Air New Zealand is set to significantly expand its short-haul flight network for the upcoming southern summer, announcing a major boost in capacity across routes to Australia and the Pacific Islands between October 2025 and March 2026.
New Zealand’s national airline is boosting its Trans-Tasman services to 1.7 million seats, adding 130,000 more through increased flights and the use of larger aircraft. This move solidifies its position as the leading carrier between New Zealand and Australia.
Premium cabin offerings are also being expanded to meet growing demand from both business and leisure travellers. Air New Zealand is making a tactical swing, announcing an 8% increase in finest seating for its short-haul network.
This includes a significant ramp-up to as many as 42 weekly wide-body flights servicing Australian routes, indicating a focus on enhanced service rather than just increased flight numbers, as explained by Chief Commercial Officer Jeremy O’Brien. “It’s about offering special, more luxury, and pretty the travel understanding for our customers diagonally the Tasman and beyond.”
In addition to the Australian upgrades, the carrier will inject over 25,000 extra seats into its Pacific Island network, improving connectivity across popular island destinations.
Key Route Increases:
- Perth will see a large increase of nearly 30,000 extra seats, on behalf of a 29% capacity jump, with flights increasing after daily to nine times a week.
- Flights to Sydney drive have an additional 25,000 seats available, with 7,500 superior seats, with up to 13 wide-body services per week.
- Melbourne will gain 16,000 more seats, maintained by wide-body jets effective on as many as 13 flights weekly.
- For Brisbane, 18,400 seats are being added, with daily wide-body services and extra flights through peak travel times.
- Finally, Gold Coast will benefit from 8,500 supplementary seats (a 12% increase), with 11 flights per week.
- Queenstown–Sydney: Celebrating 30 years of direct flights, this route sees a 26% seat increase, moving to nine weekly services during the summer peak.
Air New Zealand Expands Key Routes
Air New Zealand is increasing capacity on several popular routes, giving travelers more choices.
Christchurch and Melbourne will see a 14% increase in flights, adding 9,500 seats and more than 400 additional services this season.
Travelers to the Pacific Islands will have few options:
- Rarotonga flights are being boosted with 8,000 more seats and as many as 12 weekly services during peak times.
- The Nadi route is growing, too, adding 8,600 seats and up to 11 weekly flights.
- For those heading to Papeete, there will be 1,600 additional seats available, including a significant 37% jump in premium seating to meet high demand.
Air New Zealand currently operates a fleet of 113 aircraft, though some planes remain impacted by global engine supply issues involving Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce Trent engines. Despite these challenges, the airline serves 77 routes across 48 destinations in 17 countries, maintaining its critical role in regional air travel.
“We’re incredibly proud of our 85-year legacy of connecting New Zealanders with Australia and the Pacific, and that commitment remains as strong as ever.”
The summer expansion also includes the launch of a new Christchurch–Adelaide route and continued investment in customer experience on both sides of the Tasman.
