Christchurch Airport has recorded its strongest financial result, with underlying operating profit after tax rising more than 30 per cent to $64.9 million.

The airport’s total operating revenue reached $273 million for the year ended June 30, 2026, an increase of 11.4 per cent on the previous financial year.

Passenger numbers climbed 7.1 per cent to 6.85 million, including 5.09 million domestic travellers and 1.76 million international passengers.

International passenger growth was particularly strong, increasing 12.6 per cent, while domestic numbers rose 5.4 per cent.

The airport declared an annual dividend of $51.5 million, $6.8 million more than last year.

Christchurch City Council, which owns 75 per cent of the airport through Christchurch City Holdings Limited, will receive $38.625 million. The remaining $12.875 million will be paid to the Crown.

An interim dividend of $24.1 million was paid in April, with the final $27.4 million expected to be paid following the airport’s annual meeting in October.

Chief executive Justin Watson said the result reflected strong growth across the airport’s aviation, property and freight operations, along with several years of planning and investment.

“FY26 was a year when a lot of long-term work came together,” Watson said.

“We grew our core planes and passengers business, continued to expand our property and freight platform, considerably improved the experience for our customers and delivered important infrastructure.”

The airport completed the Kōwhai Park solar farm, which is now being brought online, opened a new freight hub facility and continued transforming the terminal’s food, beverage and retail offerings.

It also signed a memorandum of understanding with Air New Zealand aimed at bringing three new long-haul routes to Christchurch.

Watson said the performance was achieved despite aircraft and engine shortages, uncertain fuel prices and geopolitical disruption affecting the global aviation sector.

The airport’s diversified business model and property portfolio had helped provide stability through those challenges, he said.

Board chair Sarah Ottrey said the result showed the value of taking a long-term approach to managing one of Christchurch’s most important assets.

“Our airport is delivering strong financial returns while continuing to invest in the infrastructure, connections and opportunities our region will need in the future,” Ottrey said.

“That matters because a successful airport does much more than return a dividend. It supports jobs, tourism, trade and connections across Te Waipounamu, the South Island, and the globe.”

The airport is now beginning the next phase of its development under its Horizon 35 strategy, which sets its direction for the coming decade.

Watson said the strategy would focus on growing connections, strengthening the airport’s commercial businesses and ensuring infrastructure was developed ahead of demand.

“We want Christchurch to have an airport that grows ahead of demand, connects more people and businesses with the world, and continues to deliver real value for generations to come.”