Qantas Boosts Trans-Tasman Flights by 20% for Summer 2025/26
Qantas Expands Flights Between Australia and New Zealand for Summer 2025-2026
In an exciting development for travelers, Qantas has announced the launch of additional flights between Australia and New Zealand for the upcoming summer peak season. With a significant capacity increase of up to 20% across the Tasman Sea, the airline is set to offer around 60,000 more seats during December 2025 and January 2026 compared to the previous year. This strategic move aims to provide travelers with greater options and convenience during one of the busiest holiday periods.
Boosting Capacity on Key Routes
According to Qantas’ announcement on May 28, 2025, several key routes will experience increased capacity and frequency. Here’s a breakdown of the main enhancements:
- Sydney to Auckland: Up to six additional flights per week, totaling 35 weekly flights (a 16% increase).
- Sydney to Christchurch: Up to seven additional flights per week, reaching 14 in total (a 47% increase).
- Sydney to Wellington: An increase of five additional flights per week, bringing the total to 14 (a 31% increase).
Not only will Sydney benefit from these enhancements, but Melbourne will also see significant increases:
- Melbourne to Auckland: Seven additional flights per week for a total of 28 (a 23% increase).
- Melbourne to Christchurch: Up to three additional flights per week, totaling 11 (a 26% increase).
- Melbourne to Queenstown: An increase of two additional flights per week, reaching four (a 50% increase).
In Queensland, the Brisbane to Queenstown route will enjoy a remarkable increase of three additional flights per week, resulting in a total of four flights (a 75% increase).
Enhanced Travel Experience with Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Qantas is not only increasing flight frequency but also enhancing the travel experience. The airline plans to introduce its Boeing 787 Dreamliner on the Auckland to Brisbane route, adding premium economy options for the first time. This change will boost non-economy seat availability by up to 80% compared to the previous year.
The 787 Dreamliner service will initially operate three times per week starting August 2025 and will transition to daily flights by October 2025. This addition marks Qantas’ second 787 service between Australia and New Zealand, complementing the existing flights between Auckland and Sydney.
Supporting Tourism and Economic Growth
Cam Wallace, CEO of Qantas International, emphasized the airline’s commitment to growth in the New Zealand market. He stated, “This capacity boost represents almost 60,000 more seats compared to last summer, giving our customers additional choice and supporting tourism and economic growth in both markets.”
Andrew Waddel, Regional Director – Australia for Tourism New Zealand, expressed enthusiasm about the increased flight options, stating, “With an increase across all four major ports, there are even more options for travelers to kick start their Aotearoa New Zealand getaway.”
Conclusion: A New Era of Travel
As Qantas prepares to offer more flights and improved services, travelers can look forward to an exciting summer season. This expansion not only enhances travel choices but also supports tourism growth between Australia and New Zealand.
Are you planning a trip across the Tasman? Share your thoughts in the comments below and explore our related articles for more travel tips! For more details on Qantas flights and services, visit Qantas’ official website.
