Kangaroo Island Council has welcomed the new Qantas flight schedule with extra flights between Kingscote and Adelaide from this summer.

The airline is working with the South Australian Tourism Commission to schedule 12 return flights each week this coming summer, with two flights each weekday and daily flights on weekends.

There will also be nine return flights each week next winter 2024, with daily flights and a change in outbound times from Kingscote - moving from 3pm to 5pm to make day trips easier.

Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison says the extra flights to Kangaroo Island are a sign of great confidence in the Island’s tourism industry.

“With mouth-watering local food and wine, breathtaking scenery and luxury accommodation Kangaroo Island is one of our state’s great tourism drawcards”, she says.

“All eyes are on Kangaroo Island, with the iconic destination having received multiple international and national accolades, including being named an essential tourist destination by the New York Times and Time Magazine, as well as Stokes Bay taking the title of best beach in Australia.

“As we head into the peak summer season and await exciting developments on the Island like the reopening of the Southern Ocean Lodge, the increase in flights will help attract more out-of-state visitors who will inject valuable dollars into the regional economy.”

Kangaroo Island Mayor Michael Pengilly says he is pleased Qantas will fill the gap left by Rex Airlines.

"I know the community and industry were very concerned about fewer flights.” 

He says the additional flights will greatly improve accessibility for locals seeking medical and professional appointments on the mainland.

"Qantas responds to market demand, and we thank the airline for taking on local feedback about the need for Kangaroo Island locals and businesses to be able to travel back and forth between destinations in one day," Mr Pengilly says.

"The key to maintaining a consistent service is to ensure continued use of the flights. I encourage our businesses, the community, and anyone travelling for leisure to make use of the new service.”

To support the additional flights, the council is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from experienced and capable operators to provide a food and beverage service at Kangaroo Island Airport. 

More information can be found on the council website and interested parties are invited to submit their EOI to the council no later than 5pm on Friday 15 September.