View source for Christchurch Airport

{{Short description|Airport serving Christchurch, New Zealand}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=May 2013}}
{{Infobox airport
| name                = Christchurch Airport
| nativename          = 
| nativename-a        = 
| nativename-r        = 
| image               = Christchurch Airport logo.png
| caption2            = Aerial view of Christchurch Airport (2020)
| image-width         = 250
| image2              = File:CHC Airport Overview 2020 (cropped).jpg
| image2-width        = 250
| IATA                = CHC
| ICAO                = NZCH
| WMO                 = 93781
| type                = Public / military
| owner               = {{ubl|class=nowrap
  | [[Christchurch City Council]] (75%)
  | [[NZ Government]] (25%)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.business.govt.nz/companies/app/ui/pages/companies/376068/shareholdings|title=Christchurch International Airport Limited Shareholdings|publisher=New Zealand Companies office|date=3 December 2012|access-date=10 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314012658/http://www.business.govt.nz/companies/app/ui/pages/companies/376068/shareholdings|archive-date=14 March 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
| operator            = Christchurch International Airport Limited (CIAL)
| city-served         = [[Christchurch]]
| location            = [[Harewood, New Zealand|Harewood]], Christchurch, [[New Zealand]]
| opened              = {{start date and age|1940|05|18|df=yes}}
| hub                 = [[Air New Zealand]]
| elevation-f         = 123
| elevation-m         = 37
| metric-elev         = yes
| coordinates         = {{coord|43|29|22|S|172|31|56|E|type:airport_region:NZ|display=inline,title}}
| website             = {{URL|www.christchurchairport.co.nz}}
| pushpin_map         = New Zealand Christchurch#New Zealand#Oceania
| pushpin_map_caption = Location of the airport in Christchurch
| pushpin_label       = '''CHC'''/NZCH
| pushpin_label_position = right
| r1-number           = 02/20
| r1-length-f         = 10,785
| r1-length-m         = 3,288
| r1-surface          = [[Asphalt concrete|Asphalt]] – ''primary''
| r2-number           = 11/29
| r2-length-f         = 5,712
| r2-length-m         = 1,741
| r2-surface          = [[Asphalt concrete|Asphalt]] – ''secondary''
| r3-number           = 02/20<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.flyingnz.co.nz/pdfs/industry/CH_grass.pdf |title=Christchurch International Airport Grass Runway Procedure Briefing Package |website=www.flyingnz.co.nz |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220080701/http://www.flyingnz.co.nz/pdfs/industry/CH_grass.pdf |archive-date=20 February 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| r3-length-f         = 1,690
| r3-length-m         = 515
| r3-surface          = [[Grass]] – ''Aero Club''
| metric-rwy          = yes
| h1-number           = 3
| h1-length-f         = 39
| h1-length-m         = 12
| h1-surface          = Grass
| stat1-header        = Passengers (total)
| stat1-data          = 5,690 708<ref>{{cite news |title=Monthly passenger arrivals and departures |url=https://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/about-us/who-we-are/facts-and-figures/monthly-passenger-arrivals-and-departures/ |access-date=19 December 2023 |work=www.christchurchairport.co.nz}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=CHRISTCHURCH AIRPORT CONTINUES STRONG RUN |url=https://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/en/about-us/media-centre/media-releases/2019/christchurch-airport-continues-strong-run/ |access-date=21 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821225335/https://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/en/about-us/media-centre/media-releases/2019/christchurch-airport-continues-strong-run/ |archive-date=21 August 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| stat2-header        = Movements
| stat2-data          = 94,955
| stat-year           = year to 30 June 2023
| footnotes           = 
| timezone            = [[Time in New Zealand|NZST]]
| utc                 = [[UTC+12:00]]
| summer              = [[Time in New Zealand|NZDT]]
| utcs                = [[UTC+13:00]]
}}

'''Christchurch Airport''' {{airport codes|CHC|NZCH}} is an [[international airport]] serving [[Christchurch]], New Zealand. It is located {{convert|12|km|mi|abbr=on}} to the northwest of the city centre, in the suburb of [[Harewood, New Zealand|Harewood]]. Christchurch (Harewood) Airport officially opened on 18 May 1940<ref name="CHCChron"/> and became New Zealand's first international airport on 16 December 1950.<ref name="CHCChron">{{cite web|title=Christchurch Chronology|url=http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Heritage/Chronology/Year/1950.asp|publisher=Christchurch City Library|access-date=10 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130212121437/http://www.christchurchcitylibraries.com/Heritage/Chronology/Year/1950.asp|archive-date=12 February 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> It is New Zealand's [[List of busiest airports in New Zealand|second busiest]] airport, after [[Auckland Airport|Auckland]] and before [[Wellington Airport|Wellington]] by annual passengers, and the second busiest, after Auckland, by aircraft movements.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/globalassets/about-us/who-we-are/financial-reports/2022-financial-statements |title=CIAL FY22 Annual Report & Financial Statements |publisher=Christchurch Airport |date=29 August 2022 |access-date=18 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.airways.co.nz/assets/Movements2206-Stats.pdf |title=Domestic and International Aircraft Movements by Calendar Year |publisher=Airways New Zealand |access-date=16 April 2023 |archive-date=16 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416120255/https://www.airways.co.nz/assets/Movements2206-Stats.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Monthly passenger arrivals and departures |url=https://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/about-us/who-we-are/facts-and-figures/monthly-passenger-arrivals-and-departures/ |access-date=2023-09-26 |website=www.christchurchairport.co.nz |language=en-US}}</ref>

Christchurch and Auckland are the only airports in New Zealand that regularly handle the [[Airbus A380]] aircraft.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bayos |first=Kris |url=http://www.ibtimes.com.au/emirates-deploy-a380-aircrafts-christchurch-october-offer-non-stop-dubai-auckland-flights-1527905 |title=Emirates to deploy A380 {{sic|nolink=y|aircrafts}} to Christchurch in October, offer non-stop Dubai-Auckland flights |website=International Business Times |publisher=IBT Media Inc. |date=7 September 2016 |access-date=7 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160908213043/http://www.ibtimes.com.au/emirates-deploy-a380-aircrafts-christchurch-october-offer-non-stop-dubai-auckland-flights-1527905 |archive-date=8 September 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> The airport is curfew free, operating 24 hours a day.

The prevailing wind in Christchurch is from the north-east and to a lesser extent from the south-west, but the city is also affected by Canterbury's [[Nor'west arch|nor'wester]] [[foehn wind]]. As a result, the airport has two perpendicular runways: a {{convert|3288|m|ft|adj=on}} primary runway (02/20) oriented with the north-easterly and south-westerly prevailing winds, and a {{convert|1741|m|ft|adj=on}} secondary runway (11/29) oriented for use during nor'westers. The airport also has a third grass runway, parallel to the primary runway, for use by general aviation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/media/30222/1technical_information.pdf|title=Technical Information|access-date=9 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408215433/http://christchurchairport.co.nz/media/30222/1technical_information.pdf|archive-date=8 April 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> To serve an increasing number of passengers, the airport has completed construction of a major terminal upgrade. The new construction's primary wing opened in 2011 and the upgrade was completed in 2013.

