The airline’s Chief Customer and Sales Officer, Leanne Geraghty, said the move will impact 20,000 customers.
Until further notice from the New Zealand government, the airline’s schedule beyond December 31 will remain in effect.
Air New Zealand has cancelled over 1000 flights due to persistent border uncertainty between New Zealand and Australia, Ms Geraghty said.
She apologised to the consumers but said Air New Zealand’s hands were tied.
For families and friends who were hoping to catch up during the holidays, she remarked,
“Our choices are limited until border restrictions are relaxed and the New Zealand government provides more clarity.”
For now, Air New Zealand has cancelled over 1000 flights until December 31, 2021. This comes on top of numerous cancellations since QFT was banned.
The travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand has had a few bumps since April 19. On July 23, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern imposed an eight-week ban on the border owing to flash lockdowns and small-scale clusters. Added September 17th.
The suspension was intended to be reviewed again in mid-November, but no changes were made.
We have very few recent cases of COVID-19 community transmission and a very similar elimination plan when QFT (quarantine-free travel) was created with Australia.
Because of this, we have decided to suspend QFT for an extra eight weeks. Cancelled tickets can be exchanged for credit to be used later. Those with refundable tickets will be refunded.
