Air New Zealand will begin a direct jet service connecting Hamilton Airport and Queenstown Airport in late June 2027. The new route will operate three return flights weekly on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays year-round using a 171-seat Airbus A320 aircraft. The service addresses travel demand between the Waikato region and Queenstown, offering Waikato residents a direct option for winter getaways and long weekends.
International flight capacity increase and new aircraft delivery
Air New Zealand plans to boost its international flight capacity by 4% during the Northern Hemisphere summer period from March 28 to October 23, 2027. Auckland to Vancouver flights will rise from seven to nine weekly in
July 2027. Daily services to Shanghai are scheduled for April, July, and September/October 2027. Flights to Taipei will increase to five per week starting late September 2027, while Papeete will have up to five weekly flights from July through August. In September 2027, daily Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flights will launch between Auckland and Houston, replacing prior five weekly Boeing 777 services. The Christchurch-Singapore route will continue year-round with thrice-weekly flights. This expansion is supported by four new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, two recently arrived and two more expected in 2027.
Industry statements on route launch and expansion
Air New Zealand chief executive Nikhil Ravishankar said the new Hamilton-Queenstown
service reflects strong travel demand and provides a direct flight for winter travel and tourism. Hamilton Airport chief executive Mark Morgan stated the route benefits the central North Island region. Queenstown Airport chief executive Shane O’Hare noted the route will create tourism and business opportunities. Air New Zealand chief commercial officer Scott Wilkinson said more seats mean more visitors, stronger tourism, and enhanced trade connections.
