Jetstar announces return to New Zealand skies following Government's relaxing of physical distancing rules

Jetstar has announced it will resume operations in New Zealand following Monday's announcement by the Government that the need for physical distancing on domestic flights is being removed, allowing airlines to utilise the middle seat.

The Australian airline says flights will resume on September 17.

After a four-week grounding, Jetstar will resume up to 75 flights per week on six domestic routes, which is around 60 percent of its pre-COVID-19 schedule.

Airlines have been pushing for a change in the physical distancing rules which meant only a third of seats on each flight could be sold.

Rival airline Air New Zealand also made an announcement following the change in rules, putting 180,000 airfares on sale for less than $50.

Jetstar will be offering passengers free Fly Well packs, which include masks and sanitising wipes. They'll be available at the gate and onboard.

Jetstar customers who have been impacted by the suspension of services and received a voucher can now redeem it on multiple bookings, where any outstanding credit can be used towards another. The vouchers have also had their expiry dates extended.

CEO of the Jetstar Group, Gareth Evans, thanked customers for their patience and support over the past few weeks. 

"We're really pleased to get our planes and our people back in the sky, right in time for school holidays so we can help reconnect family and friends across the country," Evans said.

Jetstar's New Zealand current domestic schedule for September is:

Auckland to Christchurch (up to 21 weekly return flights)

• Fares from $74 (one way) 

Auckland to Dunedin (up to 7 return weekly flights)

• Fares from $61 (one way) 

Auckland to Wellington (Up to 14 return weekly flights)

• Fares from $49 (one way) 

Auckland to Queenstown (up to 21 return weekly flights)

• Fares from $105 (one way) 

Christchurch to Wellington (up to 7 return weekly flights)

• Fares from $105 (one way) 

Wellington to Queenstown (up to 7 return weekly flights)

• Fares from $95 (one way) 

More information on the schedule can be found on the Jetstar website.