Air New Zealand’s highly anticipated NZ26 takes off from Auckland in the early evening and touches down at Chicago O’Hare International Airport just after midday local time. The journey spans approximately 15 hours northbound and a little over 16 hours on the return, now ranking as Air New Zealand’s lengthiest route—surpassing their Auckland-Houston sector by nearly two hours.
During our inaugural flight, we observed CEO Christopher Luxon accompanying the maiden voyage. He emphasized that the new Auckland–Chicago connection opens up unprecedented opportunities for both business and leisure travelers seeking direct access to the vibrant Midwest, as well as seamless onward travel to the US East Coast and Canada.
“With this direct route, our guests can enjoy effortless access to Chicago’s dynamic culture and business scene,” Luxon noted. “Thanks to our partnership with United Airlines, which operates the majority of flights from O’Hare, travelers benefit from smooth one-stop codeshare links to nearly 100 destinations across North America.”
New Zealand continues to attract over 340,000 US visitors annually—a number expected to climb as this service matures. The airline forecasts that the route will generate upwards of NZD $70 million per year for the New Zealand economy, with half of US visitor spending occurring in regions beyond the main urban centers.
Chicago itself offers a wealth of attractions: from its storied past and celebrated museums to its iconic skyline, renowned live music venues, and signature culinary delights such as deep-dish pizza. The city’s unique blend of history, architecture, and culture makes it an appealing destination for discerning travelers.
The nonstop Auckland–Chicago flights are operated on Air New Zealand’s advanced Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, departing Auckland every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, offering premium comfort and state-of-the-art amenities for long-haul travelers.
