-to-points that we used to fly to post-COVID, so literally covering all the five main cities in Australia," Emirates' Nabil Sultan said.
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Emirates has resumed its flights to Adelaide after a four-year hiatus in a move that will inject $160 million into the South Australian economy. Nine
This development comes as the federal government prepares to sign a free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates, opening up export opportunities for South Australian producers.
"What it means is the elimination of 99 per cent of all tariffs from Australia into the United Arab Emirates," Trade Minister Don Farrell said.
While Adelaide celebrates Emirates' return, another comeback has hit a setback.
9News can exclusively reveal Cathay Pacific has postponed the reinstatement of its Adelaide service until the end of 2025 due to aircraft availability issues.
This delay will likely leave Adelaide without direct flights to Hong Kong until at least October 2025.
"I know Cathay want to be back in this market, and the minute they have the equipment to do so, I'm confident they will be back," Adelaide Airport CEO Brenton Cox said.
This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.
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