Christchurch Airport’s biggest ever summer season takes off

Christchurch Airport is gearing up for a record-breaking international summer season, with international capacity soaring 15% above last year and exceeding pre-Covid levels. 

The season officially begins on Saturday, 1 November, with the arrival of China Southern Airlines from Guangzhou, swiftly followed by Cathay Pacific’s return from Hong Kong on Monday, 3 November. 

The strong growth this season highlights the airport’s deep and longstanding relationships with airline partners, many of whom are choosing to fly earlier, more often, or with larger aircraft, creating more seats and more opportunities for travellers and exporters alike. 

Among the biggest uplifts: 

• China Southern Airlines is increasing capacity by 29%, offering over 60,000 seats this summer. The popular Guangzhou service will ramp up from five flights per week to daily from 18 December to 3 March, wrapping up on 11 March, perfectly timed for the busy summer and Chinese New Year celebrations. This year also marks a decade since China Southern first touched down in Christchurch. 
• Cathay Pacific is lifting capacity by 24%, bringing forward the start of its Hong Kong service by a full month. They will operate up to four flights per week from 3 November to 28 March, strengthening visitor numbers, trade links, and global connections between the South Island and Asia. 
• Across the Tasman, Jetstar has expanded by a remarkable 49%, increasing capacity with year-round daily Melbourne and daily Gold Coast services in the peak and an improved Cairns schedule allowing seamless connections to Japan. Through their Tasman airports they enable further connections to the likes of Bangkok, Phuket, Bali and Ho Chi Minh City. 
• Qantas is extending its double daily Brisbane and Melbourne flights as well as third daily Sydney flights well into 2026. 
• Air New Zealand has launched a brand-new seasonal service to Adelaide, which started on 28 October. It is also increasing services to Auckland to feed its international operation there.
• Singapore Airlines’ year-round daily service will be complemented by four additional weekly night services, boosting them to eleven flights a week from 24 November, utilising their A350-900, adding extra seats and comfort for the summer season. 

Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Justin Watson says this surge in airline activity reflects the South Island’s appeal. 

“Airlines are backing the South Island with record capacity, building on the strength of our region, our tourism, and our trade value. This summer’s schedule gives South Islanders more ways to connect with the world and more opportunities for visitors to experience some of the very best tourism offerings on the planet”. 

The extra capacity will deliver wide-reaching benefits across the South Island economy, from bustling cafés and packed accommodation and feeding our important tourism sector. At the same time, the bellies of these aircraft will leave our airport full to the gunnels with world class fresh kiwi produce from much sought after cherries and other stone fruit to salmon and shellfish all destined for shelves and premier restaurant kitchens across the globe. 

Justin Watson added “Every visitor who lands here supports jobs and our economy and every export shipment taking off from our runway carries the quality and reputation of the South Island to the world.” 

Gordon Bevan, Christchurch Airport Aeronautical Development General Manager highlighted a benefit for premium travellers “We are seeing an uptick in premium travellers who want to sit in a more comfortable seat from the start of their trip. Having the major international airlines at our airport with their aircraft configured to premium economy and business makes that possible.”  

Minister for the South Island and Associate Transport Minister, James Meager, says the new summer season shows the region is building strong momentum. 

“This is fantastic news for our tourism operators, growers, and regional businesses. Christchurch Airport is the South Island’s international gateway, when it grows, our whole island benefits.” 

This bumper summer season will supercharge connections, tourism, and trade, reaffirming Christchurch Airport’s position as the economic engine driving prosperity across the South Island and beyond.