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Air New Zealand is strengthening its international services in Christchurch and the South Island, announcing a new non-stop service to Bali and confirming its new Christchurch-Singapore service will now operate year-round.
Air New Zealand chief executive, Nikhil Ravishankar, says the announcements mark another step in the airline’s international growth to and from Christchurch, giving South Islanders more choice and strengthening connections that support tourism and economic growth across the region.
“Christchurch is an important part of Air New Zealand’s future, and these new routes reflect the confidence we have here and the opportunities ahead for the South Island.
“More flights and more destinations mean more choice. The South Island has enormous potential, and better international connections help unlock that. They bring visitors into the region, support local businesses, and make it easier for South Islanders to connect with the world.
“We’re being deliberate about where we grow, and our partnership with Christchurch Airport is helping us build a stronger international network that will deliver benefits for the region over the long term,” says Nikhil Ravishankar.
Christchurch International Airport chief executive, Justin Watson, says “This is a great example of our new partnership with Air New Zealand in action. We’ve committed to working together to grow international connections from Christchurch, and it’s exciting to see that already turning into more destinations and more choice for Kiwi.”
Christchurch–Bali takes off next winter
South Islanders will have a new tropical escape on their doorstep, with Air New Zealand launching a non-stop service between Christchurch and Denpasar, Bali, over winter 2027.
The new route is expected to operate three times a week through to the end of August, giving customers a direct connection to one of New Zealanders’ favourite holiday destinations during the winter months.
“Bali has long been a favourite holiday spot for Kiwi, and we know how appealing a bit of sunshine is in the middle of a South Island winter.
“Being able to fly direct from Christchurch means customers can spend less time connecting through other airports and more time enjoying their holiday. It’s another way we’re making international travel easier for South Islanders,” says Nikhil Ravishankar.
Justin Watson says “Bali is a fantastic addition to our international network and a destination we know South Islanders will be excited about. Being able to fly direct from Christchurch makes getting away on a tropical holiday so much easier.
“Hot on the heels of new Air New Zealand services to Singapore, Tokyo and Perth, this is another big step forward for travellers from Christchurch and the South Island.”
Flights on the new Christchurch-Denpasar service are expected to be available to book from later this year.
Christchurch-Singapore goes year-round
Air New Zealand has also confirmed its new non-stop Christchurch-Singapore service will operate year-round, extending beyond its original seasonal schedule and providing South Islanders with a direct connection to one of Asia’s major international hubs throughout the year.
The announcement comes just after Air New Zealand’s first non-stop Singapore service departed Christchurch, marking the return of wide body flying between the two cities for the first time in six years.
“This afternoon was a proud moment for our team as we celebrated the return of our Singapore service and we’re going a step further by making that connection a permanent part of our international network.
“Singapore is an important gateway for South Islanders, making it easier to explore more of the world while opening another door for international visitors to discover everything the South Island has to offer.”
The year-round service also builds on Air New Zealand’s long-standing alliance with Singapore Airlines, which provides customers with greater choice and connectivity through Singapore’s Changi Airport.
“There’s real momentum building in Christchurch, and we’re proud to be playing our part in the South Island’s growth,” Nikhil says.
The announcements are part of Air New Zealand’s international expansion from Christchurch, with new seasonal non-stop services to Tokyo Narita and Perth also set to begin in November.
Both routes are subject to regulatory and airport approvals.
