Lunar New Year travel momentum fuels expanded airline capacity into AKL

• 18% increase in seats from AKL-China for Lunar New Year period (Jan-Feb)
• 42% increase in Air China flights to Beijing between 24 January and 2 March
• China Southern adds more winter capacity following summer service uplift
• Visa changes and capacity boosts fuelling Chinese visitation growth.

 
As Lunar New Year travel ramps up, Auckland Airport is working with airline partners to provide additional China-New Zealand capacity.

Air China is adding extra services over the Lunar New Year period, which runs from 17 February to 3 March in 2026, while China Southern Airlines has expanded flights this summer and confirmed further capacity across the winter months, signalling growing confidence in sustained demand.

Auckland Airport Chief Customer Officer, Scott Tasker said peak travel periods like Lunar New Year provide a useful signal of how travel demand is tracking and how airlines can make decisions about where to deploy capacity.

“We work closely with our airline partners to support their growth plans and make sure AKL is ready for both peak periods and longer-term network development,” Mr Tasker said.

“Seeing airlines add capacity for the Lunar New Year and also commit additional services into future travel seasons reflects strengthening demand and supports the flow of visitors, trade and connections that matter for New Zealand.”

Over the Lunar New Year period, Air China will operate additional services between AKL and Beijing, taking its current seven flights a week up to 10 flights every week between 24 January and 2 March, increasing available seats by 42% for travellers across what is the biggest annual travel period globally.

China Southern Airlines has already expanded services this summer, operating up to double-daily services between its Guangzhou Baiyun Airport hub and AKL – adding over 30 return flights to the schedule. It has also upgauged its aircraft from a 296-seat Boeing 787-9 to the larger 360-seat Boeing 777-300ER for the summer months.

The airline has now confirmed increased services across the New Zealand winter, with plans to fly 10 times a week between the end of March and late October, up by a third on winter 2024 and back to pre-pandemic winter flight frequency.

Direct travel demand between China and AKL has already strengthened this summer. Total traveller volumes on China-AKL direct services across November and December were up 10% compared to the same months last year, with average aircraft load factors sitting at approximately 91%, reflecting improved route performance and more consistent seasonal demand.

Recent changes to visa settings made by the New Zealand Government such as simplified document translation requirements and electronic transit visas for Chinese nationals have also supported travel demand between China and New Zealand. In November, New Zealand also introduced simplified visa requirements for Chinese travellers who already hold an Australian visa, making it easier for them to visit New Zealand as part of trans-Tasman getaways. This has driven a 44% year-on-year increase in Chinese travelling between Australia and Auckland for the months of November and December, with nearly 23,000 Chinese travellers using this route.

China introduced visa-free travel for New Zealand passport-holders midway through 2024, reducing barriers for outbound travel. It’s meant more Kiwi travellers on flights to China – up 13% for the 12 months ending October 2025 compared to the previous year. China is also the fastest growing holiday destination for Kiwis, up 39% year on year.

Auckland Airport has also seen growth in international transit travellers connecting through major Chinese hubs, particularly to and from Southeast Asia where direct services to AKL have yet to be fully restored post-pandemic, as well as to and from parts of Europe.
Mr Tasker said what stands out is the breadth of where the growth is coming from.

“It’s not just direct flights picking up. We’re seeing more Chinese combining New Zealand with an Australian visit and more New Zealanders travelling to China. While we’re still missing direct capacity from Southeast Asia, the Chinese airport mega-hubs and increased flight frequency between China and Auckland are filling the gap. Overall, that mix tells you the demand is becoming more balanced, which helps airlines plan with a bit more confidence.”

Below the wing
Air travel isn’t just about moving people. With most of New Zealand’s air freight traveling in the bellyhold of passenger aircraft, particularly on long-haul routes, cargo capacity is equally important at this time of year.

Mr Tasker said the additional capacity is vital during New Zealand’s summer export season, when high-value fresh produce is flown into Asian markets.

“Cherries are a great example. They’re in peak season here in January and early February and are especially popular around Lunar New Year because the red colour symbolises good luck and prosperity. If you’ve ever been in an Asian supermarket around this time, you’ll see how prominent cherries on display are,” he said.

Last season New Zealand exported more than 5,400 tonnes of cherries worth around $115 million, with close to 95% heading to Asia.

“For New Zealand growers, that creates a short, high-value export window. Air freight capacity is what allows that fruit to arrive fresh and in top condition.”

While passenger aircraft provide the bulk of the cargo capacity, China Southern Cargo has been operating a dedicated freighter two to three times a week, flying a Guangzhou-Sydney-Auckland-Guangzhou route since July 2025. Using Boeing 777 freighters with over 90 tonnes of cargo capacity, it’s the first scheduled freighter service between China and New Zealand.

“It’s a service that fills a freight capacity gap in the Oceania region, shortening the transportation time between New Zealand and China’s Greater Bay Area – one of the world’s largest export manufacturing zones that includes Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Hong Kong and home to some of China’s biggest aviation hubs,” Mr Tasker said.