Jetstar Expands Flights Across New Zealand and Trans-Tasman Routes
Big news for travelers in New Zealand and across the Tasman: Jetstar has just announced a major expansion of its domestic and trans-Tasman flight network, promising more options and more seats for both Kiwis and visitors. This move is being described as the single-largest growth in the airline’s history in New Zealand and Australia.
Starting this December, Jetstar will introduce daily flights between Hamilton and Christchurch. On top of that, a new seasonal service connecting Brisbane and Queenstown is planned for next year’s ski season, making it easier for Australians to hit the slopes in Queenstown without complicated connections. Existing routes are also being beefed up, with more flights linking Auckland to Christchurch and Dunedin.
Also Read:Across the Tasman, the changes are equally significant. Auckland to Brisbane flights will now operate twice daily, while Auckland to Sydney will see four additional flights each week. This increase is expected to add almost 80,000 extra seats on that popular route annually. Meanwhile, Christchurch to Melbourne flights are being upgraded to a daily service, opening up an extra 26,000 seats every year.
Stephanie Tully, Jetstar Group CEO, explained that these changes are about more than just extra flights—they’re about connecting people. She highlighted that air travel is crucial for Kiwi families, friends, holidaymakers, and business travelers, and that these expanded services will provide greater choice and more low-fare options. She also emphasized the boost this will give to inbound tourism, helping to bring more visitors into New Zealand.
To handle this surge in flights, Jetstar will base an additional A320 aircraft in Auckland. Tully noted that these developments, together with Qantas’ increased flights and the use of their new A220 aircraft on Wellington to Sydney routes, will further strengthen New Zealand’s connections with Australia and beyond. The A220 is a newer, fuel-efficient plane that cuts noise by nearly 50% and offers passengers more comfortable seating, better windows, and improved device connectivity.
Overall, Jetstar’s domestic capacity in New Zealand is set to grow by 18%, while its trans-Tasman network will expand by 14%. For travelers, this means not just more flights but better connectivity to other parts of the world via Australia, making international trips smoother and more accessible.
Whether it’s for holidaymakers chasing ski slopes, families visiting each other, or businesses looking for convenient connections, Jetstar’s expanded network promises to make flying easier, more flexible, and more affordable. It’s a big step forward for New Zealand’s aviation landscape and a welcome boost for tourism and connectivity across the motu.
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