August International Travel Update

More choice and investment in international travel

Airlines continue investing in New Zealand's international network, with increased services, upgraded onboard products and continued improvements to the long-haul travel experience.

Cathay Pacific will increase its seasonal Christchurch–Hong Kong service from three to five flights per week between December and February, responding to continued demand from business, leisure and visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travellers. The expanded schedule provides South Island organisations with greater flexibility and more convenient onward connections through Hong Kong to destinations across Asia and beyond. Cathay says the additional services will strengthen connectivity for New Zealand travellers, while Christchurch Airport says the increased capacity reflects the continued momentum of the South Island travel market.

LATAM is also continuing to invest in the New Zealand market, increasing its Auckland–Santiago service to five flights per week from November. The airline says Kiwi travel demand to Chile and Brazil has grown by 15% and 19% respectively, with strong demand expected to continue through the remainder of 2026. Alongside the additional frequency, LATAM is introducing upgraded Business Class cabins on the route later this year, with onboard Wi-Fi expected by the end of the year and a new Premium Economy product scheduled to launch in the second half of 2027. The airline has also indicated it continues to explore future growth opportunities in the New Zealand market.

Air New Zealand has also unveiled the new cabin interiors that will be introduced across its Boeing 777-300ER fleet, including redesigned Business Premier and Economy cabins, upgraded inflight entertainment and enhanced seating throughout the aircraft. The refurbishment programme will create a more consistent long-haul experience across Air New Zealand's widebody fleet, complementing the ongoing Boeing 787-9 retrofit programme. The first refurbished Boeing 777 is expected to enter service in 2027.

What this means for travellers: Airlines continue investing in both connectivity and onboard experience, giving New Zealand organisations more choice, greater flexibility and an improved long-haul travel experience.

Border changes to be aware of

Governments continue investing in modernising border processing, although the traveller experience varies depending on where you're heading.

Australia is progressing its transition from paper arrival cards to the digital Australia Travel Declaration (ATD). The Australian Federal Government has committed AUD56.1 million over the next four years to roll out the digital declaration across all international airports and seaports by the end of 2027. The funding will also support broader border modernisation initiatives, including contactless arrival processing, streamlined baggage transfers and the exploration of co-located domestic and international airport models. The digital declaration is already operating on selected routes and will continue expanding over the coming months.

Meanwhile, Europe's new Entry/Exit System (EES) continues to generate longer processing times at some border crossings. Airport and airline groups, including Airports Council International (ACI), Airlines for Europe (A4E) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), have called on the European Commission to suspend the rollout, citing border queues of up to five hours during peak travel periods and growing concerns about the impact on tourism and connectivity. The European Commission has acknowledged there have been challenges at some locations but has confirmed the rollout will continue.

What this means for travellers: Expect Australia's arrival process to become increasingly streamlined over time, while travellers heading to Europe should allow additional time for border formalities and onward connections as the new system continues to bed in.

Global aviation continues to face supply challenges

While international travel demand remains strong, airlines worldwide continue to manage aircraft availability as engine supply chain and maintenance challenges persist.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) says more than 648 Pratt & Whitney GTF-powered aircraft were grounded earlier this year due to engine durability issues, spare parts shortages and limited engine availability. The association says demand for aircraft engine maintenance will continue increasing significantly over the coming years as global fleets expand, placing further pressure on maintenance providers and supply chains.

IATA is calling for faster approval of repair solutions, improved access to spare parts, greater competition within the maintenance market and stronger long-term planning across the industry to improve resilience.

What this means for travellers: While airlines continue working to minimise disruption, ongoing engine supply challenges may still result in occasional aircraft substitutions or schedule changes across some international networks.

Improvements closer to home

Auckland Airport's international terminal redevelopment continues, with a range of new food and beverage outlets opening throughout the year as part of the wider terminal upgrade.

New arrivals include BurgerFuel, Starbucks, NZ Pie Co & Croissant Lab, Needo, Roll'd, TJ Katsu, Haha, Auckland Coffee Exports, The Local and Fernery Eatery & Bar, joining recently refurbished outlets including Best Ugly Bagels and Vantage Bar & Kitchen. Landside, Oma's Bakery and Blue Marble Bar have also been transformed into The Social, while further retailers will open as redevelopment continues.

The airport says the expanded dining offering is designed to provide travellers with more choice before departure while supporting the wider international terminal redevelopment.

What this means for travellers: If you're travelling internationally through Auckland over the coming months, continue allowing plenty of time before departure as redevelopment progresses, and expect an improved range of dining options before your flight.

As always, we'll continue monitoring developments across the global travel landscape. If changing schedules, new routes, border requirements or disruptions affect your travel plans, our team is here to help. At Tandem Travel, we work alongside you to keep your travellers moving with confidence.