We recently departed from Adelaide Airport on our review flight on Qatar Airways QSuite from Adelaide to Auckland, and return from Auckland to Adelaide.

Adelaide Airport first announced plans for a $165million expansion in 2018 to improve international arrivals and departures and to increase retail and dining areas by over 80%. This is the first major expansion since the current terminal was opened in 2005 and will increase the overall footprint by 16,500 square meters. International passengers in Adelaide have tripled since 2005 so the facilities are due an upgrade to handle the increased traffic. While much of the expansion has already taken place, delays in recent years have meant the final improvements are still being made.

International arrivals finally received a much needed additional and longer baggage conveyor belt, reducing the chaos when trying to collect luggage. More space has been added to immigration along with more security screening and a bigger duty free area for both arrivals and departures. The new international departure hall is three times the size of the old facility with room for future retail and dining facilities. Both the main and international security screening area also now offers a premium screening lane to fast track First Class and Business Class passengers as well as premium tier frequent flyer members.

Adelaide Airport has always been lacking with lounge choices but the opening of Virgin Australia’s new look lounge in 2021 and the soon to be opened Plaza Premium Lounge, open to all international passengers for a fee, will give more options to relax and refresh before your flight. Qantas also announced in August a new Business Class Lounge and fully upgraded invitation-only Chairman’s Lounge and Qantas Club, with 190 seating capacity, will join the options in 2023.

If you need a night to stay before or after your flight, the Atura Hotel can cater to your needs. Opened in 2018 next to the airport with a walkway directly into the terminal near international arrivals and domestic check-in, the $50million development offers 165 rooms, restaurant & bar, business centre and function and meeting space.

Developments are still ongoing in the refurbishment and expansion of retail and dining areas. New dining facilities in the last few years have included Penfolds Wine Bar & Kitchen, Soul Origin, Precinct Kitchen and the refurbished Coopers Alehouse. Retail has expanded with the launch of JB HI-FI, Lego Kaboom, renovated WHS Newsagent and Southern Providore.

Very recent additions to the airport include Amuse Beauty, SOHO, 100 Miles Adelaide and Sushi Sushi.

Along with improved dining and shopping options, Adelaide Airport has introduced ‘Adelaide Sounds’ through a partnership with Music SA to deliver live music by local emerging artists on Fridays between 2:30pm and 4:30pm near Gate 14.

With increased passengers in recent years, an upgrade and expansion of Adelaide Airport was long overdue to stay on track with other airports. When you next depart or arrive into Adelaide, you can expect more choices than you’ve experienced in the past. To book your next international flight, contact an airfare specialist today.