(Caption: Mark Morgan, CE - Hamilton Airport | Nikhil Ravishankar, CEO - Air New Zealand | Todd Grace, COO - Queenstown Airport)
Hamilton Airport says the introduction of direct Air New Zealand flights between Hamilton and Queenstown will answer strong demand from residents, support tourism flows between the two regions and strengthen Hamilton’s role as a gateway to the central North Island.
The year-round service will launch in late June 2027, with three return flights a week on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays on a 171-seat Airbus A320. The connection will give residents a more convenient way to reach Queenstown, without having to fly direct from Auckland or catch connecting flights via Wellington or Christchurch.
Hamilton Airport chief executive Mark Morgan says the new service will further increase the airport’s growing passenger base, with a record 530,000 passengers travelling through Hamilton last year. It will offer approximately 53,300 seats annually across both directions.
“It's a significant milestone for Hamilton Airport but also a great vote of confidence in the wider region. Research undertaken by the airport to help identify potential demand and secure the route has highlighted support from local travellers and interest from tour operators. So we know there is strong interest in a direct service,” Morgan said.
“This decision by Air New Zealand responds to long-standing desire for better connections between the two regions. It will reduce the need for international visitors to backtrack through Auckland, leaving more time to explore the central North Island. There is a great opportunity to develop inbound tourism and new touring itineraries linking Queenstown with places like Hamilton Gardens, Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua and Taupo. We’ll work with Air New Zealand and tourism partners to develop that opportunity over time.”
The new service will make use of existing airport infrastructure and will not require further investment. Hamilton Airport already accommodates Airbus A320 jet services to Christchurch and can co-ordinate terminal operations, security screening and staffing for the new flights.
Morgan said the new route is an opportunity to further demonstrate the strength of demand for air services out of Hamilton. He noted 827,000 people live within 150 kms of the airport (excluding any overlap with Auckland) and that’s been noticed by airlines. His team had worked closely with Air New Zealand to secure the service.
“This has been a very good partnership, and we appreciate Air New Zealand’s commitment to the region. Both teams have put considerable work into getting to this point. Three services a week is a great place to start. We’ll work together to promote the service and build demand throughout the year.”
“New routes need to stack up commercially, particularly in the current cost environment. Local support will be key to attracting more airlines and building more routes out of Hamilton.”
Hamilton Airport continues to work with airlines on opportunities to expand its network, he said.
“Every route needs a sound commercial foundation and has to fit with an airline’s network and growth plans. We continue to have these conversations and push Hamilton’s case very hard."
