Airlines are increasing flights between Australia and New Zealand to meet the rising demand for travel, as both countries aim to facilitate smoother cross-Tasman journeys.

Data from Flight Centre Travel Group’s leading business travel division, FCM Travel, reveals a 30% surge in bookings to New Zealand from September 2023 to February 2024, compared to the same timeframe the previous year.

According to Flight Centre Global Corporate’s COO Melissa Elf, this upswing in trans-Tasman travel coincides with airlines adding more flights between the two nations and governmental efforts to streamline travel.

Air New Zealand is set to augment its trans-Tasman service with an extra 100,000 seats annually starting 2 July. In addition, Qantas will increase its service with 600 more seats weekly between Brisbane and Wellington starting in October.

Jetstar is projected to return to its pre-COVID capacity in New Zealand by mid-year, enhancing its service with 150,000 additional seats on domestic and trans-Tasman flights from 31 March, including nine weekly flights between Melbourne and Christchurch, Brisbane and Christchurch, and Brisbane and Auckland.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade notes that Australia is the prime investment destination for New Zealand, boasting a total investment value of $47 billion.

Tourism New Zealand’s statistics indicate a steady increase in Australian visitors to New Zealand, with a record 67,400 travelers in January, marking a 26.8% increase from the previous year.

Similarly, data from the Australian Tourist Commission highlights a rise in New Zealand visitors to Australia, with a 14% increase in January 2024, totaling 53,600 visitors.

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