Christchurch Airport delivers double-digit revenue growth and 24% profit lift in strong first half

Christchurch Airport has delivered an outstanding first-half result for FY26, with solid revenue and profit growth driven by expanded air services and continued momentum across the airport’s commercial and property businesses. 

•    $132.9 million – Total revenue (up 10.0%*) 
•    $29.5 million – Net profit after tax (up 24.2%*) 
•    $24.1 million – Interim dividend (up 13%*) 
•    3.4 million – Total passengers (up 7.2%*) 
•    15.2% – International passenger growth* 
•    4.8% – Domestic passenger growth* 
•    99.2% – Property portfolio occupancy 
*on same period last year 

For the six months ended 31 December 2025, total revenue reached $132.9 million, up 10.0 percent on the same period last year. Net profit after tax increased 24.2 percent to $29.5 million, building on the progress made in FY25 and reflecting growing activity right across the airport and wider campus. 

‘This is a really pleasing first-half result and it shows the strength of demand for travel and the energy we’re seeing across the business,’ said Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Justin Watson. ‘Passenger numbers are up, our commercial areas are performing well, and our campus continues to attract businesses that want to grow alongside us.’ 

Passenger numbers rose 7.2 percent to 3.40 million during the period. Domestic travel increased by 4.8 percent, while international passengers jumped 15.2 percent compared with the same period last year. 

The growth was driven by new and expanded air services, including new domestic jet flights to Hamilton from Jetstar and Air New Zealand, significant domestic capacity increase from Jetstar and strong growth across international routes. Summer long-haul services saw an extended season, more flights, and fuller planes. The Trans-Tasman market benefited from new routes to Adelaide and Cairns and additional services from Air New Zealand and the Qantas Group. 

The airport’s commercial performance grew strongly, helped by the near completion of the terminal’s food and beverage upgrade. The refreshed offering has been well received by customers, with retail spend growing faster than passenger numbers. Improvements to passenger flows, refurbished seating areas, upgraded bathrooms and parent facilities, new car parking technology and redesigned ground transport lanes have all contributed to a better experience for travellers. 

‘We’re seeing really positive feedback from travellers,’ said Justin Watson. ‘The changes we’ve made from park to plane are making a noticeable difference, and that’s flowing through into stronger commercial results.’ 

The airport’s property portfolio continued to perform strongly, with occupancy at 99.2 percent, reflecting the quality of the campus and the mix of businesses choosing to locate there. New facilities were completed for DHL and Enatel, alongside delivery of the first stage of a freight apron expansion. When completed, the expansion will add an area equivalent to six rugby fields, helping future-proof air freight services for the South Island and supporting exporters and importers well into the future. 

The new DHL facility has been designed to work hand-in-hand with the new freight apron, creating improved reliability and greater capacity as freight volumes continue to grow. 

The new facility for Enatel further highlights the airport campus’s appeal to high-tech and advanced manufacturing businesses. Enatel, a global leader in power solutions technology, has chosen the airport as the long-term home for its business, drawn by the campus’s scale, connectivity, resilience, and proximity to domestic and international transport links. 

‘Developments like the freight apron expansion, DHL and Enatel show how the airport is supporting job creation, innovation and economic resilience for the South Island,’ said Justin Watson. 

The airport’s balance sheet continues to be strong, ensuring resilience and flexibility to support ongoing investment in the airport’s future. S&P Global reaffirmed the airport’s A-/stable credit rating during the period. The Board has declared an interim dividend for FY26 of $24.1 million (41.8 cents per share), up 13 percent on last year’s interim dividend. 

75 percent of that dividend flows to the airport’s holding company, Christchurch City Holdings Limited, and ultimately to the city which helps support services, infrastructure and plays a role in easing pressure on rates. The remaining 25 percent being paid to the Crown.   

‘The Board is delighted with how the airport is tracking,’ said Chair Sarah Ottrey. ‘It’s another strong result that reflects a well-run business and delivers value not just for shareholders, but for the city and region.’ 

Business Canterbury Chief Executive, Leeann Watson says ‘This performance shows the region's momentum is real and sustained. We’re not just preparing for the global stage, we’re already there, and the airport’s growth strengthens our international reach and credibility.’ 

Alongside its financial performance, Christchurch Airport continues to push ahead with its sustainability programme. The airport is on track to reach zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035 and has already cut these emissions by 92 percent compared with its 2015 baseline. 

In late 2025, the airport hosted New Zealand’s first on-airport manufacturing and transfer of liquid hydrogen, a major step forward for future low-emission aviation technology. This work was recognised, with the NZ Airports Sustainability Initiative of the Year 2025 award for large airports. 

‘We’re proud of the progress we’re making,’ said Justin Watson. ‘We’re proving that you can grow both a successful and sustainable business through innovation and commitment.’ 

Work is also continuing at Kōwhai Park. More than 45 percent of solar panels are now installed, with the 230-hectare solar farm on track to be operational mid-2026.