Qantas Adds 60,000 Seats for Trans-Tasman Summer Surge

Qantas will boost flights between Australia and New Zealand for the 2025–26 summer peak season.

More Flights, More Flexibility

From December 2025 through January 2026, Qantas will increase its Trans-Tasman capacity by up to 20 per cent. This increase adds around 60,000 seats, giving travellers more flexibility and convenience during the busiest travel period.

The airline will operate over 3.3 million seats across the Tasman between January 2025 and January 2026. This major uplift helps support tourism growth in both Australia and New Zealand.

Route Increases Across Key Cities

Qantas will increase flights on several major routes to meet summer demand:

• Sydney – Auckland: Up to 6 extra flights weekly (16% increase)
• Sydney – Christchurch: Up to 7 extra flights weekly (47% increase)
• Sydney – Wellington: Up to 5 extra flights weekly (31% increase)
• Melbourne – Auckland: Up to 7 extra flights weekly (23% increase)
• Melbourne – Christchurch: Up to 3 extra flights weekly (26% increase)
• Melbourne – Queenstown: Up to 2 extra flights weekly (50% increase)
• Brisbane – Queenstown: Up to 3 extra flights weekly (75% increase)

These changes aim to ease pressure on airfares and improve availability across popular holiday routes.

Dreamliner Debuts on Brisbane–Auckland

Qantas will also introduce its Boeing 787 Dreamliner on Brisbane–Auckland flights from August 2025. This upgrade brings Premium Economy to the route, boosting premium seat capacity by 80 per cent.

The Dreamliner will fly three times weekly at first, then go daily from October 2025. It becomes Qantas’ second 787 service between Australia and New Zealand, alongside Auckland–Sydney.

CEO and Tourism Leaders Welcome Growth

Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said New Zealand growth is already strong in 2025. “This boost gives our customers more choice while supporting tourism and economic growth,” he said.

Tourism New Zealand’s Andrew Waddel welcomed the extra flights for Australian travellers. He said the added capacity allows more people to enjoy New Zealand’s coastlines, cycling trails, and food.

More Returns on the Horizon

Qantas will resume Adelaide–Auckland flights from 31 October 2025, adding 30,000 seats to that route.

The Perth–Auckland service also returns in December 2025, flying three times a week on A330 aircraft.

Qantas is clearly committed to fuelling summer tourism and reconnecting travellers across the ditch.