Emirates’ flagship Airbus A380 made a landmark touchdown at Christchurch Airport today, marking the resumption of its daily service from Dubai to Christchurch via Sydney after an absence of more than three years.
"The return of the Emirates A380 service is a great boost for Christchurch and the wider South Island. It shows we’re open for business and welcoming travellers after several years of Covid restrictions," Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger said.
Hundreds of excited plane-spotters watched as the world's largest passenger aircraft taxi through a ceremonial water canon salute.
It's the first such scheduled service to Christchurch since the Covid-19 pandemic shut borders in March 2020.
The Emirates Airbus A380 touches down at Christchurch Airport. Photo: Geoff Sloan
Emirates operates 120 of the 24-metre-high double-decker superjumbos, each plane able to carry more than 500 passengers.
The airline hopes its new daily A380 service from Christchurch to Dubai via Sydney will boost capacity for travellers heading on to the United Kingdom and Europe.
- Geoff Sloan
Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
