Air NZ cancels domestic flights

Air New Zealand is cancelling domestic flights booked for the coming weeks and months, just days out from when the Government will decide if we move into level 2 next week.

The cancellations come as Air New Zealand is understood to be finalising a drastic reduction in its new domestic schedule. Meanwhile, 300 Air NZ pilots will be made redundant and more will take pay cuts after their weeks of negotiating between their union and the airline.

The move is likely to leave many customers who held on to cheap fares concerned they will have to pay more for replacement flights.

It could also cause concern for tourism operators as domestic tourists will be vital to keep them afloat in level 2 – as limited flights will make access harder.

When New Zealand enters alert level 2, domestic travel will be permitted, including for tourism, although travel should not be for the purposes of attending large events or conferences.

Stuff is aware of Air New Zealand cancelling bookings for flights including between Christchurch and Tauranga in late May, Wellington and Dunedin in June, and Wellington and Queenstown in late June.

‘‘Following the Prime Minister’s announcement yesterday that domestic travel will be permitted under

Alert Level 2, Air New Zealand is working through what this will mean for its domestic schedule,’’ Air New Zealand said in a statement.

‘‘We are very keen to get Kiwis flying again as we know this will not only help reconnect family and friends, but also support New Zealand’s tourism industry and regional economies. We will announce our level 2 domestic schedule as soon as we can.

‘‘As we prepare to enter alert level 2, Air New Zealand is also working to implement additional health protocols. We will be able to share more details on this soon.’’

Customers receive an ‘‘automatic credit’’ for their fares, meaning they will have to pay any cost difference when they come to rebook.