Nine To Noon Australia: Jetstar axes NZ flights, new EU deal, Hanson rising
Mar 24, 2026
Karen Middleton, Australia political correspondent who explains politics and regional issues for New Zealand audiences. She unpacks Jetstar's trans‑Tasman flight cuts and fuel pressures tied to the Iran crisis. She covers Australia easing fuel rules and regional impacts. She outlines the new Australia‑EU trade and security deal and rising support for Pauline Hanson in South Australia.
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Jetstar Cuts Trans‑Tasman Flights Over Fuel Shock
- Jetstar has temporarily cut many Australia–New Zealand and some NZ domestic flights due to soaring fuel costs tied to the Middle East conflict.
- Cuts include reduced services to Auckland and Christchurch and about 55 domestic NZ flights as airlines weigh profitability against fuel prices.
Australia Eases Diesel Rules To Ease Shortages
- Australia eased diesel fuel standards to increase supply by about 100 million litres amid shortages and rising prices.
- The relaxation lowers allowable flashpoint by one degree and targets relief where around 500 petrol stations face missing fuel types, hitting regional diesel supplies.
Australia Finally Secures EU Free Trade Deal With Trade-offs
- Australia and the EU signed a long‑running free trade deal that resolves contentious geographic food names but limits market access for beef and sheep exports.
- Compromises allow some existing Australian producers to keep names like feta and gruyere while others (romano, ouzo) will be phased out over five years.