Jetstar Celebrates 20 Years of Operations in Christchurch with New Direct Flight to Hamilton

Published on December 4, 2025

Christchurch, New Zealand’s Garden City, is now witnessing a significant milestone in its aviation history as Jetstar celebrates 20 years of service in the city. This landmark occasion comes with an exciting announcement: a new direct flight connecting Hamilton and Christchurch. Starting Monday, Jetstar has launched a daily service operated by its A320 aircraft, offering more than 135,000 new low-cost seats annually. This new route is part of Jetstar’s commitment to enhancing New Zealand’s domestic connectivity, offering travelers an affordable and convenient option to travel between the North and South islands without the need to connect through Auckland.

With this move, Jetstar strengthens its role in the New Zealand aviation market, providing both business travelers and holidaymakers with greater flexibility and access to affordable fares. The new service also enhances competition, ensuring that travelers have more choices when planning trips between these two key cities. The flight will also provide families and friends a more accessible way to reunite, especially ahead of the Christmas season.

This new direct route is another step in Jetstar’s long-standing relationship with Christchurch Airport, having carried more than 17 million passengers since its inaugural service in 2005. As the city continues to grow as a tourism hub and business center, Jetstar’s continued expansion demonstrates its dedication to meeting the evolving needs of Kiwi travelers.

New Direct Flight: Hamilton to Christchurch

• Route Launched: Daily service between Hamilton and Christchurch
• Aircraft: Jetstar A320
• Annual Capacity: Over 135,000 new low-cost seats
• Flight Duration: Direct, no Auckland stopover
• Frequency: Daily
• Starting Date: Monday, [insert date]

Jetstar’s Growth and Impact on Christchurch’s Connectivity

Since launching its first Christchurch service 20 years ago, Jetstar has played a pivotal role in connecting the city with both domestic and international destinations. This expansion marks the continuation of Jetstar’s growth in New Zealand, where the airline continues to offer more affordable travel options for Kiwis.

The Hamilton to Christchurch route is part of a larger strategy that has seen Jetstar launch new routes, including:

• Hamilton to Gold Coast
• Hamilton to Sydney
• Dunedin to Gold Coast (also launched this year)

Jetstar’s rapid expansion across New Zealand reflects its strong commitment to offering affordable travel options, connecting local travelers to key destinations across Australia and beyond. In addition to this, Jetstar has increased capacity across five of its most popular domestic and trans-Tasman routes in 2025. This move makes 2025 one of the busiest years for the airline in New Zealand.

Sale Fares: Get Ready to Book Your Next Trip

To mark the launch of this new route and celebrate 20 years of flying from Christchurch, Jetstar has introduced incredible sale fares for flights between Hamilton and Christchurch, starting at just $53 one way. The sale fares are available on Jetstar’s official website and mobile app, providing even more affordable options for travelers looking to take advantage of this exciting new service.

• Sale Fare: One-way tickets from just $53
• Availability: Book through jetstar.com or the Jetstar mobile app

Key Quotes from Jetstar and Christchurch Airport

Jetstar’s Head of New Zealand, Shelley Musk, expressed her excitement about the new route, stating, “Monday was 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.” She highlighted that the new route would provide more affordable travel options for both tourists and business travelers between these two cities.

Meanwhile, Christchurch Airport’s CEO, Justin Watson, noted that this milestone reflected the longstanding partnership between the airport and Jetstar. He remarked that, “For two decades, Jetstar has helped connect our region with the rest of Aotearoa and the world,” underscoring the importance of the airline’s presence in the Christchurch travel market.

Jetstar’s Contribution to New Zealand’s Tourism and Economy

As one of the leading low-cost carriers in New Zealand, Jetstar has had a substantial impact on the local tourism and economy. The airline’s affordable fares make it easier for New Zealanders to travel both domestically and internationally, supporting the country’s tourism sector, especially in Christchurch. By providing more low-cost options to travelers, Jetstar continues to drive tourism and business opportunities across New Zealand.

Future Outlook for Jetstar in Christchurch

Looking ahead, Jetstar’s relationship with Christchurch Airport seems poised for further growth. The new Hamilton service is expected to enhance connections not only for tourists but also for business travelers seeking to take advantage of New Zealand’s growing economy.

Moreover, the increased capacity across domestic and trans-Tasman routes indicates that Jetstar will continue to offer travelers more flexibility and choice, allowing them to explore more destinations for less cost. With Jetstar’s ongoing commitment to affordable travel, we can expect to see continued growth and expansion in Christchurch and beyond.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Christchurch’s Aviation Market

As Jetstar celebrates its 20-year anniversary in Christchurch and launches the new Hamilton service, it is clear that the airline will remain a key player in New Zealand’s aviation industry. The addition of the direct Hamilton to Christchurch route is just the beginning of a new chapter in Jetstar’s continued growth in the country. With more affordable travel options and a greater focus on customer satisfaction, Jetstar’s future in Christchurch looks brighter than ever.

Whether you’re planning a holiday, business trip, or a family reunion, this new route offers a seamless and cost-effective way to travel between two of New Zealand’s most important cities. With the added convenience of a direct flight and affordable fares, Jetstar continues to redefine how Kiwis travel.