Virgin flights to Queenstown to end ???

[ferntree]

Maybe one of the forum's "elder statesmen" might be able to jump in here and help me out....

My partner and I were looking at flying from HBA to ZQN some time in November (probably but not necessarily) via MEL. I've been checking fares and schedules for some time.

Suddenly, all Virgin flights between MEL and ZQN have disappeared. A search for any dates in November returns "No flights are available."

Virgin flights definitely were scheduled at least until recently - and these show up on sites such as SkyScanner. However, if I select one and follow the link to Virgin I again get the "No flights available" thing.

I phoned the Virgin number simply to ask whether the service was being discontinued after October, or whether new schedules would be put up. After five minutes on hold I was given the answer that she didn't know. Hmmm.

Any theories from those wiser than me about what's happening would be gratefully welcomed.

I know I could go with Qantas, but that would be via AKL and a night flight. As for Jetstar, well ....

 

[dajop]

I know I could go with Qantas, but that would be via AKL and a night flight. As for Jetstar, well ....

NZ not an option? (HBA-AKL-ZQN)

 

[Mattg]

I can still see VA flights available for sale from MEL, SYD and BNE to ZQN in November.

They all leave in the morning so you might need to fly up from HBA to the international gateway the night before.

 

[Mwenenzi]

From wikipedia current Aust - ZQN non stop options are
QF BNE SYD MEL
VA BNE SYD MEL
NZ BNE SYD MEL
JQ OOL SYD MEL

Queenstown Airport - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

For a small airport a lot of routes/airlines.
When I have looked from MEL they often leave at the unsociable time of ~06:00. Aircraft returns to Oz the same day.

And as above Air NZ fly HBA-AKL

 

[ferntree]

And as above Air NZ fly HBA-AKL

Ah yes, I forgot that one. Only twice a week though, I think, but might be able to work with that. Thanks!

 

[ferntree]

I can still see VA flights available for sale from MEL, SYD and BNE to ZQN in November.

They all leave in the morning so you might need to fly up from HBA to the international gateway the night before.

Thanks Matt, as far as I can see the MEL flights all go via Sydney or Brisbane, but I'll have acloser look ...

 

[Mattg]

Thanks Matt, as far as I can see the MEL flights all go via Sydney or Brisbane, but I'll have acloser look ...

I can see direct MEL-ZQN flights in November.

 

[Harrison_133]

Thanks Matt, as far as I can see the MEL flights all go via Sydney or Brisbane, but I'll have acloser look ...

MEL-ZQN is still there for November, but it’s not always a daily service. What day of the week were you looking?