Air New Zealand is increasing capacity between Shanghai and Auckland by adding more than 7,000 seats for the upcoming Chinese New Year travel period, responding to strong customer demand during one of the busiest times of the year for visitors heading to New Zealand.
Additional Flights Add 7,000 Seats for Chinese New Year
Between January 23 and February 20, 2027, Air New Zealand will operate three additional return services a week between Shanghai and Auckland. This temporary boost brings the airline’s frequency on the route up to ten flights a week.
“We’re being deliberate about where we add capacity, and Shanghai at this time of year is a fantastic opportunity,” Wilkinson said. “These extra flights will make it easier for more visitors to experience New Zealand at the height of summer and connect into our domestic network supporting tourism and businesses across the country.”
The expansion also provides vital cargo capacity during a critical export window, helping New Zealand producers ship goods into China in time for the Lunar New Year celebrations.
Expanded Travel Options and Domestic Connectivity
The route expansion benefits outbound travelers from New Zealand as well as inbound visitors. Residents heading to China to visit family and friends over the holiday, or those connecting to destinations further afield, gain additional booking choices.
Travelers retain access to a broader network through Air New Zealand’s partnership with Air China. Combined, the two carriers operate up to 24 services a week between New Zealand and China during the peak season across Shanghai and Beijing. Through Air China’s domestic network via both hubs, passengers can connect to more than 30 destinations across China.