JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
3 July 2026
Federal Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien and Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace
have expressed deep disappointment at Jetstar’s decision to suspend its direct
Sunshine Coast to Auckland service.
Jetstar has confirmed the route will cease from 24 October 2026, citing weak demand
and rising operating costs, including increased government taxes and charges.
Mr O’Brien said the decision was a significant setback for the Sunshine Coast and
highlighted growing pressures on Australia’s aviation sector.
“This is a disappointing outcome for our region. The direct connection between the
Sunshine Coast and Auckland has been a vital link for tourism, business and local jobs,”
Mr O’Brien said.
“Jetstar has made clear that rising costs are a key factor, particularly the Federal
Government’s increasing tax burden on aviation, including the Passenger Movement
Charge.”
“Short-haul international routes such as Sunshine Coast to Auckland are especially
price-sensitive, and higher taxes only make it more difficult for these services to remain
commercially viable.”“When airlines are forced to make these decisions, it’s regional communities like ours
that feel the impact first.”
Mr O’Brien said the timing was particularly concerning given the region’s role in the
lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“With the Brisbane 2032 Olympics on the horizon, and the Sunshine Coast set to play a
key role, now is the time to be strengthening international connectivity, not going
backwards,” he said.
“Reliable and affordable international air links will be critical to welcoming visitors,
showcasing our region, and maximising the economic opportunity of the Games.”
Mr O’Brien fought relentlessly to secure international capability for Sunshine Coast
Airport, so to now see international routes withdrawn is a bitter blow for the region.
Mr Wallace said the decision highlighted the real-world consequences of Labor’s
growing tax burden on Australia’s aviation sector.
“Every international flight supports local accommodation providers, cafes, restaurants,
retailers, transport operators and tourism businesses. When a route disappears, the
impact is felt well beyond the airport fence. Regional communities depend on
affordable, reliable aviation connections, and Labor’s growing tax burden is making it
harder to keep those services in the air.”
“When airlines are publicly warning that higher government taxes and charges are
changing the economics of regional routes, the Government shouldn’t be ignoring those
concerns. The Coalition will continue fighting Labor’s toxic taxes because regional
Australia deserves policies that encourage investment, tourism and growth, not drive it
away.”
Both Members reaffirmed their commitment to advocating for improved aviation
connectivity for the Sunshine Coast.
“We will continue working to ensure our region remains well-connected and open for
business,” Mr O’Brien said.
ENDS
Contacts:
Ted O’Brien – Sarah Rudd, 0466505222
Andrew Wallace – Brendan West, 0402556646
