Air New Zealand Bolsters Australia To New Zealand Routes With Seasonal Service And Increased Capacity From Brisbane

Published on December 11, 2025

Air New Zealand is enhancing its services between Australia and New Zealand with the introduction of a seasonal route and increased flight capacity from Brisbane. This move comes in response to growing demand for travel between the two countries, particularly during peak seasons. By expanding its offerings, Air New Zealand aims to provide more flexibility and convenience for travelers, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening connections across the Tasman Sea and supporting tourism and business links between both nations.

Air New Zealand has announced a major expansion of its services from Brisbane, adding thousands of extra seats on its routes to New Zealand as demand for Trans-Tasman travel surges. The airline will introduce an additional 63,000 seats across key routes to Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington, capitalizing on the growth of this two-way international market.

New Zealand continues to hold the title of Brisbane’s top international market, a trend that has been consistently strong for many years. According to Brisbane Airport, the demand for flights between the two countries remains robust, with projections indicating that the market will continue to thrive well into the future. To meet this demand, Air New Zealand is set to boost its capacity significantly for the year ahead.

From March to October 2026, the airline will increase its Brisbane-to-Auckland route capacity by 12%. Additionally, the Christchurch and Wellington routes will see a 7% rise in capacity. This expansion comes at a time when Trans-Tasman travel is experiencing a significant surge, driven by pent-up demand for international travel as restrictions have eased and travel confidence has improved.

One of the most notable additions to Air New Zealand’s schedule is the introduction of a new route connecting Brisbane and Queenstown. Starting in June 2026, this seasonal service will run through to October. Queenstown, known for its stunning landscapes and adventure tourism offerings, is a key destination for both leisure and business travelers. The new route between Brisbane and Queenstown is expected to be popular with both tourists and locals looking to visit the picturesque New Zealand town.

The increase in capacity on these routes reflects the ongoing strength of the Trans-Tasman market, which continues to be a major contributor to air travel between Australia and New Zealand. The route expansion is also a sign of confidence in the Australian market, particularly in Queensland, which has been seeing a steady rise in international visitors. The new capacity is expected to benefit both countries, with New Zealanders visiting Australia for business and leisure, and Australians traveling to New Zealand for similar reasons.

The announcement of the additional seats was welcomed by Queensland Tourism, with the state’s tourism minister calling the expansion a significant win for the state’s economy. The additional flights will provide greater flexibility and convenience for travelers, offering more opportunities for both leisure and business tourism. The increased seat capacity will help meet the rising demand for travel to and from New Zealand, supporting the region’s tourism industry as it recovers from the impacts of the pandemic.

Brisbane Airport itself is seeing strong growth in international travel. The airport, now connected to 35 international destinations, is expecting a 9% increase in international travel in the coming year. This growth comes as a result of both increased capacity on existing routes and the addition of new flights, such as those offered by Air New Zealand. The airport is also preparing for a record-breaking 25 million passengers to pass through its terminals in 2025. To support this growth and ensure it can accommodate future demand, Brisbane Airport is investing heavily in its infrastructure.

The airport is set to invest $5 billion over the next five years as part of the Future BNE transformation program. This ambitious project will enhance the airport’s capacity, modernize its facilities, and improve the passenger experience. The ongoing investment will help Brisbane Airport stay ahead of the growing demand for air travel and ensure it can continue to serve as a major hub for both domestic and international travel.

The expansion of Air New Zealand’s routes and the continued growth of Brisbane Airport highlight the importance of the Trans-Tasman market for both Australia and New Zealand. The two countries have long had strong economic, cultural, and tourism ties, and air travel plays a critical role in maintaining and strengthening these connections. With the rise in international travel, the need for increased capacity on popular routes has become evident, and airlines like Air New Zealand are stepping up to meet this demand.

The announcement is also a positive sign for the future of air travel in the region. As the aviation industry continues its recovery from the pandemic, increased capacity and new services are key to rebuilding the market. This expansion by Air New Zealand not only provides more flight options for travelers but also serves as a reminder of the resilience of the Trans-Tasman travel market.

Air New Zealand is expanding its Australia to New Zealand routes by introducing a seasonal service and boosting capacity from Brisbane to meet rising demand during peak travel periods. This move enhances connectivity and offers more travel options for passengers.

Air New Zealand’s decision to add 63,000 extra seats on key routes between Brisbane and New Zealand reflects the strong demand for Trans-Tasman travel. The addition of a new seasonal route to Queenstown and the increase in capacity on existing routes to Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington highlights the growing appeal of travel between these two countries. As Brisbane Airport continues to grow and prepare for increased demand, the future of air travel between Australia and New Zealand looks bright, with more options and better connections for travelers in the years to come.