Trans-Tasman Jetstar routes a ‘game changer’ for regional Kiwi travellers
Tuesday, 17 September 2024
Jetstar is launching flights to Australia from Hamilton and Dunedin.
Travel agents say the new trans-Tasman flights will be a “game changer” for regional travellers.
The new flights take off in June, 2025.
Travel agents are lauding Jetstar’s new routes to Hamilton and Dunedin, calling it a “game changer” for Kiwi travellers.
The low-cost carrier announced today it was bringing international flights back to the two airports, taking off from Hamilton to the Gold Coast and Sydney, and from Dunedin to the Gold Coast from June 2025.
It’ll be the first international flights from Hamilton in 13 years, when Virgin Australia stopped flying, while Dunedin hasn’t had an international flight since 2020.
House of Travel CEO David Coombes said staff in those regions were “buzzing” with the news.
He said the new routes are set to offer more travel flexibility and cheaper fares, especially for travellers living in neighbouring regions of Southland and Bay of Plenty.
“After years of limited international flight options in the regions, and no international flights from Dunedin Airport in almost four years due to the pandemic, regional travellers are the winners today making holidays to two of our favourite destinations easier than ever before.
“When airline carriers introduce new routes and increase capacity in the marketplace it creates opportunities for people to travel. Most importantly for us at House of Travel, these new routes make travel more accessible, allowing our customers to experience Sydney and the Gold Coast with greater ease.”
Coombes said despite a softer economy, travel is buoyant, driven by New Zealanders’“unrelenting passion and appetite to explore the world”.
“From a travel industry perspective, Jetstar's decision to reinvest in our regions with these new international routes signals the continued growth of travel and a return to normalcy after years of disruption,” said Coombes. “This development is incredibly exciting as we look toward 2025.”
Corporate Traveller NZ general manager Angie Forsyth said the news is fantastic for business travellers.
“These direct flights will make it easier and more convenient for travellers to reach key markets in Australia, whether they're attending business meetings, conferences, expanding their operations, or just after a holiday.
“We have a large number of clients in these regions, mainly in farming, technology and retail. The new flight routes will streamline travel for many of them, allowing for more seamless connections with major hubs like the Gold Coast and Sydney.
“This increased accessibility is a significant step forward for local businesses, enabling faster and more efficient travel.”
Meanwhile, Air New Zealand told Stuff Travel they welcomed the new competition on trans-Tasman routes.
“More choice for Kiwis is always welcomed and the return of international services in Dunedin and Hamilton adds to the options New Zealanders have for their travel plans,” said Air NZ general manager international Jeremy O’Brien.
When asked if the airline would consider launching international routes from Hamilton, O’Brien responded: “Air New Zealand is focused on the combined strength of our Tasman offerings from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown offering up to 50 flights daily between Aotearoa and Australia, along with the excellent connectivity across our 20-destination strong domestic network”.
Owner-operator of House of Travel Dunedin Antony Boomer said there are already high customer enquiries for travel from Dunedin to the Gold Coast, and the direct flights could not come at a better time.
“Today’s announcement is a game changer for us here in Otago,” Boomer said. “The nearest international airport to Dunedin is in Queenstown, about a 3.5-hour drive away, and we haven't had direct flights to Australia for four years.
“The Gold Coast is an incredibly popular destination, and having a direct route will eliminate the hassle and time of driving or flying to Christchurch, Wellington, or Auckland first. This means getaways for Otago and Southland residents will become much more accessible.”
General manager of Flight Centre NZ Heidi Walker said the new flights will be far more convenient, saving time and cost for travellers.
“For regional North Islanders, having to fly from Auckland has been a barrier for some, both logistically and financially. The extra leg of travel can add time, expense, and complexity to a trip, particularly for families or large groups.
“With Hamilton offering direct flights, travellers from the wider Waikato region will find it much easier to hop across the Tasman without the need for an extra connection. This makes Australia a more attractive and accessible option for weekend trips or spontaneous holidays.”
Walker said the new routes were unlikely to create any major pressure on Air New Zealand due to Auckland being such a key hub, but there could be some shift in regional demand from travellers who value convenience and proximity to home.
“These new routes will almost certainly have a positive impact on trans-Tasman travel. With more flight options and easier access for travellers in Waikato and Otago, more of our customers from these regions can access Australia right from their front doors.
“The added convenience means our customers can go on more frequent trips, helping to boost tourism on both sides of the Tasman.”