Here’s our weekly roundup of new air routes and codeshare partnerships
Jetstar debuts Christchurch to Cairns route
Jetstar’s first direct flight from Christchurch to Cairns took off on April 2, marking a milestone in the airline’s expansion. The route will operate three times a week year-round, providing more affordable travel options between New Zealand’s South Island and North Queensland.
This launch is part of Jetstar’s broader expansion, with more routes from Hamilton to Sydney and the Gold Coast, and Dunedin to the Gold Coast, coming soon. Additionally, Jetstar will receive seven new aircraft in 2025, including an Airbus A320 based in Christchurch.
Malaysia Airlines resumes Kuala Lumpur-Brisbane connection
Malaysia Airlines will resume direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Brisbane from November 29, restoring a key connection between Malaysia and Queensland.
This marks Brisbane’s 33rd direct international route, bringing its network back to pre-pandemic levels.
The airline will operate five weekly services using Airbus A330-300 aircraft, providing 75,000 inbound seats annually. The route is supported by the Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, a joint initiative between the Queensland Government and the state’s international airports.
Vietjet launches direct flights to Con Dao from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
Vietjet has introduced two new direct routes linking Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with Con Dao. The new services expand the airline’s domestic network and improve access to the southern island.
The Hanoi-Con Dao route operates two return flights daily, with each flight taking approximately two hours and 10 minutes. From Ho Chi Minh City, Vietjet also offers two daily return flights to Con Dao, with a flight time of around 40 minutes.
Philippine Airlines, Qatar Airways sign codeshare deal for Manila-Doha service
Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Qatar Airways have joined forces to enhance connectivity between the Philippines and Qatar. Starting June 16, PAL will operate daily non-stop flights from Manila to Doha, with Qatar Airways codesharing on the service.
The service will be operated using an Airbus A330-300 aircraft with both Business and Economy Class cabins.
This new partnership aims to improve access for travellers between the Philippines and more than 170 destinations in the Qatar Airways network, with onward connectivity via Hamad International Airport. Further collaboration between the two airlines is expected in areas such as frequent flyer programmes and additional route development.
