December 2, 2025 -- Jetstar’s first-ever direct flight between Hamilton and Christchurch takes off today, as the airline celebrates 20 years of operations in Christchurch.
The new daily service, operated by Jetstar’s A320 aircraft, will provide more than 135,000 new low-cost seats annually on the route
The direct connection offers travellers a new affordable and convenient way to fly between the North and South islands without needing to connect through Auckland.
It will enhance competition on the route while providing new opportunities for customers to take off more for less to visit friends and family or travel for business.
Jetstar’s growth
Since launching its first Christchurch service in 2005, Jetstar has carried more than 17 million passengers through the airport, connecting Kiwis to destinations across New Zealand, Australia and beyond.
Hamilton to Christchurch is the latest addition to Jetstar’s rapidly expanding New Zealand network, following the launch of Hamilton to Gold Coast, Hamilton to-Sydney, and Dunedin to Gold Coast services this year.
With extra capacity added across five of Jetstar’s most popular domestic and trans-Tasman routes, 2025 is officially one of the airline’s biggest and busiest years in New Zealand.
Sale fares
As part of Jetstar’s massive Black Friday Sale, the airline is offering one-way fares between Christchurch and Hamilton from just $53^ at jetstar.com.
At a glance
- Company
- Jetstar
- Announcement
- Expansion
- Location
- Christchurch, New Zealand
Key figures
- Years operating in Christchurch
- 20 years
- New annual seats on the route
- more than 135,000
- Passengers carried through Christchurch Airport
- more than 17 million
- One-way sale fare
- $53
People
- Shelley MuskJetstar’s Head of New Zealand
- Justin WatsonChristchurch Airport Chief Executive
Products and programs
Jetstar’s Head of New Zealand, Shelley Musk:
“Today is a special day for Jetstar. Not only are we connecting Christchurch and Hamilton for the first time, but we’re also celebrating two decades of flying from Christchurch.
“This new route is a win for both regions, giving Kiwis a new opportunity to access our great low fares and helping drive tourism and business travel between these two cities.
“Christchurch has always been a key part of our network, and we’re proud to be expanding out of the Garden City as we mark this milestone.”
Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Justin Watson says the milestone reflects a long-standing partnership focused on people, place, and sustainable growth.
“For two decades, Jetstar has helped connect our region with the rest of Aotearoa and the world.
“We’re proud of the relationship we’ve built, and the millions journeys that began or ended in Christchurch because of it.
“The new Hamilton service gives travellers even more choice, supporting both business links and whānau reconnecting for the Christmas season.”
Flight schedule
From 1 December 2025
^Sale ends 11.59pm NZDT Tuesday 2 December 2024, unless sold out prior. Prices based on payment by POLi, Jetstar voucher, Jetstar Gift Card, or bookings redeemed only in Qantas Points through jetstar.com. For other payment options, a Payment Fee applies. See jetstar.com/fees. One-way, excludes checked baggage. Selected travel dates and conditions apply.
*The membership fee to join Club Jetstar is NZD $65. The current membership fee for renewal of an existing Club Jetstar membership is NZD $55. The fees are non-refundable. T&Cs apply.
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In brief
Jetstar says it has begun daily direct flights between Hamilton and Christchurch, marking 20 years of its operations in Christchurch. The airline expects the A320-operated route to add more than 135,000 seats a year and provide an alternative to travelling between the North and South islands via Auckland. Jetstar says it has carried more than 17 million passengers through Christchurch Airport since starting service there in 2005. The new connection is part of its expanding New Zealand network. The company also announced one-way sale fares between the cities from $53, subject to conditions. Jetstar’s Head of New Zealand, Shelley Musk, said the service would support travel between the regions, while Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Justin Watson noted its potential to support business connections and visits with family.
Key takeaways
- Jetstar has launched daily direct flights between Hamilton and Christchurch using A320 aircraft.
- The airline says the route will add more than 135,000 seats annually.
- The launch coincides with Jetstar’s 20th anniversary of operations in Christchurch.
- Sale fares between the cities start at $53 one way, subject to conditions.
Earlier from Jetstar
- Jetstar takes off from Perth to Manila, offering West Australians a fifth direct route to Asia
- Jetstar offers Qantas Frequent Flyers a new way to supercharge their earning power
- Jetstar customers can take off faster with new passport scanning app feature and Uber partnership
- Jetstar celebrates first flight from Gold Coast to Bali with 24-hour flash sale
- Jetstar celebrates 20th birthday by reenacting its inaugural flight from Newcastle to Melbourne
