Table of Contents
Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch is a journalist, videographer and content producer, broadcasting from his independent news and production company in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Christchurch Airport has reported strong growth across revenue, profit and passenger numbers in its latest half-year result, reflecting rising travel demand and continued expansion across its commercial and property operations.
For the six months ended 31 December 2025, the airport recorded total revenue of $132.9 million, up 10 per cent on the same period last year, while net profit after tax rose 24.2 per cent to $29.5 million. An interim dividend of $24.1 million, up 13 per cent, was also declared.
Passenger numbers increased 7.2 per cent to 3.4 million during the period, with international travel surging 15.2 per cent and domestic travel rising 4.8 per cent.
Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Justin Watson said the result reflected strong demand and momentum across the business.
“This is a really pleasing first half result and it shows the strength of demand for travel and the energy we’re seeing across the business. Passenger numbers are up, our commercial areas are performing well, and our campus continues to attract businesses that want to grow alongside us,” Watson said.
Growth was supported by expanded air services, including new domestic jet routes to Hamilton operated by Jetstar and Air New Zealand, increased domestic capacity from Jetstar and strong performance across international routes. Summer long-haul services ran for longer, with more flights and fuller planes, while the trans-Tasman market benefited from new services to Adelaide and Cairns and additional flights from Air New Zealand and the Qantas Group.
Commercial activity at the airport also strengthened, helped by the near completion of a terminal food and beverage upgrade. Retail spending grew faster than passenger numbers, supported by improvements to passenger flow, seating areas, bathrooms, parent facilities, parking technology and ground transport layouts.
“We’re seeing really positive feedback from travellers. The changes we’ve made from park to plane are making a noticeable difference, and that’s flowing through into stronger commercial results,” Watson said.
The airport’s property portfolio remained near full capacity with 99.2 per cent occupancy. New facilities for DHL and Enatel were completed, alongside the first stage of a freight apron expansion expected to cover an area equivalent to six rugby fields once finished, boosting future air freight capability for the South Island.
“Developments like the freight apron expansion, DHL and Enatel show how the airport is supporting job creation, innovation and economic resilience for the South Island,” Watson said.
Chair Sarah Ottrey said the board was pleased with the performance and the value delivered to shareholders and the wider region.
“It’s another strong result that reflects a well-run business and delivers value not just for shareholders, but for the city and region,” Ottrey said.
Seventy five per cent of the interim dividend will be paid to Christchurch City Holdings Limited, ultimately benefiting the city through support for services and infrastructure, while the remaining 25 per cent will go to the Crown.
The airport also continued progress on sustainability initiatives, with operational emissions reduced 92 per cent compared with 2015 levels and a target to reach zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2035.
In late 2025, Christchurch Airport hosted the country’s first on airport manufacturing and transfer of liquid hydrogen, earning the NZ Airports Sustainability Initiative of the Year 2025 award for large airports.
“We’re proud of the progress we’re making. We’re proving that you can grow both a successful and sustainable business through innovation and commitment,” Watson said.
Work is also continuing on the Kōwhai Park solar project, with more than 45 percent of panels installed and the 230 hectare solar farm expected to be operational by mid 2026.
This article was originally published by Chris Lynch Media.
