By the numbers: Christchurch Airport readies for a bumper summer

Thursday, 10 October 2024

To say that it’s going to be a busy summer at Christchurch Airport is a bit of an understatement.

As well as more domestic services, the transport hub will see a 25% increase in seat capacity on long-haul international routes compared to last summer.

Justin Watson, the airport’s chief executive, said it shows Christchurch is “a key gateway to the South Island”

“We’re excited to see our international connections continue to grow, giving travellers more choice and making Christchurch a vital hub for both people and commerce.”

So Stuff Travel breaks down the figures:

3

Welcome back United Airlines. The US giant will resume its three-times-a-week Dreamliner 787 service to San Francisco from December 6.

10

The number of weekly Singapore Airlines flights from November 23 to February 15 (up from seven), including a new second daily evening service.

23

The number of daily flights between Christchurch and Auckland from the end of October.

175,000

The number of seats Qantas will add on flights from Christchurch. Brisbane services will jump to 12 a week from seven currently, while Melbourne also goes up to 12 a week during peak times from five now.

180,000

The number of seats Jetstar is adding from December 15, both domestically and on a new Airbus A320 being added to its New Zealand fleet. More flights to Melbourne will coincide with a change of time for better connections with long-haul flights to Asia. From April 2025, Jetstar will also start its first-ever direct flights to Cairns.

31%

It’s not just passenger flights on the increase, but also freight. Qantas Freight will increase its cargo operations resulting in a 31% increase in freighters over the summer period.

60%

Returning to Christchurch is China Southern Airlines from October 28 until March 30 and it is also expanding its service by 60%. Weekly flights will increase to five per week. During the Chinese New Year period, from December 17 to February 12, flights will become daily.

88%

Also saying “Kia Ora“ again in Cathay Pacific. The Hong Kong-based airline returns with four flights per week from December 2 until late February 2025. That’s an additional flight from last season and will be operated by the larger Airbus A350 1000. It is also expanding its season with three flights per week in March using the Airbus A350 900, making it an 88% increase in total seat capacity compared to last season.