After 330 days without a scheduled international arrival at Queenstown Airport, QF121 from Sydney is scheduled to touch down at Queenstown Airport next Monday (May 23).

Queenstown Airport CEO Glen Sowry said he was stoked to welcome Aussies back to Queenstown Airport and the region after the long hiatus.

“Monday 23 May marks an important step in, not only the airport’s recovery, but the region’s recovery after an incredibly challenging two years,” he said.

Trans-Tasman flights ceased at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic before a short-lived resumption early last year when the trans-Tasman ‘bubble’ initially opened.

Airlines are now seeing strong demand from Australia and activity into Queenstown Airport is predicted to ramp up significantly as winter approaches, Glen said.

Qantas is the first airline bringing back trans-Tasman travel through Queenstown Airport, followed by Jetstar at the start of June, and Air New Zealand on June 25. 

Virgin is planning to re-start their trans-Tasman services to Queenstown in November.

“During peak days in the middle of July we are expecting up to 57 flights (arrivals and departures) and about one third of those will be trans-Tasman,” Glen said.

“Prior to Covid-19, 30 percent of all passenger arrivals and departures at Queenstown Airport were from trans-Tasman flights so Aussies are an important part of our visitor mix.”

Airlines have scheduled their capacity at approximately 75 percent of their pre-Covid levels, while winter capacity on domestic routes is similar to last year.

Travellers leaving Queenstown and heading overseas this winter will get to experience the larger departures screening area, and new international departures duty free store, which were completed over the past 12 months as part of the airport’s terminal upgrade project.

Queenstown Airport will be celebrating the arrival of the first trans-Tasman flight next Monday with live music from local band Mojo, welcome gifts for passengers, and ‘welcome back’ signs displayed around the airport.

PHOTO: Queenstown Airport Corporation