WESTERN AUSTRALIA, AUSTRALIA
Western Australia is strengthening its international aviation links with the launch of a new seasonal non-stop Jetstar service connecting Christchurch and Perth.
Flights are now on sale for the new route, which was secured in partnership with Perth Airport and Christchurch Airport, and will operate three times per week from 27 October 2026 until 27 March 2027.
The seasonal service will deliver close to an additional 700 inbound seats from New Zealand each week.
“Western Australia has a strong link with New Zealand, driven by our proud expat community welcoming family and friends from across the ditch,” said WA Premier, Roger Cook.
“The announcement of Jetstar’s direct flights to Christchurch will connect families to home and New Zealand tourists to Australia’s Western Gateway.”
The airline will also open a new cabin crew base at Perth Airport, creating 90 jobs for Western Australians as it seeks to build its domestic and international network out of Australia’s Western Gateway.
“The new cabin crew base, which will create 90 new jobs for Western Australians, is further proof of my government’s commitment to diversify our economy and provide quality jobs,” said Mr Cook.
New Zealand is Western Australia’s third largest international market by visitor numbers, with 78,000 visitors spending $166 million in the year ending September 2025. The number of New Zealanders travelling to Western Australia is motivated by the State’s large expat community, with around one-in-three visitors travelling specifically to visit friends and family.
“Re‑establishing a direct air link between Perth and Christchurch is an important milestone for Western Australia. This service strengthens our connection to New Zealand – one of our most valuable international visitor markets – and supports our tourism industry,” said WA Tourism Minister, Reece Whitby.
“This service not only boosts flight capacity into Western Australia but also contributes to our broader economic diversification strategy by attracting visitors, supporting local jobs, and reinforcing Perth’s position as Australia’s Western Gateway.
“International routes like this are critical to Western Australia’s continued economic growth, strengthening our global aviation connectivity and supporting the WA businesses that rely on a strong tourism sector.”
Find out more at jetstar.com.
