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Air New Zealand is preparing for a busy summer season, with more than 2.7 million New Zealanders and international visitors expected to travel across its network.
Around 1.6 million passengers are forecast to fly domestically during the holiday period, with strong demand for South Island destinations.
Air New Zealand general manager airports Kate Boyer says summer is a key time for the airline as it connects people across Aotearoa and beyond.
“We’re proud to be part of the journeys that bring friends and whānau together over the holidays, and our teams work around the clock to ensure customers have a smooth and enjoyable experience,” Kate says.
Queenstown remains the most popular domestic destination outside the main centres, with around 260,000 customers travelling to and from the region. Nelson is expected to see about 150,000 customers, followed by the Bay of Plenty with 120,000, Dunedin with 110,000 and Napier with 100,000.
The busiest day for domestic travel is expected to be Friday, December 19, with up to 32,000 travellers flying. Sunday, December 21, and Monday, December 22, and Tuesday, December 23, are also expected to be busy, with up to 31,000 passengers travelling each day.
On international routes, around 1.1 million passengers are expected to travel to and from Aotearoa over summer.
Australia continues to be the most popular international market, with around 195,000 customers travelling to and from Sydney, 185,000 to and from Melbourne, and 120,000 to and from Brisbane.
Around 170,000 customers are expected to travel to Pacific Island destinations, including Fiji and Tahiti, while about 56,000 passengers will fly to and from Los Angeles.
The busiest days for international travel are expected to be Saturday, December 20, and Saturday, January 3, with up to 20,000 passengers travelling on each day.
Kate says customers are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time at the airport, particularly those travelling with children, oversized baggage or requiring assistance.
“We recommend checking in online where possible, arriving at the airport early, and giving yourself time to relax before your flight,” she says.
Customers are also advised to check the Civil Aviation Authority website before travelling to ensure items, including Christmas gifts, can be carried onboard.
Air New Zealand lounges around the country will mark the holiday season with a summer menu, while the new Lookout Lounge at Auckland International Airport will operate alongside the Koru Lounge during peak travel periods.
