Jetstar adds three new regional routes, ups the competition

The Wellington-Nelson service will operate 21 return flights a week and is expected to stimulate tourism in the capital and top of the South Island. Photo / Warren Buckland.

Jetstar begins flying three new regional routes today.

The airline is now flying between Nelson and Wellington; Palmerston North and Auckland, and New Plymouth and Auckland.

This is the second regional route launched by Jetstar for Wellington in the past six months, with a Dunedin-Wellington service starting last October.

Wellington Airport chief commercial officer Matt Clarke said the service had provided more options and compeititive fares.

The Wellington-Nelson service will operate 21 return flights a week.

"Nelson is a fantastic place, with its golden beaches, art and culture," Mr Clarke said.

"We expect the new flights to stimulate tourism in the capital and the top of the South [Island]."

Jetstar recently launched Gold Coast and Melbourne routes out of Wellington which added 130,000 seats to Wellington's international market.

The Palmerston North service will have four return flights a day.

Palmerston North Airport chief executive David Lanham said the service would be great for domestic and international travellers.

"The new capacity and Jetstar's pricing model will stimulate more travel, making Palmerston North and our regional catchment area more accessible for business and leisure," he said.

The airport is upgrading facilities in preparation for the forecasted increase in passenger numbers. The changes include the relocation of the arrivals door, the construction of an extended wind-lobby and additional carparks.

The airport expected to see at least a 20 per cent increase in passenger movements by June 2017.