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Air New Zealand is preparing for its busiest summer travel period, with more than 2.7 million New Zealanders and international visitors expected to fly across its domestic and international network over the holiday season.
The airline says Friday, December 19 will be the busiest day for domestic travel, with up to 32,000 passengers expected to take to the skies. That will be followed closely by Sunday, December 21, and Monday and Tuesday, December 22 and 23, each with up to 31,000 travellers.
Air New Zealand general manager of airports Kate Boyer says the holiday period is a special time for the airline, as teams work around the clock to connect friends and whānau across Aotearoa and beyond.
“We’re proud to be part of the journeys that connect people over the holidays and our teams work incredibly hard to ensure every customer’s experience is smooth, enjoyable and a great example of Kiwi hospitality,” Boyer says.
Around 1.6 million passengers are expected to travel domestically during the summer period. Queenstown remains the most popular holiday hotspot, with about 260,000 customers travelling to and from the region. Nelson is set to welcome around 150,000 travellers, while Dunedin will see about 110,000. Napier and the Bay of Plenty are also in strong demand.
On international routes, about 1.1 million passengers are expected to travel to and from New Zealand. Australia remains the most popular overseas destination, with around 195,000 customers flying to and from Sydney, 185,000 to and from Melbourne, and 120,000 travelling between New Zealand and Brisbane.
Pacific Island destinations are also proving popular, with around 170,000 customers travelling to places including Fiji and Tahiti. Further afield, Los Angeles is expected to see about 56,000 passengers connecting to and from New Zealand over the holiday period.
The busiest days for international travel are forecast to be Saturday, December 20 and Saturday, January 3, with up to 20,000 passengers travelling each day.
With airports expected to be busy, Air New Zealand is encouraging travellers to plan ahead and allow extra time, particularly those travelling with children, oversized luggage or requiring special assistance.
“We know travelling over the holiday period can be more stressful than normal, but please know our teams are here to make your journey as seamless as possible,” Boyer says.
“We recommend checking in online where possible, arriving at the airport early, and giving yourself time to relax before your flight.”
Customers are also being reminded to check the Civil Aviation Authority website to ensure Christmas gifts and other items can be taken onboard.
Air New Zealand lounges around the country will be embracing the festive season, with a summer menu featuring items such as glazed Christmas ham, Jersey Benne potatoes with mint butter, Christmas mince tarts and strawberries with whipped cream.
The airline’s new Lookout Lounge at Auckland International Airport will also operate alongside the Koru Lounge during peak travel times.
“Summer is busy for us, but it’s also when our purpose of connecting New Zealanders with each other and the world truly comes to life,” Boyer says.
