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Cathay Pacific will increase its seasonal Christchurch-Hong Kong service to five flights a week during the peak summer travel period, citing continued strong demand from the South Island.
The airline will operate three flights a week between November 1, 2026 and March 27, 2027, increasing to five weekly services between December and February.
Cathay regional general manager, Southeast Asia and Oceania, Aldric Chau says the additional services reflect growing demand from the New Zealand market.
“We are delighted to be increasing our Christchurch services, reflecting the continued strength of demand from this important market. Every additional service creates more opportunities for our customers to connect seamlessly through Hong Kong to destinations across Asia, Europe and beyond.”
The expanded schedule will provide greater flexibility for leisure, business and visiting friends and relatives travel, while improving onward connections through Hong Kong to Cathay Pacific’s international network.
Most Christchurch services will be operated by the airline’s Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with one weekly Airbus A350-900 service during the December to February peak.
Christchurch Airport chief executive Justin Watson says the increased schedule reflects growing demand for international travel through the South Island.
“As a valued partner since 2017, Cathay’s decision to ramp up operations out of Christchurch serves as a major validation of our regional growth. By deepening our connection to Asia and beyond via Hong Kong, we are giving travellers more flexible transit options while offering local exporters an invaluable gateway to international trade.”
The additional flights will also increase cargo capacity between the South Island and Asia, supporting exports including cherries, seafood and chilled meat.
