HOBART— Air New Zealand (NZ) will expand its seasonal Hobart-Auckland service for a sixth season, adding flights and extending the operating period as demand for direct travel between Tasmania and New Zealand continues to grow.
The service from Hobart (HBA) to Auckland (AKL) will return on October 25, 2026, and operate through the end of April 2027.
The expanded schedule will provide up to 170 flights and more than 33,000 seats during the season, representing 36 additional flights and 7,268 more seats than the previous year.
Air New Zealand will operate three flights per week for most of the season, with a fourth weekly service scheduled between February 27 and March 20.
Air New Zealand’s Expanded Hobart Service
The additional capacity will increase available seats by 28 percent compared with the previous season.
The longer operating period also brings the route into the Easter travel period and covers more school holiday demand, extending the direct trans-Tasman connection beyond its previous seasonal window.
The route has become an established part of Hobart’s international network since its return in 2021.
Its continued expansion is being supported through cooperation between Air New Zealand, Hobart Airport and the Tasmanian Government’s Aviation Attraction Fund.
Air New Zealand general manager for short haul and domestic Lucy Hall said the increased schedule reflects continued customer support for the route.
The airline expects the additional capacity to provide more opportunities for Tasmanians travelling to New Zealand while also supporting inbound tourism to Tasmania.
Hobart’s Demand Drives Growth
Hobart Airport chief executive Norris Carter said the extended season and higher frequency resulted from strong demand for direct connectivity between Tasmania and New Zealand.
He also said the airport’s partnership with Air New Zealand and government-backed aviation incentives would support further growth over the next three years.
The Tasmanian Government has linked the additional flights to its broader efforts to strengthen tourism and international connectivity.
The increased capacity gives passengers more direct travel options while providing additional access for New Zealand visitors travelling to Tasmania.
The route’s expansion comes as Hobart Airport continues a major infrastructure program aimed at accommodating future passenger and international traffic growth.
The airport is undertaking a $200 million terminal redevelopment, with additional boarding gates, expanded baggage facilities, upgraded security screening and new retail and food outlets.
Hobart Airport Upgrades
The terminal project is progressing alongside the recently completed $130 million runway upgrade.
The strengthened runway, taxiways and aircraft parking facilities allow Hobart Airport to accommodate larger aircraft such as the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350.
The airport’s infrastructure investment is designed to support larger international operations and improve its ability to handle future passenger growth.
The terminal redevelopment is expected to be completed in early 2027, providing additional capacity as international services continue to develop.
Air New Zealand’s sixth season therefore adds capacity to an established international route while Hobart Airport expands the infrastructure supporting its growing network.
The combination of a longer schedule and additional peak-season flights will give the Hobart-Auckland market its largest seasonal offering to date.
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