Hamilton becomes an international airport in June 2025
Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, September 18, 2024
Excitement is in the air across Waikato as direct flights between Hamilton Airport and Australia are set to resume for the first time in 13 years. The move marks the return of Trans-Tasman flights to Hamilton since Virgin Australia ceased its service to Brisbane in October 2012, ending 18 years of uninterrupted international flights from the region.
Jetstar, a subsidiary of Qantas, recently announced that it will offer regular return flights from Hamilton to Gold Coast and Sydney from June 2025.
Jetstar will operate three return weekly flights to Gold Coast and Sydney.
The first flights are set to coincide with the 2025 New Zealand school holidays, providing families and travellers with convenient options for trans-Tasman travel.
Economic boost
Waikato Regional Airport Ltd (WRAL) Chief Executive Mark Morgan said that the recommencement of air services to Australia from Hamilton was a significant achievement, resulting from a year of negotiations with airlines and border agencies.
“It has been hard, complex work in a very sensitive commercial environment, and we are thrilled to have pulled this off. The benefits for the entire region, not just passengers, are huge. Analysis indicates that the flights will boost the regional economy by about $45 million per year. That is fantastic for everyone. This is not just about the airport, it is a great day for the region,” he said.
The reintroduction of Trans-Tasman flights is expected to see more than 100,000 additional passengers passing through Hamilton Airport annually, creating around 360 new jobs.
Hamilton and Waikato Tourism General Manager Nicola Greenwell was equally jubilant, emphasising the importance of Australian visitors to the region.
“Australian visitors already account for 19% of our international visitor spend. With direct flights into Hamilton, we become even more accessible. This is fantastic news for the mighty Waikato and beyond,” she said.
A welcome news
The Hamilton City Council, which holds a 50% ownership stake in the airport through its Council-Controlled Organisation (CCO), stands to benefit from the increased passenger traffic and business opportunities that will come with the direct flights to Australia.
Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate welcomed the announcement.
“This is a huge win for our city and region. Air travel plays a major role in economic and social connectivity, and this will open up Hamilton to Australia and the world,” she said.
The resumption of Trans-Tasman flights will provide easier access to Australia for Hamiltonians, but Mayor Southgate emphasised the broader economic impact.
“This will give our local economy a tremendous boost, by creating jobs, opening up business opportunities, and bringing tourists here to eat, play, and stay in our city and region,” she said.
Growth fuels excitement
Jetstar Group CEO, Stephanie Tully, also expressed excitement over the airline’s expansion in New Zealand, noting that the timing is perfect for this new service.
“We are in a period of unparalleled growth for Jetstar in New Zealand, launching five new routes in the past three months. With consistently low fares and improved reliability, there has never been a better time to give Jetstar a go,” he said.
Hamilton Airport is preparing for the return of international flights, with plans to refit the northern terminal for customs, border control, and other necessary services.
According to Mr Morgan, the work required is minimal, thanks to a seismic strengthening and refurbishment project completed in 2022.
The new flights will be serviced by 188-seater A320 Neo aircraft, and no changes will be required to the runway, as its size has never been a barrier to international flights.
WRAL Board Chair Barry Harris acknowledged the hard work of the WRAL team in securing the agreement with Jetstar, stating, “Hamilton Airport is in good shape financially, and the resurrection of international flights is great for the airport and the wider region.”
A long time coming
Members of the public have shared their excitement for the return of Trans-Tasman flights.
Claire Lawrence, a resident, said, “This has been a long time coming. My family travels to Australia every year, and we have always had to go through Auckland. Direct flights from Hamilton will make life so much easier.”
Business owner Michael Davis also weighed in on the news, saying, “This is fantastic for local businesses. The potential to attract more international visitors, especially with the Waikato’s rich tourist offerings, is a game-changer.”
The new Jetstar service marks the beginning of a new era for Hamilton Airport, with the promise of economic growth and greater convenience for travellers in the Waikato region. As the first flights prepare to take off in June 2025, the community is gearing up for what could be a transformative chapter in its aviation history.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
