Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines Expand Network for Winter 2026

Singapore Flights Increase as Airlines Add Capacity and Connectivity

Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines have announced an expansion of their joint network between New Zealand and Singapore for the Northern Winter 2026 season, running from 25 October 2026 to 27 March 2027.

The expanded schedule is designed to meet growing travel demand between New Zealand and Singapore while improving connections to destinations across Asia, India and Europe through the airlines’ partnership.

New Christchurch Services Planned

As part of the expansion, Air New Zealand will introduce three weekly non-stop services between Singapore and Christchurch using Boeing 787 aircraft.

The new flights will complement Singapore Airlines’ existing Christchurch operations, which will offer up to 12 weekly services during the peak travel period between November 2026 and February 2027. Together, the two airlines will operate up to 15 weekly flights on the route.

The additional services are expected to provide travellers with more options when visiting New Zealand’s South Island while maintaining convenient onward connections through Singapore.

Additional Auckland Capacity

Air New Zealand will also add four weekly flights between Auckland and Singapore using a combination of Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 aircraft.

Singapore Airlines will adjust its Auckland schedule from three daily flights to two daily services and will deploy its Airbus A380 aircraft on flights SQ285 and SQ286 throughout the Northern Winter season.

The Airbus A380 offers 471 seats across four cabin classes, including Suites, Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class, increasing seat availability on the route.

More Seats Across the Joint Network

With the revised schedules, the Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines alliance will increase total seat capacity between Singapore and New Zealand by 17 per cent from late October 2026.

The expansion will add approximately 72,000 seats, bringing the total number of seats available during the Northern Winter season to more than 490,000.

The increased capacity is expected to support travel demand from key markets across Southeast Asia, India, Europe and the United Kingdom, with Singapore continuing to serve as a major transit hub for international travellers.

Strengthening Long-Haul Connectivity

According to Air New Zealand, the expansion reflects the continued importance of its partnership with Singapore Airlines in connecting New Zealand with international markets.

The additional Christchurch services are expected to improve direct access to the South Island while supporting inbound tourism and business travel.

Singapore Airlines noted that the deployment of the Airbus A380 to Auckland forms part of its plans to support passenger demand between Singapore, New Zealand and destinations across its wider international network.

Bookings Now Available

Flights under the expanded Northern Winter 2026 schedule are now available for booking, subject to regulatory approval.

The revised schedule will come into effect from the end of October 2026, providing travellers with increased flexibility, additional seating capacity and improved connectivity between New Zealand, Singapore and destinations beyond.

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