Jetstar and Qantas have announced a major expansion of their trans-Tasman services for 2026, marking a significant boost in connectivity, capacity, and travel options between Australia and New Zealand.
Qantas will introduce its first international Airbus A220 service on the Brisbane–Wellington route from February 2026, replacing older aircraft and offering a more modern, fuel-efficient, and comfortable experience for passengers.
Jetstar is adding new routes, including Brisbane–Queenstown starting June 2026, as well as increasing frequencies on popular domestic and international services. Across both airlines, nearly 800,000 extra seats will be available, reflecting strong demand for leisure and business travel, and supporting tourism economies in both countries.
The expansion includes more flights on Brisbane–Auckland, Melbourne–Christchurch, Sydney–Auckland, and Sydney–Christchurch routes, giving travellers more options, lower fares, and improved connections to wider international destinations.
Wellington Airport
Wellington Airport welcomed the announcement as a significant boost for international and domestic travel, highlighting the debut of Qantas’ first international A220-300 service. The airport emphasised that the new aircraft offers passengers a quieter, more fuel-efficient, and technologically upgraded experience, with more spacious cabins, larger windows, free Wi-Fi, and at-seat charging options. Wellington Airport’s CEO, Matt Clarke, noted that the increase in flights enhances competition and choice, and allows Qantas to grow its market share in New Zealand.
Key Details:
- First international Qantas A220-300: Brisbane–Wellington from early 2026
- Aircraft: 137 seats (10 business), larger windows, more overhead space, USB/ wireless charging, free Wi-Fi
- 50% noise reduction and more fuel-efficient
- Qantas Wellington–Sydney flights up 36% in summer peak
- Jetstar increased Wellington capacity by 12% over past year
Christchurch Airport
Christchurch Airport described the announcement as a major boost for the South Island, with Jetstar increasing both domestic and international connectivity. The airport highlighted new routes and frequency increases, which will add hundreds of thousands of seats and strengthen Christchurch’s role as a key domestic hub. Officials noted that the additional capacity will make it easier for residents and visitors to connect for business, leisure, or international travel.
Key Details:
- New daily Christchurch–Hamilton route from 1 December 2025 (135,000 seats/year)
- Christchurch–Auckland services increase from 8 to 11 daily flights (+290,000 seats/year)
- Christchurch–Melbourne becomes daily year-round
- Cairns–Christchurch retimed for better connections to Osaka and Tokyo
- Total Jetstar seats from Christchurch: 1.9 million across six routes
Hamilton Airport
Hamilton Airport welcomed the new Jetstar domestic service to Christchurch as a major boost for regional connectivity and the Waikato economy. Acting CEO Ben Langley highlighted that the introduction of daily Jetstar flights, alongside Air New Zealand’s competing service, will increase passenger numbers by around 60%, creating more jobs, supporting tourism, and giving travellers faster and more convenient options. The airport also noted that recent investments in lounges and jet parking had prepared it for both domestic and international growth.
Key Details:
- Daily Hamilton–Christchurch Jetstar flights from 1 December 2025
- 186 seats per day each way; 100,000+ passengers/year
- First domestic Jetstar route from Hamilton
- Competes with Air NZ Hamilton–Christchurch service
- Supports regional growth and airport infrastructure development
Auckland Airport
Auckland Airport described the announcement as a major capacity boost that strengthens both domestic and trans-Tasman travel. Jetstar’s additional flights from Auckland will improve scheduling for business and leisure travellers, increase connectivity across New Zealand and Australia, and support tourism recovery. Auckland Airport also highlighted the economic impact of the extra seats, estimating that increased Australian visitors could generate around $190 million in additional spending.
Key Details:
- 490,000 extra seats across Australia and New Zealand
- Christchurch–Auckland: +290,000 seats/year
- Auckland–Brisbane: double daily year-round from December (+99,000 seats)
- Auckland–Sydney: +79,000 seats (+49%), 12 flights/week from February 2026
- Auckland–Dunedin: +24,000 seasonal seats (+17%)
- Jetstar schedule: 116 domestic flights and 43 trans-Tasman flights weekly
In addition to the trans-Tasman expansion, Qantas has launched a week-long sale on flights for Australians heading to the United States and Canada, offering return fares from $949. The sale covers multiple destinations including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, New York, Honolulu, and Vancouver, with discounts available across economy, premium economy, and business cabins.
All flights depart from Australia and include checked baggage, meals, and drinks on board. Travel is available between September 2025 and August 2026, and the sale runs until 11.59pm (AEST) on Monday 15 September 2025, unless sold out earlier. This provides travellers with another opportunity to lock in deals while Qantas and Jetstar expand their international and trans-Tasman networks.
