Jetstar is ramping up capacity across its domestic and international network with the launch of two new routes and increased services on five of its busiest.
The low-cost carrier’s latest move marks its single-biggest expansion ever across New Zealand and the Tasman, with more than 660,000 extra seats added annually.
From June to October next year, Jetstar will launch seasonal flights between Brisbane, Queensland, and Queenstown, New Zealand, operating three times a week to align with the winter travel period.
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In addition, daily flights between Hamilton and Christchurch will begin on December 1, bringing 135,000 new seats a year between the Waikato and Canterbury regions.
Additionally, Jetstar is boosting capacity across five of its busiest domestic and trans-Tasman routes, adding close to 500,000 extra seats each year.
The biggest increase will be on the Auckland to Christchurch route, which will grow from up to eight daily flights to as many as 11 daily, adding 290,000 seats annually.
Flights between Auckland and Brisbane will increase from 10 per week to twice daily, creating 99,000 more seats per year.
The Auckland to Sydney route will rise from eight to 12 services a week, adding around 79,000 seats each year.
Services from Christchurch to Melbourne will now operate daily year-round, resulting in 26,000 extra seats annually.
Between Auckland and Dunedin, flights will increase from seven to 10 per week during the period from October 26 to May 17, 2026, providing 24,000 additional seats per year.
The Australian-based carrier has operated in New Zealand for 20 years.
Jetstar Group CEO Stephanie Tully said the expansion comes at a time when travel demand is soaring and more affordable travel options are needed.
“These changes will give a much-needed boost to inbound tourism while offering Kiwis even more low fares and choice in how they travel,” Tully said.
To support the increased flying, the carrier will base an additional A320 aircraft in Auckland, expanding its New Zealand fleet to nine.
Jetstar said the extra capacity will improve international connections as well.
Double daily Auckland–Brisbane services will allow travellers to link through to destinations like Osaka, Tokyo, Seoul and Bangkok, while Christchurch–Melbourne flights will connect to Singapore, Bali and Ho Chi Minh City.
The airline also confirmed it is retiming Auckland–Wellington services to a 7.30am departure, aimed at better serving business and government travellers.
Auckland Airport welcomed the move, with chief customer officer Scott Tasker calling the announcement “a real vote of confidence in New Zealand’s travel market”.
“More seats mean more choice, better schedules for business and leisure flyers, and stronger connections across New Zealand, Australia and into Asia,” Tasker said.
“Jetstar’s investment, including basing another aircraft here, strengthens Auckland Airport’s role as the hub for Jetstar’s growth.”
The airline estimates the expansion could help bring in up to 70,000 extra Australian visitors, generating about $190 million in economic benefit for the Auckland and wider New Zealand economy.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston praised the announcement, saying the new services align with the government’s broader goals.
“These new services will strengthen airline connectivity for both tourism and business,” Upston said.
“Improved aviation connectivity is an important component in our Tourism Growth Roadmap.”
Jetstar is celebrating the expansion with a network-wide sale, with one-way domestic fares starting from $42 and international fares from $147, available until 11.59pm Monday unless sold out earlier.
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