Etihad Airways has announced it will increase its weekly services to Sydney in 2025, while Jetstar will launch an additional trans-Tasman route.

The Etihad announcement will provide a significant boost to its connectivity to Sydney, with an increase from daily services to 10 services per week set to commence from July 2025, cementing Sydney Airport’s status as Australia’s most connected gateway to the Middle East.

The new services will make Sydney Airport the most connected airport in Australia to the Middle East by seats. This looks set to continue with the airline signalling its intent to continue to grow its Sydney operations to double-daily services in the years ahead.

Sydney Airport’s Group Executive, Aviation Growth & Group Strategy Greg Botham said: “Etihad has a fantastic product and it’s great that more Sydneysiders will be able to experience it.

“Etihad’s continued investment in connecting Sydney to the Middle East and beyond is a strong vote of confidence in Sydney and NSW and we look forward to working with them to continue to grow their presence.”

Jetstar says ‘Kia Ora’ to new Sydney route

Jetstar has announced the launch of a new route between New Zealand and Sydney. Flights between Hamilton to Sydney are set to take off from 16 June 2025 and operate up to four times per week.

The new service will unlock more than 75,000 new seats each year between the two cities.

Jetstar’s new Hamilton service will see Sydney maintain its crown as the number one port in Australia for Trans-Tasman travel.

Stephanie Tully, Jetstar Group CEO, said: “This will be the first time Jetstar has ever flown to and from Hamilton and will unlock more than 75,000 new low fares seats between Sydney and New Zealand’s North Island each year.

“The new service will provide cheaper and more convenient access from east-coast Australia to holiday hot spots like Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty, as well as bring thousands of tourists to Sydney, injecting millions of dollars into the NSW tourism economy.”

Destination NSW launches Jetstar tactical campaign

Destination NSW will launch a Jetstar tactical campaign from 24–28 September 2024. The focus will be on promoting travel to Sydney and NSW, highlighting airfares on direct routes to Sydney, Ballina-Byron and Newcastle via the Jetstar network.

The marketing strategy will cover a range of channels, including:

  • Paid offsite advertising: 15-sec TVC, broadcast video on demand, YouTube, and high-impact display (across news networks and Nine Network)
  • Paid social media: Facebook and Instagram
  • Paid search.

The campaign will also be supported by Jetstar's owned assets, including:

  • Solus eDM
  • Organic social media (Facebook and Instagram)
  • Sale-specific ads via Jetstar AU search account
  • Onsite advertising, including a Jetstar.com homepage feature and a dedicated sale landing page (estimated at 400,000 visits over the five-day campaign).