AUCKLAND- Air New Zealand (NZ) will cancel about 1,100 flights through early May, affecting roughly 44,000 passengers across its network. The reductions include several services to and from Dunedin Airport (DUD).
The airline will continue operating most of its planned schedule, carrying around 1.9 million passengers during the period. Air New Zealand said many affected travelers will be rebooked on alternative flights on the same day.
Air New Zealand to Cancel 1,100 Flights
Air New Zealand is trimming parts of its domestic network as it manages operational pressures and rising costs. Dunedin Airport (DUD) will see reduced services to several major New Zealand cities over the coming weeks.
Flights between Dunedin Airport and Christchurch Airport (CHC) will be reduced by 15 rotations. This equals roughly two to three fewer return services per week.
The route between Dunedin Airport and Auckland Airport (AKL) will lose eight rotations, averaging one to two fewer weekly services. Flights linking Dunedin Airport (DUD) and Wellington Airport (WLG) will be reduced by nine rotations, also about one to two fewer services per week.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nikhil Ravishankar confirmed the airline is contacting affected customers and moving most travelers to alternative flights on the same day when possible, Otago Daily Times reported.
Rising Fuel Costs Driving Airline Decisions
The airline faces strong cost pressure from rising jet fuel prices. The increase is linked to conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted energy supply routes.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route that carries up to 20 percent of the world’s oil supply, has been severely disrupted. The situation has pushed aviation fuel prices significantly higher.
In response, Air New Zealand suspended its earnings guidance earlier this week and announced fare increases across its network. Domestic fares will rise by about $10, short-haul international fares by $20, and long-haul international fares by $90.
Wider Airline Industry Impact
The increase in fuel costs is affecting airlines across the region. Qantas (QF) and Jetstar (JQ) also confirmed fare increases this week after aviation fuel prices surged.
Despite the adjustments, Air New Zealand said services to the United States remain important for connecting passengers to Europe, especially while airspace disruptions continue in parts of the Middle East.
The airline previously reported a half-year loss of $40 million for the six months ending December. In the same period the year before, it recorded a profit of $106 million.
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