==History==
[[File:Christchurch Airport.jpg|thumb|The former 1960 terminal building and control tower designed by [[Paul Pascoe]]]]
[[File:The new terminal at Christchurch.JPG|thumb|The new domestic terminal under construction]]
[[File:Carvair in Christchurch (New Zealand) 1977.jpg|thumb|Former Nationwide Air [[Aviation Traders Carvair]] at Christchurch in 1977]]
[[File:747, Christchurch, 1978 - Flickr - PhillipC.jpg|thumb|Passengers disembarking from a [[Qantas]] [[Boeing 747-200]] on the apron in 1978]]
[[File:Aeroport de Christchurch.JPG|thumb|View of the apron from the old roof deck]]
[[File:Christchurch Airport hall.JPG|thumb|Check-in hall, December 2013]]
In 1935, the local council decided to locate a new aerodrome at [[Harewood, New Zealand|Harewood]] as the best site for Christchurch.
Development of the aerodrome at Harewood commenced in 1936 when {{Convert|227|ha}} of land was purchased. In 1937, a {{Convert|915|m|adj=on}} runway and a {{Convert|60|m2|adj=on}} terminal were constructed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/en/about-us/corporate-information/airport-history/|title=Airport History|access-date=7 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702000707/http://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/en/about-us/corporate-information/airport-history/|archive-date=2 July 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1940, the airport became RNZAF Station Harewood. By 1946 the form of the terminal area development was established with hangars, a small terminal building, the water tower and some barracks buildings. In 1950, Christchurch Airport received clearance for international operations from the government. The two runways and parallel taxiway concept was established in 1953–runway 02/20 at {{Convert|2012|m}} and 11/29 at {{Convert|1741|m}}. In 1954, TEAL introduced Douglas DC-6 aircraft to its trans-Tasman services. In February 1960, a new terminal building, designed by architect [[Paul Pascoe]],<ref name="DNZB Pascoe">{{DNZB|last=Robertson|first=Ana|id=5p14|title=Pascoe, Arnold Paul – Biography|access-date=20 June 2012}}</ref> was brought into operation.

A {{Convert|1400|ft|m|0|abbr=on}} southwest extension to runway 02/20 opened in November 1963, extending the runway to {{Convert|8000|ft|m|0|abbr=on}} and providing for commercial jet operations.<ref>{{Cite news |date=10 November 1963 |title=JET-SIZE RUNWAY – Completion On Time |pages=12 |work=[[The Press]] |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19631101.2.112}}</ref> In April 1965, scheduled jet services were launched by Qantas to [[Sydney Airport|Sydney]] using the [[Boeing 707]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=12 April 1965 |title=CHRISTCHURCH-SYDNEY JET SERVICE – Thousands Watch Qantas Boeing |pages=1 |work=[[The Press]] |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/press/1965/04/12/1}}</ref>

Later in 1966, an international wing was added to the domestic terminal. In October 1968, NAC operated its first Boeing 737 to the airport. SAFE Air introduced a Chatham Island air link to Christchurch in December 1969. In 1972 the north-west runway was completely resealed and repainted. The first scheduled [[Boeing 747]] service to land in New Zealand arrived on 3 December 1972, a Qantas flight from Sydney.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 December 1972 |title=No hitches in first jumbo service |pages=1 |work=[[The Press]] |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19721204.2.7}}</ref> Air New Zealand introduced its [[McDonnell Douglas DC-10]] aircraft to trans-Tasman services from 31 October 1973.<ref>{{Cite news |date=31 October 1973 |title=A weekly DC 10 |pages=18 |work=[[The Press]] |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19731031.2.126}}</ref>

Extensions to the domestic terminal were completed in September 1975 with a new two level pier added, more than doubling the total floor area.<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 September 1975 |title=Enlarged terminal for domestic passengers |pages=12 |work=[[The Press]] |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/press/1975/09/25/12}}</ref> In October that year, Air New Zealand began a weekly DC-8 service linking Christchurch to Nadi, Rarotonga and Papeete. Air New Zealand opened its No.1 Hangar at the airport in August 1979. In December 1980 the two Australian domestic airlines [[Ansett Australia|Ansett]] and [[Trans Australia Airlines]] commenced scheduled services from [[Hobart Airport|Hobart]] within a few days of each other.<ref>Phillips (2013), p.130</ref>

In June 1982, the government approved an {{Convert|845|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} northeastern extension to runway 02/20 at the cost of $7 miliion.<ref>{{Cite news |date=29 June 1982 |title=Council sure of completing runway by 1984 |pages=1 |work=[[The Press]] |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/press/1982/06/29/1}}</ref> The extension was officially opened on 6 July 1984 by prime minister [[Robert Muldoon|Rob Muldoon]], bringing the runway to its present length of {{Convert|3288|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 July 1984 |title=Christchurch International Airport Runway Extension |pages=27 |work=[[The Press]] |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/press/1984/07/06/27}}</ref>

In February 1985, [[Newmans Air]] started scheduled [[de Havilland Canada Dash 7]] services on the tourist routes. The first ever Air New Zealand Boeing 767 service to Melbourne and the inaugural Air New Zealand Boeing 747–200 service to Los Angeles via Honolulu and Nadi (known as the southern connection) departed in October 1985.<ref>Phillips (2013), p.145</ref>
In October 1986, [[Singapore Airlines]] started Boeing 747 services to the city. The following month, the first [[British Airways]] Boeing 747 flight from London arrived. In July 1987, [[Ansett New Zealand]] started flying on domestic trunk routes using Boeing 737 aircraft. Also in 1987, the terminal was extended to accommodate Ansett New Zealand and new Air New Zealand lounges; and domestic airbridges were added. [[Thai Airways]] began a weekly DC-10 service from Bangkok in November 1988. In March 1989, Air New Zealand introduced a weekly Boeing 747 service from Tokyo and the following month a Boeing 767 service to Perth was introduced. Although dropped years later, the Perth route was restored on a seasonal basis in 2013 with the same aircraft until 2016, when it was upgauged to a [[Boeing 787 Dreamliner]].

The first [[Concorde]] to visit Christchurch was British Airways Concorde G-BOAF on 9 April 1989, arriving from Tahiti on a world tour.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wilson |first=Dave |date=10 April 1989 |title=Thousands see Concorde land |pages=1 |work=[[The Press]] |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/press/1989/04/10/1}}</ref> It departed towards Sydney on 12 April, in which it lost part of its vertical stabiliser over the Tasman Sea.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bill |first=Richard |date=13 April 1989 |title=Concorde Loses Party of Tail While Trying to Set Speed Record |url=https://apnews.com/article/b553aa94687843c927f71d3f2c5b4cfe |access-date=2023-05-04 |website=AP NEWS |language=en}}</ref> In September 1990, stage 1 of the [[International Antarctic Centre]] tourist attraction was officially opened.

Air Pacific (now [[Fiji Airways]]) started a weekly direct flight to Nadi, [[Fiji]] in April 1993. [[Korean Airlines]] commenced flying to Christchurch in July 1994 using MD-11 aircraft, this was a weekly service from Seoul.<ref>Phillips (2013), p.169</ref>
In April 1997 [[Origin Pacific Airways]] started operations at the airport with flights to Nelson.
The Canterbury Aero Club opened a new complex to the north-west side of the airport in October 1998.
In September 1998, the new international terminal building was completed, creating an additional {{Convert|28000|m2|4=-3}} of floor space.
In 2004, expansion of the international terminal was completed to create five more international stands and four more international airbridges. [[Pacific Blue Airlines]] commenced trans-Tasman flights from Christchurch (its New Zealand base) in January 2004. [[Emirates (airline)|Emirates]] started flying to Christchurch from Dubai and Melbourne with [[Airbus A340]] aircraft in July 2004, later switching to a Sydney-Bangkok-Dubai service with a [[Boeing 777-300ER]] aircraft before upgrading to a daily [[Airbus A380]] service while dropping Bangkok on 30 October 2016.<ref>{{cite news|title=Emirates' A380 will fly daily from Christchurch. What does this mean for travellers?|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/news/83951026/emirates-a380-will-fly-daily-from-christchurch-what-does-this-mean-for-travelers|access-date=12 December 2016|publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103232704/http://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/news/83951026/emirates-a380-will-fly-daily-from-christchurch-what-does-this-mean-for-travelers|archive-date=3 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Jetstar]] started serving the city with trans-Tasman flights in December 2005. Construction of the five level carpark building commenced in March 2006. Origin Pacific ceased operations in September 2006.

