Published on
December 16, 2025
Air New Zealand is preparing for a bustling holiday season, expecting a major surge in passenger numbers across its domestic, Australia, and Fiji routes. With more than two million passengers projected to travel, the airline is focused on ensuring a smooth and efficient experience, ready to accommodate the increased demand and provide a seamless journey for holidaymakers during this peak period.
Air New Zealand is bracing for an incredibly busy summer season in 2025, with over 2.7 million passengers expected to travel across the airline’s extensive domestic and international networks. As the festive season approaches, the airline is making significant preparations to accommodate this surge in passengers, ensuring smooth operations while keeping the holiday spirit alive for travelers.
The airline’s domestic services are anticipated to see around 1.6 million travelers, as more and more New Zealanders opt for flights to explore their own country. In addition to the robust demand for local travel, Air New Zealand is also expecting 1.1 million passengers on its international routes, with key overseas destinations continuing to attract large volumes of travelers. These figures highlight a substantial increase in both domestic and international travel for the airline, reflecting an overall surge in holiday travel and the increasing desire for both local and international adventures.
December is set to be a particularly busy month, with the busiest travel day on the domestic front falling on December 19. Air New Zealand expects around 32,000 passengers to fly on domestic routes on this day alone. International routes will also experience a significant spike in passenger numbers, with December 20 and January 3 standing out as the peak days for outbound travel. On these days, the airline is anticipating around 20,000 passengers flying internationally, as travelers head abroad for Christmas and New Year’s holidays. This heightened demand during the peak holiday period presents unique challenges for the airline, but Air New Zealand is well-prepared to manage the large volumes of passengers, ensuring the travel experience remains as seamless as possible.
In preparation for the busy period, the airline is urging passengers to plan ahead, check in online, and arrive at the airport early to avoid any last-minute issues. Air New Zealand emphasizes the importance of checking in ahead of time, which not only helps reduce airport congestion but also allows travelers to secure their seats and streamline their travel experience. Passengers are encouraged to download the Air New Zealand mobile app for real-time flight updates, information on potential delays, and quick access to key travel requirements, particularly for those flying internationally.
While managing such high demand, Air New Zealand is committed to ensuring that passengers enjoy a smooth and enjoyable journey. One of the standout features of the airline’s operations during this period will be its focus on enhancing the travel experience for passengers through a variety of added services. The airline is offering special amenities, including festive experiences in its lounges, to provide a festive atmosphere and to help passengers relax before or after their flights. These holiday-focused offerings will contribute to a more enjoyable airport experience, allowing travelers to feel festive and comfortable as they embark on their journeys.
Domestically, the South Island of New Zealand remains a key attraction for travelers, with the airline’s flights to Queenstown, Nelson, and Dunedin expected to see substantial traffic. Queenstown is anticipated to be particularly popular, with 260,000 visitors expected to pass through the airport. These destinations, known for their stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, draw both locals and international visitors year-round, and they will continue to be some of the top domestic hotspots this summer.
In addition to the South Island, international destinations also feature prominently in Air New Zealand’s travel plans for the summer season. Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane remain top choices for many travelers, with the airline projecting over 500,000 passengers flying between New Zealand and these Australian hubs during the peak summer months. These destinations have long been favored by New Zealanders looking for short international trips, with convenient flight schedules and easy access to vibrant city life, beaches, and outdoor adventures.
The demand for Pacific destinations is also on the rise. Air New Zealand is expecting a large number of travelers heading to Tahiti and Fiji for their sun-soaked holidays. These idyllic destinations offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and are particularly popular during the summer months when travelers are eager to relax by the beach and explore beautiful islands. In addition to Pacific destinations, Los Angeles is also on the list of popular international routes. Air New Zealand has long provided seamless connections between New Zealand and the U.S., making it a top destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure in California.
As the summer season unfolds, the airline is focused on providing exceptional customer service and ensuring the safety and comfort of its passengers. With heightened demand, the airline is working diligently to avoid delays and manage the increased traffic flow effectively. The airline’s priority remains offering a smooth and pleasant experience for all passengers, both domestic and international.
Air New Zealand’s commitment to excellent service extends beyond the aircraft, with a strong emphasis on operational efficiency, customer support, and ensuring passengers feel cared for throughout their journey. Whether traveling locally within New Zealand or flying to exciting international destinations, the airline is taking significant steps to guarantee that travelers can enjoy their holidays without stress or inconvenience.
Air New Zealand is bracing for a busy holiday season, anticipating over two million passengers across its domestic, Australia, and Fiji routes, as demand surges during this peak travel period.
Looking ahead, Air New Zealand remains focused on connecting people across Aotearoa and beyond. With its vast network of domestic and international routes, the airline continues to foster connections, whether for vacation, business, or family visits. As the airline anticipates a record-breaking summer season, its dedication to providing a smooth and enjoyable travel experience remains at the heart of its operations.
