Air New Zealand adding an extra 63,000 seats across routes to Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington next year. Air New Zealand has injected additional capacity by deploying higher-gauge aircraft and increasing service frequency as Trans-Tasman demand surges. New Zealand remains Brisbane Airport’s top international two-way market. From March to October 2026, capacity will grow by:
Brisbane to Auckland increasing by 12%
Brisbane to Christchurch increasing by 7%
Brisbane to Wellington increasing by 7%
A new route between Brisbane and Queenstown will also launch in June and run through until October. The increased capacity is supported by the Queensland Government and Brisbane Airport.
Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff said the boost in capacity on Brisbane-New Zealand routes would help keep up with soaring demand. “More seats mean more opportunities for people to travel across the ditch, whether it is for trade, tourism or connecting with family and friends. We know the connection between Australia and Aotearoa is strong, and the seasonal uplift will make it even easier for Queenslanders and Kiwis to connect.”
Air New Zealand General Manager Australia Kathryn O’Brien says the strengthened schedule reflects ongoing demand from both sides of the Tasman. “Queenslanders continue to show strong interest in travelling across the Tasman to explore everything New Zealand has to offer, from our cities to our ski fields and everywhere in between. Brisbane is also a popular city for Kiwi expats, so it gives families and friends more opportunities to connect and arrange a visit. At the same time, we are seeing more New Zealanders choosing Brisbane for its warm climate, outdoor lifestyle and world class attractions. Increasing capacity and adding a new Queenstown service gives travellers even more choice and flexibility, while supporting the growing connectivity we are seeing in and out of Brisbane.”
Queensland Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the announcement was a win for the whole state. “Queensland is the home of the holiday—and it belongs on every traveller’s bucket list,” Powell said. “As part of Destination 2045, we promised to secure more strategic connections to make it easier for tourists to visit Queensland, and that’s what we’re delivering. We are delighted to welcome our Kiwi neighbours on this exciting new service, inviting them to explore our world-class restaurants, accommodation and experiences to further fuel the state’s visitor economy.”
Brisbane Airport is now connected to 35 international destinations with international travel these summer holidays expected to rise 9% on last year. A record 25 million passengers are expected through Brisbane Airport this year. The airport is currently investing $5 billion across the precinct over the next five years as part of the Future BNE transformation.
Air New Zealand opens Lookout Lounge
Air New Zealand is unveiling The Lookout Lounge, a new space at Auckland International Airport opening 12 December ahead of construction of Air New Zealand’s new Koru Lounges next year. Located on Level 2, closer to the departure gates, The Lookout Lounge will open daily during peak travel times (5:00–10:00am and 3.30–9:15pm). The Lookout Lounge will operate alongside the Koru Lounge during the summer holiday season and during the construction of the new lounges at Auckland International Airport.
Air New Zealand General Manager Customer, Alisha Armstrong, says The Lookout Lounge offers a fresh take on the Koru Lounge experience. “As we head into our busiest travel season, The Lookout Lounge will give our customers more space and comfort before they head overseas. It’s a friendly and relaxed environment influenced by the very best of Aotearoa.”
Construction of Air New Zealand’s new Koru Lounges at Auckland International begins in 2026 and will take place in two phases. The current lounge will remain open with reduced capacity while work is completed on the Koru Premier Lounge for Koru Platinum (currently Airpoints Elite), Koru Black, and Business Premier™ customers, due to open in 2027. The current lounge space will then be redeveloped, with the refreshed Koru lounge expected to open by late 2027.
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