Jetstar is set to launch direct flights between Brisbane and Queenstown in June 2026 marking an expansion of its trans-Tasman network. The new Jetstar route will operate three times a week during the snow season (June to October), using A320ceo aircraft to deliver more than 17,000 low fare seats annually. In just under four hours, Queenslanders will be able to trade sunshine for snow, with easy access to Queenstown’s world-class ski slopes, a perfect escape for skiers, snowboarders, and alpine adventurers alike. Jetstar will also boost capacity on the Brisbane – Auckland route, increasing from up to ten per week to twice daily, adding an additional 99,000 seats per year. New Zealand remains Brisbane’s largest market with 1.34 million travellers crossing the Tasman in the year to June.
Qantas today also announced it will begin flying its next generation A220 from Brisbane to Wellington in its first deployment on an international route, from February 2026. The A220 will initially operate up to three times a week, replacing the E190 aircraft that currently operates on the route, as well as some Boeing 737 services. The new aircraft is significantly more fuel efficient than previous generation aircraft and offers customers a more comfortable travel experience with a light and bright cabin design, large windows, overhead lockers and fast free Wi-Fi available on flights.
Brisbane Airport CEO, Gert-Jan de Graaff said: “Queenslanders have well and truly embraced Jetstar’s low fares and its rapidly expanding Brisbane hub. Jetstar has rocketed up the charts, faster than an Ed Sheeran hit, to become the second-largest carrier at Brisbane Airport for international passenger numbers. With services connecting Brisbane to nine international destinations, we look forward to continuing this strong and growing partnership with Jetstar. It’s a great outcome for travellers, tourism and connectivity, which is exactly what we’re all about. Brisbane Airport is proud to be the home of the first international deployment of the Qantas A220. Its arrival marks a significant step toward the future of aviation, delivering quieter operations and lower emissions.”
Jetstar Group CEO Stephanie Tully said: “Queenslanders and New Zealanders now have even more ways to connect, with the launch of our new flights between Brisbane and Queenstown. This new route reflects the growing demand for direct, low fares travel from Australia to top international leisure destinations. This is the fifth trans-Tasman service Jetstar has launched or announced this year – and our seventh new international route out of Queensland – making 2025 Jetstar’s biggest Queensland and Tasman expansion yet.”
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said: “Today marks a significant milestone for the Qantas Group across the trans-Tasman, with our A220 aircraft making its debut on the Qantas international network and both airlines adding hundreds of thousands of seats, including a brand-new route for Jetstar. The A220 is our newest aircraft and has some of the highest customer satisfaction scores in the fleet, so we’re particularly excited to be offering the experience to customers travelling internationally from Brisbane-Wellington next year.”
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