Air New Zealand is preparing for one of its busiest travel periods of the year. 

More than 745,000 travellers are due to fly with the national carrier as people get away for the July school holidays. 

The airline expects 465,000 domestic and 280,000 international travellers onboard their fleet of aircraft between June 27 and July 13 as families across Aotearoa jet off on winter adventures in Aotearoa and abroad. 

Air New Zealand airports general manager Kate Boyer said the airline’s teams around the country were ready to support the surge in passengers. 

“We’ll see the school holiday rush begin this Friday, with 48,000 customers travelling across our network. The following two Fridays are shaping up to be even busier, with 49,000 customers expected each day.” 

More than 8000 people are expected to travel to and from Dunedin on the weekend of July 5 when the All Blacks take on France. 

To meet the demand across the holiday period, Air New Zealand has increased passenger capacity by adding around 18,000 extra seats across more than 200 additional domestic flights. 

Outside New Zealand’s main centres, Queenstown tops the list of domestic destinations. 

Additionally, more than 8000 people are expected to travel to and from Dunedin on the weekend of July 5 when the All Blacks take on France at Forsyth Barr Stadium. 

With airports expected to be busier than usual, Air New Zealand is encouraging travellers to plan ahead. 

“We know winter weather can sometimes cause disruptions, so we recommend downloading the Air NZ app to stay informed about your flight,” Boyer said. “Travel insurance is also a smart way to cover the unexpected. 

“But above all, our teams are looking forward to welcoming everyone and helping everything run smoothly.” 

This week Air New Zealand also announced an intention to add 155,000 seats on flights to Australia, Rarotonga, Fiji and Tahiti this summer with two new Airbus A321neo aircraft and increased customer demand for destinations including Adelaide cited as motivating the expansion. 

Air New Zealand’s advice for travelling these holidays 

• Download and use the Air NZ app to check in, receive updates and manage your trip. 
• Update your contact details in your booking and Airpoints account so you can be kept informed and up-to-date. 
• Prepay for extra baggage online if you’ve packed more than planned – it saves time and money at the airport. 
• If you need to make a last-minute booking for an unexpected medical emergency or bereavement, you may be eligible for compassionate fares.