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Christchurch Airport is preparing for its busiest travel day of the season, with more than 25,600 passengers expected to pass through the terminal on Friday, December 19.
Across the summer period from November 25 to March 26, the airport’s total seat capacity will increase by 375,000, up 11 per cent on the same period last year. Domestic capacity will rise by about 236,000 seats (10 per cent) and international capacity by around 139,000 seats (15 per cent).
Between December 19 and 24, the airport expects 12,000 additional seats to be available, an increase of 8 per cent on last year.
Peak travel patterns show two domestic and regional flight surges on December 19, one between 12pm and 1pm and another between 6pm and 7pm. International services will peak at 2pm, with arrivals between 10am and 2pm from Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong), Emirates (Sydney), Qantas (Brisbane and Melbourne), and Air New Zealand (Melbourne).
Many travellers will be heading around the country to return home for Christmas, supported by an expanded domestic schedule. Adelaide remains a popular destination for Cantabrians, alongside Cairns, the Gold Coast and Fiji. Christchurch Airport also offers connections to Vietnam, Phuket, the Philippines and Bali.
To support smooth travel, the airport will have 20 customer service staff on duty, 13 eateries open, and 2,200 car parks in operation. Expected activity on the day includes 6,650 pick-ups and drop-offs, 3,100 taxis and Ubers through service lanes, 240 aircraft movements, 9,000 bags handled, four working dogs on duty and six Christmas trees, including one eight metres tall. Santa and his helpers will be onsite.
Christchurch Airport customer operations manager Richard McMann says preparation is key.
“When you have nearly 26,000 people passing through the airport in a single day, the little things matter. We’ve boosted staffing, coordinated closely with airlines, and made sure our facilities are ready for the extra demand. Behind the scenes, there’s a lot of teamwork happening to keep everything running, and we want travellers to feel that care.”
Christchurch Airport general manager aeronautical development Gordon Bevan says the increased schedules reflect the airport’s commitment to strengthening regional connectivity.
“Connectivity is at the heart of what we do, and our new flights from Hamilton, Adelaide and Cairns help bring people closer together at exactly the right time. These routes give travellers more ways to reach loved ones, explore new places and stay connected with the communities that matter to them.”
Airport communications manager Sean Tully says the festive period brings a unique atmosphere.
“There’s something special about the airport at Christmas. You see kids buzzing with excitement, friends reuniting in arrivals and people finally taking a breath as they start their break. Our job is to make those moments easier by keeping the journey smooth, safe and welcoming.”
Santa will be at the airport’s Christmas stand from Thursday, December 18 to Wednesday, December 24 between 10.30am and 2pm daily, offering photos, face painting and activities.
