Flights to China back on

Air New Zealand will resume passenger flights between Auckland and Shanghai from June 22, despite a new outbreak of Covid-19 in that country.

It came on the same day as news that New Zealand’s first two cases of Covid-19 in 24 days were travellers from the UK.

China has been grappling with a new coronavirus outbreak in the capital Beijing.

In addition to locking down communities and ordering mass testing, China’s capital is banning residents of areas considered at high risk from leaving the city, health authorities say. Those from such areas who have already left must report to local health bureaus as soon as possible.

The number of passengers on buses, trains and subways will also be limited and all will be required to wear masks. The outbreak has been traced to a wholesale market in the city’s southwest. Shanghai was the first route to be affected by Covid-19 and has been suspended since February.

The service will be one return service per week, and Air New Zealand Networks general manager Scott Carr said passengers would be subject to government border controls in each direction.

‘‘While we have been operating some cargo flights between Auckland and Shanghai, it’s great to be able to now open these services for passengers to book, and we expect Chinese nationals in New Zealand wanting to return to China, or New Zealanders in China seeking to return home, will look to use these services,’’ said Carr.

The news comes a week after the airline announced a return to Japan. Air New Zealand will resume services between Auckland and Narita, Tokyo on June 25.