Christchurch International Airport Limited

As another year comes to an end, it’s nice to reflect on the successes and learnings from the past year. We’ve had many highlights over 2024, here's a few to look back on 👉🏽 As always, a big thank you has to go to you - our wonderful community. Your support is appreciated and together we’ve achieved a lot. Ngā mihi o te tau hou - Happy New Year, from the Christchurch Airport team.

We're excited to announce Portal Bar & Eatery at Christchurch Airport is now open! Your go-to spot for mouth-watering food and refreshing drinks before you jet off. With a warm and welcoming atmosphere, plus a menu bursting with fresh ingredients and bold flavours, there's something for every traveller. Come experience the best of SSP Australia & New Zealand's hospitality right in the terminal to make your next journey a memorable one. Read more here: https://loom.ly/6lFAduE

Christchurch Airport is proud to work alongside Hamburg Airport on our climate strategic partnership. Being able to share notes and experiences, while jointly developing solutions for the use of hydrogen as a fuel in aviation. Many thanks to Hamburg Airport and Sally Brooker of the German-NZ green H2 Centre for this excellent video outlining our work together.

Welcome to Christchurch Airport, Fern & Co! Congrats on the beautiful eatery SSP Australia & New Zealand, we’re excited to have this new offering open in the terminal. From single origin C4 espresso (and coffee on tap!) to hearty breakfast, wholesome bites and indulgent sweet treats, Fern & Co has all you need to fuel your journey. Welcome aboard, make sure you stop by and see the friendly team next time you’re passing through. Gareth Bull David Cooper Dominic Cain Nic S.

We are gearing up for another bustling holiday season, with peak travel days just around the corner. Friday, 20 December is set to be the busiest day of the season with just over 20,000 travellers expected to pass through the terminal. Domestic flights will reach their peak that day, while the international peak will follow closely on Saturday, 21 December with over 7,000 international passengers expected to travel through the airport. Compared to last year, this holiday season brings increased airline capacity every day during the peak week. The airport expects 6,000 more passengers to use our airport during the peak pre-Christmas week compared to last year. “Our teams are ready to make the travel experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible for everyone. With extra capacity and well-planned schedules, we’re here to help make the holidays memorable," Strategic Communication Manager Sean Tully says. Click here for all you need to know: https://loom.ly/oFb-iE0

In a vote of confidence for Ōtautahi Christchurch and the South Island, Jetstar Airways is expanding its Christchurch fleet with new aircraft and daily flights to Melbourne and the Gold Coast! Jetstar is adding another aircraft to its fleet of A320s based in the Garden City, bringing the total to three aircraft at the airport and eight in its New Zealand fleet. This means an uptick in services for the summer season, including operating daily flights from Christchurch to the Gold Coast and Melbourne until the end of January. The new aircraft will allow a 35% increase in seat capacity across the Tasman and a 21% increase in seat capacity on their existing domestic routes. This expansion sees Christchurch Airport bucking the trend and increasing its capacity to cater for growing demand to travel to and from the city. "Christchurch is thriving as both a vibrant destination for visitors and a key hub for business. With our world-class attractions, growing infrastructure, and strong connections to the South Island’s unique natural beauty, it’s no surprise airlines are choosing to expand their offerings here," ChristchurchNZ’s Chief Executive Ali Adams says. Read more here: https://loom.ly/EOEzuds

For more than a decade, our General Manager of Aeronautical Development Gordon Bevan has been helping to bring some of the biggest airlines to Christchurch. This summer is no exception, with the airport looking at almost one million seats on international services, 101,000 more than summer last year. “We're looking at 12% growth over last year. Cathay (Pacific) is up 88%, China Southern up 57%, Jetstar up 35%, Qantas up 21%, so there's some big numbers in there, big double digit growth numbers,” says Gordon. In a sit down with Stuff, he says he has "the best job in aviation". Read more here: https://loom.ly/oasxGvk

Christchurch Airport is thrilled to welcome the return of United Airlines with the first flight of the season touching down today! United's direct service from San Francisco will run three times a week, offering unparalleled convenience for Kiwis looking to make the only direct connection from Te Waipounamu to the USA. Last year the direct service to Christchurch increased the number of visitors to the South Island from the USA by almost 80%. We predict similar numbers of American visitors this season with bookings already very strong. This direct route aligns with peak tourist season, supports travel for the US Antarctic Programme and enhances trade opportunities. “United Airlines’ direct service from San Francisco is a game-changer for Christchurch and the South Island. It’s a stepping stone into the US and beyond, supports our exporters, and reinforces our role as a hub for Antarctic operations. We are delighted to see this partnership thrive," says Christchurch Airport chief executive Justin Watson. Read more about the direct flight here: https://loom.ly/0SHHLQc

We are excited to open the doors to our brand new purpose built Relay store, combining Relay and The Luggage Store. It has everything travellers and visitors to the airport need, including a range of books, magazines, snacks, tech, stationery, travel accessories, Lotto, luggage storage and wrapping! Come and say hi to the team next time you visit.

Christchurch Airport is cementing its role as a key driver of the South Island economy, with global logistics leader DHL Express selecting Dakota Park freight precinct for a new state-of-the-art gateway facility. The $42 million development, set to open in 2026, is a major vote of confidence in the strength and future of the South Island economy. As the largest freight hub in the region, our airport is a vital enabler of trade and connectivity for thousands of businesses, big and small, across the South Island. The airport’s 80-hectare Dakota Park is already home to leading logistics and freight companies, and DHL’s decision to invest in a new facility highlights the airport’s strategic importance in driving economic growth and supporting businesses in reaching global markets. Christchurch Airport CEO Justin Watson welcomed DHL’s investment. “This new facility is an important step forward for our airport as we expand our freight apron and is a testament to the importance of Dakota Park, our freight and logistics precinct, in connecting Kiwi businesses to the world,” Watson says. The new facility will enhance airfreight capacity and operational efficiency, combining DHL’s service point and gateway into a single location. It will feature cutting-edge sorting technology and multiple sustainable infrastructure features, reflecting the airport’s commitment to environmentally responsible growth. The development also aligns with our 2040 Master Plan, which is designed to ensure the South Island remains competitive and well-connected in the global economy. As we continue to expand our freight capabilities, our region’s businesses will benefit from faster shipping times, increased international connectivity, and a robust platform for future growth.