Air New Zealand adds flights to Vancouver, Shanghai, Taipei, Papeete and Houston for northern summer 2027

Air New Zealand will increase its international flying in 2027, adding flights from Auckland to Vancouver, Shanghai, Taipei, Papeete and Houston for the northern summer season from 28 March to 23 October 2027, the airline announced on 13 November 2026.

Vancouver–Auckland rises from 7 to 9 flights a week in the peak July period, with capacity across the season up 8% on last year. Shanghai–Auckland goes daily in April, July and September/October, with capacity up 9% on last season. Taipei–Auckland increases to 5 flights a week from late September, which the airline says lifts capacity by about 25% in October and 5% across the season. Papeete–Auckland will have up to 5 flights a week during the Pacific Games in July and August, including an added daytime service. Houston–Auckland moves from 5 weekly Boeing 777 services to daily flights from September, operated by Boeing 787 Dreamliners. A new year-round Singapore–Christchurch route, three times a week, is already on sale.

The growth is supported by new Boeing 787-9 aircraft: two arrived in October 2026 and two more are due in 2027, all with the airline's new cabin, including more Business Premier and Premium Economy seats. Chief Commercial Officer Scott Wilkinson said the airline is "deliberate about where we grow". For travellers from Europe and Portugal, the extra frequencies through North America and Asia add more ways to connect to New Zealand.

The release does not give exact start dates for every added frequency or the flight schedules. Travellers should check times and the aircraft operating their specific flight when booking.