Overview
- Jetstar announced on Thursday it will suspend Sunshine Coast–Auckland and Cairns–Christchurch services from October 24 and will relaunch Sydney–Christchurch from October 26.
- The airline said lower-than-expected demand and a significant rise in operating costs, including fuel, drove the decision and will rebook affected passengers onto alternative services.
- Industry groups point to recent policy changes as part of the cost pressure, noting the passenger movement charge rose to $80 and AusCheck credentialling fees increased sharply.
- The federal Infrastructure Minister’s office called the suspensions disappointing and said the government is engaging with the aviation sector on fuel security.
- A4ANZ warned that the combined effect of higher fuel, taxes and proposed air traffic control and airport charges risks cutting thin regional routes, even as Qantas adds capacity on some Tasman services and Jetstar reports growth overall.