Hamilton Airport has landed another boost for the Waikato economy, with Jetstar announcing it will start daily jet services between Hamilton and Christchurch from 1 December 2025.
The new service will deliver 186 extra seats each way, every day, adding 100,000-plus more passengers annually and lifting the airport’s total passenger count to more than half a million travellers each year.
It’s the first time ever 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 per cent. 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. Jetstar launched international flights from Hamilton to the Gold Coast and Sydney in June this year, offering flights every day of the week.
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,” Langley 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.”
He would not comment on potential airline ticket prices but noted “competition is usually very good for customers.”
Nor would he comment on whether or not Hamilton Airport is talking specifically to any other airlines, including international carriers.
“We’re being proactive in that space and are working hard to sell Hamilton Airport as a very good business proposition. Our focus has been on creating an environment which gives airlines confidence, and we’re doing that.”
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.
