Air New Zealand launches new long haul routes from Christchurch
Wednesday, 20 May 2026
Air New Zealand has announced three new non-stop international routes from Christchurch to Singapore, Tokyo and Perth as part of an agreement with Christchurch Airport to grow international connectivity into the South Island.
The new services start from late October and mark a significant expansion of international flying from Christchurch using Boeing 787 aircraft.
The first Christchurch-Singapore service will depart on October 28, followed by Christchurch-Narita on November 28 and Christchurch-Perth on November 30.
Air New Zealand has flown the routes previously, with Singapore dropped in 2020 at the start of the Covid pandemic.
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Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said: “New Zealand is a trading nation so being well connected to the world matters. It supports tourism, helps our exporters reach global markets, and ensures people and goods can move reliably.”
Air New Zealand and Christchurch Airport also signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a long-term partnership to align long-term planning and network development to support sustainable growth, improved customer experience and stronger international connections for the South Island.
Air New Zealand chief executive Nikhil Ravishankar said the agreement reflected the airport and airline’s joint view of long-term growth for Christchurch and 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.”
Christchurch Airport chief executive Justin Watson said the new routes reinforced Christchurch’s position as a long-haul hub and gateway to the South Island.
Ravishankar said the new routes were highly sought after by the tourism, leisure, and trade sectors. “With our 787 aircraft returning to service and new aircraft joining the fleet we are now in a position to grow again.”
Air New Zealand had been caught up in long running global engine issues, which grounded much of its 787 Dreamliner fleet at anyone time over several years, significantly curtailing the the national carriers services and expansion plans.
“These routes are more about more than adding new seats into the market they represent stronger more direct pathways for visitors, exporters, businesses, and communities across the South Island.
The routes would add new seats into the market and more direct flights for visitors, exporters, businesses, and communities throughout the South Island, Ravishankar said.
“They're also important for New Zealand's international connectivity. As the national flag carrier, the job New Zealand gives us is to think about connectivity at a country level. We look at where we can open up the greatest value for customers for our regions and for the economy. ”
Singapore and Tokyo connect Christchurch directly into the most important Asian hubs and onward markets.
Ravishankar said direct routes provided more choice for visitors and helped more value from inbound tourism to flow into South Island communities and businesses, while offering South Islanders easier access to key international destinations without needing to connect through Auckland.
Flights go on sale from Wednesday.