Flying into busy summer: Over 2.5 million expected through AKL over peak period

• Domestic departures: Friday 19 December - nearly 15,000 travellers

• Domestic arrivals: Friday 19 December - over 14,000 travellers

• International departures: Sunday 4 January - over 19,500 travellers

• International arrivals: Thursday 15 January - nearly 20,000 travellers

• Travellers are reminded to pack smart and get battery wise: spare lithium batteries must go in carry-on bags.

As summer holidays take off, Auckland Airport is preparing for one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with more than 2.5 million travellers expected between Monday 8 December 2025 and Sunday 18 January 2026.

That includes around 1 million domestic and 1.5 million international travellers – a total increase of around 7.5% for international and around 4.7% for domestic travellers compared with  the same period last summer. 

Auckland Airport Chief Customer Officer Scott Tasker said thousands of Christmas reunions are already underway as people fly home or head away for the holidays.

“It’s an exciting time at Auckland Airport as families reconnect and visitors arrive for the Kiwi summer,” Mr Tasker said.

“We’ve been working closely with border agencies, airlines and their ground handlers to make sure travellers get away smoothly. It will be busy, so our advice is simple: plan ahead, arrive with plenty of time and pack smart.”

AKL’s busiest days
Airlines have added an extra 207,000 international seats across the summer months, lifting total capacity to 5.8 million seats across 43 destinations.
 

Domestic and international travel will peak at different points through the Christmas and New Year period. Mr Tasker said the domestic terminal will be busiest in December as people head away locally, while international travel will reach its peak in early January.
 

“Arrivals and departures are generally heaviest from Thursday to Sunday, easing slightly midweek,” he said.

"The busiest days of summer are lining up to be some of the strongest we’ve seen since COVID. It’s a great sign of Kiwis’ confidence to travel and New Zealand’s appeal as a visitor destination.”

The additional seat capacity reflects a wider lift in airline schedules, stronger inbound tourism and longer overseas holidays for outbound New Zealanders.

Pack smart: flying with batteries
With more people taking to the skies, travellers are reminded to think about batteries before travelling, as these must be carried in hand luggage rather than checked bags because of the fire risk they pose in aircraft holds.

“My top tip for travelling this summer is to check your batteries before you check your bags,” said Mr Tasker. 

“It’s not just batteries but any devices powered by lithium batteries – power banks, earbuds, hearing aids, vapes, otherwise you risk them being removed by security from checked-in bags. Aviation Security has lots of great information about travelling with batteries.”

“Some airlines have introduced new rules around travelling with batteries and the use of powerbanks onboard aircraft. We recommended you check your airlines website for their advice.”

Top travel tips
Arrive with time to spare: Check your airline’s recommended airport arrival time to keep your journey on track

Pack smart: Keep spare batteries, power banks, vapes and wireless earbuds in your carry-on
Liquids, aerosols & gels: For international travel, items must be in containers of 100ml or less and packed in a clear, resealable bag

Prepare for screening: Empty pockets, remove belts and ankle boots, and keep jackets ready for trays to help keep queues moving

Tech friendly screening: Aviation Security’s new CT scanners mean most travellers no longer need to remove laptops, tablets or phones from their bag.

Stay hydrated: Bring an empty reusable water bottle. Refill stations are available once you’ve cleared security.

Get set for international arrivals: Complete your NZ Traveller Declaration online or via the app for a faster arrival process.

Health reminders: Before you head away, check you’re protected against measles. Outbreaks have been reported in a number of popular overseas destinations.

Expected Busiest days ranked
International departures
Sunday 4 January
Saturday 20 December
Saturday 3 January

International arrivals
Thursday 15 January
Sunday 4 January
Sunday 21 December

Domestic departures
Friday 19 December
Sunday 21 December
Monday 8 December

Domestic arrivals
Friday 16 January
Monday 8 December
Friday 19 December