Christchurch took the spotlight at TRENZ 2026 in Auckland yesterday as Air New Zealand announced three new non-stop international routes from Christchurch to Singapore, Tokyo (Narita) and Perth.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Nikhil Ravishankar made the announcement, flanked by New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon, a former Air New Zealand chief executive himself. Luxon makes a point of attending TRENZ, and this is his fourth.
The new international air services are part of an agreement with Christchurch Airport to grow international connectivity into the South Island. It’s a big boost for Christchurch. Air New Zealand previously flew from Christchurch to Singapore in 2020, to Narita in 2015, and to Perth in 2019.
Launching from late October, the new services to Singapore, Tokyo (Narita) and Perth mark a significant expansion of international flying from Christchurch, enabled by Air New Zealand’s B787 aircraft returning to service after being grounded due to global engine maintenance issues, and new 787 aircraft entering the fleet.
The first Christchurch-Singapore service will depart on 28 October, followed by Christchurch-Narita on 28 November, and Christchurch-Perth on 30 November.
Air New Zealand and Christchurch Airport have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop a long-term partnership. This will see the airline and airport aligning their long-term planning and network development, with both organisations working together to support sustainable growth, improve the customer experience, and strengthen international connections for the South Island.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Nikhil Ravishankar. TRENZ supplied
Nikhil Ravishankar says the MOU reflects the airport and airline’s joint view of long-term growth for Christchurch and the South Island.
“As New Zealand’s national airline, we think about connectivity at a country level – where we can help open up the greatest value and opportunities for customers, for regions, and for the economy. With aircraft returning to service, we’re now in a fantastic position to grow again, and we are delighted that this will happen in the South Island.
“The three new routes are a deliberate step to reconnect Christchurch directly to major global hubs in Asia, strengthen links into Australia, and change how the South Island connects to the world, including where visitors arrive and how they move through the country. It reflects the strength of our partnership with Christchurch Airport and the work that’s gone into building this together.”
Tourism and Hospitality Minister, Louise Upston, says that as New Zealand is a trading nation, “being well connected to the world matters.
“It supports tourism, helps our exporters reach global markets, and ensures people and goods can move reliably, “ Louise Upston said.
At TRENZ 2026 yesterday. Foreground from left, TIA Chief Executive Rebecca Ingram, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston, and Prime Minister Chris Luxon. TRENZ supplied
“This agreement between Air New Zealand and Christchurch Airport reflects a collective focus on long-term practical growth – strengthening direct connections and opening up more opportunities for the South Island.
“With both Air New Zealand and Christchurch Airport represented on the Prime Minister’s recent Singapore mission, this announcement is effectively the first cab off the rank, showing how stronger international relationships can translate into real opportunities for business and tourism for Christchurch, the South Island and New Zealand exporters.”
Christchurch Airport Chief Executive, Justin Watson, says the new routes reinforce Christchurch’s position as a long-haul hub and gateway to the South Island.
“This is a landmark moment. Seeing multiple new international widebody services launch from Christchurch builds on the growth already happening across our international network and creates major opportunities for freight exporters, the tourism sector and our wider economy. It reflects our strong partnership with Air New Zealand and our shared focus on growing international connectivity for the South Island.
“New routes don’t happen overnight. They take sustained effort, collaboration, and giving airlines and travellers even more reasons to choose Christchurch. That means creating the right conditions for more non-stop services, supporting our partner airlines to grow successfully here, and continuing to strengthen our role as the South Island’s international gateway – leading the way in attracting new connections, growing demand, and creating long-term opportunities for tourism, trade and business.”
Flights are on sale from today, with services commencing from October, subject to regulatory approval.
by Peter Needham at TRENZ 2026 in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland – (c) 2026.
Read Time: 4 minutes.
About the Author.
With more than 35 years in travel journalism, Peter Needham has filed stories from Fleet Street to Fiji, and just about everywhere in between. As Managing Editor (Australasia) for Global Travel Media, he shapes industry coverage with the steady hand of someone who’s seen fashions come and go and knows what lasts.
Since going freelance in 1993, his byline has appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald, Australian Financial Review, Reader’s Digest and Qantas’ inflight magazines. He edited Inside Tourism for seven years, wrote the long-running Travel Tales column for Vacations & Travel, and even crafted copy for Tourism Australia ahead of the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
A Reuters, Guardian and AAP veteran, Peter has travelled widely from South American backpacking trails to a Saudi military hospital, gathering stories the old-fashioned way: by being there.