===Airport redevelopment===
Christchurch Airport underwent an extensive expansion project, beginning in March 2006 when construction commenced on a new multi-storey $13 million car park building which opened early in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|title=Airport parking work to begin|url=http://archived.ccc.govt.nz/CityScene/2006/March/AirportParkingWorkToBegin.asp|publisher=CCC.Govt.NZ|access-date=19 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403131309/http://archived.ccc.govt.nz/CityScene/2006/March/AirportParkingWorkToBegin.asp|archive-date=3 April 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The new building provided 570 new covered car spaces. Once it was complete, part of the existing car park area was closed to allow for the extra space required for the expanded footprint of a new terminal building. A new {{Convert|45|m|abbr=on}} tall [[control tower]], positioned close to the new car park building, opened in September 2009. A separate $20 million regional lounge was constructed in 2010 in a joint venture by Air New Zealand and CIAL.

In early 2009, work commenced on replacing the old domestic terminal with a new integrated terminal precinct (ITP) to be built over the existing one. The new terminal replaced the existing ageing domestic terminal and expanded the facilities of the much newer international terminal. Stage 1 of the new terminal, including the new check-in hall, new food/retail precinct, new single domestic security screening, and the new regional departure lounge and baggage claim of the new terminal was completed in May 2011, allowing the old international check-in and the old domestic terminal north of the main pier to be demolished to make way for Stage 2.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/content/407/CIAL%20ITP%20Brochure.pdf |title= Terminal Development Plans & Progress |publisher= Christchurch International Airport Limited |date= May 2011 |access-date= 5 July 2011 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110930085817/http://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/content/407/CIAL%20ITP%20Brochure.pdf |archive-date= 30 September 2011 |df= dmy-all }}</ref> Stage 2, which includes the new domestic baggage claim and the northern half of the new domestic departure lounge was completed in February 2012.

The old domestic terminal was completely demolished to make way for the new terminal. All construction was completed by late 2012, with some work such as demolition of the old pier continuing into 2013. Between 200 and 400 workers were active on the site each work day for almost four years. Despite 11,000 earthquakes, the terminal project was completed on budget. The new terminal was officially opened by Prime Minister John Key on 18 April 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK1304/S00464/christchurch-airport-opens-new-terminal-building.htm |title=Christchurch airport opens new terminal building |date=18 April 2013 |access-date=14 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515010938/http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK1304/S00464/christchurch-airport-opens-new-terminal-building.htm |archive-date=15 May 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>Phillips (2013), pp.258–259</ref>

=== 2010 onwards ===
In April 2011, [[Air Asia X]] commenced Airbus A330 services to [[Kuala Lumpur International Airport|Kuala Lumpur]]; these were short lived, ending in May 2012. China Airlines operated seasonal flights from Taipei via Sydney with Airbus A330 aircraft from December 2014 to 2018.<ref name="routesonline.com">{{cite web |author=UBM Information|date=7 August 2014 |title=China Airlines Adds Seasonal Christchurch Link from Dec 2014 |url=http://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/243105/china-airlines-adds-seasonal-christchurch-link-from-dec-2014/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924121901/http://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/243105/china-airlines-adds-seasonal-christchurch-link-from-dec-2014/ |archive-date=24 September 2015 |access-date=7 June 2015 |work=Routesonline}}</ref> An unusual irregular visitor is [[Uzbekistan Airways]], which operates Boeing 767 charters from [[Tashkent International Airport|Tashkent]] via Kuala Lumpur carrying Russian fishing crews.<ref>{{cite web |title=Uzbekistan Airways Plans Christchurch Charter Service in Apr/May 2013 |url=http://www.routesonline.com/news/29/breaking-news/183902/uzbekistan-airways-plans-christchurch-charter-service-in-aprmay-2013/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924114313/http://www.routesonline.com/news/29/breaking-news/183902/uzbekistan-airways-plans-christchurch-charter-service-in-aprmay-2013/ |archive-date=24 September 2015 |access-date=14 April 2015 |publisher=Routes Online}}</ref>

In December 2023, [[United Airlines]] began operating a seasonal non-stop service from [[San Francisco International Airport|San Francisco]].<ref>United torches down in Christchurch ''[[Airliner World]]'' February 2024 page 14</ref> This service is the first and only flight connecting North America with the South Island,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.united.com/en/us/newsroom/announcements/cision-125268|title=United Announces Largest South Pacific Expansion in Aviation History, Including New Direct Flight to Christchurch, New Zealand |access-date=18 April 2023}}</ref> coming after [[American Airlines]]' abandoned plans for a direct flight to [[Los Angeles Airport|Los Angeles]] in the midst of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 October 2019 |title=American Airlines Becomes the Only Carrier to Fly from the U.S. to the South Island of New Zealand |url=https://news.aa.com/news/news-details/2019/American-Airlines-Becomes-the-Only-Carrier-to-Fly-from-the-US-to-the-South-Island-of-New-Zealand-NET-ALP/default.aspx |access-date=10 Feb 2025 |website=American Airlines}}</ref>

Starting in June 2024, the food court of the airport underwent a major renovation, replacing some older restaurants with new ones, and updating the aesthetic.<ref>{{cite web | title=Major terminal upgrade to see Christchurch Airport fresh for summer | url=https://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/about-us/who-we-are/media/2024/christchurch-airport-terminal-upgrade/ }}</ref> These renovations were finished by January 2025.

In June 2025, [[Air New Zealand]] announced a direct service to [[Adelaide Airport|Adelaide]], set to launch in late October. Beginning as a seasonal service, it will connect the South Island of New Zealand to [[South Australia]] for the first time.<ref name="Air New Zealand Media Releases">{{cite news|title=South to South: New Air New Zealand route to connect the South Island directly with South Australia |url=https://www.airnewzealandnewsroom.com/press-release-2025-south-to-south-new-air-new-zealand-route-to-connect-the-south-island-directly-with-south-australia|access-date=3 June 2025 |work=Air New Zealand Media Releases |date=3 June 2025 |language=en}}</ref>

==Kowhai Park==
The 168MWp [[Kōwhai Park Solar Farm|Kowhai Park Solar Farm]] is being built on 400 hectares of land owned by the airport and [[Environment Canterbury]] south west of the main runway. The airport is building a new substation and grid connection for the solar farm to feed into the [[National Grid (New Zealand)|New Zealand grid]], and for the airport to increase its electricity use as part of its sustainability goals.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kōwhai Park - Protecting people and place - Christchurch Airport |url=https://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/about-us/sustainability/kowhai-park/rationale/ |access-date=2025-07-21 |website=www.christchurchairport.co.nz |language=en-US}}</ref> The farm is planned to produce around 290 GWh per year,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kōwhai Park - Answers to our most frequently asked questions - Christchurch Airport |url=https://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/about-us/sustainability/kowhai-park/faq/ |access-date=2025-07-21 |website=www.christchurchairport.co.nz |language=en-US}}</ref> equivalent to the yearly consumption of 36,000 average new zealand households.

