Qantas has officially opened its first Domestic Business Lounge at Adelaide Airport, marking a significant enhancement to its lounge facilities for business travellers.
The 1,016-square-metre lounge, which accommodates up to 190 guests, launches in conjunction with the announcement of a new direct route from Adelaide to Auckland, and is part of Qantas’ national strategy to upgrade its global lounge network, focusing on improving customer experience.
Designed by Architectus, the lounge draws inspiration from South Australia’s most iconic landmarks, including the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, Central Market, and the striking rock formations of Kangaroo Island’s Flinders Chase National Park. The aesthetic is supported by durable, high-end finishes and thoughtful spatial planning, offering a variety of zones to suit different traveller preferences.
“For the millions of customers that visit our lounges, we know just how important it is to have a premium pre-flight experience, and we’re so pleased to be bringing this to Adelaide today,” said Cam Wallace, CEO of Qantas International.
A key focus of the design is creating what Qantas calls “rooms within rooms without walls.” From bright, window-side tables to quiet corners for solo travellers, the space accommodates a wide range of needs, aiming to serve comfort and convenience for business travellers. Roughly 80% of the lounge’s seating includes built-in power stations, with USB-A, USB-C, and wireless charging pads incorporated into custom console tables.
“Incorporating what customers really need—like charging multiple devices before getting on board—was central to our design,” a Qantas spokesperson explained.
“You no longer see guests scrambling to find a plug. The power is right there by your side, whether you’re eating, drinking or working.”
The layout is also grounded in operational efficiency, with fixed furniture allowing better cable management and easier reset by staff, while also accommodating traveller needs, such as clear paths for carry-on luggage and shared zones that don’t feel awkward when seated among strangers.
At the heart of the lounge is the Market Kitchen, a live cooking station inspired by Adelaide’s vibrant Central Market. The food offering celebrates South Australian produce, with a menu crafted by Qantas Creative Director of Food, Beverage and Service, Neil Perry, alongside renowned Barossa chef Maggie Beer. Dishes include roast vegetable paella, lamb cutlets, and Maggie’s signature pâté and sparkling Ruby Cabernet.
“The bar is a hero feature of the experience,” added the spokesperson.
“Whether it’s a great morning coffee or a glass of local wine, guests can touch down at multiple service points without long queues, and we’re proud to be showcasing some of South Australia’s finest labels.”
Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison praised the launch, emphasising the flow-on effects for the state’s economy.
“This new service makes travel to South Australia easier for New Zealanders, who have long been a key source of tourism for our state,” she said. Last year alone, spending from Kiwi visitors rose by 29%.
Brenton Cox, Managing Director of Adelaide Airport, echoed this sentiment.
“We’re excited to welcome Qantas international services back to Adelaide, offering both a direct service to Auckland and an excellent one-stop connection to New York.”
From the locally commissioned blown glass installation by JamFactory to upgraded shower suites designed with privacy and refreshment in mind, the lounge embodies South Australian hospitality and craftsmanship, and offers comfort and convenience for business class travellers.
The opening of the Adelaide Domestic Business Lounge completes Qantas’ rollout of premium business lounges in every mainland capital, cementing Adelaide’s position as a key gateway and elevating the travel experience for frequent flyers across the country.
WHAT: Qantas Domestic Business Lounge
WHEN: Opens today
For the Qantas website, click here.
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