China Southern to increase New Zealand flights from GBA

China Southern Airlines recently released a new expanded flight schedule that is set to implement a capacity boost for its New Zealand routes during the coming 2026-27 winter-spring season.

According to the new schedule, flights on the Guangzhou‑Auckland route will rise from 14 weekly services to a peak of 18 from Dec 2 to Feb 12. The Guangzhou-Christchurch route will be increased from seven weekly services to a maximum of 10. The expanded capacity will be an all-time high for the routes.

According to Wang Hai, a senior executive with the airline, the increase is viable due to the increasing demand for international air routes in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The expansion doubles as a response to market demand and a fulfillment of its efforts to optimize its international network layout. Wang spoke at a Thursday launch ceremony in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, that was jointly organized with Tourism New Zealand.

Rene de Monchy, chief executive of Tourism New Zealand, said China remains one of the country's top inbound tourism source markets. "China's tourism rebound has been outstanding in the past 12 months, and Chinese holiday-makers heading to New Zealand surged 40 percent year-on-year for the 12 months to June," he said.

Tourism New Zealand said China constitutes a market of great strategic importance to New Zealand.