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Air New Zealand will boost capacity across key domestic routes from March to October 2026 as part of its long-term focus on strengthening regional connectivity, business travel and tourism.
Air New Zealand general manager short haul and domestic Lucy Hall says the airline continues to adjust its network to ensure it meets customer needs.
“We are constantly reviewing our network to make sure we are offering the best possible schedule and capacity for Kiwi customers. These updates are all about keeping New Zealanders connected, supporting regional growth, and making it easier for people to travel for work, to visit loved ones, or to explore more of Aotearoa.”
The airline will increase seats on several of its busiest routes, including:
- Auckland–Queenstown up 9 per cent
- Auckland–Christchurch up 4 per cent
- Auckland–Rotorua up 7 per cent
- Auckland–Blenheim up 7 per cent
- Christchurch–Hamilton up 17 per cent
The Auckland–Queenstown service will see the largest uplift, with more flights added to meet strong demand. Around 50,000 additional seats will be available on the route over the year, giving customers greater choice when travelling to and from Queenstown.
Christchurch will benefit from about 25,000 additional regional seats compared with the same period this year. From Monday, February 9, 2026, daily jet services will operate on the Christchurch–Hamilton route, increasing capacity by 17 per cent. Further increases are planned on services between Christchurch and Napier, Nelson, Rotorua, Tauranga and Invercargill.
In the North Island, the Auckland–Rotorua route will be upgauged to an ATR aircraft, boosting capacity by 7 per cent and increasing seat availability at business-friendly times. A new weekday schedule includes a 6.50am Rotorua–Auckland departure and a 6.20pm Auckland–Rotorua return to support same-day business travel.
The Wellington–Rotorua route will move to a new timetable offering morning and afternoon flights at convenient times, while Christchurch–Rotorua will see a 4 per cent capacity increase.
“We heard from the Rotorua community that better flight times for business travel were a priority, so we’re adjusting the schedule to meet that request. These changes will make it easier for locals to travel to Auckland for a full day’s work and return home the same evening,” Lucy says.
Air New Zealand says the changes reflect its ongoing commitment to support customers, communities and the economy by increasing capacity where demand is strongest.