==Runways==
The preferred option by the airport company for increasing the capacity of the existing runways is by introducing independent operations. This can be achieved by adding a {{Convert|300|m|abbr=on}} extension to the north-eastern end of the main runway 20/02 which would give it a total length of {{Convert|3600|m|abbr=on}}. When the prevailing north-easterly winds are blowing this would allow for intersection departures for most aircraft types while other aircraft land on runway 11. Large wide body aircraft would still have to use the full length of the runway.<ref>Phillips (2013), p.196</ref>
The runway 11/29 would be widened to {{Convert|45|m|abbr=on}} and extended by {{Convert|250|m|abbr=on}} to the north-west into the Harewood golf course; the airport has purchased land from the club already. This would increase the runway length to {{Convert|1981|m}} and is estimated to cost $12 million, as presently some Tasman and Pacific Island flights are unable to take off fully loaded in nor'west wind conditions.<ref>{{cite news|title=Christchurch Airport considers multimillion-dollar runway extension|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/91504376/christchurch-airport-considers-multimilliondollar-runway-extension|access-date=16 April 2017|publisher=[[The Press]] |date=13 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170522184556/http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/91504376/christchurch-airport-considers-multimilliondollar-runway-extension|archive-date=22 May 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> A runway end safety area (RESA) will be added to each end to make it comply with [[ICAO]] standards. Eventually all the runways will have a RESA. 
Also Runway 11/29 may be lengthened up to {{Convert|2000|m|abbr=on}} to provide for enhanced take-off capability for Code D (Boeing 767-sized aircraft) and Code E (Boeing 777, Boeing 787, Airbus A350) aircraft flying on medium and long haul routes in northwest wind operational conditions. When completed with peak operation periods both runways will be used simultaneously.<ref>{{cite web  |url=http://resources.ccc.govt.nz/files/CityPlan-OperativePlanChange16.pdf  |title=Amendment of Runway Plan Change  |publisher=[[Christchurch City Council]] |date=17 November 2007  |access-date=10 March 2013  |url-status=dead  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314113114/http://resources.ccc.govt.nz/files/CityPlan-OperativePlanChange16.pdf  |archive-date=14 March 2013    }}</ref>
Statistics indicated that Runway 02 was used 70% of the time, Runway 20 at 20%, Runway 29 at 8% and Runway 11 (predominantly for landings) at 2% of the time.

==Terminal and gates==
Christchurch Airport consists of a single terminal that caters for both domestic and international flights. It is {{Convert|77591|m2|abbr=on}} in size and is situated on the eastern side of the airport.

The main terminal building contains a combined check-in hall for domestic and international flights. It has 58 check-in counters, in addition to self-service check-in kiosks. A common baggage claim hall is also located on the ground floor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ausbt.com.au/christchurch-airport-opens-new-terminal-with-more-services|title=Christchurch Airport opens new terminal with more services|work=Australian Business Traveller|date=10 May 2011 |access-date=7 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150608075431/http://www.ausbt.com.au/christchurch-airport-opens-new-terminal-with-more-services|archive-date=8 June 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> There is a large retail area on the first floor, with many food and retail outlets as well as waiting areas. A major feature of the terminal is a $15 million state-of-the-art [[baggage handling system]], which is {{Convert|750|m}} long.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hawkinsconstruction.co.nz/cial-redevelopment/|title=Home – Hawkins|access-date=7 June 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130803141312/http://hawkinsconstruction.co.nz/cial-redevelopment/|archive-date=3 August 2013}}</ref>

The airport has 37 gates in total. The regional wing is located in the south-west of the terminal, and handles all Air New Zealand Link turboprop flights. It has 12 gates, numbered 3–14. The central zone handles mainline Air New Zealand and Jetstar domestic services and has eight gates (16–22a) and gates(15,15a,15b,15c); all (except Gate 15, which can be shared with turboprops) are equipped with [[jetbridge]]s. The international wing is located in the north-east section of the terminal and has 13 gates (23–35), all except 33 have jetbridges. Gates 21/24 and 22/25 are shared swing gates which can be used for domestic or international flights as the need arises. Gate 30 has a dual jetbridge which is used for the [[Airbus A380]]. When available it can also accommodate two narrow body jets gate position 30R and 31.{{citation needed|date=December 2024}}
{{clear}}

==Airlines and destinations==
As of December 2023, Christchurch airport is served by 11 airlines with scheduled services. The airport has direct flights to 18 domestic and 10 international destinations. A total of 900 scheduled domestic and 157 international flights arrive and depart each week.<ref>{{cite web|title=Weekly International Schedule for Week Commencing: 20 Apr 2015|url=http://christchurchairport.co.nz/media/743597/copy_of_weekly_international_schedule_20_april_2015.pdf|publisher=Christchurch Airport|access-date=18 April 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417230151/http://christchurchairport.co.nz/media/743597/copy_of_weekly_international_schedule_20_april_2015.pdf|archive-date=17 April 2015}}</ref>

