Jetstar is unveiling two new routes in its largest-ever expansion of its New Zealand and trans-Tasman network.
Starting December 1 this year, the carrier will operate daily flights between Hamilton and Christchurch, adding more than 135,000 seats annually.
The new service will provide an additional 186 seats in each direction daily, boosting the airport’s total annual passenger numbers to over half a million.
Jetstar has never before flown domestic routes from Hamilton, and its new service will put it in direct competition with Air New Zealand. Air NZ will begin operating A320 jets on the route from September 18, marking the return of domestic jets to Hamilton after a 25-year absence.
“The addition of the Jetstar and Air NZ domestic jet flights boosts passenger numbers coming through the airport by around 60%. That’s massive,” said Ben Langley, Hamilton Airport acting chief executive.
“More flights mean more jobs, more visitors, and faster connections for business. It’s a big vote of confidence in our region and in our airport.”
Starting in 2026, Jetstar will operate flights between Brisbane and Queenstown three times a week from June to October, offering over 17,000 seats on this seasonal Tasman route.
Capacity has also been increased on five existing routes, adding over 660,000 new seats annually:
- Auckland and Christchurch: rising from up to eight flights daily to as many as 11.
- Auckland and Brisbane: increasing from up to ten flights per week to twice daily.
- Auckland and Sydney: rising from up to eight flights per week to as many as 12.
- Christchurch and Melbourne: expanding to daily year-round service.
- Auckland and Dunedin: increasing from seven to up to 10 flights per week between October 26 and May 17, 2026.