Jetstar cuts back ex-Bonza route to peak periods

“Queensland remains central to Jetstar’s growth, and we have one of the most extensive Queensland networks in the country,” a Jetstar spokesperson said.

“While we’ve made some difficult decisions on specific routes, our commitment to Queensland – and to making air travel affordable for Queenslanders – has never been stronger.

“Sunshine Coast is always a popular destination for Jetstar customers, and we’re committed to providing services for Sunshine Coast local residents, and for people visiting the area.”

The Sunshine Coast-Cairns route is one of 10 that had been operated by Bonza from its former Sunshine Coast hub until it went into voluntary administration in April 2024, and was announced that June hours after administrator Hall Chadwick announced it would seek to wind the airline up.

As reported by Sunshine Coast News, tickets for the service are available over the December school holidays and for the 2027 Easter break.

The airline confirmed last month it will axe its trans-Tasman route between Sunshine Coast and Auckland, pointing to “lower-than-expected demand” and “significant rise in operating costs, including fuel”.

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“These rising costs include the soon to be implemented increase in Australia’s Passenger Movement Charge to $80 per passenger (an increase of $10), expected to directly impact flight performance from 2027, as well as broader escalation in aviation-related taxes, transport fees, government and airport charges on both sides of the Tasman,” the airline said in a NZ press release in June.

“These continue to place pressure on international routes, especially for low-fares airlines.”

Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Chris Mills told Sunshine Coast News that the airport is disappointed in the decision to drop the “well-loved” route, which will slash passenger numbers by up to 30,000 over the next year.

“We understand the current airline operating environment challenges, which include high fuel costs and increased government charges,” he said.

“The service has played an important role in supporting tourism, business, and visiting friends and relatives between our regions.

“Over 1.8 million passengers currently travel through the airport each year. Over the next 12 months this (service suspension) will likely result in 20,000 to 30,000 less passengers travelling than previously expected.

“Air New Zealand will continue its seasonal services to Auckland, which have been operating for the last 13 years. It is also pleasing to see that Jetstar’s Singapore via Bali flights have been extremely popular since launching in late March, and the service is sustaining consistently high load factors.”

Jetstar earlier this year cut trans-Tasman flights amid the fuel crisis.