Christchurch Airport responds to Singapore Airline flight schedule plans

Christchurch International Airport (CIAL) Chief Executive Jim Boult has said he understands the reasoning behind Singapore Airlines’ decision not to add extra flights to and from Christchurch during the winter season, as originally planned.

“The earthquake has had an effect on in-bound tourist traffic and we fully understand that the airline doesn’t see this as the right time to expand services,” said Jim Boult. “We are pleased that the present services will be maintained, as the South Island is still very much open for business and Christchurch Airport is the major hub for international travellers to the South Island.”

Christchurch Airport is currently working with the tourism industry to develop a new strategy to ensure tourists continue to fly in and out of Christchurch Airport to travel in the South Island. The strategy includes having a “bed bank” of available rooms in Christchurch, as well as transporting travellers to other centres to be accommodated.