International airlines have locked in their schedules for New Zealand’s summer, with more flights set to take off over the Northern Winter season – October 2025 to March 2026.
Cath O’Brien, Executive Director of the Board of Airline Representatives NZ (BARNZ), said this marks a turning point for air travel. “Over the coming Northern Winter season from October 2025 to March 2026 planned international services will increase by 8.2% against services operated in the same period last year. We are finally seeing strong growth, and it’s a real vote of confidence in the New Zealand market.”
Planned international services for the coming season will exceed those of Northern Winter 2019 by 3.5%. “It’s a huge milestone to see planning nudge ahead of the pre-pandemic period,” O’Brien said. “The New Zealand market has been slow to recover – and this capacity is exactly what we need to support tourism and economic growth.”
South Island airports are set to see some of the biggest jumps. Christchurch Airport’s flights will be up 14.7% compared to last year, while Queenstown Airport will see 14.4% more services – a number sitting 37.2% ahead of 2019 levels.
Auckland Airport will also see international services grow, with a 6.4% rise on last year as airlines add more routes beyond the main gateway. Hamilton and Dunedin will both see international services this summer, and Wellington Airport is set for a 5.2% increase in flights.
O’Brien said government support has helped set the stage for recovery. “Over recent months we’ve seen a real effort by the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Louise Upston, and the Associate Minister of Transport Hon. James Meager, to make sure aviation is set up for growth,” she said.
“The Tourism Growth Roadmap sets a clear path to grow tourism – and BARNZ member airlines have risen to the challenge. Now we need to work as a team to ensure we market destination New Zealand – the seats are there to be filled!”
O’Brien also credited the Interim Aviation Council and Meager’s work on creating a better environment for airlines. “Airlines have stepped up and added the capacity New Zealand called for – now we need to make sure that this market delivers on that investment. That means making sure airport and border agency charges are efficient and sustainable – ensuring New Zealand is a great place for airlines to grow services.”
She added that the extra flights benefit both visitors and locals. “Growth of international air services means more visitors and more economic growth, which is a great thing for New Zealand. Increases in flights also means better options for New Zealanders travelling for business and connecting with family and friends. This summer really will be a great time to fly.”
