Monday, 2 March 2026: Jetstar will launch direct flights between Perth and Christchurch in October and continue its Perth expansion with a new cabin crew base at Perth Airport to open in coming months.
The new three-per-week service will run seasonally from 27 October 2026 until 27 March 2027, coinciding with the seasonal pause of Jetstar's Perth to Singapore flights between 25 October 2026 and 27 March 2027.
Jetstar will provide more than 30,000 low-fares seats between Perth and Christchurch, giving West Australians new opportunities to take off more for less.
The decision to launch a new route out of Perth supports West Australian's strong demand for low fares international leisure travel, with more than 700,000 customers flying on Jetstar flights internationally last year.
The new cabin crew base will create up to 90 jobs for West Australia and allow the low-fares airline to continually build on its domestic and international network out of the west.
Stephanie Tully, Jetstar CEO, said Jetstar is committed to looking west for future growth opportunities.
"We're thrilled to be launching our new nonstop service between Perth and Christchurch, giving West Australians an affordable and convenient way to connect with New Zealand's South Island with its alpine adventures, coastal escapes and world-class wineries.
"Basing up to 90 cabin crew in Perth will allow us to continue to expand our network out of the West in coming years, providing more choice for West Australians and boosting the state's tourism economy."
The Hon. Reece Whitby MLA, Western Australia Minister for Tourism, said re-establishing a direct air link between Perth and Christchurch is an important milestone for Western Australia.
This service strengthens our connection to New Zealand - one of our most valuable international visitor markets - and supports our tourism industry.
"This service not only boosts flight capacity into Western Australia but also contributes to our broader economic diversification strategy by attracting visitors, supporting local jobs, and reinforcing Perth's position as Australia's Western Gateway."
Jetstar's newest WA launch comes less than 18 months since the carrier opened an aircraft and pilot base in the west to support continued growth of its local operations.
Jetstar's investment in Perth has been facilitated by a pipeline of new NEO aircraft joining the airline's fleet, freeing up existing aircraft and creating new flying opportunities.
The new international route begins from 27 October 2026 and will be operated by its fleet of Perth based Airbus A321LRs.
Sale fares
To celebrate the new route to Christchurch, Jetstar is having a 24-hour Route Launch Sale, with one-way fares from Perth to Christchurch from just $299^ on sale from 7am AWST at jetstar.com.
Flight schedule
From 27 October 2026 to 27 March 2027
| Flight | Frequency | Departure | Arrival |
| JQ0185 PER-CHC | Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday | 07:45 | 18:55 |
| JQ0184 CHC-PER | Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday | 20:15 | 22:30 |
^Sale ends 7am Tuesday 3 March 2026, unless sold out. Prices based on payment by POLi, Jetstar voucher, Jetstar Gift Card, or bookings redeemed only in Qantas Points through jetstar.com. For other payment options, a Payment Fee applies. See jetstar.com/fees. Fares are one-way, excludes checked bags. Travel dates and other conditions apply. Flights between Christchurch and Perth are subject to Government and Regulatory approval.
