Travellers Gain Six More Nonstop NZ Flights in 2026, Christchurch Long-Haul Returns

Air New Zealand is opening six nonstop routes during 2026, giving travellers more direct options to and from New Zealand. The additions include the first international flights to Western Sydney Airport and the return of long-haul services from Christchurch after more than six years.

The expansion follows the return of all of the airline's Boeing 787-9 aircraft from long-term storage after Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine problems. Schedule data from Cirium covers the new services.

Key facts

• 26 October 2026: Auckland to Western Sydney, three times a week
• 28 October 2026: Christchurch to Singapore, three times a week
• 28 November 2026: Christchurch to Tokyo Narita, three times a week
• 30 November 2026: Christchurch to Perth, three times a week
• Two seasonal routes already flying: Queenstown to Brisbane and Christchurch to Rarotonga

What new routes are launching?

Air New Zealand will become the first international operator at Western Sydney Airport, the new airport on the outskirts of Penrith that will serve as Sydney's second international gateway. The airline will fly three times a week from Auckland using Airbus A320neo aircraft. The source notes the airport will not be subject to the curfew that applies at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport.

From Christchurch, the airline is resuming long-haul flying with Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Nonstop flights to Singapore Changi Airport start on 28 October 2026, operating three times a week alongside Singapore Airlines' daily nonstop service.

Nonstop flights to Tokyo Narita Airport begin on 28 November 2026, three times a week. The airline will be the only carrier flying nonstop between Japan and New Zealand's South Island. Air New Zealand already operates daily flights from Auckland to Tokyo.

Flights to Perth resume on 30 November 2026, three times a week with the Dreamliner, alongside Jetstar's seasonal Airbus A321LR service.

Which routes have already started?

Two seasonal routes began earlier in 2026. A three-weekly Airbus A320neo service from Queenstown to Brisbane started on 22 June 2026, competing with Jetstar (seasonal), Qantas and Virgin Australia.

A seasonal nonstop from Christchurch to Rarotonga International Airport launched on 26 May 2026, operating three times a week on the A320neo through to 24 October.

What this means for travellers

Travellers flying between New Zealand and Australia gain a new Sydney-area option at Western Sydney Airport from 26 October 2026, while South Island travellers get direct links to Singapore, Tokyo and Perth from Christchurch in late October and November. Auckland becomes the airline's seventh year-round Australian destination alongside Adelaide, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, with seasonal flights also added to Cairns, Hobart and Sunshine Coast.

With six routes launched in 2026, the airline is putting its returned 787-9 fleet back to work. Travellers planning trips on the new services should check the specific start dates and frequencies before booking.