Christchurch Airport delivers record result and growing returns for shareholders

Christchurch Airport has delivered its strongest financial result yet for the year ended 30 June 2026, with significant passenger and commercial growth, major infrastructure delivery and a record reported underlying operating profit after tax, up more than 30 percent on last year. 

Highlights
•    Underlying operating profit after tax $64.9 million – up 30.6% on FY25.
•    Total operating revenue $273.0 million – up 11.4% on FY25.
•    Total declared annual dividend $51.5 million – up $6.8 million on FY25.
•    Total passengers 6.85 million up 7.1% (Domestic 5.09m up 5.4%, International 1.76m up 12.6%)
•    MOU with Air New Zealand bringing three new long-haul routes.
•    Completion of Kowhai Park Solar farm, now undergoing livening.
•    Opening a new Freight Hub facility.
•    Transformation of terminal food and beverage, retail and dwell offerings
•    Major infrastructure delivered across the airport campus. 
•    Strong passenger and commercial growth.

Chief Executive Justin Watson said the result reflected strong growth across the business and years of careful planning and investment.
“FY26 was a year when a lot of long-term work came together. We grew our core planes and passengers’ business, continued to expand our property and freight platform, considerably improved the experience for our customers and delivered important infrastructure.

“At the same time, we have been looking further ahead. Horizon 35 gives us a clear direction for the next decade and keeps our focus on growing connections, strengthening our commercial businesses and investing for the long term.

“The result is a stronger airport, with the capacity to keep investing in the things that matter to our customers, our city and the South Island.”

The performance was achieved despite a challenging global aviation environment. Our airlines partners continued to manage aircraft and engine shortages, fuel-price uncertainty and geopolitical disruption.

Christchurch Airport’s diversified business model helped provide stability through those challenges, with growth across aviation and commercial activities supported by its property portfolio.

The airport delivered a total annual dividend of $51.5 million. This includes the $24.1 million interim dividend paid in April, with a final dividend of $ 27.4 million payable following the Annual General Meeting in October.

As 75% majority shareholder, Christchurch City Council will benefit from a $38.625 million dividend paid to Christchurch City Holdings Limited, providing a significant return to the city and helping ease pressure on rates while supporting essential services and infrastructure. The remaining $12.875 million being paid to the crown.

Board Chair Sarah Ottrey said the result demonstrated the value of taking a long-term approach to managing one of the city’s most important assets.

“Our airport is delivering strong financial returns while continuing to invest in the infrastructure, connections and opportunities our region will need in the future.

“These results reflect clear strategy, strong leadership and disciplined delivery. The team have continued to protect and grow the business while making careful decisions about where we invest and how we build long-term value.

“That matters because a successful airport does much more than return a dividend. It supports jobs, tourism, trade and connections across Te Waipounamu the South Island and the globe.”

The result comes as the airport begins the next phase of its growth through its new Horizon 35 strategy, which sets the direction for the business over the coming decade.

Justin Watson said the result provided a strong platform for the next phase of the airport’s development.

“We are proud of the result our team has achieved, but our focus is firmly on what comes next. We want Christchurch to have an airport that grows ahead of demand, connects more people and businesses with the world, and continues to deliver real value for generations to come.”