What Airlines Fly to New Zealand? A Comprehensive Guide

Planning a trip to the stunning landscapes of New Zealand? One of the first things you’ll need to consider is which airline will take you there. With its breathtaking scenery and vibrant culture, New Zealand is a dream destination for many. Fortunately, a wide array of airlines, both domestic and international, operate flights to and from New Zealand, offering travelers numerous options to reach this Pacific paradise. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the airlines that fly to New Zealand, ensuring you have the information you need to make informed travel decisions.

New Zealand-Based International Airlines

New Zealand boasts its own reputable airlines that connect the country with various international destinations. These airlines are deeply rooted in the Kiwi spirit and offer a gateway to explore New Zealand and beyond.

• Air Chathams (3C) 2019–: While primarily focused on domestic routes within New Zealand, Air Chathams also operates flights to Norfolk Island, connecting New Zealand with this Australian territory.

• Air New Zealand (NZ) 1940–: As the flag carrier of New Zealand, Air New Zealand is a major player in international aviation. With a history dating back to 1940, Air New Zealand offers an extensive network of flights across the Pacific, Asia, North America, and even Europe through code-share agreements. They are well-known for their quality service and modern fleet. The inclusion of “Zeal 320” likely refers to a specific aircraft type or service within Air New Zealand’s operations.

• Airwork (AWK) 2020–: Airwork is primarily a charter and freight airline but also provides passenger services. They contribute to New Zealand’s aviation landscape by offering specialized air transport solutions.

Foreign Airlines Operating Aircraft to New Zealand

A multitude of international airlines operate their own aircraft to New Zealand, reflecting the country’s global connectivity and popularity as a travel destination. These airlines provide direct links from various parts of the world, making New Zealand accessible to a global audience.

• AirAsiaX (D7) 2011, 2016-2019, 2021-: This long-haul, low-cost airline connects New Zealand with Southeast Asia and beyond, offering budget-friendly options for travelers.

• Air Caledonie International (SB) 1987–: Connecting New Zealand with New Caledonia, Air Caledonie International serves the routes between these Pacific neighbors.

• Air China (CA) 2000–2001, code-share 2007–2015, own aircraft 2015–: Air China provides direct flights from mainland China to New Zealand, facilitating travel and trade between these two nations. Their on-again, off-again operation history indicates fluctuating market demands and strategic adjustments.

• Fiji Airways (FJ) 1974– (formerly Air Pacific): As the flag carrier of Fiji, Fiji Airways links New Zealand with Fiji and acts as a crucial connector to other Pacific Islands and North America.

• Air Tahiti Nui (TN) 2000–: Air Tahiti Nui offers direct flights between New Zealand and French Polynesia, bringing the beauty of Tahiti closer to New Zealand.

• Air Vanuatu (NF) 1989–: Air Vanuatu connects New Zealand with Vanuatu, serving the travel needs between these South Pacific countries.

• Cathay Pacific (CX) 1983–84, 1984–: A major international airline based in Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific provides a vital link between New Zealand and Asia, as well as onward connections to Europe and North America. Their discontinuous operation in 1983-84 likely reflects early stages of route development.

• China Airlines (CI) 2000–2001, 2011–: China Airlines from Taiwan offers another important connection between New Zealand and Asia, catering to both business and leisure travelers.

• China Eastern (MU) code-share 2008–2014, own aircraft 2014–: China Eastern, another major Chinese airline, operates flights to New Zealand, further strengthening air links between China and New Zealand.

• China Southern Airlines (CZ) 2011–: China Southern complements the Chinese airline presence, providing additional flight options between China and New Zealand.

• Emirates Airline (EK) 2003–: Emirates, a global giant based in Dubai, offers long-haul flights to New Zealand, connecting it with their vast network across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

• Federal Express (FX) 1989­–unknown, 2012–: Primarily a cargo carrier, Federal Express also plays a role in connecting New Zealand to global logistics networks. The unknown period and restart in 2012 suggests operational adjustments in their cargo services to New Zealand.

