Air New Zealand Expands Australia and Pacific Flights for Summer 2025

Air New Zealand is significantly boosting its trans-Tasman and Pacific Island capacity for the upcoming southern summer season from October 2025 to March 2026. The airline will operate 1.7 million seats between New Zealand and Australia, with a 130,000-seat increase driven by added frequencies and the use of widebody aircraft on key routes.

The expansion includes an 8% rise in premium seating and up to 42 widebody flights weekly to Australia. Auckland–Perth will see nearly 30,000 more seats and grow to nine flights weekly. Auckland–Sydney will gain 25,000 extra seats, including 7,500 in premium classes, with up to 13 weekly widebody services. Auckland–Melbourne and Auckland–Brisbane will also see increases of 16,000 and 18,400 seats respectively.

Other notable changes include a 26% increase in capacity on the Queenstown–Sydney route, marking its 30th anniversary, and a 14% increase on Christchurch–Melbourne. A 12% capacity bump will also be added on Auckland–Gold Coast, totaling 8,500 extra seats.

Beyond Australia, Air New Zealand is adding over 25,000 seats to Pacific Island destinations. Auckland–Rarotonga will receive an extra 8,000 seats, Nadi 8,600 seats, and Papeete 1,600 seats, including a 37% premium seat increase.

“With more aircraft back in service and demand rising, we’re stepping up across the Tasman and Pacific,” said Chief Commercial Officer Jeremy O’Brien.

Air New Zealand currently operates 113 aircraft and serves 77 routes across 17 countries. The airline is focusing on premium growth and stronger connectivity across the region.

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