Air New Zealand will introduce a new direct jet service connecting Hamilton Airport and Queenstown Airport starting in late June 2027. The airline plans to operate three return flights weekly on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays using a 171-seat Airbus A320 aircraft. This year-round route aims to provide faster travel options for passengers between Waikato and Queenstown before the busy winter tourism season.
Air New Zealand and Airport Executives Respond[[/SECTION_HEADING]Air New Zealand chief executive Nikhil Ravishankar identified strong travel demand between Waikato and Queenstown as the driver for the new service. He noted the direct connection offers Waikato residents access to Queenstown for winter holidays and weekend trips, while also offering Queenstown visitors easier access to attractions in the Waikato region. Hamilton Airport chief executive Mark Morgan said the route will benefit the wider central North Island. Queenstown Airport chief executive Shane O’Hare welcomed the opportunities the service would create for tourism and business growth. Air New Zealand chief commercial officer Scott Wilkinson highlighted that the additional seats will support more visitors, boost tourism, and strengthen connections for New Zealand businesses and exporters.[[SECTION_HEADING]]Domestic Service Growth at Hamilton Airport
The announcement follows the return of domestic jet services to Hamilton Airport in September 2025 after a 25-year hiatus, marked by Air New Zealand launching a Christchurch-Hamilton route. Hamilton Airport’s renewed jet services expanded regional connectivity, with flights
between Hamilton and Christchurch scheduled to be available for booking from late November. This resurgence of jet operations at Hamilton Airport underscores its growing role in New Zealand’s domestic air network.
Air New Zealand’s Expanded International Schedule for 2027
In addition to the domestic route launch, Air New Zealand plans to increase its international flight capacity by 4% from March 28 to October 23, 2027. The expanded schedule includes increasing weekly Auckland-Vancouver flights from seven to nine in July 2027, and introducing daily Auckland-Shanghai services during April, July, and September/October. Auckland-Taipei flights will rise to five weekly departures starting late September, while up to five weekly flights will
operate between Auckland and Papeete in July and August. From September, Auckland-Houston services will transition to daily Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flights, up from five weekly Boeing 777 departures. The Christchurch-Singapore route will continue operating year-round with three weekly flights. These expansions will be supported by the addition of four Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, two of which have recently arrived, with two more expected in 2027.
These international capacity increases aim to enhance tourism and trade links, providing more options for travelers and businesses across the region.
Passengers traveling between Waikato and Queenstown will benefit from reduced travel times and the ability
to avoid stopovers. The direct route broadens options for leisure and business travel, promoting regional tourism exchanges and supporting economic activity for companies in both areas.