===Passenger===
{{Airport-dest-list 
<!-- DO NOT ADD OR REMOVE FLIGHTS WITHOUT GIVING AN INDEPENDENT  RELIABLE SOURCE! -->
<!-- -->
| [[Air Chathams]] | [[Chatham Islands / Tuuta Airport|Chatham Islands]]<ref>{{OAGWorldAug2025Ref|title=Chatham Is., New Zealand CHT|pages=265-266}}</ref>
<!-- -->
| [[Air New Zealand]] | [[Auckland Airport|Auckland]],<ref name="OAG_World_Aug2025_CHC_302_302">{{OAGWorldAug2025Ref|title=Christchurch, New Zealand CHC|pages=302-302}}</ref> [[Brisbane Airport|Brisbane]],<ref name="OAG_World_Aug2025_CHC_302_302"/> [[Dunedin Airport|Dunedin]],<ref name="OAG_World_Aug2025_CHC_302_302"/> [[Gold Coast Airport|Gold Coast]],<ref name="OAG_World_Aug2025_CHC_302_302"/><ref>{{Cite web |date=9 May 2025 |title=Air New Zealand suspends Chch-Gold Coast route for next summer |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/09/air-new-zealand-suspends-chch-gold-coast-route-for-next-summer/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250525055308/https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/09/air-new-zealand-suspends-chch-gold-coast-route-for-next-summer/ |archive-date=25 May 2025 |access-date=3 July 2025 |website=1News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rose |first=Tom |date=7 May 2025 |title=Air New Zealand suspends Christchurch-Gold Coast flights over summer amid operational constraints |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/travel-news/air-new-zealand-suspends-christchurch-gold-coast-flights-over-summer-amid-operational-constraints/EZ2LHXSVPBC7RFQ4FU2MN6RXDY/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250508043934/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/travel-news/air-new-zealand-suspends-christchurch-gold-coast-flights-over-summer-amid-operational-constraints/EZ2LHXSVPBC7RFQ4FU2MN6RXDY/ |archive-date=8 May 2025 |access-date=3 July 2025 |website=New Zealand Herald}}</ref> [[Hamilton Airport (New Zealand)|Hamilton]],<ref name="OAG_World_Aug2025_CHC_302_302"/> [[Hokitika Airport|Hokitika]],<ref name="OAG_World_Aug2025_CHC_302_302"/> [[Invercargill Airport|Invercargill]],<ref name="OAG_World_Aug2025_CHC_302_302"/> [[Melbourne Airport|Melbourne]],<ref name="OAG_World_Aug2025_CHC_302_302"/> [[Hawke's Bay Airport|Napier]],<ref name="OAG_World_Aug2025_CHC_302_302"/> [[Nelson Airport (New Zealand)|Nelson]],<ref name="OAG_World_Aug2025_CHC_302_302"/> [[New Plymouth Airport|New Plymouth]],<ref name="OAG_World_Aug2025_CHC_302_302"/> [[Palmerston North Airport|Palmerston North]],<ref name="OAG_World_Aug2025_CHC_302_302"/> [[Queenstown Airport|Queenstown]],<ref name="OAG_World_Aug2025_CHC_302_302"/> [[Rotorua Airport|Rotorua]],<ref name="OAG_World_Aug2025_CHC_302_302"/> [[Sydney Airport|Sydney]],<ref name="OAG_World_Aug2025_CHC_302_302"/> [[Tauranga Airport|Tauranga]],<ref name="OAG_World_Aug2025_CHC_302_302"/> [[Wellington International Airport|Wellington]]<ref name="OAG_World_Aug2025_CHC_302_302"/> <br/>'''Seasonal:''' [[Adelaide International Airport|Adelaide]],<ref name="Air New Zealand Media Releases">{{cite news|title=South to South: New Air New Zealand route to connect the South Island directly with South Australia |url=https://www.airnewzealandnewsroom.com/press-release-2025-south-to-south-new-air-new-zealand-route-to-connect-the-south-island-directly-with-south-australia|access-date=3 June 2025 |work=Air New Zealand Media Releases |date=3 June 2025 |language=en}}</ref> [[Rarotonga International Airport|Rarotonga]] (begins 26 May 2026)<ref>{{cite news|title=Non-stop flights to paradise: Air New Zealand announces new Christchurch to Rarotonga route |url=https://www.airnewzealandnewsroom.com/press-release-2025-non-stop-flights-to-paradise-air-new-zealand-announces-new-christchurch-to-rarotonga-route|access-date=3 November 2025 |work=Air New Zealand Media Releases |date=3 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>
<!-- -->
| [[Cathay Pacific]] | '''Seasonal:''' [[Hong Kong International Airport|Hong Kong]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=Downes |first1=Siobhan |title=Cathay Pacific to resume Christchurch to Hong Kong flights over summer |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/news/132261381/cathay-pacific-to-resume-christchurch-to-hong-kong-flights-over-summer?cid=app-iPhone |access-date=8 June 2023 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=7 June 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
<!-- -->
|{{nowrap|[[China Southern Airlines]]}} |  '''Seasonal:''' [[Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport|Guangzhou]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hipkins |first1=Chris |last2=Henare |first2=Peeni
 |title=New Air Routes Between China and New Zealand to Increase Tourist Capacity |url=https://www.miragenews.com/new-air-routes-between-china-and-new-zealand-to-1036431/ |access-date=28 June 2023 |work=Mirage News |language=en-AU}}</ref>
<!-- -->
| [[Emirates (airline)|Emirates]] | [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai–International]],<ref>{{OAGWorldMay2025Ref|title=Dubai, United Arab Emirates DXB|pages=337-343}}</ref> [[Sydney Airport|Sydney]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Emirates delays returning to Christchurch |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/220816-eknw22chc |access-date=16 August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Downes|first=Siobhan|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/news/300551781/all-the-international-airlines-and-routes-that-are-coming-back-to-new-zealand|title=All the international airlines and routes that are coming back to New Zealand|work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=5 May 2022}}</ref>
<!-- -->
| [[Fiji Airways]] | [[Nadi International Airport|Nadi]]
<!-- -->
| [[Jetstar]] | [[Auckland Airport|Auckland]], [[Cairns Airport|Cairns]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Jetstar announces major expansion in New Zealand as it celebrates its 15th birthday|url=https://newsroom.jetstar.com/jetstar-announces-major-expansion-in-new-zealand-as-it-celebrates-its-15th-birthday/|website=newsroom.jetstar.com}}</ref> [[Gold Coast Airport|Gold Coast]], [[Hamilton Airport (New Zealand)|Hamilton]] (begins 1 December 2025),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://traveladdict.tv/2025/09/10/jetstar-adds-daily-hamilton-to-christchurch-flights-from-december/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMty35leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHsds9dd4qWf2Wc-P172TyBf235jr_XIj5RgcPr62BJNaK94bulJYbStk5f8R_aem_REInJqFOokyisxbCbGKEtA|title=Jetstar adds daily Hamilton to Christchurch flights from December|date=10 September 2025|publisher=travel addict|access-date=10 September 2025}}</ref> [[Melbourne Airport|Melbourne]], [[Wellington International Airport|Wellington]]
<!-- -->
| [[Originair]] | [[Woodbourne Airport|Blenheim]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nealon |first1=Kelly |title=Marlborough Airport welcomes new Christchurch route |url=https://insidegovernment.co.nz/marlborough-airport-welcomes-new-christchurch-route/ |access-date=12 September 2025 |work=Inside Government NZ |date=12 September 2025 |language=en-AU}}</ref> 
<!-- -->
| [[Qantas]] | [[Brisbane Airport|Brisbane]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11594188|title=Qantas reports jumbo $1 billion profit|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=10 February 2016 |access-date=23 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160223102838/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11594188|archive-date=23 February 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/253488/qantas-converts-brisbane-christchurch-to-year-round-service-from-june-2016/|title=QANTAS Converts Brisbane – Christchurch to Year-Round Service from June 2016|website=Routesonline|access-date=9 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707215805/http://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/253488/qantas-converts-brisbane-christchurch-to-year-round-service-from-june-2016/|archive-date=7 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Melbourne Airport|Melbourne]],<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-grows-to-meet-asia-pacific-demand/|title=QANTAS Grows to Meet Asia Pacific Demand|publisher=[[Qantas]]|date=27 July 2016|access-date=27 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806091707/http://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-grows-to-meet-asia-pacific-demand/|archive-date=6 August 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Sydney Airport|Sydney]]
<!-- -->
| {{nowrap|[[Singapore Airlines]]}} | [[Singapore Changi Airport|Singapore]]<ref>{{OAGWorldAug2025Ref|title=Singapore, Singapore SIN|pages=1214-1219}}</ref>
<!-- -->
| [[United Airlines]] | '''Seasonal:''' [[San Francisco International Airport|San Francisco]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://newsline.ccc.govt.nz/news/story/flights-from-christchurch-to-san-francisco-will-take-off-this-summer|title=Flights from Christchurch to San Francisco will take off this summer|date=19 April 2023|publisher=[[Christchurch City Council]]|access-date=19 April 2023|archive-date=23 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230523032508/https://newsline.ccc.govt.nz/news/story/flights-from-christchurch-to-san-francisco-will-take-off-this-summer|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|
}}

