New Zealand / Canterbury

Christchurch airport arrivals take off as national rate dives

12:52 pm on 21 July 2019

Increasing numbers of overseas visitors have been touching down at Christchurch Airport, despite a drop in the total international arrivals in New Zealand.

Christchurch International Airport. Photo: 123rf.com

International arrivals fell 5.8 percent nationally in the past year, but at Christchurch International the number of arrivals rose 8.5 percent.

The increase included a large number of Chinese travellers.

Christchurch Airport's chief commercial officer, Justin Watson, said the positive result was fantastic to see.

He said it was the outcome of a well planned and targeted strategy supported by the regional authorities and tourism businesses of the South Island.