SUNSHINE COAST— Air New Zealand (NZ) has resumed its seasonal nonstop service between Auckland Airport (AKL) and Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY), returning three weeks earlier than last year while significantly boosting capacity for the 2026 winter travel season.
The seasonal Trans-Tasman route restarted on June 5, 2026, marking the airline’s 13th year operating flights between New Zealand’s largest city and Queensland’s popular coastal destination.
The earlier launch and additional seats reflect growing demand for leisure travel between the two countries during the Southern Hemisphere winter months.
Auckland- Queensland Route Capacity Boost
Air New Zealand has increased capacity on the route by 16.8% compared to the previous season, adding more than 2,890 seats across the operation.
The seasonal service will run through October 30, 2026, covering a key travel period when New Zealand residents seek warmer weather in Australia while Australian travelers head across the Tasman Sea for holidays and family visits.
The airline has introduced a phased schedule for the route. Flights began with two weekly services in early June and will increase to three weekly flights during the peak winter travel period.
The added capacity is expected to support stronger tourism flows in both directions while providing greater scheduling flexibility for passengers.
Air New Zealand Connections Beyond Auckland
The route serves as an important gateway for travelers heading beyond Auckland.
Passengers departing from the Sunshine Coast can access Air New Zealand’s domestic network through Auckland, connecting to 19 destinations across New Zealand.
This expanded connectivity allows Australian travelers to reach regional cities and tourism destinations without requiring multiple international itineraries.
Air New Zealand General Manager Short Haul and Domestic Lucy Hall described the Sunshine Coast route as one of the carrier’s longstanding seasonal services.
According to Hall, the direct connection remains particularly popular among families and leisure travelers seeking a convenient nonstop option between Queensland and New Zealand.
The airline also views the service as an opportunity to strengthen tourism links and improve travel choice on both sides of the Tasman.
Sunshine Coast Airport Growth Plans
The route expansion comes as Sunshine Coast Airport continues to experience significant passenger growth.
Airport Chief Executive Officer Chris Mills said the earlier start date and increased seat capacity will improve connectivity during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. The enhanced schedule is expected to generate additional tourism activity while providing local residents with easier access to New Zealand and onward international destinations.
Sunshine Coast Airport forecasts more than 1.8 million passengers during the 2026 financial year. That figure represents a 69% increase compared with passenger volumes recorded a decade earlier, Karryon flagged.
The airport is also expanding its international footprint through recently announced services to Bali and Singapore. Long-term projections indicate annual passenger traffic could surpass 2.4 million by 2030.
In addition to Air New Zealand, the airport is currently served by Alliance Airlines, Jetstar, Qantas, and Virgin Australia, reinforcing its position as one of Australia’s fastest-growing regional aviation hubs.
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