===Cargo===
{{Airport-dest-list 
<!-- -->
| [[Airwork]]|[[Auckland Airport|Auckland]]
|[[ASL Airlines Australia]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/news/159040-asl-airlines-australia-launches-trans-tasman-ops | title=ASL Airlines Australia launches trans-Tasman ops | date=6 October 2025 }}</ref>
|[[Auckland Airport|Auckland]], [[Brisbane Airport|Brisbane]], [[Melbourne Airport|Melbourne]], [[Sydney Airport|Sydney]]
| [[DHL Aviation]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.aircargonews.net/airlines/dhl-aviation-selects-new-gssas-for-australia-and-new-zealand/ | title=DHL Aviation selects new GSSAs for Australia and New Zealand | date=20 November 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Thorn |first1=Adam |title=DHL Adds Melbourne-New Zealand Freighter Service |url=https://australianaviation.com.au/2020/11/dhl-adds-melbourne-new-zealand-freighter-service/ |access-date=26 November 2020 |publisher=Australian Aviation}}</ref> | [[Auckland Airport|Auckland]], [[Melbourne Airport|Melbourne]], [[Sydney Airport|Sydney]]
<!-- -->
| [[FedEx Express]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.aircargonews.net/sectors/express/fedex-expands-between-australia-and-new-zealand/ | title=FedEx expands between Australia and New Zealand | date=4 July 2022 }}</ref> | [[Auckland Airport|Auckland]], [[Melbourne Airport|Melbourne]], [[Sydney Airport|Sydney]]
<!-- -->
| [[Parcelair]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Freightways invest in Boeing 737s |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/69738485/freightways-invests-in-boeing-737-400-as-online-shopping-grows |access-date=14 November 2022}}</ref> | [[Auckland Airport|Auckland]], [[Palmerston North Airport|Palmerston North]]
<!-- -->
| [[Qantas Freight]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Qantas Freight route map |url=https://freight.qantas.com/freight-planning/route-map.html |access-date=14 November 2022}}</ref> | [[Auckland Airport|Auckland]], [[Melbourne Airport|Melbourne]], [[Sydney Airport|Sydney]]
<!-- -->
| [[Texel Air Australasia]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=Brett |first1=Damian |title=Texel Air officially launches in New Zealand |url=https://www.aircargonews.net/airlines/texel-air-officially-launches-in-new-zealand/ |access-date=10 June 2024 |work=Air Cargo News |date=14 June 2023 |language=en}}</ref>|[[Auckland Airport|Auckland]], [[Palmerston North Airport|Palmerston North]]
<!-- -->
}}

==Statistics==
[[File:Christchurch Airport (31667957736).jpg|alt=|thumb|A sculpture outside the terminal]]
[[File:Chch Int Koru Club 908.JPG|thumb|Air New Zealand lounge in the international part of the airport]]

As the gateway for Christchurch and the South Island, Christchurch International Airport is New Zealand's second largest airport.

A total of 6,281,655 passengers travelled in and out of Christchurch International Airport in the year of 2024, an increase of 9.6 per cent over the previous year.<ref name=":1" />

A record 6.31 million passengers travelled in the 2016 year. Airline seat capacity grew 7% to 7.9 million passengers with several new services starting.<ref>{{cite web|title=Facts & Figures|url=http://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/en/about-us/corporate-information/facts-and-figures/|website=Christchurch Airport|access-date=28 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225124956/http://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/en/about-us/corporate-information/facts-and-figures/|archive-date=25 December 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

{|class="wikitable"
! colspan="4" style="background:lightgrey; color:black; line-height:180%;" | Operational statistics
|- style="background:lightgrey;"
!Year
!Passenger<br />movements
!Operating revenue<br />($NZ thousand)
!Aircraft<br />movements
|-
|2003||4,593,219||54,944||86,701<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/media/27948/2004_annual_report.pdf |title=Annual report |date=2004 |website=www.christchurchairport.co.nz |access-date=9 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123012133/http://christchurchairport.co.nz/media/27948/2004_annual_report.pdf |archive-date=23 January 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|2004||5,136,075||63,273||90,794<ref name="cc1">{{cite web |url=http://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/media/27819/2005_annual_report_introduction.pdf |title=Annual report |date=2005 |website=www.christchurchairport.co.nz |access-date=9 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123012114/http://christchurchairport.co.nz/media/27819/2005_annual_report_introduction.pdf |archive-date=23 January 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|2005||5,556,325||70,824||88,828<ref name="cc1"/>
|-
|2006||5,472,162||74,715||86,196<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/media/27772/2006_annual_report.pdf |title=CIAL_32947 AR06 COVER |access-date=4 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123012057/http://christchurchairport.co.nz/media/27772/2006_annual_report.pdf |archive-date=23 January 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|2007||5,484,570||83,700||82,134<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/media/27733/2007_annual_report.pdf |title=CIAL_41413 AR Front6 for PDF.indd |access-date=4 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123012047/http://christchurchairport.co.nz/media/27733/2007_annual_report.pdf |archive-date=23 January 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|2008||5,905,211||89,400||84,092<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/media/27721/cial_annual_report_08_with_web_disclosure.pdf |title=Annual report |website=www.christchurchairport.co.nz |access-date=9 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123012029/http://christchurchairport.co.nz/media/27721/cial_annual_report_08_with_web_disclosure.pdf |archive-date=23 January 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|2009||5,908,077||89,200||82,073<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/media/27697/cial_annual_report_2009.pdf |title=Annual report |date=2009 |website=www.christchurchairport.co.nz |access-date=9 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123012012/http://christchurchairport.co.nz/media/27697/cial_annual_report_2009.pdf |archive-date=23 January 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|2010||6,000,414||93,600||79,016<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/media/27473/2010_cial_report.pdf |title=Annual report |date=2010 |website=www.christchurchairport.co.nz |access-date=9 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123011946/http://christchurchairport.co.nz/media/27473/2010_cial_report.pdf |archive-date=23 January 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|2011||5,775,700||97,900||75,529<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/media/27354/cial_annual_report_2011.pdf |title=Annual report |date=2011 |website=www.christchurchairport.co.nz |access-date=9 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123011936/http://christchurchairport.co.nz/media/27354/cial_annual_report_2011.pdf |archive-date=23 January 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|2012||5,551,600||113,100||73,184<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/media/557923/cial_annual_report_2012.pdf |title=Annual report |date=2012 |website=www.christchurchairport.co.nz |access-date=9 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123011856/http://christchurchairport.co.nz/media/557923/cial_annual_report_2012.pdf |archive-date=23 January 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|2013||5,500,375||118,500||71,715<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/media/598403/cial_annual_report_2013.pdf |title=Annual report |date=2013 |website=www.christchurchairport.co.nz |access-date=9 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123011849/http://christchurchairport.co.nz/media/598403/cial_annual_report_2013.pdf |archive-date=23 January 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|2014||5,690,000||130,700||71,201<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/media/729027/cial_annual_report_2014.pdf |title=Annual report |date=2014 |website=www.christchurchairport.co.nz |access-date=9 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123011801/http://christchurchairport.co.nz/media/729027/cial_annual_report_2014.pdf |archive-date=23 January 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|2015||6,092,827<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/media/793406/16-chc-0141-market-results-dec15-01.pdf |title=Market results |date=2015 |website=www.christchurchairport.co.nz |access-date=31 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316032306/http://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/media/793406/16-chc-0141-market-results-dec15-01.pdf |archive-date=16 March 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>||159,000<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/media/779659/cial_2015_annual_report_spreads_lr.pdf |title=Annual report |date=2015 |website=www.christchurchairport.co.nz |access-date=31 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309002546/http://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/media/779659/cial_2015_annual_report_spreads_lr.pdf |archive-date=9 March 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>||104,670
|-
|2016||6,439,703<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/media/839542/17-chc-0167-market-results-december-02.pdf |title=Market results |date=2017 |website=www.christchurchairport.co.nz |access-date=11 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312065645/http://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/media/839542/17-chc-0167-market-results-december-02.pdf |archive-date=12 March 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>||169,924||94,955
|-
|2017
|6,732,730<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/media/892965/18-chc-0187-market-results-dec-2017-02.pdf|title=December 2017 Market Report|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408073427/http://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/media/892965/18-chc-0187-market-results-dec-2017-02.pdf|archive-date=8 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|177,272
|95,432
|-
|2018
|6,870,000<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/globalassets/corporate/financial-reports/2018-annual-review.pdf|title=2019 Annual Review|date=2019|access-date=9 January 2020|archive-date=12 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412213311/https://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/globalassets/corporate/financial-reports/2018-annual-review.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|182,600
|97,000
|-
|2019
|6,931,441<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/globalassets/documents/2019-annual-review.pdf|title=2019 Annual Review|date=2019|access-date=9 January 2020|archive-date=12 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412213309/https://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/globalassets/documents/2019-annual-review.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|187,400
|
|-
|2020
|5,194,982<ref>{{Cite web |title=CHRISTCHURCH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT LTD SPECIFIED AIRPORT ANNUAL INFORMATION DISCLOSURE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020 |url=https://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/globalassets/about-us/who-we-are/financial-reports/regulatory-disclosures/2020-information-disclosure.pdf |access-date=2 January 2023 |website=Christchurch Airport}}</ref>
|
|
|-
|2021
|3,705,373<ref>{{Cite web |title=Annual Report {{!}} For the Year Ending 30 June 2021 |url=https://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/globalassets/about-us/who-we-are/financial-reports/2021-financial-statements.pdf |access-date=2 January 2023 |website=Christchurch Airport}}</ref>
|
|
|-
|2022
|3,257,414<ref>{{Cite web |title=Financial Statements {{!}} 2022 Edition {{!}} Annual Review |url=https://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/globalassets/about-us/who-we-are/financial-reports/2022-financial-statements|access-date=2 January 2023 |website=Christchurch Airport}}</ref>
|
|42,653
|-
|2023
|6,012,328<ref name=":1" />
|
|
|-
|2024
|6,281,655<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Monthly passenger arrivals and departures |url=https://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/about-us/who-we-are/facts-and-figures/monthly-passenger-arrivals-and-departures/ |access-date=25 January 2025 |website=Christchurch Airport}}</ref>
|233,100<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=2024 Annual Review |url=https://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/globalassets/about-us/who-we-are/financial-reports/2024-annual-review.pdf|access-date=25 January 2025 |website=Christchurch Airport}}</ref>
|91,460<ref name=":0" />
|}

