The South Australian Government is in discussions with international airlines to bring direct flights into Adelaide amid concerns that growth at the airport has slowed.

Despite a slight increase in passenger numbers, the airport has experienced a slump in regional travel on top of budget airline AirAsia X's decision to shelve its Kuala Lumpur service.

The AirAsia X route was tipped to inject $30 million into the state when it opened in 2013.

Tourism Minister Leon Bignell said he was committed to bringing in more direct flights from overseas which he believed would also increase the state's export potential.

"We're in discussions with both the US airlines and Chinese airlines and we'll see how that goes," Mr Bignell said.

"It was the fastest growing airport in Australia for three years in a row and we know that the best money we can have in the South Australian economy is the money that comes out of the pockets of people from interstate and overseas."

He said from previous experience the Government knew it could take years to lure an international airline.

"We know from the Emirates talks that took many, many years to get the Emirates flights and that's been one of the most successful flights we have ever had bringing people into Adelaide from right across Europe," he said.

The company launched direct flights between Dubai and Adelaide in February 2013.

Mr Bignell said the Emirates flights also carried freight, including food produce, destined for overseas markets.