9 Sep 2014

Budget airline launches new routes

7:51 pm on 9 September 2014

Jetstar will offer direct flights to the Gold Coast from Wellington and Queenstown from December this year.

Jetstar planes.

Photo: AFP

The budget airline is planning to fly three times a week from both cities.

The head of Jetstar's New Zealand operations, Grant Kerr, says there was market demand for the new routes and it seemed like a good opportunity for the airline.

Mr Kerr said it is the first time in 10 years that a new airline has launched a year-round international service from Wellington.

Regular fares from Wellington will start from $179 one way, while flights from Queenstown will start at $229, although checked baggage is not included in the price.