===Traffic===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size: 95%;"
|+ Busiest international routes to and from CHC (2024)<ref>{{cite web |title=Infoshare – International Travel and Migration – ITM – Total passenger movements by closest overseas port and selected NZ ports (Annual-Dec) |url=https://infoshare.stats.govt.nz/ViewTable.aspx |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=5 August 2025 |publisher=Statistics New Zealand}}</ref>
|- style="background:lightgrey;"
! Rank || Airport || Passengers 
|-
| 1 || [[Sydney Airport|Sydney]] || 541,747 
|-
| 2 || [[Melbourne Airport|Melbourne]] || 309,079 
|-
| 3 || [[Brisbane Airport|Brisbane]]|| 233,988 
|-
| 4 || [[Changi Airport|Singapore]]|| 193,122 
|-
| 5 || [[Gold Coast Airport|Gold Coast]]|| 85,249 
|-
| 6 || [[Nadi International Airport|Nadi]]|| 54,019 
|-
|7
|[[Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport|Guangzhou]]
|35,833
|-
|8
|[[Hong Kong International Airport|Hong Kong]]
|23,076
|-
|9
|[[San Francisco International Airport|San Francisco]]
|16,844
|}

==Operations==
===Military===
[[File:C-17 Globemaster III in Christchurch.jpg|thumb|right|[[United States Air Force]] [[Boeing C-17 Globemaster III]] on the tarmac at Christchurch Airport]]
Since the closure of [[Wigram Aerodrome|RNZAF Base Wigram]], the [[Royal New Zealand Air Force]] (RNZAF) always flies to Christchurch International Airport when visiting the city. There are regular RNZAF flights between [[Wellington Airport|Wellington]], [[RNZAF Base Ohakea|Ohakea]], [[RNZAF Base Auckland|Auckland]].

With the development of Antarctic scientific expeditions, since the 1950s Christchurch Airport has been the base for all Antarctic flights operated by the [[United States Navy]], the [[United States Air Force]], the United States [[Air National Guard]], and the Royal New Zealand Air Force as part of [[Operation Deep Freeze]].

===SOFIA===
[[File:NASA 747SP.jpg|thumb|right|SOFIA 747 at the gate in Christchurch]]
In July 2013, a [[Boeing 747SP]] modified as the [[Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy]] (SOFIA) airborne telescope landed at the airport. A spokesman said it was likely that Christchurch would be a winter base for SOFIA for twenty years. The city was chosen as a southern hemisphere base because of the long airport runway and the favourable atmospheric conditions and relatively empty [[airspace]] in southern New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/8917257/Space-telescope-touches-down|title=Space telescope touches down|work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=14 July 2013 |access-date=7 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924172242/http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/8917257/Space-telescope-touches-down|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

===General aviation===
There are several [[general aviation]] organisations operating from the airport. Garden City Helicopters operates from a base adjacent to the airport (ICAO: NZGI). It operates a medivac service using [[fixed-wing aircraft]] (NZ Flying Doctor Service), charter flights and also operates the [[Westpac Rescue Helicopter (New Zealand)|rescue helicopter]] in Canterbury with a secondary helipad in Hagley Park adjacent to Christchurch Hospital (ICAO: NZJC).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.helicopters.net.nz/|title=Garden City Aircentre, Garden City Helicopters, Garden City Air Exec Christchurch Nelson Greymouth|access-date=7 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623092344/http://www.helicopters.net.nz/|archive-date=23 June 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Christchurch International Airport Limited maintains a grass runway parallel to the primary runway for the Canterbury Aero Club.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cac.co.nz/?gclid=CK2qraf-n8MCFYiCvQodx3UA5A|title=Canterbury Aero Club – New Zealand Flight Training, Scenic and Charter – Canterbury Aero Club (CAC)|access-date=7 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119133857/http://www.cac.co.nz/?gclid=CK2qraf-n8MCFYiCvQodx3UA5A|archive-date=19 January 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Among the general aviation companies, [[Mainland Air]] operates flights to [[Oamaru]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mainlandair.com/oamaru.php |title=Oamaru Air Service &#124; Mainland Air New Zealand |access-date=18 September 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129110734/http://www.mainlandair.com/oamaru.php |archive-date=29 November 2014  }}</ref> [[Air Safaris (NZ airline)|Air Safaris]] runs a link service to [[Lake Tekapo Airport]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airsafaris.co.nz/flights/chch_qt_link/ |title=Lake Tekapo Day Tours ex Christchurch & Queenstown Charter Flights |access-date=9 April 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150512021616/http://www.airsafaris.co.nz/flights/chch_qt_link/ |archive-date=12 May 2015  }}</ref>

===Aviation services===
The Christchurch Engine Centre, established in 1953, is located at the airport and is now a joint facility run by [[Pratt & Whitney]] and Air New Zealand. A full MRO service is offered to IAE V2500 engines. Formerly, PW JT8D and Rolls-Royce Dart engines were overhauled at the facility.<ref>{{cite web|title=The History of Christchurch Engine Centre|url=http://www.pwnz.com/about_chcec/history_of_chcec|website=PWNZ|access-date=19 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302170735/http://www.pwnz.com/about_chcec/history_of_chcec|archive-date=2 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
Air New Zealand has several maintenance facilities at the airport such as 1 Hangar (which can accommodate six Code C aircraft), 3 Hangar (one Code C aircraft) and 5 Hangar (one Code C aircraft) but no longer has a paint hangar.

