This Content Is Only For Subscribers
Year-round flights to Chengdu are coming to Auckland Airport from early December, with the arrival of Sichuan Airlines.
From Thursday, December 7, the airline will operate two flights per week, doubling the seasonal schedule it ran last summer.
Auckland Airport chief customer officer Scott Tasker says having Sichuan Airlines back year-round is a major step up from last summer’s weekly service.
“This announcement cements Chengdu as our eighth mainland Chinese destination, bringing more options for travellers, reconnecting Auckland with an important visitor source region, and supporting exporters with extra bellyhold capacity. Over summer, we expect more than 50 flights a week will connect Auckland with China.”
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says the Government’s priority is to unleash economic growth, with tourism — New Zealand’s second-largest export sector — playing a crucial role.
“This new service will strengthen airline connectivity for both tourism and business between New Zealand and China. Improved aviation connectivity is an important part of our Tourism Growth Roadmap, and I congratulate Auckland Airport and Sichuan Airlines for making this happen.”
“We’re delighted to confirm Sichuan Airlines will resume non-stop Chengdu–Auckland services from December 7, operated by our Airbus A350,” says Sichuan Airlines’ regional director for Australia and New Zealand Kevin Wen.
“Sichuan Airlines has long valued the New Zealand market. We’ve worked closely with Auckland Airport to restart this important route and build a convenient, efficient air bridge for travellers. Looking ahead, we’ll continue to deliver high-quality products and thoughtful service, adding warmth to every journey. We look forward to reuniting across the mountains and seas with our customers in New Zealand.”
Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, is a city of 20 million people, renowned for its vibrant food culture, spicy Sichuan cuisine, and as the home of the giant panda.
Scott says the new service is expected to bring around 22,000 additional visitors to New Zealand each year, delivering an estimated $130 million in visitor spend — a boost for local tourism operators and regional economies.
“This year-round service will make it easier for visitors from Sichuan Province and beyond to experience New Zealand’s natural beauty, adventure tourism, Māori culture, and world-class hospitality. At the same time, it opens a new gateway for Kiwis to explore one of China’s most fascinating regions.
“Direct flights are also critical for high-value trade. We estimate the service could support up to $150 million of annual cargo capacity, carrying premium New Zealand exports such as fresh seafood, fruit, and flowers into China, while enabling the fast movement of consumer goods and manufactured products into New Zealand.
“We’re delighted to welcome Sichuan Airlines’ commitment to Auckland and the opportunity it brings for our tourism and trade connections.”
Sichuan Airlines operates from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, a hub opened in 2021.
From here, travellers can connect with the airline’s domestic network of 76 Chinese cities and 28 international destinations across Asia and beyond.
