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Air New Zealand Achieves Remarkable Milestone in 2025 by Connecting Millions of Passengers Worldwide and Driving Unprecedented Tourism Growth for New Zealand
Published on
January 3, 2026
Air New Zealand has truly set a remarkable standard in 2025, with a record-breaking year in both domestic and international travel. The airline not only transported nearly 16 million passengers, but also played a pivotal role in the recovery of New Zealand’s tourism sector, welcoming almost one million international visitors to the country. Through its extensive network and popular routes like Auckland–Christchurch and Auckland–Sydney, the airline has reinforced its position as a key player in connecting New Zealand with the world. With an unwavering commitment to safety and customer care, Air New Zealand has significantly contributed to the nation’s economic revival, while fostering strong loyalty among passengers, marking a year of exceptional growth and achievement.
Air New Zealand: A Year of Connecting People and Boosting Tourism
Over the past year, Air New Zealand has become a vital link between people, both domestically and internationally, transporting nearly 16 million passengers across its extensive network. This milestone not only reflects the airline’s role in connecting New Zealanders with one another but also plays a significant part in welcoming almost one million international visitors to the country. With a focus on safety, reliability, and customer service, Air New Zealand has reinforced its position as the nation’s preferred carrier.
Passenger and Flight Statistics
In the 12 months leading up to September 2025, Air New Zealand carried a total of 15,937,410 passengers. Of these, 10,137,843 passengers traveled on domestic flights, while 5,799,567 flew internationally. This impressive number of passengers reflects the airline’s broad reach, making it a central player in both domestic and global aviation.
The airline operated 166,406 flights during this period, with 138,323 of those being domestic services and 28,083 international flights. Among these, the Auckland–Christchurch route emerged as the most popular domestic service, carrying 1,596,782 passengers. Internationally, the Auckland–Sydney route led with 634,698 passengers, underlining the strong demand for connections to Australia.
Supporting Vulnerable Passengers
Every journey with Air New Zealand is treated with utmost care, especially when it comes to vulnerable passengers. The airline took extra steps to ensure the safety and well-being of 36,115 unaccompanied minors who traveled across its network. Dedicated support staff were assigned to assist these young travelers, ensuring their journey was smooth and stress-free. This commitment to passenger care highlights the airline’s core values of safety, responsibility, and customer service.
Air New Zealand’s Role in Tourism Recovery
Air New Zealand has played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s tourism recovery. Over the 12 months ending September 2025, the airline brought 951,163 international visitors to New Zealand, accounting for about 30% of all international arrivals. This equates to more than 2,500 international visitors arriving each day on Air New Zealand flights alone. These travelers not only contribute to the growth of the tourism sector but also support local businesses and communities across the country, helping to drive economic recovery.
Milestones in Loyalty
Air New Zealand’s loyalty program, Airpoints, also saw significant growth over the past year. For the first time, the program surpassed 5 million members, cementing the strong relationship New Zealanders have with their national airline. This achievement reflects the airline’s success in fostering customer loyalty, with many travelers choosing to continue flying with Air New Zealand thanks to its exceptional service and rewards program.
Air New Zealand achieved a record-breaking year in 2025, transporting nearly 16 million passengers and playing a key role in the recovery of New Zealand’s tourism sector. With its extensive network and commitment to exceptional service, the airline has become a vital connector for New Zealand to the world.
Looking Forward
As the airline looks to the future, Air New Zealand remains committed to connecting people and supporting the tourism sector. Whether it’s maintaining essential domestic routes or expanding international offerings, the airline continues to play a crucial role in New Zealand’s aviation landscape. With a team of 11,500 dedicated staff, Air New Zealand is not just an airline, but a vital part of the country’s connection to the world. As the global travel landscape evolves, Air New Zealand is prepared to adapt, ensuring that it continues to offer safe, reliable, and memorable travel experiences for millions of passengers.
The year ahead promises even more milestones and continued growth as Air New Zealand solidifies its place as a leader in the aviation industry. Whether it’s supporting tourism, creating memories for passengers, or contributing to the local economy, Air New Zealand remains committed to providing world-class service that reflects the pride and spirit of New Zealand.
