Jetstar revives Christchurch-Sydney flights but axes two tourist routes
Jetstar is reshuffling its transtasman services, with Christchurch-Sydney flights returning in late October.
But some other routes will be dropped because of low demand.
The Australian budget carrier said Christchurch-Sydney flights would resume from October 26.
The service is being resurrected seven years after it was suspended because of low demand.
The tickets go on sale for 48 hours from noon today from $219 one-way, until or unless they are sold out.
Flight JQ 140 from Christchurch will operate four times a week, leaving at 9.10am on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.
The JQ 141 return service will fly on the same days, arriving in Christchurch at 5.40pm.
Meanwhile, Jetstar said it was boosting capacity between Auckland and Melbourne from seven flights a week to 11.
It was also retiming Hamilton-Sydney flights from 1.10pm to a 10am departure.
The Sydney-Hamilton flight will move from an early morning departure time to 12.30pm.
Jetstar said those changes should encourage smoother connections from Sydney to Jetstar’s Australian and international network.
Flights between Auckland and the Sunshine Coast, and between Christchurch and Cairns, will be suspended from late October.
Jetstar cited lower-than-expected demand on both routes and a “significant rise in operating costs, including fuel”.
It said customers booked on the services would be rebooked on alternative flights or have the option of a refund.
As in New Zealand, airlines in Australia face numerous system costs.
Jetstar said Australia’s passenger movement charge would rise to A$80 ($97.73) per passenger, up from the current A$70.
The fee is imposed whenever a person from Australia goes abroad, regardless of whether they plan to return to Australia.
According to the Australian Border Force, the fee is collected when a ticket is sold to a passenger and then forwarded by the carrier to the Department of Home Affairs.
The fee hike takes effect on January 1.
Some people, including children younger than 12, are exempt from the charge.
Jetstar said the increased charge would impact its financial performance from next year.
The airline also cited “broader escalation in aviation-related taxes, transport fees, government and airport charges on both sides of the Tasman”.
It said these fees were adding pressure to international services, especially for low-fare airlines.
John Weekes is a business journalist covering aviation. He previously covered consumer affairs, crime, politics and courts.
Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you
Get the iHeart App
Get more of the radio, music and podcasts you love with the FREE iHeart app. Scan the QR code to download now.
Download from the app stores
Stream unlimited music, thousands of radio stations and podcasts all in one app. iHeart is easy to use and all FREE
