Direct services from multiple American airlines now connect non-stop to Australia

Direct flights from multiple American airlines now depart daily for Australia

Australia is witnessing a surge in tourism from the United States, with a 8% year-over-year increase in travelers from April 2024 to April 2025. This growth is driven by growing interest and spending, as visitor expenditure reached a record $52.6 billion in the 12 months to March 2025[1][2][3][5].

Tourism Australia's successful global campaign "Come and say G'day" has played a significant role in this growth, increasing U.S. holiday consideration by 10% and elevating flight searches to Australia by 22%[1][2][3][5].

In response to this demand, four major legacy carriers—American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Qantas—are expanding non-stop flights between the U.S. and Australia for the 2025–26 season, enhancing connectivity.

American Airlines will launch a new route, offering three weekly nonstop flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Brisbane (BNE) starting December 5, 2025, using Boeing 787-9 aircraft[2][4].
Delta Air Lines will introduce nonstop flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Melbourne (MEL) beginning in December 2025[2][4].
United Airlines will inaugurate the first-ever nonstop service from San Francisco (SFO) to Adelaide (ADL) starting December 11, 2025[2][4].
Qantas will upgrade its Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) to Sydney (SYD) route with Airbus A380 aircraft starting January 2026, significantly increasing capacity[2][4].

These route expansions align with Australia's position as the third-largest international tourism market for U.S. travelers and aim to offer more options for accessing Australia's key cities and regions[2].

United offers flights from San Francisco to Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, and from Los Angeles to Melbourne and Sydney[4]. Qantas, a major carrier serving flights between the U.S. and Australia, will also launch a non-stop flight from Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) to Sydney (SYD) in January 2026[4].

Adelaide, the destination of United's new non-stop flight, is Australia's fifth-largest city and known for its museums, galleries, and cuisine. It is also the gateway to the famed Barossa Valley wine region[4].

JetStar, a subsidiary of Qantas, offers flights from Honolulu to both Sydney and Melbourne[4]. Hawaiian Airlines has a flight from Honolulu to Sydney[4].

Australia's rich culture, with top-tier museums and the famous Sydney Opera House, makes it an appealing destination for sports fans, with events like the Australian Open and Melbourne Cup[6]. The country also offers great hiking, cycling, diving, and various water sports[6].

The food scene in Australia is diverse, with a wide variety of meat and plant dishes[6]. The U.S. is now the third-largest foreign market for tourism to Australia, with 711,000 travelers[7].

References:

[1] Tourism Research Australia. (2025). International Visitor Survey. Retrieved from https://www.tra.gov.au/research/publications/international-visitor-survey

[2] Tourism Australia. (2025). Media Release: Four Major Airlines to Increase U.S. Flights for 2025–26 Season. Retrieved from https://www.tourism.australia.com/news/media-releases/2025/four-major-airlines-to-increase-us-flights-for-2025-26-season.html

[3] Skift. (2025). Tourism Australia's 'Come and Say G'day' Campaign Boosts U.S. Travel. Retrieved from https://skift.com/2025/04/26/tourism-australias-come-and-say-gday-campaign-boosts-u-s-travel/

[4] Flight Global. (2025). United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Qantas to increase US-Australia flights. Retrieved from https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/united-airlines-american-airlines-delta-air-lines-qantas-to-increase-us-australia-flights-480742/

[5] Tourism Australia. (2025). International Visitor Survey: Quarter 4, 2024–25. Retrieved from https://www.tra.gov.au/research/publications/international-visitor-survey/quarterly-reports/international-visitor-survey-quarter-4-2024-25

[6] Lonely Planet. (2025). Australia. Retrieved from https://www.lonelyplanet.com/australia

[7] Tourism Australia. (2025). Overseas Arrivals and Departures. Retrieved from https://www.tra.gov.au/research/data-and-statistics/overseas-arrivals-and-departures