Air New Zealand cancels more than 1,000 trans-Tasman flights due to “continued border uncertainty”
In devastating news for thousands of holidaymakers across the trans-Tasman, Air New Zealand has pulled the pin on a large number of flights that were due to take off this year.
In a series of tweets posted by Air New Zealand on its dedicated Twitter account for the media, the airline said “continued border uncertainty” between the two countries have forced the cancellation of more than 1,000 flights through to 31 December 2021.
Air New Zealand estimates that around 20,000 customers will be impacted by the mass cancellations, which follow other cancellations made since quarantine-free travel between Australia and New Zealand was first paused.
“Now, due to recent statements by the New Zealand government that quarantine-free travel between Australia and New Zealand is unlikely to re-commence this year, we’ve had to make the difficult decision to change our schedule,” Air New Zealand’s chief customer and sales officer, Leanne Geraghty, said in a statement.
“This will be particularly tough news for families and friends who were hoping to catch up over Christmas. I appreciate how difficult this news will be, but our hands are tied until border restrictions ease and we receive further clarity from the New Zealand government.
“We appreciate this latest news means some customers will have to wait longer before reuniting with loved ones. We’re continuing to do everything we can to get them home safely as quickly as possible.”
Featured image source: iStock/Ryan Fletcher
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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