• Hainan Airlines (HU) 2016– (not currently operating): Hainan Airlines previously operated flights to New Zealand, adding to the China-New Zealand routes, but is currently not operating, indicating route suspensions or changes in operational focus.

• Hawaiian Airlines (HA) 2013–: Hawaiian Airlines provides a direct link between New Zealand and Hawaii, offering a convenient route to the United States and a tropical stopover option.

• Jetstar Airways (JQ) 2005–: As a subsidiary of Qantas, Jetstar Airways offers low-cost flights to and from New Zealand, primarily within the Tasman Sea region and to Southeast Asia.

• Korean Air (KE) 1993–: Korean Air connects New Zealand with South Korea, providing a key link between East Asia and New Zealand for both passengers and cargo.

• LAN Airlines (LA) code-share 1996–2000, 2002– (now LATAM): LAN Airlines, now LATAM Airlines, provides connectivity between South America and New Zealand. Their shift from code-share to own aircraft operation highlights evolving route strategies.

• Malaysia Airlines (MH) 1989–: Malaysia Airlines offers flights connecting New Zealand with Malaysia and onward destinations in Southeast Asia and Europe.

• Philippine Airlines (PR) 2015– (not currently operating): Philippine Airlines previously served routes to New Zealand, providing links to the Philippines, but is currently not operating, suggesting route adjustments.

• Qantas Airways (QF) 1961–: Qantas, the flag carrier of Australia, has a long history of serving New Zealand, providing extensive connections across Australia and onward globally.

• Qatar Airways (QR) 2017–: Qatar Airways, another major Gulf carrier, offers long-haul flights to New Zealand, connecting it to their global network centered in Doha.

• Sichuan Airlines (3U) 2017– (not currently operating): Sichuan Airlines temporarily operated routes to New Zealand, contributing to the China-New Zealand air travel market, but is currently not operating.

• Singapore Airlines (SQ) 1976–: Singapore Airlines, renowned for its premium service, offers flights to New Zealand, connecting it with Southeast Asia, Europe, and beyond through its Singapore hub.

• Tasman Cargo Airlines (HJ) 1997– (formerly Asian Express): Tasman Cargo Airlines, working with DHL, specializes in cargo flights across the Tasman Sea, supporting trade and logistics between Australia and New Zealand.

• Thai Airways International (TG) 1987– (not currently operating): Thai Airways previously connected New Zealand with Thailand and Southeast Asia, but is currently not operating these routes.

• Tianjin Airlines (GS) 2016–, (not currently operating): Tianjin Airlines also briefly operated flights to New Zealand as part of the expanding China-New Zealand market but is currently not active on these routes.

• United Airlines (UA) 1986–2003, code-share 2003–2016, own aircraft 2016–: United Airlines provides direct flights from the United States to New Zealand, offering crucial links to North America. Their operational changes from own aircraft to code-share and back to own aircraft reflect strategic route management over time.

• Virgin Australia International Airlines (VA) 2005–: Virgin Australia offers flights primarily between Australia and New Zealand, providing competitive options across the Tasman Sea.

International Airlines that Code-Share Only to New Zealand

In addition to airlines operating their own aircraft, many international carriers partner with New Zealand-based or foreign airlines to offer flights to New Zealand through code-sharing agreements. This expands the options available to travelers and provides seamless connections.

• Air Canada (AC) 1998– (on NZ aircraft): Air Canada code-shares with Air New Zealand, allowing passengers to book flights to New Zealand through Air Canada, with the flights operated by Air New Zealand.

• All Nippon Airways (NH) 2012– (on NZ aircraft): ANA also code-shares with Air New Zealand, providing Japanese travelers with convenient access to New Zealand through Air New Zealand operated flights.

• American Airlines (AA) 2016 (on QF aircraft): American Airlines partners with Qantas, enabling passengers to book flights to New Zealand via American Airlines, with flights operated by Qantas.

