Christchurch Airport in New Zealand has welcomed Australian flag-carrier Qantas’s decision to increase services between the city and Brisbane and Melbourne in Australia.
Qantas will add more than 175,000 additional seats to its routes between Brisbane and Christchurch and Melbourne and Christchurch over a 12-month period, starting in October 2024.
Justin Watson, CEO at Christchurch, said the decision follows strong demand and is a vote of confidence in the South Island.
He said: “Qantas’s extra flights give locals more choice as to when they can visit family and friends in Australia and it makes it even easier to connect with long-haul destinations, including Europe and Asia through Qantas’s extensive network.”
He added that the extra flights will provide a valuable boost for Te Waipounamu, the South Island.
“Every time a plane touches down on our runway, it brings in valuable international visitors that benefit our communities and businesses. This support means Qantas’s Christchurch routes will soon have 500,000 seats each year and our growth will continue. It’s great news.”
