The new system means travellers can check in and drop off luggage within five minutes. Video / Ben Dickens
Air New Zealand expects nearly 3 million passengers from now until the end of January.
Wellington Airport will operate 1.08 million seats, with a 12% increase in international seats.
Christchurch’s busiest travel day is December 20, with over 20,000 travellers expected.
While many people are winding down for the holidays, airports and airlines across Aotearoa are preparing for a busy six weeks.
Some days have proven more popular than others for Kiwis to get away domestically and internationally according to Air New Zealand and airports in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Auckland Airport anticipates the busiest days for international arrivals and departures will be next Sunday, December 22 and Sunday, January 5. Arrivals will also be busy on January 3 and departures on January 24.
The busiest day for domestic departures will be today and next Friday, December 20. Meanwhile, arrivals will peak today and Friday, December 27.
Christmas family reunions at Auckland International Airport in 2022. Photo / NZ Herald
Air NZ expects almost 3 million passengers domestically and internationally from now until the end of January.
Friday, December 27 will be the airline’s most popular day, with more than 50,000 customers flying around Aotearoa and overseas.
In Auckland, the airline’s busiest day domestically or internationally is Saturday, December 21, a spokesperson told the Herald. On this day, the airline expects just over 37,000 customers.
The peak season has required months of preparation, Air NZ chief operating officer Alex Marren said.
Aside from Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington, the most popular destination will be Queenstown, with 250,000 people flying to and from the city.
Wellington Airport set for strong domestic demand
Wellington Airport is scheduled to operate 1.08 million seats in and out of the windy city during December and January.
Of these, 189,000 seats will be international —an increase of 12% compared to last year — while 891,000 seats will be domestic. The busiest day of the summer is projected to be today, with 22,000 travellers.
December 19 and 20 are the next busiest (20,000 seats) followed by January 31 (19,900 seats).
Brisbane and Melbourne are popular destinations from Wellington this summer with a 29% and 22% increase in seats respectively, a spokesperson said. Fiji also remains a firm favourite, with seats up 12% compared to the same period last year.
Christchurch gears up for busy pre-Christmas weekend
In Christchurch, those travelling on Friday, December 20 should prepare for a busy airport. This is expected to be the busiest day, with just over 20,000 travellers passing through the terminal.
This day will be the busiest for domestic travel, a spokesperson told the Herald and the airport anticipates 6000 pickups and drop-offs, 2500 taxis and Ubers in the service lanes and 230 landings and takeoffs.
International travel will peak on Saturday, December 21 with more than 7000 travellers passing through the airport.
Travellers should expect things to be especially busy in the domestic terminal in the mornings (8am to 9am) and evenings (5pm to 7pm) during peak days.
The busiest time for international flights is expected to be just after noon, following a wave of arrivals, a spokesperson said.
“Between 1.20pm and 2.45pm, the airport anticipates arrivals from Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong), Emirates (Sydney), Qantas (Brisbane and Melbourne), and Air NZ (Melbourne),” they said.
The airport’s airline capacity will also be larger during the ‘peak week’ with 6000 more passengers expected to use the airport during that time compared to last year.
Christchurch Airport said it expects travel to peak in December for the summer period. Photo / Supplied
Air NZ urges passengers to be prepared
Air NZ’s Marren also advised travellers to get to their gate with enough time, as it can be a further walk than expected.
“Domestic travellers should plan to be at their gate 30 minutes before their flight’s departure, while international customers should arrive at their gate 45 minutes before departure,” she said
The airline also recommends reviewing baggage allowance for checked-in and cabin baggage and allowing more time at check-in if you have oversized bags or need special assistance.
Passengers are also encouraged to check the CAA website to see if their Christmas presents are allowed on the aircraft and consider travel insurance for unexpected situations.
