Qantas Boosts New Zealand Flights

Qantas has confirmed it’ll significantly boost flying to New Zealand from multiple cities in Australia across the upcoming summer schedule.

The increases will represent a 20% jump from December 2025 to January 2026, with capacity ramp-ups responding to the increased demand.

The Australian flag-carrier says the additional flights will enable greater choice for customers who are travelling across the Tasman during some of the peak summer holiday months.

Around 60,000 additional seats will be provided, allowing for a staggering 3.3 million seats to be available, which will support tourism and growth between the neighbours.

While Qantas is emphasising overall capacity ramp-up, there will also be adjustments in the aircraft utilisation to better support demand across some of the busiest markets.

This year has already seen huge growth in New Zealand for Qantas Group, from the announcement of two new Qantas routes to the refurbishment of our Auckland lounge well underway and the upcoming launch of three more new trans-Tasman routes for Jetstar.

CEO Qantas International, Cam Wallace

The company confirmed that the 787 will soon be introduced on the Brisbane-Auckland route, which will increase premium seat choices by 80% due to the introduction of Premium Economy on the sector.

Qantas says the 787s will operate three times weekly from August 2025, and in line with the strong demand, this will increase to daily from October 2025.

The adjustment with the Dreamliner represents the second service between the two countries, thanks to the airlines’ existing QF3/4 service that continues onwards to New York.

The Major Changes At Qantas

Sydney will be part of the expansion, with a focus on expanding towards some of New Zealand’s most important cities during these two months.

The flag carrier confirmed that it would offer up to six additional flights every week between Sydney and Auckland, representing a 16% increase.

Meanwhile, Sydney to Christchurch will also see a 47% increase, driven by seven additional flights per week.

Lastly, Sydney to Wellington will receive five additional flights every week, resulting in a 31% increase.

Qantas’ attention next turns to Melbourne, where service improvements will be visible to Auckland, with seven additional flights to be offered, representing a 23% increase.

Melbourne’s service to Christchurch will see three additional flights, representing a 26% increase in capacity. Additionally, flights to Queenstown will double, with two extra services per week.

The last city to receive enhanced connectivity will be Brisbane, with flights to Queenstown increasing by approximately 75%, thanks to the addition of three new flights.