12 September 2025 - International airlines have finalised planned services to international airports in New Zealand. Over the coming New Zealand summer, growth of international air services will accelerate, enabling tourism vital to economic growth and supporting New Zealand’s international trade.

 

Airlines plan services according to seasons – and it’s the ‘Northern Winter’ season which runs from October to March that tourism operators hope will bring them the visitors to drive economic growth.  

 

“We’ve finally reached a turning point for growth in international air services,” says Cath O’Brien, Executive Director of the Board of Airline Representatives NZ (BARNZ). “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.”

 

International services planned for this Northern Winter season will exceed services operated over Northern Winter 2019 by 3.5%. “It’s a huge milestone to see planning nudge ahead of the pre-pandemic period,” says O’Brien. “The New Zealand market has been slow to recover – and this capacity is exactly what we need to support tourism and economic growth.”

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• Over this summer there will be very strong growth to airports in the South Island. Christchurch Airport will again receive strong growth over summer, with services for Northern Winter 25 increasing by 14.7% against the same season last year.  

• Queenstown Airport also enjoys strong growth, welcoming 14.4% more air services than for the same season last year. Queenstown Airport has seen incredibly strong growth post pandemic; international air services to Queenstown for Northern Winter 25 are 37.2% ahead of Northern Winter 2019.

• Auckland Airport will see international services for Northern Winter grow by 6.4% against those flown last year, as airlines grow ports beyond Auckland.

•  Hamilton Airport will see international services this summer, as will Dunedin. Wellington Airport will also see international services increase by 5.2% over those flown in the prior season. 

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“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.  

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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!

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BARNZ also acknowledges the work that Hon. James Meager has done together with the Interim Aviation Council to make sure aviation in New Zealand can thrive. Airlines can see that the Minister is focussed on making sure New Zealand is a great place for airlines to operate. 

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“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,” says O’Brien. “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.” 

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“Growth of international air services means more visitors and more economic growth, which is a great thing for New Zealand,” says O’Brien. “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.”