Christchurch Airport has been named New Zealand's Large Airport of the Year at the 2026 NZ Airports Awards, recognising a standout year of growth, investment and progress.

The award was announced at the NZ Airports Hui in Wellington, where airports from across the country gathered to celebrate excellence in the aviation industry.

For Christchurch Airport, the recognition follows a busy year of achievements, from strengthening international connections and welcoming more passengers to improving facilities and delivering major infrastructure projects.

Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Justin Watson says the award is a proud moment for everyone involved in the airport's success.

"This is a huge achievement and something our entire airport team can be incredibly proud of. We've had an extraordinary year, growing our international connections, investing in facilities and infrastructure and making real progress on projects that will shape our future.

"What makes this award particularly special is that it recognises the collective effort of our people and the many partners who help keep our airport running every day.

The airport also picked up the top spot for the Sustainability Initiative of the year for the Kōwhai Park Solar farm in collaboration with Lightsource bp and Contact Energy

Justin Watson added,

"We're ambitious about what our airport can achieve, and this recognition tells us we're heading in the right direction. It's also a win for Christchurch and the South Island.

"Our success is about more than running a great airport. It's about connecting our region to the world and creating opportunities for the communities we serve."

The past year has seen Christchurch Airport welcome 6.85 million passengers, strengthen its airline partnerships and secure new international services.

Major developments have included the opening of an expanded freight apron, a significant revamp of the terminal's food and beverage, retail and passenger facilities, expanding the international and domestic network and completing the Kōwhai Park solar farm.

The airport says the recognition is also an opportunity to acknowledge the thousands of people who contribute to its success, including airline partners, border agencies, retailers, contractors and the wider airport community.

With a busy summer ahead and new international services taking flight, the airport is focused on building on that momentum and continuing to deliver for travellers, businesses and communities across the South Island.