Flights from Istanbul (IST) to Christchurch (CHC)

In-flight Dining
You will be served meals on both the Istanbul–Singapore and Singapore–Christchurch sectors, designed to match the time of day and length of each flight, with thoughtfully prepared dishes and a selection of snacks.

Special Meals
We offer a range of special meals on this route to meet various dietary requirements. You can request these in advance through our Manage Booking portal, subject to availability and cut-off times before departure.

Book the Cook
Eligible customers in selected premium cabins on this route can use our Book the Cook service on the Singapore sector, pre-ordering from an expanded menu created by our international culinary team.

Beverage Service
A selection of hot and cold drinks is available throughout the flight, including juices, soft drinks, teas, and coffees. Our signature Singapore Sling is also available on board if you would like a classic taste of our heritage during your journey.

For flights between Istanbul and Christchurch, the weight concept applies. Checked baggage allowances are as follows: Economy Class guests on Lite and Value fares enjoy 25kg, while Standard and Flexi fares include 30kg. Premium Economy Class includes 35kg, and Business Class includes 40kg of checked baggage. Each checked bag must not exceed 32kg. For cabin baggage, customers in Economy Class and Premium Economy Class may bring 1 piece up to 7kg, and Business Class customers may bring 2 pieces, each up to 7kg. The final allowance for your trip is shown on your e-ticket, and KrisFlyer Elite Gold and PPS Club members enjoy additional allowances.

Wi-Fi is available on Istanbul to Christchurch services once the aircraft is above 10,000 feet. It is free and unlimited for KrisFlyer members; Economy Class and Premium Economy Class members should add their membership number to the booking at least 1.5 hours before departure. Paid plans are available for non-members. The service is suitable for messaging, email, and basic browsing, but it does not support video streaming, video calls, or large file transfers.

On both the Istanbul–Singapore and Singapore–Christchurch sectors, the Airbus A350-900 offers Economy Class with a 32-inch pitch and up to 19-inch seat width, Premium Economy Class with a 38-inch pitch and up to 20-inch seat width, and Business Class with a fully flat bed and direct aisle access for every seat.

Yes, Singapore Airlines provides lounge access to eligible passengers with a layover in Singapore. Your eligibility is based on your class of travel or your KrisFlyer and Star Alliance status, and it is determined by your flight leaving Singapore. Other options, like purchasing a day pass at a pay-per-use lounge, are also available.

Singapore Changi Airport offers a wide range of ways to spend your layover, from themed gardens and art installations to rest zones, playgrounds, and quiet corners for work or relaxation. With a longer connection, you can consider joining an official transit tour into the city, usually requiring at least about 5.5 to 6 hours of available time. Shorter layovers are well spent exploring the terminals, enjoying the dining and retail options, or unwinding at a lounge or airport hotel. Your time at Singapore Changi Airport is more than just a wait - it is an integral part of your journey.

At Istanbul Airport, eligible Singapore Airlines customers may use partner lounges such as Turkish Airlines Lounge Business Class and Turkish Airlines Lounge Miles&Smiles, depending on cabin and frequent flyer status. During your layover at Singapore Changi Airport, eligible customers can access facilities including the SilverKris Lounge (First Class), SilverKris Lounge (Business Class), and the KrisFlyer Gold Lounge, subject to their class of travel and KrisFlyer or Star Alliance tier.

Istanbul follows Turkey Time (UTC+3) year-round. Christchurch follows New Zealand Standard Time (UTC+12) from late autumn to early spring, and New Zealand Daylight Time (UTC+13) roughly from late September to early April. This means Christchurch is usually 9 hours ahead of Istanbul in winter, and 10 hours ahead in New Zealand's summer.

For Singapore Airlines flights from Istanbul to Christchurch via Singapore, we recommend arriving at Istanbul Airport at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure. This allows enough time for check-in, security, and immigration, as well as any tax refund formalities and a relaxed walk to your departure gate.

Visa and entry requirements for New Zealand depend on your nationality, purpose of visit, and length of stay. As regulations can change, we recommend checking with the relevant New Zealand authorities or your local embassy, and reviewing the latest information before you travel.

After landing in Christchurch, you will go through immigration, collect your checked baggage, and clear customs. It is helpful to keep essential documents and any items you may need to declare easily accessible in your cabin baggage, and to allow some extra time in your plans to adjust to the time difference.

To stay comfortable on this long journey, wear light, layered clothing, move and stretch periodically, and drink water regularly. You can also make use of the onboard entertainment, request additional amenities from our cabin crew where available, and take advantage of your layover at Singapore Changi Airport to refresh between flights.