Christchurch International Airport Limited (CIAL) has reported another year of strong growth, with higher revenue, profit, dividends and passenger numbers, as well as progress on major sustainability and property projects.

The airport declared an annual dividend of $44.7 million, up $7.1 million on the previous year. As majority shareholder, Christchurch City Council will receive $33.5 million through its investment arm, Christchurch City Holdings Limited, with the remaining $11.2 million paid to the Crown.

Chief Executive Justin Watson said the results highlighted the success of the airport’s diversified strategy.

“Our performance shows the strength of our planes, passengers, property and planet strategy. Despite sector headwinds, we’ve grown passenger numbers, strengthened our balance sheet and advanced our sustainability commitments,” Watson said.

Financial and passenger growth

• Total revenue reached $271.2 million, a 10 percent increase on FY24.

• Underlying profit after tax rose 19 percent to $49.7 million.

• Passenger numbers lifted 2.3 percent to 6.39 million, with 4.83 million domestic travellers and 1.56 million international passengers.

International passenger growth of 11 percent was driven by new long-haul services from China Southern, Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines, along with a stronger trans-Tasman schedule, including a new direct flight to Cairns.

Despite a national downturn in domestic travel, Christchurch Airport maintained steady numbers and will launch a new Hamilton jet service next month.

Property and sustainability

The airport’s property portfolio remains a cornerstone of its financial resilience, with 98 percent occupancy and an asset value of $858 million, up from $785 million a year ago. New developments with Pratt & Whitney, DHL and Christchurch tech firm Enatel are underway.

Board Chair Sarah Ottrey said the results reflected the airport’s broad contribution to the region.

“We remain one of the most important economic engines for both our city and the South Island. These results show how the airport delivers real value, not just in dividends, but also in jobs, connections and sustainable growth for our communities,” Ottrey said.

The airport is also advancing sustainability initiatives, including the introduction of the Southern Hemisphere’s first electric fire truck and construction of Kōwhai Park, a 230-hectare solar farm expected to be completed in 2026. Once operational, it will generate enough electricity to power 36,000 homes.

Christchurch Airport was also named winner of the Airports Council International’s Green Airports Recognition Award 2025 and has completed a full reinvention of its food, beverage and retail mix.