Increased capacity on the Auckland-Cairns route from this month will provide New Zealanders with easier access to visit the region.

Throughout April Air New Zealand will operate an additional service each week, and various increases are scheduled throughout the coming peak season of up to six services per week.

In addition, Cairns once again welcomed direct Jetstar flights between Auckland and Cairns as the first flight on the reinstated service arrives into Cairns Airport.

Cairns Airport GM Aeronautical Marketing and Business Development, Robert Evans, said Auckland is an important aviation link for Cairns.

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“We welcome the growing number of visitors coming here from New Zealand and are hopeful that the extra opportunities they now have to fly direct between Auckland and Cairns will be well supported,” Mr Evans said.

“More direct services between Auckland and Cairns also help to increase our connectivity with other international airports.”