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Christchurch Airport has released the report on its strongest year yet.
Here’s what’s inside.
Main operating profit after tax hit $64.9 million for the year to 30 June 2026 – up 30.6 per cent on FY25. Revenue climbed too, up 11.4 per cent to $273.0 million, and the airport’s declared dividend rose $6.8 million to $51.5 million.
Passenger numbers were similar. Total passengers reached 6.85 million, up 7.1 per cent. Domestic grew 5.4 per cent to 5.09 million, while international jumped 12.6 per cent to 1.76 million.
It wasn’t just a numbers year, either. The airport signed an MOU with Air New Zealand for three new long-haul routes, finished the Kowhai Park Solar farm (now being commissioned), opened a new Freight Hub, and gave its terminal food and retail spaces a refresh. That’s on top of the three new non-stop international routes announced back in May – Singapore, Tokyo (Narita) and Perth.
Chief executive Justin Watson says the result reflects years of groundwork finally paying off.
“FY26 was a year when a lot of long-term work came together. We grew our core planes and passengers’ business, continued to expand our property and freight platform, considerably improved the experience for our customers and delivered important infrastructure,” Justin says.
“At the same time, we have been looking further ahead. Horizon 35 gives us a clear direction for the next decade and keeps our focus on growing connections, strengthening our commercial businesses and investing for the long term.
“The result is a stronger airport, with the capacity to keep investing in the things that matter to our customers, our city and the South Island.”
It’s a strong result given the background. Airlines are still dealing with aircraft and engine shortages, unpredictable fuel prices and geopolitical disruption. The airport’s spread across aviation, property and commercial activities helped cushion that.
Are costs rising too?
The report shows revenue’s growing nicely but with airlines already under the thumb by fuel and aircraft shortages, is the airport feeling the pinch too? Sean Tully, manager of Strategic Communications at Christchurch Airport, says some margin pressure is likely next year, even with passenger numbers still climbing.
“Like most businesses, we expect to face rising costs in FY27, alongside required investment to support our safety, security, operational resilience, and future growth. This means some margin pressure is possible, even if passenger numbers continue to increase.
That is why improving productivity and maintaining cost discipline are priorities under Horizon 35. Our focus is on ensuring revenue growth translates into sustainable returns by managing costs carefully and investing where it delivers the greatest value. We enter FY27 with a strong balance sheet and a diversified business, while remaining mindful of the volatility across the aviation sector,” Sean says.
Where the dividend goes
Of the $51.5 million total dividend, $24.1 million was already paid out as an interim dividend in April. The remaining $27.4 million final dividend is due after October’s Annual General Meeting.
Christchurch City Council, as 75 per cent majority shareholder, will get $38.625 million of that through Christchurch City Holdings Limited- money that helps take pressure off rates while backing council services and infrastructure. The Crown picks up the remaining $12.875 million.
Board chair Sarah Ottrey says the numbers back up a long-term approach to running the airport.
“Our airport is delivering strong financial returns while continuing to invest in the infrastructure, connections and opportunities our region will need in the future.
“These results reflect clear strategy, strong leadership and disciplined delivery. The team have continued to protect and grow the business while making careful decisions about where we invest and how we build long-term value.
“That matters because a successful airport does much more than return a dividend. It supports jobs, tourism, trade and connections across Te Waipounamu the South Island and the globe,” Sarah says.
What’s next
The results hit just as the airport kicks off Horizon 35, its new decade-long growth strategy. Justin says the focus now shifts to what comes next.
“We are proud of the result our team has achieved, but our focus is firmly on what comes next. We want Christchurch to have an airport that grows ahead of demand, connects more people and businesses with the world, and continues to deliver real value for generations to come,” Justin says.