==Access, ground transport, and parking==
The main access road into the airport connects to both
Russley Road [[New Zealand State Highway 1|(State Highway 1]]) and Memorial Avenue at a diamond interchange. The distance from the airport to the city centre is roughly {{convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}}.

A drop off and pick up area called 'The Loop' is situated on the ground floor of the multi-level car park building. A number of different taxi and shuttle companies operate services from the airport terminals. [[Uber]] also partnered with CIAL to have a dedicated pick-up and drop-off zone for its service.<ref>{{cite web|title=Uber Reaches Deal With CIAL|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/106768615/uber-reaches-access-deal-with-christchurch-airport|website=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=3 September 2018 |access-date=29 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529034422/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/106768615/uber-reaches-access-deal-with-christchurch-airport|archive-date=29 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

Three different city bus routes service the airport terminal: the number 3 route to the central city via [[Avonhead]] and [[Riccarton, New Zealand|Riccarton]], continuing to [[Sumner, New Zealand|Sumner]]; the number 29 route to the central city via [[Fendalton]]; and the number 125 on its route from [[Redwood, Canterbury|Redwood]] to [[Halswell]]. In late August 2023, a fourth bus line was announced to be serving the Airport, the 8 Port to Port Route. With service starting September 04th, this bus travels between the Airport and the Port town of [[Lyttelton, New Zealand|Lyttelton]] via the CBD.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maps and timetables {{!}} Metro Christchurch |url=https://www.metroinfo.co.nz/timetables |access-date=2023-01-08 |website=www.metroinfo.co.nz}}</ref>

==Accidents and incidents==
* On 21 November 1957 at 11.33am a SAFE Air [[Bristol Freighter]] (registered ZK-AYH) suffered a catastrophic structural failure on a flight from Paraparaumu to Oamaru and crashed on the Russley Golf Course very near the airport with the loss of all four lives.<ref>{{ASN accident|title=ZK-AYH |id=19571121-0 |accessdate=15 October 2014 }}</ref>
* On 6 June 2003, an Air Adventures New Zealand Ltd [[Piper PA-31 Navajo|Piper PA-31 Chieftain]] (registered ZK-NCA) crashed into trees and terrain {{Convert|1.2|nmi|abbr=on}} short of runway 20, killing the pilot and seven of the nine passengers on board. The aircraft was flying too low during an ILS approach in foggy weather.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=3506293|title=Plane crash victims named as search goes on for clues|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |access-date=7 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924160310/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=3506293|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
* An attempted hijacking of [[Eagle Airways Flight 2279]] from Blenheim to Christchurch occurred on 8 February 2008. After the [[British Aerospace Jetstream|British Aerospace Jetstream 32EP]] landed, the offender, a [[Somalis|Somalian]] woman, was overpowered by the two pilots and she was later arrested at the scene on Runway 29 after the aircraft came to a stop.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/259447/Foiled-hijack-attempt-Pilots-fight-for-control|title=Foiled hijack attempt: Pilots fight for control|work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |access-date=7 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924111255/http://www.stuff.co.nz/259447/Foiled-hijack-attempt-Pilots-fight-for-control|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
*In November 2014, a New Zealand [[New Zealand Parliament|Member of Parliament]], [[Gerry Brownlee]], was fined $2000 by the Civil Aviation Authority for a breach of security that occurred at Christchurch Airport on 24 July 2014. An official inquiry found that Brownlee (then [[Ministry of Transport (New Zealand)#Ministers of Transport|Minister of Transport]]) and two of his aides had evaded security screening by entering a departure lounge through an exit door while in a rush to board a domestic flight.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rutherford |first1=Hamish |title=Gerry Brownlee fined for airport security breach |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/63297518/Gerry-Brownlee-fined-for-airport-security-breach |access-date=18 November 2014 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=18 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129023115/http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/63297518/Gerry-Brownlee-fined-for-airport-security-breach |archive-date=29 November 2014 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>
*On 31 May 2024, a Jetstar [[Airbus A320 family|Airbus A320]] (registered VH-VFF) operating flight JQ225 from Auckland lost directional control while landing on runway 02 and slid off the edge of the runway. No injuries were reported, but the airport was closed while the aircraft was towed to the terminal and the runway inspected.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Hannah |date=31 May 2024 |title=Jetstar plane which slid off Christchurch Airport runway experienced 'steering issue' |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350296568/plane-slides-runway-christchurch-airport |access-date=31 May 2024 |website=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]}}</ref>

==Demographics==
The statistical area of Christchurch Airport, which includes commercial areas near the airport, covers {{Convert|11.45|km2||abbr=on}}.<ref name="Area">{{Cite web|title=ArcGIS Web Application|url=https://statsnz.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=6f49867abe464f86ac7526552fe19787|access-date=4 September 2021|website=statsnz.maps.arcgis.com}}</ref> It had an estimated population of {{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Christchurch Airport|y}} as of {{NZ population data 2023 SA2|||y|y||,}} with a population density of {{Decimals|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Christchurch Airport|y}}|R}}/11.45|1}} people per km<sup>2</sup>.

{{Historical populations|2006|183|2013|168|2018|177|percentages=pagr|align=left|source=<ref name="Census 2018"/>}}
Christchurch Airport had a population of 177 at the [[2018 New Zealand census]], an increase of 9 people (5.4%) since the [[2013 New Zealand census|2013 census]], and a decrease of 6 people (−3.3%) since the [[2006 New Zealand census|2006 census]]. There were 75 households, comprising 99 males and 75 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.32 males per female. The median age was 50.1 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 21 people (11.9%) aged under 15 years, 39 (22.0%) aged 15 to 29, 87 (49.2%) aged 30 to 64, and 30 (16.9%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 81.4% European/[[Pākehā]], 16.9% [[Māori people|Māori]], 6.8% [[Asian New Zealanders|Asian]], and 3.4% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

The percentage of people born overseas was 18.6, compared with 27.1% nationally.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 47.5% had no religion, 37.3% were [[Christianity in New Zealand|Christian]], 3.4% were [[Islam in New Zealand|Muslim]] and 1.7% had other religions.

Of those at least 15 years old, 12 (7.7%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 45 (28.8%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $29,100, compared with $31,800 nationally. 18 people (11.5%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 75 (48.1%) people were employed full-time, 33 (21.2%) were part-time, and 6 (3.8%) were unemployed.<ref name="Census 2018">{{NZ census 2018|Christchurch Airport (316700)|christchurch-airport|Christchurch Airport}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of airports in New Zealand]]
* [[List of airlines of New Zealand]]
* [[List of busiest airports in New Zealand]]
* [[Transport in New Zealand]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
*{{cite book |last=Phillips|first=Tony |title=With Great Foresight: The story of Christchurch International Airport|year=2013|publisher=[[Caxton Press (New Zealand)|Caxton Press]]|location=Christchurch |isbn=9780473265403}}

==External links==
{{Commons category-inline|Christchurch International Airport}}
*[http://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/ Airport website]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20061114193419/http://www.airportcity.co.nz/ CIAL's commercial property website]
*[http://www.cac.co.nz/ Canterbury Aero Club website]

{{Portal bar|Aviation|New Zealand}}
{{Airports in New Zealand}}
{{Airports in Christchurch}}
{{Christchurch City Council}}
{{authority control}}

[[Category:Transport in Christchurch]]
[[Category:Airports in New Zealand]]
[[Category:Airports established in 1937]]
[[Category:Government-owned companies of New Zealand]]
[[Category:1937 establishments in New Zealand]]
[[Category:Transport buildings and structures in the Canterbury Region]]
[[Category:International airports in New Zealand]]