Here’s our weekly roundup of new air routes and codeshare partnerships
Qantas adds A220 service and Jetstar route to New Zealand
The Qantas Group will expand its trans-Tasman operations, including Qantas’ first international service using the A220 aircraft between Brisbane and Wellington and a new direct Jetstar route from Brisbane to Queenstown in 2026.
From February 2026, Qantas will operate its A220 aircraft on flights between Brisbane and Wellington, marking the aircraft’s first international deployment. The A220 will initially operate up to three times a week, replacing existing E190 services and some Boeing 737 flights. The aircraft is more fuel efficient than previous-generation planes and offers a lighter, brighter cabin, larger windows, overhead lockers and fast free Wi-Fi.
Jetstar will begin direct flights between Brisbane and Queenstown from June 2026, operating three times a week during the snow season (June to October) on A320ceo aircraft, providing more than 17,000 low-fare seats annually.
Qantas and Jetstar will also increase frequency on existing trans-Tasman routes. Jetstar Brisbane-Auckland will operate up to twice daily, Melbourne-Christchurch will operate daily year-round, and Sydney-Auckland will increase to up to 12 per week. Qantas will add two extra flights per week between Sydney and Christchurch during February and March.
Lufthansa Group launches early check-in at Singapore Changi Airport
The Lufthansa Group has introduced an early check-in service for all passengers travelling from Singapore to Europe with Lufthansa and Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS).
The service, available at Changi Airport’s Jewel, allows guests to drop off their bags and check in as early as 08.00 on the day of departure, 12 hours before the main check-in counters open. Passengers can use the service from 08.00 until 20.00.
Air Astana, Air India deepen codeshare on Almaty-India routes
Air Astana and Air India have strengthened their cooperation through a codeshare partnership covering flights between Almaty and Delhi, and Almaty and Mumbai. Under the agreement, Air India will place its AI designator code on Air Astana-operated flights, offering passengers greater connectivity and convenience for travel between the two countries.
The arrangement builds on an existing interline partnership that began earlier in 2025. Air Astana customers can already connect via Delhi and Mumbai to 18 destinations across India, as well as nine international destinations served by Air India. At the same time, Air India passengers gain access to Air Astana’s network through Almaty, connecting to key cities in Central Asia and China, including Astana, Bishkek, Tashkent, Dushanbe, and Urumqi.
Vietjet to operate direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Manila
Vietjet will launch a direct service linking Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s economic hub, with Manila, the capital of the Philippines, starting November 22, 2025. The route will operate five round-trip flights per week, enhancing air connectivity across South-east Asia.
The new service is Vietjet’s first direct connection between Vietnam and the Philippines. Tickets are available via the airline’s official website for travel from November 22, 2025, to March 29, 2026.
