Jetstar will resume flights between Christchurch and Sydney from 26 Oct, but the carrier is also cutting its Auckland to Sunshine Coast and Christchurch to Cairns services.
These routes will be cut from 24 Oct, with the carrier citing lower- than-expected demand on both routes, along with the significant rise in operating costs, including fuel, as well as a broader escalation in aviation-related taxes, transport fees, government and airport charges on both sides of the Tasman.
The carrier specifically cites the soon- to-be-implemented AUD10 increase in Australia’s Passenger Movement Charge, which JQ says is expected to directly impact flight performance from 2027. For clients booked on these services, the carrier is making moves to rebook them on alternative flights. Refunds will also be available.
. . . Silver Lining
These cuts follow increases on other routes. As well as the CHC-SYD launch, the airline increased its Auckland to Melbourne route from seven to 11 flights per week.
Also worth noting is that the Hamilton-SYD service has been retimed to allow for smoother connections. HLZ-SYD now departs at 1000 instead of 1310, while SYDHLZ departs at 1230 instead of 0710. Its new CHC-SYD service will operate on a Mon, Wed, Thu and Sat, with JQ140 departing CHC at 0910 and arriving SYD at 1040 while JQ141 departs SYD at 1230 and arrives CHC at 1740.
