Air New Zealand will launch three new international routes from Christchurch Airport later this year, adding direct services to Singapore, Tokyo Narita and Perth as the airline expands its South Island operations.
The Christchurch-Singapore route is scheduled to begin on October 28, followed by Christchurch-Narita on November 28 and Christchurch-Perth on November 30, subject to regulatory approval.
The expansion has been made possible by Boeing 787 aircraft returning to service after global engine maintenance disruptions, along with additional Dreamliners joining the airline’s fleet. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said the new services would strengthen tourism, trade and export links while improving international connectivity for the South Island.
Air New Zealand chief executive Nikhil Ravishankar said the routes were designed to reconnect Christchurch with major global hubs and reshape how international visitors travel through New Zealand. Christchurch Airport chief executive Justin Watson described the announcement as a major boost for tourism, freight exporters and the wider South Island economy. Flights are on sale now.
