Jetstar is sharply reducing flights on international routes, with services between Australia and New Zealand bearing the brunt of the cuts as airlines grapple with soaring fuel costs.

The budget carrier is slashing flights across the Tasman by 12 per cent between May 18 and June 30, significantly higher than the 2.7 per cent reduction applied to its domestic Australian network. The cuts are expected to disproportionately impact travelers in New Zealand, where capacity is being reduced far more aggressively.

According to industry data, Jetstar will operate around 10,237 domestic flights in Australia during the period, while domestic New Zealand services will drop to 1,564 flights following the reductions.

The move follows an announcement by Jetstar and its parent company Qantas, which confirmed it would scale back operations in response to rising jet fuel prices. The cost pressures are forcing airlines to adjust schedules and prioritize more profitable or stable routes.

Qantas itself is also trimming capacity, with a 3.6 per cent reduction in flights over the same timeframe, highlighting the broader impact of fuel volatility on the aviation sector.

The cuts reflect a wider trend across the industry, where international and thinner-margin routes are often the first to be reduced when operating costs rise. Trans-Tasman services, while popular, can be particularly sensitive to pricing pressures and demand fluctuations.

For passengers, the changes could mean fewer flight options, higher fares and increased competition for seats, especially during peak travel periods.

As fuel prices remain elevated, airlines are expected to continue adjusting capacity in the coming months, balancing demand with operational sustainability in an increasingly challenging cost environment.