More Kiwis from across the ditch for Brisbane

In great news for Queensland’s visitor economy, capacity between Auckland and Brisbane is about to be boosted with Jetstar to launch services between the two cities for the first time. 

Jetstar will fly four return flights each week from 27 March 2023 with launch fares starting from $AUD239 one-way. 

Growth of airline capacity on the New Zealand market is critical to the overall recovery of the Queensland’s tourism industry, with total international airline capacity into Brisbane currently just above 60% of pre-pandemic levels. The addition of this new service will provide another step up in capacity on the Trans-Tasman route, just in time for the Australia and New Zealand Easter School Holiday period in 2023.  

“For the first time, this will offer travellers a low-cost option between Auckland and Brisbane, opening an entire new segment of the market. New Zealand is both Brisbane and Queensland’s largest inbound visitor market, so the importance of this deal cannot be overstated,” according to Ryan Both, Executive General Manager of Aviation for Brisbane Airport. 

The new service has been secured under the $200 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, which was created to boost Queensland’s visitor economy. The fund is backed by the State Government and Queensland’s international airports. 

Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said New Zealand was an important part of Queensland’s international tourism recovery plan. 

 “Jetstar’s fare deals from Auckland are predicted to bring more than 35,000 Kiwis across the ditch to Brisbane a year, contributing $44 million and 430 jobs to Queensland’s visitor economy,” Mr Hinchliffe said. 

Jetstar Group CEO, Stephanie Tully, said it was exciting to launch a new route that expanded Jetstar’s Trans-Tasman network.    

“This is the first time we’ve offered direct flights between Brisbane and Auckland, and we’re confident this new return service will be extremely popular with our customers,” said Ms Tully.  

“Queensland offers holidaymakers everything from beautiful beaches, tropical islands and the outback to some of the best fine dining and shopping experiences in Australia.” 

Brisbane and Auckland have been Sister Cities since the 1988 World Expo, with this new service boosting bonds between the two cities. The Jetstar flights will also provide easy access for Warriors fans to the NRL’s magic round at Suncorp Stadium in May. Brisbane and Auckland are also host cities for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup with fans expected to flow between Australia and New Zealand during the event. 

Jetstar will operate an Airbus A320 aircraft on the route. 

Flight schedule