As we look ahead to the peak 2025/26 summer season, we’re thrilled to share some fresh announcements that will open up even more travel opportunities for Canterbury and the South Island.

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s coming up, and a reminder of the fantastic options already good to go.

Blenheim to Christchurch – uninterrupted regional connectivity

Christchurch Airport is pleased to welcome Originair as the new operator for the Blenheim–Christchurch route, ensuring a smooth transition and continued service when Sounds Air ends flights on 29 September 2025.

Originair will begin flying daily from Sunday 19 October, using the comfortable, pressurised Jetstream 32 aircraft – seating 18 passengers with two pilots and an onboard bathroom.

This route plays an important role beyond tourism and business travel – it also provides a critical link for patients accessing specialist care at Christchurch Hospital. Maintaining regional access is essential, and we’re proud to support this next chapter in connectivity across Te Waipounamu. View schedule or book: originair.co.nz

Cathay Pacific starting earlier

Cathay Pacific is coming back to Christchurch earlier than ever, with services to Hong Kong resuming 3 November and running right through to the end of March.

This year, the airline will operate up to four flights per week during the summer peak, using their larger A350-1000 aircraft – meaning more space for you to stretch out, and more room for our premium South Island exports too. Flights will operate on Monday, Thursday, Friday (peak only) and Saturday, bringing a total of 50,000 additional seats to the route across the season compared to last year.

With earlier departures and a world-class onboard experience, it’s never been easier to explore Hong Kong - or connect across Asia, Europe and beyond via Cathay Pacific’s extensive global network.

Singapore Airlines expanding again
Singapore Airlines will increase their year-round A350 service to Singapore to 11 flights per week over the summer season. With 46 supplementary services confirmed across the schedule, this is a fantastic uplift that supports long-haul travel and global connectivity.

The new flights arrive into Christchurch at 11:40pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, and depart for Singapore at 1:10am the following morning – offering seamless onward connections through Changi across Asia and beyond.

China Southern Airlines boosts capacity by 26%
A decade on from first touching down in Christchurch, China Southern Airlines is still accelerating its service. The popular Guangzhou–Christchurch flight resumes 1 November with five flights per week, ramping up to daily service from 18 December - 3 March 2026.

As well as providing a crucial bridge for families and tourists over summer and the Chinese New Year, the service whisks premium export goods directly to markets in Asia and beyond.

Qantas adds 44,000+ seats across the Tasman
From 15 December to 26 January, Qantas will boost flights to Australia, including:

• Up to three daily flights to Sydney, recently announcing up to two additional flights per week during February and March, adding over 5,000 seats to the route.
• Up to double daily flights to Melbourne, from 11 flights per week.
• Double daily services to Brisbane, from November through to end of March.  

This schedule brings significant additional capacity to popular trans-Tasman routes during the busiest travel months, offering you greater flexibility and choice.

Jet services return to Hamilton
Air New Zealand is reintroducing A320 jet services between Christchurch and Hamilton from 18 September 2025, operating five times weekly year-round. Combined with their existing ATR flights, this upgrade adds 25,000 seats per year and strengthens one of the fastest-growing regional routes in the country.

From 1 December 2025, Jetstar will also take to the skies on this route for the very first time, with a new daily Christchurch–Hamilton service. Delivering more than 135,000 seats annually, Jetstar’s entry further boosts capacity and provides travellers with even more choice and flexibility when flying between the South and the mighty Waikato.

Jetstar

Cairns From 16 November 2025, Jetstar will retime its Cairns-Christchurch service, with flights from Cairns departing at 7:15am to create convenient connection times with Osaka and Tokyo. The schedule to Cairns will offer daytime flights in both directions year-round, departing Christchurch at 8:20am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Adelaide – here we come!

Air New Zealand is bringing back direct flights between Christchurch and Adelaide! Starting 27 October 2025, you’ll be able to fly nonstop between the two cities twice a week, every Monday and Friday, right through the summer season until 27 March 2026.

This is great news for anyone keen to explore the vibrant food, wine, and culture of South Australia – or reconnect with friends and family across the ditch. With flights departing in the evening from Christchurch and returning midday from Adelaide, it’s easy to make the most of your time on either side.

This seasonal service adds over 15,000 seats to our international network, and strengthens the 50-year sister city relationship between Christchurch and Adelaide. Fares start from just $345 one-way, so if you’ve been dreaming of an Aussie getaway, now’s the perfect time to start planning.

Confirmed schedule:

• Christchurch to Adelaide: Departs 10:20am, arrives 11:30am – Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
• Adelaide to Christchurch: Departs 12:20pm, arrives 7:30pm – Wednesday, Friday, Sunday

Thinking of a spring escape?

If the spring sunshine isn’t quite cutting it yet, we’ve got a few warm-weather favourites ready to go, perfect for a dose of sun before summer officially kicks in:

• Cairns with Jetstar – Jetstar’s direct service to Cairns operates up to three times a week, making reef adventures and tropical getaways easier than ever.
• Fiji with Fiji Airways – Take off to Nadi up to four times weekly, where white sand beaches, clear waters and balmy evenings await.
• Gold Coast getaways – Jetstar and Air New Zealand both offer regular flights to the Goldie – the classic coastal break just a few hours away.
• Daily A380 to Dubai – Emirates operates a daily A380 service from Christchurch to Dubai via Sydney. Explore the Middle East, or connect across Europe, Africa and Asia on one of the world’s most iconic aircraft.

Whether you’re looking to recharge, reconnect, or just escape the chill, your next holiday starts closer than you think.

These announcements build on the strong foundation of existing airline routes and we’re proud of that network that delivers more choice, better connectivity, and exciting destinations for all travellers. Whether you're planning your next trip or just dreaming of where to go next, your journey starts here.