- Uplift of daily direct flights from Tokyo to Perth as new Christchurch to Perth nonstop services launch
- Increase in flights and new routes will bring an additional 53,600 inbound seats to Western Australia
- New Christchurch to Perth services provide more opportunities for New Zealand visitors ahead of the highly anticipated West Test in December
- Cook Labor Government committed to growing WA's aviation capacity to support economic diversification, drive out-of-State visitation, and create local jobs for Western Australians
Western Australia's international aviation network continues to soar, with direct flight services between Tokyo and Perth uplifted to daily, and new nonstop services between Christchurch and Perth taking off.
The additional services will bring an additional 53,600 seats to Western Australia, further strengthening the State's position as Australia's Western Gateway with the support of the Cook Labor Government.
All Nippon Airways (ANA) has increased its direct Tokyo to Perth service from three flights a week to daily, following the success of last year's seasonal expansion.
The expanded ANA service will deliver more than 20,600 additional inbound seats to Western Australia, with the daily flight operating until 27 March 2027.
Jetstar's new seasonal Christchurch to Perth direct service will also launch this week, running three times per week from 27 October 2026 until 27 March 2027, and delivering an additional 700 inbound seats from New Zealand each week.
Complementing this new service, Jetstar has opened a new cabin crew base at Perth Airport, creating 90 jobs for Western Australians as it grows its domestic and international network.
Also boosting inbound visitation from the New Zealand inbound market is Air New Zealand's direct service from Christchurch to Perth, operated by Air New Zealand, from 30 November 2026. Running three times per week through 7 May 2027, the service will provide around 18,000 additional inbound seats to the State.
Both Christchurch connections come at an ideal time, ahead of the NRMA Insurance Men's West Test between Australia and New Zealand at Perth Stadium from 9 to 13 December 2026, making it easier for New Zealand visitors to travel west and experience one of cricket's great rivalries.
Expanding Western Australia's aviation network is part of the Cook Labor Government's economic diversification strategy, helping to attract more visitors, grow tourism, support trade opportunities and create local jobs.
Find out more about Western Australia's aviation network at tourism.wa.gov.au
As stated by Premier and Tourism, Trade and Investment Minister Roger Cook:
"Aviation is a key priority for my government and it's fantastic to welcome both the return of ANA's daily Tokyo to Perth flights and two new direct services from Christchurch with Jetstar and Air New Zealand, which together will deliver more than 53,600 inbound seats to Western Australia.
"These expanded air links reflect growing international demand for Western Australia and our commitment to boosting visitation, supporting local businesses and creating jobs for Western Australians.
"Stronger connections with key markets such as Japan and New Zealand make it easier for more visitors to experience everything our State has to offer while delivering long-term benefits for our tourism, trade and investment sectors.
"As Australia's Western Gateway, we will continue to pursue opportunities that strengthen our aviation network and support Western Australia's economic growth and diversification."
