Hamilton’s gamble on investing in domestic jet capabilities pays off
May 29, 2025
Starting mid-September Hamilton Airport will welcome the return of domestic jet flights. Air New Zealand is deploying a 171-seat Airbus A320 on the Hamilton-Christchurch route. The move follows Hamilton’s strategic investment in domestic jet capability, primarily through the expansion of parking bays for larger aircraft, and marks its first domestic jet service in 25 years.
The route is currently served by two smaller ATR turboprop aircraft, which will be redeployed once Air New Zealand’s A320 is in service. In addition to a 14% capacity boost (with 25,000 extra seats per year), the A320 will also offer “a smoother, faster journey compared to the turboprop aircraft,” according to the team at Hamilton Airport.
The announcement of the five-day-a-week service comes just weeks before the airport officially opens its new international terminal. The airport’s terminal upgrade has seen the addition of a new domestic lounge separate from the international facilities and the reconfiguration of the tarmac to allow for additional jet aircraft parking.
“A domestic jet service reinforces Hamilton’s role as a key regional hub and gives travellers more comfort and faster travel,” said Waikato Regional Airport Ltd chief executive, Mark Morgan. “It is a significant step forward for regional aviation so yes, we’ll be very happy to see a jet back on our tarmac later this year.”
The Christchurch-Hamilton route is recognised as one of the country’s busiest aviation corridors and “is a fantastic step for Christchurch,” added Justin Watson, Christchurch Airport’s CEO. “The addition of jet services gives travellers the speed, comfort and choice they’ve been asking for.”
It also reflects the growing strength of Hamilton and the wider Waikato region with Morgan noting that creating a domestic opportunity, while investing in international facilities at the regional hub has “proven to be the right call.”
