Chongqing opens flight to New Zealand

A flight carrying more than 150 passengers departed from Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport at 21:55 on Sept 13. It would arrive in Auckland, New Zealand, at around 18:00 the following day, after a stopover in Haikou, Hainan province.

This marks the launch of the Chongqing–Haikou–Auckland international passenger route, the city's first flight to New Zealand.

The service will operate twice weekly, departing Chongqing for Auckland and returning the next day. The launch comes as Chongqing rapidly expands its international air network to meet growing demand.

                                             

The Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport currently operates 31 international passenger routes. [Photo by Li Ling] 

Since the beginning of this year, Chongqing Jiangbei Airport has opened seven international routes, including Osaka, Japan, and Penang, Malaysia. The airport currently operates 31 international passenger routes, serving 25 countries and regions, with more than 300 weekly international flights. The network now spans North America, Europe, Oceania, the Middle East, Northeast Asia, and Southeast Asia. 

The expanding international network, coupled with supportive policies such as visa-free transit and tax-refund services, has made Chongqing a popular destination for international travelers. From January to August, the city welcomed an 82.48 percent year-on-year increase in inbound visitors, according to the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism.

Known as the "8D Magic City", Chongqing draws international tourists with its unique geography, architecture, night views, and cuisine. UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Dazu Rock Carvings and Yangtze River Three Gorges cruises continue to attract visitors from around the world. 

In 2025, high-profile figures including U S influencer iShowspeed, NBA star Stephen Curry, and global social media sensation Khaby Lame have visited the city, bringing it further into the international spotlight. 

To meet growing inbound tourism demand, Chongqing has enhanced its shopping and tax-refund services to provide visitors with a more complete experience.

The number of departure tax-refund stores in Chongqing has increased to 208. Sasseur Outlets in Liangjiang New Area, featuring a full range of domestic and international brands, is among the first to offer such services. 

Customer service manager Li Qin noted that the outlet is only a 20-minute drive from Jiangbei International Airport, making it a popular last stop for inbound tourists. "After purchasing, visitors can go to the customer service center with their receipts and ID to complete the tax refund process in about eight minutes, before collecting the refund at airport customs," she said.

Sasseur Outlets in Liangjiang New Area is among the first departure tax-refund stores in Chongqing. [Photo provided to english.liangjiang.gov.cn]

According to the Chongqing Taxation Bureau, from January to July this year, both sales of duty-free items and the total amount refunded have increased nearly fivefold compared with the same period last year.

Chongqing said it will utilize inbound tourism as a key driver, improve the promotion of cultural and tourism exchanges and cooperation, and develop itself into an international tourism hub.