A Year in the Air: Air New Zealand connects nearly 16 million people across Aotearoa and around the world in 2025
Over the last 12 months, the airline has carried nearly 16 million passengers across its domestic and international network – helping connect New Zealanders with each other and the world and welcoming nearly one million visitors to our shores.
Air New Zealand Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer Kiri Hannifin says the airline's 11,500 team members take great pride and responsibility in the role they play connecting people with one another.
"This year has reminded us why we do what we do – connecting people, places, and possibilities. Every flight we operate, every smile from a cabin crew member, and every 'kia ora' we share at arrival gates across the world represents the heart of this airline, supporting Kiwis to be with those they love and bringing the world a little closer to Aotearoa.
"We're humbled by the trust placed in us by nearly 16 million travellers, and proud of our people who make these connections happen every day."
By the numbers – a year at 30,000 feet
- Total passengers carried: 15,937,410
- Domestic: 10,137,843
- International: 5,799,567
- Total flights operated: 166,406
- Domestic: 138,323
- International: 28,083
- Most popular routes:
- Overall: Auckland–Christchurch, with 1,596,782 passengers
- International: Auckland–Sydney, with 634,698 passengers
Behind every journey is a story – and sometimes a little extra care. This year, 36,115 unaccompanied minors flew safely across the network, each one supported by Air New Zealanders every step of the way.
Supporting tourism and welcoming the world
Air New Zealand continues to play a vital role in New Zealand's tourism recovery and growth.
For the 12 months ended September 2025, 951,163 international visitors arrived in Aotearoa on Air New Zealand flights – representing around 30 percent of all international arrivals and equating to more than 2,500 visitors a day.
From visiting friends and whānau to exploring Aotearoa for the first time, these travellers help support communities, businesses, and regions across the country.
Growing loyalty numbers
Loyalty has also reached a new milestone, with Airpoints membership surpassing 5 million for the first time this year – a reflection of the strong connection New Zealanders continue to have with their national airline.
Looking ahead
From the busiest routes to the quiet moments of care on board, the past year has been defined by connection – between cities, countries, families, and cultures.
As Air New Zealand looks ahead, the focus remains the same: supporting millions of Kiwi travellers and tourists to get where they're going, safely, reliably, and with a sense of pride in representing Aotearoa around the world.
ENDS
Issued by Air New Zealand Communications
Email: media@airnz.co.nz │ Phone: +64 21 747 320
About Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand's story started in 1940, first taking to the skies between Auckland and Sydney on a flying boat - a Short S30. Known for its warm Kiwi hospitality, today, the airline has operating aircraft ranging from Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and Airbus A320s to ATRs and Q300s, offering customers comfort in the latest most efficient jets and turboprops. It's a modern fuel-efficient fleet with an average age of 9.9 years. Air New Zealand's global network of passenger and cargo services centres around New Zealand. In 2024, the airline flew more than 16 million passengers. Air New Zealand was named 2025 World's Safest Airline by the Australian rating service AirlineRatings.com, highlighting the airline's laser-focus on safety.
Air New Zealand has a well-connected domestic business, connecting customers and cargo to 20 different regions around New Zealand. Internationally, the airline has direct flights to major cities across Australia, the Pacific Islands, Asia and North America, and through its strong relationships with alliance partners, offers customers more choice and convenience to connect further afield to hundreds of destinations. Air New Zealand has a particular focus on sustainability and its Sustainability Framework helps guide the airline's efforts in tackling some of New Zealand's and the world's most complex challenges. Airpoints, Air New Zealand's loyalty programme, is seen as the most valuable loyalty programme in New Zealand with more than 4 million members. It allows members to earn Airpoints Dollars™ and Status Points for VIP benefits in the air and on the ground. Air New Zealand aircraft are proudly identified by its distinct tail livery of the Mangōpare, the Māori symbol of the hammerhead shark which represents strength, tenacity, and resilience.
About Star Alliance
The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance, based on a customer value proposition of global reach, worldwide recognition and seamless service. Since inception, it has offered the largest and most comprehensive airline network, with a focus on improving customer experience across the Alliance journey.
The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United.
Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers more than 16,000 daily flights to almost 1,200 airports in 186 countries. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partners Juneyao Airlines and THAI Smile Airways.
For more information about Air New Zealand visit www.airnewzealand.com and for more information about Star Alliance visit www.staralliance.com