Jetstar has announced it will start daily jet services between Hamilton and Christchurch from 1 December.
The new service will deliver 186 extra seats daily, adding 100,000-plus more passengers annually and lifting Hamilton Airport’s total passenger count to more than half a million travellers each year.
It marks the first time Jetstar has operated a domestic route out of Hamilton, and the first time two airlines will fly competing jet services on the same domestic route. Air New Zealand announced in May it would begin its own A320 Hamilton–Christchurch five day a week service from 18 September, bringing domestic jets back to Hamilton for the first time in 25 years.
Hamilton Airport acting chief executive, Ben Langley said both services will fuel regional growth.
“The addition of the Jetstar and Air NZ domestic jet flights boosts passenger numbers coming through the airport by around 60%. That’s massive. More flights mean more jobs, more visitors, and faster connections for business. It’s a big vote of confidence in our region and in our airport,” he said.
Recent investments, including a new domestic lounge and expanded jet parking, paved the way for the new domestic jet services. Most of that work was done as part of a wider terminal refurbishment to enable international flights.
Mr Langley said it was “always the plan” to create domestic jet opportunities on the back of the airport securing an international airline.
“Our strong focus was on getting the international Jetstar service up and running. We knew we had unlocked further growth potential but it’s fair to say the confirmation of domestic Jetstar flights out of Hamilton has come faster than we anticipated,” he said.
“The confidence shown by both Air New Zealand and Jetstar reinforces Hamilton’s role as a key regional hub and will give travellers more choice, more comfort, and faster travel.”
Jetstar will use A320 aircraft on its Hamilton-Christchurch route. Flights will arrive in Hamilton from Christchurch at 9.25am and depart for Christchurch at 10am.
WRAL (Waikato Regional Airport Ltd) is a council-controlled organisation owned by Hamilton City, Otorohanga, Waipā, Waikato and Matamata-Piako District Councils and is the umbrella for subsidiary companies Hamilton Airport, Jet Park Hotel Hamilton Airport, Hamilton & Waikato Tourism (HWT) and Titanium Park Limited.
