Jetstar will start daily jet services between Hamilton and Christchurch from 1 December 2025, marking the airline’s first ever domestic route out of Hamilton.
The move adds 186 extra seats each way each day, with Hamilton Airport estimating more than 100,000 additional passengers a year. That will lift the airport’s total annual passenger numbers to over half a million.
It’s also the first time two airlines will compete on a jet service between the two cities. Air New Zealand announced in May that it would begin a five-times-a-week A320 service from 18 September, bringing domestic jets back to Hamilton for the first time in 25 years.
Hamilton Airport acting chief executive Ben Langley said the extra services would help fuel growth in the region.
“The addition of the Jetstar and Air NZ domestic jet flights boosts passenger numbers coming through the airport by around 60 per cent. That’s massive. 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,” he said.
The airport has recently invested in upgrades, including a new domestic lounge and expanded jet parking. Much of the work was part of a wider terminal refurbishment designed to handle international flights.
Jetstar already flies internationally from Hamilton to the Gold Coast and Sydney, with daily services that launched in June. Langley said adding domestic flights had always been part of the airport’s long-term plan.
“Our strong focus was on getting the international Jetstar service up and running. We knew we had unlocked further growth potential but it’s fair to say the confirmation of domestic Jetstar flights out of Hamilton has come faster than we anticipated,” he said.
Langley added that competition between airlines was usually positive for customers but would not comment on potential ticket prices. He also declined to say whether Hamilton Airport was in talks with other carriers.
“We’re being proactive in that space and are working hard to sell Hamilton Airport as a very good business proposition. Our focus has been on creating an environment which gives airlines confidence, and we’re doing that,” he said.
Jetstar will operate A320 aircraft on the new Hamilton-Christchurch route. Flights will arrive from Christchurch at 9.25am and depart back at 10am.
