Jetstar Boosts Canberra Flights Amid Push to Stabilise Network After Chaotic Week
SYDNEY, 27 January 2026 – Jetstar is injecting more than 19,000 new low-fare seats onto its popular Canberra to Brisbane route this year, a significant capacity increase announced as the airline and its competitors work to restore reliability following a wave of severe delays and cancellations across Australia and New Zealand last week.
Canberra to Brisbane Route Gets Major Upgrade
From April to October 2026, Jetstar will operate its larger, quieter Airbus A321LR aircraft on the Canberra-Brisbane route for the first time, replacing the smaller A320s. The new aircraft offer up to 52 additional seats per flight, along with modern amenities like larger overhead bins, in-seat power, and seat-back device holders. The move increases the airline’s total annual seat capacity on its three Canberra routes (to Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Melbourne) to over 350,000.
To celebrate the expansion, one-way starter fares from Canberra to Brisbane are being offered from $129, with fares to the Gold Coast from $81 and to Melbourne from $93. ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr welcomed the announcement, stating it demonstrated confidence in Canberra’s tourism market and provided more affordable options for travel to South East Queensland.
Singapore Terminal Change for Smoother Connections
In another operational update, Jetstar has moved its Singapore operations at Changi Airport. Since 21 January 2026, all Jetstar flights now arrive and depart from Terminal 2 (T2), having shifted from Terminal 4. The airline states the change will provide easier connections to partner airlines, including Qantas, which operates from Terminal 1. Passengers are advised to allow ample time for connections, with check-in and bag drop closing 60 minutes before departure.
Industry Grapples with Aftermath of Widespread Disruption
The capacity boost comes in the wake of significant operational chaos that stranded thousands of passengers across Australia and New Zealand between 20 and 23 January. Multiple sources reported hundreds of delays and dozens of cancellations affecting major airports including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Gold Coast, Auckland, and Tauranga.
Initial data from 20 January indicated at least 36 cancellations and 438 delays nationally, with Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney among the hardest hit. Jetstar, along with Qantas, QantasLink, and Air New Zealand, bore a significant portion of the disruptions. Industry analysts cited a confluence of factors including air traffic control staffing shortages, high summer demand, crew illness, and tight aircraft scheduling, creating a “perfect storm” that overwhelmed the network.
Latest Performance Data Shows Punctuality Challenge
Official government data underscores the ongoing reliability challenges. The Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE) report for December 2025 showed the industry-wide on-time arrival rate was 73.8%, lagging behind the long-term average of 80.5%. Among major airlines, Jetstar’s on-time arrival rate was 68.3%, behind Qantas (75.2%) and Virgin Australia (73.5%). The route from Hamilton Island to Sydney was the worst performer, with only 50.7% of flights arriving on time.
| Airline (Dec 2025) | On-Time Arrivals | Cancellation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Qantas | 75.2% | 1.4% |
| Virgin Australia | 73.5% | 0.9% |
| Jetstar | 68.3% | 1.9% |
| Industry Average | 73.8% | 1.9% |
Passenger Rights and Compensation
For travellers affected by delays and cancellations, Jetstar’s compensation policy provides specific entitlements based on the length of delay and whether the cause was within the airline’s control (e.g., engineering, crew issues) or outside it (e.g., weather, air traffic control).
For delays within Jetstar’s control lasting over three hours, passengers are provided a meal voucher. For overnight delays where Jetstar arranges accommodation, transfers and meals are included. If passengers arrange their own accommodation due to an overnight delay within Jetstar’s control, they may be eligible for reimbursement of reasonable costs, typically up to $200 per room for accommodation, subject to receipts. The airline states it will consider claims for all reasonable costs caused by a delay on a case-by-case basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my Jetstar flight is cancelled?
Monitor your flight status via the Jetstar app or website. Contact Jetstar customer service for rebooking on the next available flight at no extra cost, or to discuss refund or credit options. Document any extra expenses incurred, such as meals and accommodation, as you may be eligible for reimbursement depending on the cause of the cancellation.
How can I check if I’m entitled to compensation for a delay?
Your entitlements depend on the length of the delay and its cause. For delays over three hours within Jetstar’s control, a meal voucher is provided. For significant overnight disruptions, accommodation support may be offered. Review Jetstar’s Compensation & Refunds policy on their website and keep all documentation related to your delay.
Is Jetstar Asia still operating?
No. Jetstar Asia (3K), the Singapore-based subsidiary, permanently ceased operations on 31 July 2025. This does not affect Jetstar Airways (JQ) flights within Australia and New Zealand, or its international services from Australia to Asia.