• Air Serbia (JU) 2023 (on QR aircraft): Air Serbia’s code-share with Qatar Airways extends their reach to New Zealand, offering connections through Qatar Airways flights.

• Asiana Airlines (OZ) 2005 (on NZ and TG aircraft): Asiana Airlines code-shares with both Air New Zealand and Thai Airways (though TG is currently not operating to NZ), providing connections via these partners.

• British Airways (BA) 1963– (on QF and CX aircraft): British Airways partners with both Qantas and Cathay Pacific, offering multiple routes to New Zealand through these airlines.

• Delta Air Lines (DL) 2003–2011, 2013– (on VA aircraft): Delta code-shares with Virgin Australia, providing connections to New Zealand via Virgin Australia flights.

• Ethiopian Airlines (ET) 2014– (on SQ aircraft): Ethiopian Airlines code-shares with Singapore Airlines, extending their network to New Zealand through Singapore Airlines operated flights.

• Etihad Airways (EY) 2009– (on VA aircraft): Etihad partners with Virgin Australia, offering connections to New Zealand through Virgin Australia flights.

• EVA Air (BR) 2018– (on NZ aircraft): EVA Air code-shares with Air New Zealand, providing Taiwanese travelers with access to New Zealand through Air New Zealand flights.

• Finnair (AY) 2014– (on CX aircraft): Finnair code-shares with Cathay Pacific, offering routes to New Zealand via Cathay Pacific, primarily catering to European travelers.

• FlyFirefly (FY) 2016– (on MH aircraft): FlyFirefly code-shares with Malaysia Airlines, extending Malaysia Airlines’ network to include routes operated by FlyFirefly that connect to New Zealand flights.

• Iberia (IB) 2018– (on QR aircraft): Iberia’s code-share with Qatar Airways provides connections to New Zealand through Qatar Airways flights, primarily for passengers originating from Spain and Europe.

• Japan Airlines (JL) 1980– (on QF aircraft): Japan Airlines code-shares with Qantas, offering Japanese travelers access to New Zealand through Qantas operated flights.

• Lufthansa (LH) 1991– (on NZ, SQ and TG aircraft): Lufthansa has extensive code-share agreements with Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, and previously Thai Airways, offering numerous routes to New Zealand.

• Oman Air (WY) 2017– (on MH aircraft): Oman Air code-shares with Malaysia Airlines, extending their reach to New Zealand through Malaysia Airlines flights.

• Scandinavian Airlines (SK) 2007– (on SQ aircraft): SAS code-shares with Singapore Airlines, providing Scandinavian travelers with connections to New Zealand via Singapore Airlines.

• SriLankan Airlines (LK) 2017– (on QF aircraft): SriLankan Airlines code-shares with Qantas, offering routes to New Zealand through Qantas flights, primarily for passengers from Sri Lanka and the Indian subcontinent.

• Swiss International Air Lines (LX) 2016 (on CX and SQ aircraft): Swiss code-shares with both Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines, offering multiple European routes to New Zealand through these partners.

• Vistara (UK) 2019– (on SQ aircraft): Vistara code-shares with Singapore Airlines, extending their network to New Zealand through Singapore Airlines flights.

• Turkish Airlines (TK) 2012– (on NZ, SQ): Turkish Airlines code-shares with both Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines, providing routes to New Zealand via these partners, connecting Europe and Asia with New Zealand.

• Virgin Atlantic (VS) 2011– (on NZ aircraft): Virgin Atlantic code-shares with Air New Zealand, offering routes to New Zealand via Air New Zealand flights, primarily for passengers from the UK and North America.

This comprehensive list provides a strong starting point for planning your journey to New Zealand. When choosing an airline, consider factors such as your origin, desired route, budget, and preferred level of service. Whether you opt for a direct flight or a code-shared journey, numerous airlines are ready to connect you with the unparalleled beauty of Aotearoa, New Zealand.