What’s Going On at Air NZ? Qantas Steps Up — While Our National Carrier Stays Grounded

Well, here’s something we didn’t expect to be saying in 2025: Qantas is out-Kiwiing Air New Zealand.

This week, Qantas announced a massive summer boost for flights across the ditch — and guess who’s reaping the rewards? Christchurch. Starting mid-December, there’ll be 47% more flights to Sydney, 26% more to Melbourne, and even more seats to Brisbane.

That’s a whole lot of extra bums on seats… and none of them are thanks to Air New Zealand.

Qantas backs the South Island — and we’re here for it

From 15 December through to 26 January, Qantas is adding:

• Up to 7 more weekly flights to Sydney

• Up to 3 more to Melbourne

• A 16% increase to Brisbane

This isn’t just a few extra flights — this is a real show of confidence in the South Island. Christchurch Airport, local tourism, exporters, families trying to get together for the holidays — they all win. And with seamless connections to Europe and Asia via Sydney, Christchurch just got a whole lot closer to the world.

Qantas clearly sees the value in this side of the Tasman. And to be honest? It’s nice to be noticed.

Meanwhile… where on earth is Air NZ?

Now here’s the head-scratcher.

While Qantas is gearing up, Air New Zealand’s been eerily quiet. For a national airline, it’s been feeling less and less national lately — especially if you live south of Cook Strait.

Since Covid, Air NZ’s been playing it safe. Understandable at first. But we’re years on now, and what’s changed? Fewer flights. Higher prices. Long-haul options that almost always go through Auckland. And if you’re not in Auckland? Good luck.

It feels like Air NZ lost a bit of its mana. That spark. That sense that it gets us.

Can they bounce back?

Sure. But it’ll take more than another glossy ad or a funny safety video.

It’s time for Air NZ to:

• Start investing in the regions again — not everything should revolve around Auckland.

• Lower those fares — loyalty only stretches so far when you’re being priced out.

• Meet the moment — Kiwis want to travel, and they want their own airline to get them there.

Because here’s the thing: we want to support Air NZ. We really do. It’s our airline. Our crew. Our story. But Qantas is making it hard to ignore that they’re doing a better job — and doing it right in our own backyard.

This Qantas boost is huge for Ōtautahi and the wider South Island. It brings Aussie tourists, boosts exports, helps families reconnect, and opens up the world.

But it’s also a bit of a wake-up call.

Air NZ — we’re still here, ready to board. But if you don’t start showing up for us soon, don’t be surprised if more of us choose red over black.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about flying — it’s about feeling seen.

What do you reckon? Has Air NZ lost its way? Or are you backing them to bounce back? Let us know in the comments. ✈️🖤