Jetstar will launch direct flights between Christchurch and Perth in late October, adding over 30,000 seats to the route annually. The seasonal service, commencing October 27, 2026, and running through March 27, 2027, will operate three times weekly, according to a statement released Monday.
The airline anticipates the new route will provide more affordable long-haul travel options for residents of the South Island, while also increasing tourism to the region. Jetstar Chief Executive Stephanie Tully stated the company was “thrilled” to introduce the service, offering New Zealanders “an affordable and convenient way to connect with Western Australia’s incredible beaches, vibrant food scene and outdoor adventures.”
Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Justin Watson described the new route as a significant development for the region. “Our airport is all about opening doors, giving South Islanders more direct choice and bringing more visitors in to experience this incredible region,” Watson said.
Flights will be operated using Jetstar’s Perth-based fleet of Airbus A321LR (long-range) aircraft, which began being delivered in 2022. The airline highlighted features of the aircraft, including larger overhead storage compartments, seat back device holders, and in-seat charging ports.
The new Christchurch-Perth route is the latest in a series of trans-Tasman expansions for Jetstar. Last year, the airline launched services between Christchurch and Cairns, Hamilton and the Gold Coast, Hamilton and Sydney, and Dunedin and the Gold Coast. A seasonal route between Queenstown and Brisbane is scheduled to start in June 2026.
Flights departing Christchurch will leave at 8:15 p.m. Local time, arriving in Perth at 10:30 p.m. Western Australia time. Return flights will depart Perth at 7:45 a.m. Local time, arriving in Christchurch at 6:55 p.m. New Zealand time. The airline noted that flights from Perth are expected to be faster due to prevailing westerly winds. All seats on the service will be economy class.
According to Jetstar, a one-way fare on the new route starts at $299, with the sale ending at 11:59 a.m. Tuesday, March 3, 2026, unless seats sell out prior to that time. The service could also provide connections for passengers travelling onward to destinations such as Bali, Delhi, Johannesburg, London, Paris, or Rome via Jetstar’s parent company, Qantas.
