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LATAM will drop its service from Sydney to Santiago via Auckland later this year.
From October, the Chilean carrier will axe the Sydney–Auckland fifth-freedom leg of its Sydney–Santiago service, leaving the non-stop Sydney–Santiago and Auckland–Santiago services in place. The frequency of Auckland–Santiago flights will also drop to four per week.
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In a statement to NZ-based news outlet Stuff, the airline said the move is part of a “strategic network adjustment to deliver efficiency and prioritise direct flights from both New Zealand and Australia”.
“Passengers holding tickets for the Sydney–Auckland route will be offered a full refund by Latam or the option to be rebooked on an alternative Qantas flight, ensuring minimal disruption to their travel plans,” the company said.
“LATAM reiterates its commitment to connecting New Zealand with South America through safe, reliable, and direct service via Auckland.”
LATAM earlier this month announced it would increase its non-stop Sydney–Santiago flights from three to seven days a week starting in November, with Melbourne to follow in December. Both schedules will run until March next year to coincide with the South American summer peak.
The move comes as industry data has shown a 12 per cent increase in bookings from Australia to South America since the beginning of the year, said Thibaud Morand, general manager for EMEA, Asia and South Pacific at LATAM Airlines Group.
“By offering daily departures from both Sydney and Melbourne, we’re giving our customers more flexibility, choice and convenience – whether they’re heading off on holiday or travelling for business,” he said.
“These enhanced connections also provide a more efficient and accessible option for corporate travellers needing to reach key cities across South America, further strengthening LATAM’s position as the leading carrier between the two continents.
“Plus, thanks to convenient late morning and early afternoon departures, travellers from all corners of Australia can arrive in Sydney or Melbourne in the morning and seamlessly connect to our new direct services to South America the same day—no overnight layovers required.”
LATAM restarted its non-stop Sydney–Santiago flights in October last year following the success of its service via Auckland.
Separately, China Eastern Airlines also this month announced it would fly from Shanghai via Auckland to Buenos Aires, opening up a new connection from Australia and New Zealand into South America.
