Auckland is calling as Air New Zealand returns to the Coast

Air New Zealand has touched down at Sunshine Coast Airport marking the seasonal return of international services. 

The seasonal service will operate three times a week (Wednesday, Friday, Sunday) until 25 October, connecting the Sunshine Coast and Auckland, providing 16,000 seats between the two destinations.

New Zealanders can now soak up the sunshine and experience some of the incredible events the Sunshine Coast has on offer over winter. Coast locals will once again have New Zealand at their doorstep with a short flight unlocking immersive cultural experiences and natural wonders.   
  
CEO Chris Mills said the return of Air New Zealand was great news for the region, boosting tourism and connecting families.

“We’re excited to welcome back Air New Zealand and our first international passengers of 2024 to Sunshine Coast Airport,” Mr Mills said. 

“The Sunshine Coast and Noosa are incredible holiday destinations blessed with natural beauty, amazing events, and unique experiences - why wouldn’t you want to visit. 

“The reintroduction of direct seasonal services will be great for locals, enabling them to easily connect with loved ones or explore new travel destinations in North America and Asia through Auckland’s excellent international connections.

“Since our partnership with Air New Zealand first commenced in 2013, we have connected more than 117,000 people. I am excited to see what 2024 will bring.”

Air New Zealand General Manager International Jeremy O’Brien says the airline is excited to see the seasonal service return.

“The Sunshine Coast is the perfect holiday destination – with a relaxed beachside culture, incredible food, beautiful scenery, and 300 days of sunshine each year – it’s easy to see why Kiwis love it so much.

“Australia is an incredibly important market for Air New Zealand. This seasonal service will also provide more opportunities for our Aussie customers to head across the ditch and enjoy New Zealand’s snowy mountains and winter escapes. We look forward to carrying more customers between New Zealand and the Sunshine Coast this season.”

Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel: “We love the Kiwi market, and fortunately for us we know the kiwis love coming here as well. 

“The Air New Zealand seasonal service makes it so easy for our Kiwi friends to be in Sunshine by Lunchtime, and we can expect to see a lot more Kiwis here over winter as a result of the flights. 

“The flights come at a time when we need visitors the most, with our forward bookings looking softer than what we have seen in recent years for the winter holidays.”

Tourism Noosa CEO Sharon Raguse said: "Welcome back, Air New Zealand! As direct flights from Auckland touch down this week at Sunshine Coast Airport, winter unveils the perfect opportunity for Kiwis to discover our sunny shores and the sweet life of Noosa”.

“Throughout the region, tourism operators are looking forward to welcoming our friends from across the ditch. New Zealand is a key international market for Noosa. Welcoming 25,000 visitors for the year ending December 2023 and importantly injecting just over $30 million into the Noosa economy”.