Morning flight switch offers new options for Queenstown long-haul travel

A simple schedule change could make a big difference to travel options for Queenstowners with Qantas this week announcing its late evening service between Queenstown to Sydney will now depart early in the morning.

The swap from an 8pm departure to a 7am one will allow travellers carrying on to other international destinations from Sydney to do so on the same day.

The new arrival time in Sydney is ahead of most daily international departures to key destinations in Asia, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Haneda and Seoul.

Previously, Queenstown customers have needed to stay overnight in Sydney or travel via Auckland to transit to other international routes.

In addition, the schedule change will offer more convenient connectivity to passengers transiting other Australian destinations.

The new schedule will take effect from November.

In a statement announcing the change Queenstown Airport chief operating officer Todd Grace says the majority of trans-Tasman flights depart Queenstown in the afternoon.

It means an evening arrival on the Sydney to Queenstown route too, he says, which is provides greater flexibility for locals and visitors alike.

"Preparations at Queenstown Airport have been under way for some months, and we’ve appreciated the collaborative approach from our colleagues at New Zealand Customs and the Ministry of Primary Industries to accommodate this change.

“There has been an increase in trans-Tasman passenger numbers this year, compared to last, so we’re confident this new service will be a welcome addition to the schedule.”

Qantas International chief executive Cam Wallace says the airline's new trans-Tasman schedule was designed to make it easier for Kiwis to connect to international destinations. 

"This latest change is all about making those connections even smoother.

“We’re carrying more passengers across the Tasman than ever before and this winter we’re offering even more direct flights to Queenstown than last year.”