Air New Zealand will introduce a direct jet service between Hamilton and Queenstown starting in late June 2027. The route will operate three return flights weekly on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays using 171-seat Airbus A320 aircraft.
Officials Highlight Route Benefits
Air New Zealand chief executive Nikhil Ravishankar said the new route reflects strong demand and offers Waikato travellers a direct flight to Queenstown for winter getaways and long weekends. Hamilton Airport chief executive Mark Morgan said the connection benefits the wider central North Island. Queenstown Airport chief executive Shane O’Hare welcomed the new opportunities for tourism and business the service will create.
Return of Domestic Jet Services to Hamilton
The Hamilton
to Queenstown flight follows the return of domestic jet services to Hamilton in September 2025 after a 25-year absence. Since then, Air New Zealand has operated a Christchurch-Hamilton route, restarting jet flights to Hamilton and reflecting growing air connectivity for the region.
International Capacity Expansion for 2027
Air New Zealand plans to raise international seat capacity by 4% for the Northern Hemisphere summer between March 28 and October 23, 2027. Additional flights will be added on Auckland routes to Vancouver, Shanghai, Taipei, and Papeete. Auckland-Vancouver flights will increase from seven to nine weekly in July 2027. Shanghai will have daily services in April, July, and
September-October. Taipei flights will grow to five weekly from late September. Flights to Papeete will reach five weekly during July and August. Daily Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights from Auckland to Houston will begin in September 2027, replacing five weekly Boeing 777 services. The Christchurch-Singapore route will continue year-round with three weekly flights.
This expansion is supported by four new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, two already delivered and two more expected in 2027.
Supporting Tourism and Trade
Air New Zealand chief commercial officer Scott Wilkinson said more seats mean more visitors supporting the tourism industry, more connections for businesses and exporters, and greater opportunities to bring
people and products to and from New Zealand.
