Tuesday, 21 July 2026

Jetstar cuts back on Cairn's route and cancels Auckland route

Jetstar is pausing its flights between the Sunshine Coast and Cairns during this year’s off-peak season due to low demand.


Jetstar took over the route previously operated by Bonza in December 2024, running three flights a week. However, services will pause from early October to mid-December. This change comes as Jetstar also axes its “unviable” Sunshine Coast to Auckland route starting in October.

Queensland remains central to Jetstar’s growth, and we have one of the most extensive Queensland networks in the country,” a Jetstar spokesperson said.

They went on to say, “While we’ve made some difficult decisions on specific routes, our commitment to Queensland – and to making air travel affordable for Queenslanders – has never been stronger.

Sunshine Coast is always a popular destination for Jetstar customers, and we’re committed to providing services for Sunshine Coast local residents, and for people visiting the area.”

The Sunshine Coast – Cairn's route was one of 10 operated by Bonza from its former Sunshine Coast hub before the airline went into voluntary administration in April 2024. 

Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Chris Mills said that the airport is disappointed in the decision to drop the “well-loved” route, which will slash passenger numbers by up to 35,000 over the next year.

Jetstar also confirmed last month it will axe its trans-Tasman route between Sunshine Coast and Auckland, pointing to “lower-than-expected demand” and “significant rise in operating costs, including fuel”.

“These rising costs include the soon to be implemented increase in Australia’s Passenger Movement Charge to $80 per passenger, expected to directly impact flight performance from 2027, as well as broader escalation in aviation-related taxes, transport fees, government and airport charges on both sides of the Tasman,” the airline said in a NZ press release in June.

These continue to place pressure on international routes, especially for low-fares airlines.” a Jetstar spokesperson said.

No comments:

Post a Comment