Christchurch Airport ready to meet demand as Friday 19 December becomes the season’s busiest day.

Christchurch Airport is gearing up for another bustling holiday season, with peak travel days just around the corner. As the airport prepares to welcome travellers from near and far, here’s what passengers and the team can expect. 

Over the summer season November 25 to March 26, the airport’s total capacity increases by 375,000 seats, that’s 11% more than this time last year. Domestic capacity increases by 236,000 seats (+10%), and international capacity by 139,000 (+15%). Between December 19 and 2412,000 extra seats are available: that’s 8% more than last year.

Peak travel days
Friday 19 December is set to be the busiest day with just over 25,600 travellers passing through the terminal which is 3,800 more than the busiest day last year, with 17,900 passengers on regional and domestic flights and 7,700 international passengers.

Hourly flight highlights
The schedules for 19 December show distinct trends:

• Domestic & Regional Flights: Expect two peaks, one at midday between 12-1pm and another early in the evening between 6-7pm 
• International Flights: The busiest hour will be at 2pm 

Between 10am – 2pm the airport looks forward to arrivals from Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong), Emirates (Sydney), Qantas (Brisbane and Melbourne), and Air New Zealand (NZ - Melbourne) 

Favourite Destinations
Most travellers will be heading across the country to make sure they are back home in time for Christmas.  The airport has an expanded domestic programme to help you do that.   Adelaide is proving a favourite amongst Cantabrians wanting to get away for Christmas.  But there are services to beach destinations in Cairns, Gold Coast and Fiji. And this year there are great connections to some of Southeast Asia’s best holiday destinations like Vietnam, Phuket, Philippines and of course, Bali.

Supporting Smooth Journeys
On duty, as well as airline staff, fire service personnel, police, air traffic controllers and many other dedicated operations and service teams the airport will have:

• 20 customer service staff on duty 
• 13 eateries open serving amazing Christmas fare
• 2,200 expected car parks 
• 6,650 expected pick-ups and drop offs
• 3,100 taxis and Ubers in our service lanes 
• 240 landings and take-offs
• 6 Christmas trees (one eight metres tall)
• 9,000 bags to handle
• 4 working dogs keeping customers and our borders safe
• 1 Santa (plus helpers) bringing smiles and aroha to all

Airport Customer Operations Manager Richard McMann says, ‘When you have nearly 26,000 people passing through the airport in a single day, the little things matter. We’ve boosted staffing, coordinated closely with airlines, and made sure our facilities are ready for the extra demand. Behind the scenes, there’s a lot of teamwork happening to keep everything running, and we want travellers to feel that care.’

General Manager, Aeronautical Development says, ‘Connectivity is at the heart of what we do, and our new flights from Hamilton, Adelaide and Cairns help bring people closer together at exactly the right time. These routes give travellers more ways to reach loved ones, explore new places and stay connected with the communities that matter to them. It’s about making journeys easier and strengthening the ties that support our region and the people who rely on those air links every day. And we have some new routes this year which I hope helps get you where you want to be faster, cheaper and happier’.

Airport Communications Manager Sean Tully says, ‘There’s something special about the airport at Christmas. You see kids buzzing with excitement, friends reuniting in arrivals and people finally taking a breath as they start their break. Our job is to make those moments easier by keeping the journey smooth, safe and welcoming.’

Santa says: ‘Me and my helpers will be at our special Christmas stand in the airport from 18 to 24 December, between 10.30am and 2pm each day. Come find me for photos, free face painting and a touch of Christmas sparkle before you take off.’
The airport teams are ready to ensure the travel experience is as seamless and enjoyable as possible for everyone. With additional capacity and well-prepared schedules, they are there to help make holidays memorable."