The looming suspension of a major international air service is expected to result in up to 30,000 fewer passengers travelling through Sunshine Coast Airport over the next year.
The discontinuation of Jetstar’s direct flights between Maroochydore and Auckland from October has been met with disappointment from the airport and local authorities.
The carrier has also revealed that its service between the Sunshine Coast and Cairns will be temporarily suspended for about two months later this year.
The Sunshine Coast-Auckland route, which started in 2024 and has operated up to three times a week, has underperformed. Load factors sitting well below Jetstar’s network average have made it commercially unviable.
A company spokesperson said it was a shame.
“We know this decision will be disappointing for customers who have valued the direct connection between the Sunshine Coast and Auckland.”
“Unfortunately, despite our best efforts to build demand on this route, passenger loads have not reached a sustainable level.
“With operating costs, including fuel and airport costs, remaining elevated, we need to redeploy the aircraft to routes where we can offer more customers more low fares.
Meanwhile, the Sunshine Coast-Cairns service, which started in late 2024 and has had up to three flights per week, will be temporarily suspended during the off-peak period from mid-October to early December, due to low booking numbers. Flights on that route are on sale for peak times, including the December to January school holiday period and 2027 Easter period.
Jetstar, and other airlines, face a soon-to-be-implemented increase in the Passenger Movement Charge as well as aviation-related taxes, transport fees, government and airport charges. Meanwhile, jet fuel costs also remain well above where they were before the Middle East conflict.
It’s not known when, or even if, Sunshine Coast-Auckland flights will recommence.
Airport CEO Chris Mills said the suspension of the route was likely to make a significant impact.
“Sunshine Coast Airport is disappointed by Jetstar’s decision to suspend its Auckland–Sunshine Coast service from 24th of October,” he said.
“We understand the current airline operating environment challenges, which include high fuel costs and increased government charges.
“We know this route is well-loved by travellers, providing a valuable direct connection between the Sunshine Coast and New Zealand for both visitors and locals.
“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.
“We work with all our airline partners to support their growth.”
Federal MPs for Sunshine Coast electorates Fairfax and Fisher, Ted O’Brien and Andrew Wallace, expressed their opinions about the trans-Tasman service being suspended.
“This is a disappointing outcome for our region,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The direct connection between the Sunshine Coast and Auckland has been a vital link for tourism, business and local jobs.
“Jetstar has made clear that rising costs are a key factor, particularly the federal government’s increasing tax burden on aviation, including the Passenger Movement Charge.”
“Short haul international routes such as Sunshine Coast to Auckland are especially price sensitive and higher taxes only make it more difficult for these services to remain commercially viable.
“When airlines are forced to make these decisions, it’s regional communities like ours that feel the impact first.”
Mr O’Brien said the timing was concerning given the region’s role in the lead-up to the 2032 Games.
“With the Brisbane 2032 Olympics on the horizon, and the Sunshine Coast set to play a key role, now is the time to be strengthening international connectivity, not going backwards,” he said.
“Reliable and affordable international air links will be critical to welcoming visitors, showcasing our region, and maximising the economic opportunity of the Games.”
Mr Wallace said the decision highlighted a burden on the aviation sector.
“Every international flight supports local accommodation providers, cafes, restaurants, retailers, transport operators and tourism businesses,” he said.
“When a route disappears, the impact is felt well beyond the airport fence. Regional communities depend on affordable, reliable aviation connections.”
The federal government recently announced a measure to increase the PMC from $70 to $80, from next year.
A Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts spokesperson said the federal government was endeavouring to find ways to expand flight services.
“Consistent with the Australian Government’s Aviation White Paper, we continue to pursue increased opportunities for international airlines to grow new and existing markets into Australia under our bilateral air services agreements.”
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
A spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs said the PMC was crucial.
“The Passenger Movement Charge helps fund a variety of government services including border protection, customs, immigration and biosecurity.”
Jetstar’s other Sunshine Coast routes include Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Bali (Denpasar).
The company spokesperson said the carrier was committed to the state.
“Queensland remains central to Jetstar’s growth, and we have one of the most extensive Queensland networks in the country.”
“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.”
Customers booked on affected flights will be rebooked on alternative services or have the option of a refund if it no longer suits their travel needs.
