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Boosting Trans-Tasman Travel
Qantas is ramping up its efforts to cater to travelers between Australia and New Zealand, revealing plans for a marked increase in flight capacity for the upcoming summer period of December 2025 and January 2026.
Significant Capacity Increase
This expanded capacity will add approximately 60,000 extra seats over two months, translating to a hefty 20 percent increase in seating availability for those keen to explore the stunning landscapes of Aotearoa during the bustling holiday season. With more flights available, travelers can enjoy greater flexibility and potentially reduced airfare pressure.
Popular Routes Enhanced
Routes experiencing significant boosts include Brisbane–Queenstown with a staggering 75 percent increase and Melbourne–Queenstown at 50 percent. Additional routes include Sydney to Christchurch with a 47 percent rise, Sydney to Wellington at 31 percent, and Melbourne to Auckland at 23 percent.
Qantas will facilitate over 3.3 million seats available across the Tasman for the year leading up to January 2026.
Enhanced Comfort with New Aircraft
On another note, Qantas is set to introduce the Boeing 787 Dreamliner for flights between Brisbane and Auckland starting in August 2025. This incorporation will add a touch of luxury with Premium Economy options and an increase of 80 percent in premium seating availability. Initially launching with three flights per week, the service aims to become daily by October 2025.
According to Cam Wallace, Qantas International CEO, the airline has experienced remarkable growth towards New Zealand in 2025. From new route announcements to lounge refurbishments in Auckland, he mentions additional routes set to be introduced through their partner, Jetstar. Wallace expressed his satisfaction in providing more travel options for customers during one of the peak travel seasons of the year.
Welcoming Australian Travelers
Supporting this expansion, Andrew Waddel, Regional Director – Australia for Tourism New Zealand, heralded the uplift in options for Australian travelers as a significant development. An increased number of flights across the major ports will enhance opportunities for Australians wanting to explore New Zealand’s picturesque coastlines, exciting cycling trails, and high-quality gastronomic experiences, all blossoming under warmer summer days.
Peak Summer Travel Anticipation
Waddel articulated that travel between Australia and New Zealand tends to peak during summer, citing a notable 30 percent uptick in enthusiasm for travel in these warmer months—ideal conditions to experience everything New Zealand offers.
Impact on Airfares
Flight Centre Corporate Managing Director ANZ, Melissa Elf, regarded this capacity boost, in conjunction with routes resumed like Adelaide-Auckland, as positive news for both capacity and cost-effective travel. Although Auckland has been the reigning international destination for Australian corporates, fluctuating demand and elevated airfares put pressure on travelers.
Despite a slight 3 percent increase in return economy fares, Elf mentions that cross-Tasman travel remains robust, having witnessed a 10 percent increase in 2025 compared to the previous year. The planned additional flights promise to alleviate the existing constraints in supply alongside soaring travel costs.
Seasonal Schedule Adjustments
| Route | Current schedule | Seasonal summer change |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney – Auckland | 35 flights per week (Boeing 737 only) | Up to 6 additional flights per week |
| Sydney – Christchurch | 14 flights per week | Up to 7 additional flights per week |
| Sydney – Wellington | 14 flights per week | Up to 5 additional flights per week |
| Melbourne – Auckland | 28 flights per week | Up to 7 additional flights per week |
| Melbourne – Christchurch | 11 flights per week | Up to 3 additional flights per week |
| Melbourne – Queenstown | 4 flights per week | Up to 2 additional flights per week |
| Brisbane – Queenstown | 4 flights per week | Up to 3 additional flights per week |
Furthermore, Qantas has also published plans to reinstate nonstop international flights from South Australia, with its inaugural service from Adelaide to Auckland kicking off on October 31, 2025, adding an estimated 30,000 seats for travelers. Return fares starting at $699 are set for selected dates within that period.
Sonuç
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