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Auckland Airport is preparing to welcome more than one million travellers over the school holiday period beginning yesterday, September 17 — at least 6 per cent higher than the same period last year.
Passenger numbers will be fairly evenly split between international and domestic journeys, with 530,000 people expected to fly overseas or arrive from abroad, and 477,000 travelling within New Zealand.
Auckland Airport chief customer officer Scott Tasker says New Zealanders’ enthusiasm for travel remains strong.
“Kiwis love to travel, whether that’s reconnecting with friends and family, taking a holiday in an exotic location, or building business connections face-to-face,” Scott says.
“Australia is our top international destination over the holidays, with outbound travel across the Tasman growing 6 per cent in the 12 months to June 2025.”
International travel
Other popular international destinations include Fiji, China, and the United States. The busiest day for international departures is expected to be Sunday, September 21, with more than 15,000 travellers. For arrivals, the peak day will be Friday, October 3, with around 15,500 customers.
Scott notes that capacity remains constrained despite airline growth announcements. Jetstar has confirmed nearly 180,000 additional seats annually between Auckland and Australia.
“While this uplift is positive news for travellers, New Zealand’s international capacity remains 9 per cent below pre-2019 levels (2025 calendar year) — even as global markets have already surpassed full recovery,” he says.
“On some key long-haul routes capacity is tight, contrasting with the global picture where aviation fully recovered over a year ago. Even Australia has exceeded 2019 capacity, averaging a 4 per cent increase in 2025.”
He says it is vital New Zealand continues to restore direct long-haul services to support tourism and trade.
Travel tips
Scott says high demand and constrained seating mean flights are likely to be full.
“It will be most noticeable during international departures in the morning, where we’re expecting some flights to be fully booked. International Customs and Aviation Security opens at 4:30am and my advice is to come prepared so those processes run smoothly.”
Passengers are reminded:
Remove over-the-ankle footwear before screening, or choose alternative shoes.
Keep laptops and electronics in carry-on bags.
Ensure liquids, aerosols, and gels are under 100ml.
Check rules for luggage, electronics, and batteries before travelling.
Use the electronic NZ Travel Declaration on arrival and dispose of restricted food, animal, or plant products.
Domestic travel
The busiest days for domestic departures are forecast to be:
Friday, September 19
Friday, September 26
Friday, October 3
Domestic arrivals will peak on Friday, September 26, with just over 14,000 travellers.
Christchurch is the top domestic destination, followed by Wellington and Queenstown.
Scott says passengers should plan ahead for parking changes.
“We’re underway with significant infrastructure upgrades. Part of Car Park M has moved to short-term parking only as work begins on an expanded regional airfield. Travellers should check the Auckland Airport website for updates and consider booking parking online.”
Busiest travel days
International departures
Friday, September 19
Saturday, September 20
Sunday, September 21
International arrivals
Friday, October 3
Saturday, October 4
Sunday, October 5
Domestic departures
Friday, September 19
Friday, September 26
Friday, October 3
Domestic arrivals
Thursday, September 25
Friday, September 26
Friday, October 3
