Air New Zealand will resume flights when Tonga restrictions end

Samoa, Tonga and Fiji are currently not permitting international flights, but if these restrictions end, Air New Zealand is likely to operate one return service per week from Auckland, the airline stated today.

Air New Zealand is extending the time frame for its significantly reduced network by a month, with its minimal international operations to continue through to 30 June 2020.

“In response to government travel restrictions and low demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the airline earlier announced a limited international network from 30 March to 31 May, to keep air links open for essential travel and cargo movement on key trade routes.

“This schedule will now apply through to 30 June 2020. All services are subject to change as governments continue to introduce or change travel and border restrictions.

Overall international capacity has been reduced by 95 percent from pre-COVID-19 levels, the airline stated.

Tasman services (per week)

• Auckland-Sydney – Three return services
• Auckland-Brisbane – Two return services
• Auckland-Melbourne – Two return services

Pacific services (per week)

• Auckland-Rarotonga – One return service
• Auckland-Niue – One return service
• Sydney-Norfolk – One return service
• Brisbane-Norfolk – One return service

“Samoa, Tonga and Fiji are currently not permitting international flights. If these restrictions end, Air New Zealand is likely to operate one return service per week from Auckland.”

Long-haul services (per week)

• Auckland-Los Angeles – Three return services
• Auckland-Hong Kong – Two return services
• Auckland-Shanghai – Three return services from 31 May

The airline has set up a dedicated COVID-19 information hub on its website and customers are encouraged to consult this in the first instance. Due to the large number of schedule changes, customers are strongly encouraged to only contact the airline if they are due to fly within the next 48 hours.

Source: Matangi Tonga Online