Hibiscus Coast travellers can expect packed terminals at Auckland Airport this summer.

Auckland Airport says the summer peak is already underway, with more than 2.5 million travellers expected between Monday, December 8, 2025 and Sunday, January 18, 2026.

That includes around 1 million domestic and 1.5 million international travellers, up about 4.7% domestically and 7.5% internationally on last summer.

Auckland Airport Chief Customer Officer Scott Tasker says, “Plan ahead, arrive with plenty of time and pack smart.”

The busiest days are forecast to include:

• Domestic departures: Friday, December 19, nearly 15,000 travellers
• International departures: Sunday, January 4, over 19,500 travellers
• International arrivals: Thursday, January 15, nearly 20,000 travellers
• Domestic arrivals: Friday, January 16, over 14,000 travellers

Airlines have added an extra 207,000 international seats over summer, lifting total capacity to 5.8 million seats across 43 destinations.

The airport is also reminding travellers to get “battery wise”.

Spare lithium batteries must go in carry-on bags, not checked luggage, including power banks, wireless earbuds, hearing aids and vapes.

Mr Tasker says some airlines have new rules, so travellers should check their airline’s website.

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