Christchurch Airport is preparing for a major surge in holiday travel as Friday 19 December is set to be the busiest day of the season, with more than 25,600 people expected to pass through the terminal.

The airport said total seat capacity for the summer period from 25 November to 26 March has increased by 375,000 seats, which is an 11 percent rise compared with last year. Domestic capacity has increased by 236,000 seats, and international capacity by 139,000 seats.

Between 19 December and 24 December, 12,000 additional seats will be available, which is eight percent more than the same period last year.

Friday 19 December is expected to see 17,900 regional and domestic passengers and 7,700 international passengers, which is 3,800 more than the busiest day in 2024.

Flight schedules show two domestic and regional peaks between 12 and 1pm, and again between 6 and 7pm. International demand will peak at 2pm. Arrivals between 10am and 2pm include flights from Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Qantas and Air New Zealand.

The airport said most travellers will be heading across New Zealand to reach family before Christmas. Adelaide has also become a popular destination, along with Cairns, the Gold Coast and Fiji. Travellers are also heading to Vietnam, Phuket, the Philippines and Bali.

To support the peak travel period, the airport will have 20 customer service staff on duty, 13 eateries open, 2,200 car parks available, 6,650 expected pick ups and drop offs, 3,100 taxis and Ubers in service lanes, and 240 landings and take offs. Staff also expect to handle 9,000 bags. Four working dogs will be on site, along with a team of police, fire service personnel, airline staff and air traffic controllers.

Customer Operations Manager Richard McMann said the airport had focused on preparation.

“When you have nearly 26,000 people passing through the airport in a single day, the little things matter. We have boosted staffing, coordinated closely with airlines and made sure our facilities are ready for the extra demand. Behind the scenes, there is a lot of teamwork happening to keep everything running, and we want travellers to feel that care.”

“Connectivity is at the heart of what we do, and our new flights from Hamilton, Adelaide and Cairns help bring people closer together at exactly the right time. These routes give travellers more ways to reach loved ones, explore new places and stay connected with the communities that matter to them.”

Communications Manager Sean Tully said the airport was an emotional place at this time of year.

“There is something special about the airport at Christmas. You see kids buzzing with excitement, friends reuniting in arrivals and people finally taking a breath as they start their break. Our job is to make those moments easier by keeping the journey smooth, safe and welcoming.”

Santa will be at a Christmas stand inside the terminal from 18 to 24 December between 10.30am and 2pm for photos, face painting and Christmas activities.