Air New Zealand is extending the timeframe for its reduced international flying schedule until August 31.
The carrier, which reduced its international flying capacity by 95 per cent compared to pre-Covid-19 levels, previously said the limited international schedule will be in place through to June 30 to keep air links open for essential travel and cargo movement on key trade routes.
New Zealand’s flag carrier will now keep this schedule through to the end of August “with a few exceptions which extend beyond this date”, the carrier said.
“While it’s unfortunate the majority of our international network remains cancelled for the foreseeable future, we support the return of safe flying if borders re-open and will update our international network if and when possible,” said Air New Zealand chief networks, strategy and alliances officer Nick Judd.
Below is Air New Zealand’s international flying schedule until August 31:
| Long-haul services (per week) | |
|---|---|
| Auckland-Los Angeles | Five return services |
| Auckland-Hong Kong | Two return services |
| Tasman services (per week) | |
|---|---|
| Auckland-Sydney | Four return services |
| Auckland-Brisbane | Three return services |
| Auckland-Melbourne | Three return services |
| Pacific services (per week) | |
|---|---|
| Auckland-Niue | One return service (until 31 October) |
| Sydney-Norfolk | One return service (until 24 October) |
| Brisbane-Norfolk | One return service (until 24 October) |
Meanwhile, the airline said it will operate nearly 100 additional domestic flights for the Queen’s Birthday weekend. In New Zealand, the Queen’s Birthday is a public holiday observed on the first Monday in June.
There will be extra flights between May 28 and June 2 from Blenheim, Gisborne, Kerikeri, Napier, Nelson, Palmerston North, Whangarei, Hamilton, Rotorua, Invercargill and Tauranga.
The airline announced earlier this week it will restart its Wellington-Queenstown route in time for the Queen’s Birthday weekend and it will also add additional flights between Auckland and Queenstown for this long weekend holiday.
The carrier said on May 8 that it will be operating the majority of its domestic ports from May 18 amid the easing of lockdown restrictions in New Zealand.
