Jetstar to launch more than 100K low-cost seats, more flights from Melbourne over peak travel period

More than 100,000 low-cost airfares will soon be available to travellers flying from Melbourne Airport during peak travel periods — often fraught with cancellations and delays.

More than 100,000 low-cost airfares will soon be available to international travellers departing Melbourne Airport during peak travel periods, which are often fraught with cancellations and delays.

Daily flights to Singapore with budget carrier Jetstar will launch mid-June next year as the carrier prepares to bolster its global network of Airbuses and Boeing-787s.

The popular route, which currently operates up to six times per week, was among several services set to be boosted to help combat high demand on airlines throughout school holidays.

Crowds at Melbourne airport as Victorian school holidays kick off. Picture: NCA NewsWire

From April next year, up to 13 services to popular tourist destination Auckland will be offered instead of the existing eight, while three flights to Christchurch will jump to five per week.

Those travelling to Bangkok and Phuket for an exciting getaway will also be provided more choice, with each service increasing from three to five flights weekly.

International flights to Singapore, which currently operate about six times per week, would instead be departing daily.

Both airports and airlines across the nation in recent years have struggled with the strong return of international travellers post-Covid after many carriers were forced to reduce staff numbers and services.

Jetstar will increase some of its international services during peak travel periods next year. Supplied: Andrew Henshaw

Jetstar Group CEO, Stephanie Tully, said the low-cost airline had experienced particularly strong demand for international travel out of Melbourne.

“Melburnians love to travel and we’re continuing to see strong demand,” she said.

“The city is also incredibly popular with international tourists as a cultural capital for sport, art, food and world-renowned coffee.

“Over 100 thousand new low fares seats will give customers more choice of where and when to fly, allowing them to take off more on international adventures.”

It comes as Jetstar prepares to launch its new triweekly service from Melbourne direct to Nadi, Fiji on Saturday.

It is anticipated more than 72,000 customers will take advantage of the service each year.

Originally published as Jetstar to launch more than 100K low-cost seats, more flights from Melbourne over peak travel period