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For the first time ever, a direct commercial air service will connect Christchurch and Adelaide, with Air New Zealand announcing a new twice-weekly route launching this summer. The service marks a historic step forward in trans-Tasman travel and strengthens the long-standing sister city relationship between Christchurch and Adelaide.
Operating out of Christchurch every Friday and Monday from October 27, 2025, to March 28, 2026, the flights are perfectly timed for long weekend escapes or easy business trips.
Flights will depart Christchurch in the early evening arriving in Adelaide late evening, with the return service leaving Adelaide the following morning and touching down in Christchurch after midday. The service adds more than 15,000 seats two-ways across the summer season.
Christchurch and Adelaide have officially been sister cities for more than 50 years, they celebrated the milestone in 2022 with civic events and signed a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen ties across tourism, trade, education and culture.
This new direct air link brings that partnership to life, connecting people and places. It offers Kiwis a new gateway to explore South Australia’s rich food, wine and cultural scene, and as easy for Australians to experience the South Island’s alpine beauty, adrenaline-fuelled adventures and world-famous hospitality.
Christchurch Airport chief executive Justin Watson says the route adds strength to the airport’s growing network.
“This service is another fabulous addition to our trans-Tasman network. It builds on a strong civic and regional connection and supports more Kiwis and Aussies to explore each other’s backyards all year round.”
Mayor of Christchurch Phil Mauger says the announcement is another milestone in a long and proud friendship.
“Adelaide and Christchurch are sister cities with shared values and strong ties. With over 50 years of formal connection behind us, this new service is awesome, it opens the door to even more exchange, tourism and opportunity.”
Hon. James Meager, Minister for the South Island, says the new service reflects the region’s appeal.
“The South Island is one of the most spectacular tourism destinations in the world. A direct link gives even more Australians the chance to experience our unique landscapes, adventure and culture, and it’s a major win for our economy heading into the busy summer.”
“We’re delighted that Air New Zealand has recognised the strong pent-up demand between Adelaide and Christchurch,” says Adelaide Airport managing director Brenton Cox.
“Our data shows that close to 50,000 passengers are travelling indirectly between Adelaide and the South Island each year, with a relatively even split of inbound and outbound travel, so we’re confident that there will be significant interest in this new service. The majority of travellers between Adelaide and New Zealand are either on holiday or visiting family and relatives.
“We have no doubt a non-stop service to Christchurch will prove attractive to South Australians.”
The announcement rounds off a bumper few weeks for Christchurch Airport, following Qantas’s decision to increase capacity on its Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne routes, Singapore Airlines boosting international summer connectivity, and Air New Zealand’s jet service addition to the Christchurch–Hamilton route.
Air New Zealand also announced 36 new flights between Auckland and Christchurch between June and October adding 14,600 seats to their schedule.
Together, these moves are a bold endorsement of the South Island, and a proud reminder that Christchurch Airport is not just connecting regions but delivering for New Zealand.
