Air New Zealand’s final direct flight of the season between Hobart and Auckland touched down yesterday, wrapping up what’s being hailed as a highly successful season that saw passenger numbers surge.
The seasonal service, which resumed in October, saw an 11% jump in passenger numbers compared to the previous year.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff praised the route, which operated three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, as “a soaring success”.
“Tasmania’s visitor economy has benefited from more than 23,200 travellers who have arrived in our state aboard the Air New Zealand flights this season,” he said.
Flights have been operating at near capacity, with an average of 86% of seats filled on every flight.
The direct Hobart–Auckland service is set to return on Sunday, October 26, with bookings already open online.
Talks are also understood to be underway between the airline and local stakeholders about potentially extending the season in future years.
Air New Zealand’s General Manager Australia Kathryn O’Brien said interest in the route continues to build.
“We’ve seen growth in the popularity of this service year on year,” O’Brien said.
“Of course, travellers from Auckland represent the largest cohort of travellers, but it’s also popular with those from Wellington and Christchurch too.”
“This season, we’ve also seen a great uptake of travellers from Vancouver, Canada, using the service to travel to Tasmania because of the gateway Auckland has to North America.”
Hobart Airport has recently revealed it is in talks with other airlines about adding more international connections, including potential routes to Asian hubs like Singapore and Hong Kong.
