Air New Zealand boosts international flying for 2027

Air New Zealand is boosting its international flying schedule in 2027 with new Dreamliners joining the fleet and more flights being added to popular destinations across North America, Asia and the Pacific. The additional flying is part of the airline’s targeted growth strategy, making the most of its new aircraft to grow in markets where demand is strongest, while strengthening the connections that support New Zealand’s tourism, trade and economy. The airline is increasing flights between Auckland and popular destinations including Vancouver, Shanghai, Taipei and Papeete, while introducing daily Dreamliner services to Houston. Air New Zealand Chief Commercial Officer, Scott Wilkinson, says the additional flying reflects a deliberate approach to growing the airline’s international network, with customer demand at the heart of its decisions. “Whether it’s Kiwi escaping winter for some sunshine, families reconnecting across the globe, or international visitors coming to experience everything New Zealand has to offer over our popular winter period, we want to make those journeys easier. We’re being deliberate about where we grow, adding flights to destinations our customers want to visit and strengthening the connections that matter most to New Zealand.” The growth is supported by the arrival of two new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners last month, with a further two aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2027. All four aircraft will feature Air New Zealand’s new cabin experience, including an expanded premium offering with more Business Premier and Premium Economy seats, giving customers more choice in how they travel. “These new aircraft are a significant investment in our customers and our future. They’re enabling us to grow our international network, offer more flights and bring our latest onboard experience to more customers. Every additional international flight also creates opportunities for New Zealand. More seats mean more visitors supporting our tourism industry, more connections for Kiwi businesses and exporters, and more opportunities to bring people and products to and from our shores,” says Wilkinson. Air New Zealand’s Northern Summer 2027 schedule (28 March – 23 October) includes: Vancouver-Auckland: Increasing from seven to nine flights per week during the peak July travel period, with 8% more capacity across the season compared to the same time last year. Shanghai-Auckland: Increasing to daily services during April, July and September/October, representing 9% capacity growth over last season. Taipei-Auckland: Increasing to five flights per week from late September, with around 25% more capacity in October and 5% growth across the season. Papeete (Tahiti) – Auckland: Increasing to up to five flights per week during the Pacific Games in July and August. The additional daytime service will give customers another option for travelling to French Polynesia. Houston – Auckland: Increasing frequency from five Boeing 777 services per week to daily flights from September operated by new Boeing 787Dreamliners. Singapore-Christchurch: The new Christchurch to Singapore route will continue year-round. The expanded schedule builds on the airline’s recently announced international network growth from Christchurch, including its year-round Singapore flights and plans to increase flying to Perth. ANZ announces direct jet service between Hamilton and Queenstown Air New Zealand is bringing two of New Zealand’s great regions closer together, announcing plans for the first ever direct jet service between Hamilton and Queenstown. The new year-round service will take off in late June 2027, with three return flights a week on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays operated by an Airbus A320 with 171 seats. Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Nikhil Ravishankar says the new route is an example of the airline’s targeted approach to growth, adding capacity where customer demand and regional opportunity are strong. “We’re making deliberate choices about where we grow, and this route is a great example. There’s strong demand for travel between Hamilton and Queenstown, supported by the clear tourism links between both destinations and the continued growth of Hamilton and the wider Waikato. For Waikato travellers, it means a direct flight to Queenstown for a winter getaway or a long weekend. It also gives visitors to Queenstown another way to explore New Zealand, including the Waikato’s iconic attractions. We see real potential to bring more visitors to both regions and support the tourism businesses that make them special.” The new route builds on the return of domestic jet services to Hamilton in September 2025, when Air New Zealand introduced its Christchurch–Hamilton service after a 25-year absence. Hamilton Airport Chief Executive Mark Morgan says the new route reflects Hamilton’s growing role as a gateway to the central North Island. “This service gives residents a more convenient way to reach Queenstown and supports longstanding interest from tour operators in linking the two regions directly. So this is great news for whole of the central North Island.” Queenstown Airport Chief Executive Shane O’Hare says the new connection will provide another convenient way for visitors to experience the Southern Lakes region. “This new Air New Zealand route is great news for residents, visitors, and businesses across both regions. Direct flights between the Waikato and Southern Lakes will make travel easier and create new opportunities for visitors to experience Queenstown and the wider region. We’re delighted to welcome the service and look forward to its launch next year.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]