Hamilton’s Aussie boom: Visitor spending tops $50m after flights return

Monday, 15 June 2026

Jetstar passengers arriving from Sydney to Hamilton Airport. The return of international flights has helped pump millions into Hamilton, Mayor Tim Macindoe said.

The return of international flights to Hamilton Airport has helped generate an almost 20% surge in Australian spending in the city, hitting $50.2m in the year to April.

That’s just one of the reasons why, according to airport chief executive Mark Morgan, the return of international travel has “exceeded our expectations”.

On the eve of the one-year anniversary of Jetstar flights to Sydney and the Gold Coast from Hamilton, a range of stakeholders came to the same conlusion - it’s been a runaway success.

Hamilton Airport chief executive Mark Morgan said the international flights had exceeded both his and Jetstar’s expectations.

“I think it would be fair to say that the two routes have exceeded our expectations , and I would expect they’ve also exceeded Jetstar’s expectations,” Morgan said.

“Both flights almost immediately held relatively high load factors … they both held up very, very strongly and just recently we had the 100,000th passenger through the terminal.

“We’re delighted and we’re delighted with the support we’re receiving from the community because that’s key to keeping them going.”

Morgan described the aviation industry as the “canary in the coal mine” when it came to rising fuel prices caused by the latest Middle East conflict - he said for airlines jet fuel can be as much as 30% of their operating costs - but he remained confident.

“My belief is the routes themselves are not at risk,” he said.

“I think Jetstar sees Hamilton as a strategic opportunity for the future.”

That sentiment found an echo in Jetstar itself, with a spokesperson telling the Waikato Times that ahead of the one-year anniversary passenger numbers exceeded 110,000.

“We have loved seeing customers make the most of low fares and direct routes to explore Hamilton and the wider Waikato region and connect with friends and whānau.

Hamilton Mayor Tim Macindoe said the flights had created a real buzz at the airport and brought in millions to the city.

“For our Aus-bound customers, Gold Coast and Sydney are neck and neck in popularity, with both destinations offering some of the world’s best beaches, food and fun with just one short flight.

“Here’s to one year of Jetstar in the mighty Waikato.”

Hamilton Mayor Tim Macindoe also said this first year has “gone exceptionally well, with uptake exceeding expectations, even in the quieter months”.

He had some economic ballast to back those claims, too.

“We’re already seeing positive signs of economic benefit,” he said.

“Australian visitor spend in Hamilton reached $50.2million in the year to April 2026 — up 19% on the previous year — and while this reflects all Australian visitors, not just those arriving through Hamilton Airport, it’s a strong indicator of growing trans‑Tasman engagement, that aligns with what we are also seeing at a national level.

“Overall passenger numbers at Hamilton Airport are also surging, up 39% in the six months to December 2025, with around 55,000 people flying internationally between Hamilton, Sydney and the Gold Coast.

Hamilton and Waikato Tourism general manager Nicola Greenwell said data on Aussie spending showed just how valuable the direct connections have been for the regional economy.

“This momentum is strengthening our connections with our Australian neighbours and beyond, supporting local jobs, and delivering real value for Hamilton, the Waikato, and the wider Central North Island.”

Macindoe also said he was pleased at how Hamiltonians “have really embraced the return of international flights”.

“It’s been great to feel a real buzz at the airport,” he said.

“People are reconnecting with family, friends and favourite places, the terminal feels more vibrant, and both airlines have already built on the success of these routes with new domestic jet services.

“Despite the cost pressures airlines are facing, the strong support we’ve seen shows there is genuine demand here and a really encouraging foundation for the long term.

“And honestly, I think part of the magic is that our airport is just so easy to use. It’s a real win for Hamilton and the wider Waikato.”

Nicola Greenwell, the general manager of Hamilton and Waikato Tourism, was also able to reel off some numbers.

She said in the 12 months to March, Australian visitors spent $93.5m across Waikato, 14% of all visitor spend and a 17% increase on the year earlier.

She also said the MBIE Monthly Regional Tourism Estimates data revealed Australians have been keen to embrace Waikato’s hospitality and retail sectors.

“Retail spend by Australian visitors within the Waikato region reached $44.8m, up 41%, while food, beverage and hospitality spend totalled $20.4m, with spending in cafes and restaurants alone up 19%,” she said.

“Spending on tourism experiences by Australian visitors was up 51%, showing they are not only coming to the Waikato, but actively getting out and exploring what the region has to offer.”

She also said there had been a strong increase in Australian visitor days, reaching 1.2m in the 12 months to March 2026, up 23% on the previous year.

“These figures show just how valuable direct international connections are for the Waikato, with the economic benefits extending well beyond the tourism sector through support for local jobs, business growth, and thriving communities across the region.”