Bengaluru, Karnataka, 20th of May 2026 : Air New Zealand is strengthening connections between India and New Zealand, with increased capacity and improved access via Singapore.
This includes a new Singapore-Christchurch route, which complements Air New Zealand’s existing Auckland-Singapore route and is part of a broader capacity increase over the peak season that will be announced later in the month.
The new Christchurch service, which will operate three days a week, will see over 34,000 seats operating on the route during the season, significantly increasing the options available for Indian travellers to New Zealand via Singapore.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Nikhil Ravishankar says the changes significantly improve how India connects to New Zealand and vice versa.
“We’re seeing strong demand in both directions for travel between India and New Zealand, whether that’s for tourism, education, business or visiting family and friends.
“By increasing capacity through Singapore, we’re making it easier for Indian travellers to get to New Zealand, with more choice, better connections and more efficient journey times,” says Nikhil Ravishankar.
“The introduction of our new Christchurch services also opens up more direct access to the South Island – one of New Zealand’s most sought-after destinations – without the need for multiple connections. What sets Air New Zealand apart is the strength of our domestic network – from Christchurch and Auckland, we can also quickly connect customers to another 18 destinations across New Zealand, so it’s easy to explore multiple regions in one trip.”
Air New Zealand’s Christchurch-Singapore services, will be operated by its retrofitted Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft for the first time on this route, offering an enhanced onboard experience across all cabins, as well consistency with the new 787 aircraft joining the fleet on other routes.
The retrofitted aircraft feature redesigned Business Premier seating, an all-new Premium Economy experience, and refreshed Economy cabins, along with improved inflight entertainment and a focus on comfort for long-haul travel.
Christchurch flights are on sale now, with new services operating from October through the Northern Winter season, subject to regulatory approval.
About Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand’s story started in 1940, first taking to the skies between Auckland and Sydney on a flying boat – a Short S30. Known for its warm Kiwi hospitality, today, the airline has operating aircraft ranging from Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and Airbus A320s to ATRs and Q300s, offering customers comfort in the latest most efficient jets and turboprops. It’s a modern fuel-efficient fleet with an average age of 9.9 years. Air New Zealand’s global network of passenger and cargo services centres around New Zealand. In 2024, the airline flew more than 16 million passengers. Air New Zealand was named 2025 World’s Safest Airline by the Australian rating service AirlineRatings.com, highlighting the airline’s laser-focus on safety.
Air New Zealand has a well-connected domestic business, connecting customers and cargo to 20 different regions around New Zealand. Internationally, the airline has direct flights to major cities across Australia, the Pacific Islands, Asia and North America, and through its strong relationships with alliance partners, offers customers more choice and convenience to connect further afield to hundreds of destinations. Air New Zealand has a particular focus on sustainability and its Sustainability Framework helps guide the airline’s efforts in tackling some of New Zealand’s and the world’s most complex challenges. Airpoints, Air New Zealand’s loyalty programme, is seen as the most valuable loyalty programme in New Zealand with more than 4 million members. It allows members to earn Airpoints Dollars™ and Status Points for VIP benefits in the air and on the ground. Air New Zealand aircraft are proudly identified by its distinct tail livery of the Mangōpare, the Māori symbol of the hammerhead shark which represents strength, tenacity, and resilience.
About Star Alliance
The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance, based on a customer value proposition of global reach, worldwide recognition and seamless service. Since inception, it has offered the largest and most comprehensive airline network, with a focus on improving customer experience across the Alliance journey.
The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United.
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