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News, views and more

There’s so much we’d love to share with you about our airport. On this page you can check out our latest news or browse our media releases.

We’re happy to interact with media and help you to tell stories about our airport, city and island. There’s always someone available to take media inquiries, through our Media Line +64 3 353 7777.


Adventure of a light-time
2 Jun 2021

Adventure of a light-time

If you’re wishing you’d been on the recent ‘Southern Lights by Flight’ from Christchurch, we have good news – more flights have been released!

Criss-crossing the Tasman – without quarantine
7 Apr 2021

Criss-crossing the Tasman – without quarantine

A lot of excited families and friends are about to be reunited after the trans-Tasman ‘bubble’ opens at 11.59pm April 18.

Christchurch Airport ready and waiting for trans-Tasman travellers
18 Mar 2021

Christchurch Airport ready and waiting for trans-Tasman travellers

News today of a possible re-start to trans-Tasman travel is good news for Christchurch Airport, which has been safe and ready for such a ‘bubble’ since last October.

Kiwis and NZ produce still flying
4 Mar 2021

Kiwis and NZ produce still flying

The daily rhythm of our airport has changed because of the pandemic, but there’s still lots going on here.

A storage revolution
4 Mar 2021

A storage revolution

The first storage facility of its kind, the Boxman Automated Storage System (BASS) has just opened its roller doors for business at Christchurch Airport’s Dakota Park.

Pandemic not panic reflected in Christchurch Airport financial result
18 Feb 2021

Pandemic not panic reflected in Christchurch Airport financial result

Christchurch Airport is citing lessons learnt from the quakes, extensive changes it made to its business across 2015-2019 and its preparation for events like a pandemic, for its ability to pivot to a domestic operating model that can essentially break even while the pandemic’s impact on the borders evolves.

South Island produce flying to international dinner tables
2 Dec 2020

South Island produce flying to international dinner tables

We might not be flying overseas for Christmas, but high value South Island produce will be.

Christchurch Airport gains world first recognition
25 Nov 2020

Christchurch Airport gains world first recognition

Christchurch Airport has become one of the first three in the world to be recognized for demonstrating best practice in carbon reduction.

New Zealand’s first electric aircraft launched at Christchurch Airport
30 Oct 2020

New Zealand’s first electric aircraft launched at Christchurch Airport

New Zealand’s first electric plane has been launched today by Christchurch start-up ElectricAir.

A new approach to aviation in the lower South Island
4 Aug 2020

A new approach to aviation in the lower South Island

Christchurch Airport is exploring the long-term potential of building a world-class sustainable airport on 750 hectares of land near Tarras.

Christchurch Airport unveils new long-term proposal for mid to lower South Island
22 Jul 2020

Christchurch Airport unveils new long-term proposal for mid to lower South Island

Christchurch Airport is about to begin discussions on the potential of building a world-class sustainable airport on 750 hectares of land near Tarras in Central Otago.

Jetstar returns to Christchurch
8 Jun 2020

Jetstar returns to Christchurch

Christchurch Airport is applauding the return of Jetstar’s domestic services, now Alert Level 1 has been announced.

Charter service announced between Korea and the South Island
25 Nov 2019

Charter service announced between Korea and the South Island

Korean Air will operate ten return services from December 27 between Incheon Airport, ranked the Best Airport Worldwide for 11 consecutive years, and Christchurch Airport, ranked Australasia's Best Regional Airport.

American Airlines to turbocharge tourism value via South Island
29 Oct 2019

American Airlines to turbocharge tourism value via South Island

Christchurch Airport just announced direct flights between Christchurch and Los Angeles will turbocharge tourism value to New Zealand.

Humanoid robots in Christchurch
14 Oct 2019

Humanoid robots in Christchurch

Humanoid robots are in the spotlight in Christchurch.

Christchurch Airport continues strong run
21 Aug 2019

Christchurch Airport continues strong run

Christchurch International Airport Limited (CIAL) has recorded another record year in FY19.

Christchurch Airport grows, against national trend
18 Jul 2019

Christchurch Airport grows, against national trend

Christchurch Airport has notched up another month of strong growth in international arrivals in May, taking its annual visitor arrival growth between July and May to 8.5 per cent, compared to the national total of -5.8 per cent for the same time period.

First New Zealand autonomous shuttle debuts at Christchurch Airport
21 Jun 2019

First New Zealand autonomous shuttle debuts at Christchurch Airport

Christchurch’s autonomous vehicle trial is changing up a gear with today’s introduction of New Zealand’s first Smart Shuttle.

Christchurch Airport supporting action on climate change
8 May 2019

Christchurch Airport supporting action on climate change

Christchurch Airport, as a member of the Climate Leaders’ Coalition, supports the Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Bill announced today.

Virtual Reality for airport firefighters
2 May 2019

Virtual Reality for airport firefighters

A group of airport firefighters is firing up for emergency situations without any aircraft or firefighting gear!

More direct flights between Christchurch and Hong Kong
24 Apr 2019

More direct flights between Christchurch and Hong Kong

Good news for South Island travellers… strong demand has led to Cathay Pacific confirming a third summer season between Christchurch and Hong Kong - plus increasing to four flights per week during December-January-February.

The future of digital travel
10 Apr 2019

The future of digital travel

"Robotic retailers", "travelling by virtual reality" and "pilotless planes" are just some of the ideas University of Canterbury students had for how digital disruption and emerging technologies will impact the future of travel.

Important win for six South Island tourism organisations
8 Apr 2019

Important win for six South Island tourism organisations

Six more South Island tourism organisations are about to get a valuable hand up to attract and do business with Chinese visitors.

Half-year result reveals continued growth for Christchurch Airport
27 Feb 2019

Half-year result reveals continued growth for Christchurch Airport

Christchurch Airport is reporting an increased interim result for the six months of July to December 2018, off the back of international passenger growth and strong cost control.