Jetstar has reduced some flights across its domestic and trans-Tasman networks as rising jet fuel prices, driven by the conflict in the Middle East, continue to impact international air travel.
In a statement to 1News, a Jetstar spokesperson said the airline had made some "temporary changes" to its schedule. The airline pointed to "a rise in jet fuel prices as a result of the conflict in the Middle East and other rising costs" as the main reason for the adjustments.
"We are adjusting flights on select routes where there are multiple flights per day so that we get customers on their way as near to their original flight times as possible."
According to RNZ, Jetstar said 12% of its scheduled services had been affected. Routes impacted include Auckland to Christchurch, Auckland to Wellington, Auckland to Sydney, and Auckland to Brisbane.
“All impacted passengers have been contacted directly, and most have been offered same-day travel, as quoted by 1News.
“We are sorry for the inconvenience and thank our customers for their understanding."
The airline also said some changes were made to better manage its fleet due to "engineering and fleet" requirements, as reported by 1News.
Passengers whose new flight times are not suitable have been advised to contact the airline to discuss their options.
Jet fuel prices have been rising since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran in late February. In response, Iran targeted ships in the Persian Gulf and oil infrastructure across the region, 1News has reported.
These actions have disrupted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route that carries about 20% of the world’s oil supply. The disruption has caused oil prices to surge, pushing jet fuel prices above US$4 per gallon.
According to 1News, Jetstar is not the only airline making cuts. The Samoan Observer reported that Air New Zealand has cancelled four return flights to Samoa for April and May. The airline had earlier announced it would cancel 1,100 flights between early March and early May, with most passengers expected to be rebooked on the same-day flights.