Christchurch: Air New Zealand is strengthening its international network from Christchurch with a new non-stop service to Bali and the decision to operate its Christchurch-Singapore route throughout the year.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Nikhil Ravishankar said the announcements mark another step in the airline’s international growth from Christchurch, offering South Islanders more travel options while strengthening connections that support tourism and economic activity across the region.
“Christchurch is an important part of Air New Zealand’s future, and these new routes reflect the confidence we have here and the opportunities ahead for the South Island.
“More flights and more destinations mean more choice. The South Island has enormous potential, and better international connections help unlock that. They bring visitors into the region, support local businesses, and make it easier for South Islanders to connect with the world.
We’re being deliberate about where we grow, and our partnership with Christchurch Airport is helping us build a stronger international network that will deliver benefits for the region over the long term,”
said Ravishankar.
Christchurch International Airport CEO Justin Watson said,
“This is a great example of our new partnership with Air New Zealand in action. We’ve committed to working together to grow international connections from Christchurch, and it’s exciting to see that already turning into more destinations and more choice for Kiwi.”
Christchurch-Bali Flights to Launch in Winter 2027
Air New Zealand will launch a non-stop service between Christchurch and Denpasar, Bali, during winter 2027, giving travellers from the South Island a direct connection to the Indonesian holiday destination.
The new route is expected to operate three times a week through to the end of August, offering passengers a direct travel option during the South Island’s winter months.
“Bali has long been a favourite holiday spot for Kiwi, and we know how appealing a bit of sunshine is in the middle of a South Island winter.
“Being able to fly direct from Christchurch means customers can spend less time connecting through other airports and more time enjoying their holiday. It’s another way we’re making international travel easier for South Islanders,” said Ravishankar.
Watson welcomed the addition, saying,
“Bali is a fantastic addition to our international network and a destination we know South Islanders will be excited about. Being able to fly direct from Christchurch makes getting away on a tropical holiday so much easier.
“Hot on the heels of new Air New Zealand services to Singapore, Tokyo and Perth, this is another big step forward for travellers from Christchurch and the South Island.”
Flights on the new Christchurch-Denpasar service are expected to be available for booking later this year.
Christchurch-Singapore Service to Operate Year-Round
Air New Zealand has also confirmed that its new non-stop Christchurch-Singapore service will operate throughout the year, extending beyond its original seasonal schedule. The service will provide South Islanders with a direct connection to one of Asia’s major international hubs.
The announcement follows the departure of Air New Zealand’s first non-stop Singapore service from Christchurch, marking the return of wide-body flights between the two cities after six years.
“This afternoon was a proud moment for our team as we celebrated the return of our Singapore service and we’re going a step further by making that connection a permanent part of our international network.
“Singapore is an important gateway for South Islanders, making it easier to explore more of the world while opening another door for international visitors to discover everything the South Island has to offer,” said Ravishankar.
The year-round service also builds on Air New Zealand’s long-standing alliance with Singapore Airlines, providing passengers with additional travel options and connectivity through Singapore’s Changi Airport.
“There’s real momentum building in Christchurch, and we’re proud to be playing our part in the South Island’s growth,” Ravishankar added.
Airline Expands International Connectivity from Christchurch
The Bali and Singapore announcements form part of Air New Zealand’s wider international expansion from Christchurch. New seasonal non-stop services to Tokyo Narita and Perth are also scheduled to begin in November.
The new routes are subject to regulatory and airport approvals.
