Air NZ adds flights to deal with backlog

Air New Zealand is putting on more flights and using larger aircraft to deal with a backlog of customers after widespread disruption over the school holidays, but it could still be days before the airline recovers from the string of cancellations.

The national carrier cancelled about 20 flights yesterday – one of its busiest days over the July school holiday period – as bad weather and sick staff continued to push it to the limit.

Chief customer and sale officer Leanne Geraghty said the backlog from the 181 flights cancelled as a result of severe gales in Wellington on Thursday had been cleared.

‘‘As part of efforts, Air New Zealand is putting on a 300-seater 787 from Auckland to Christchurch to Auckland tomorrow (Monday). There will be additional flights out of Christchurch to Queenstown and Wellington today and tomorrow to help customers return home.

‘‘Unfortunately, we’re still experiencing a perfect storm of a very busy end to the school holidays, with ongoing weather and crew sickness causing disruptions.

‘‘Due to these rolling disrupts, recovery might take several days, and we’re working through potential alternative transport options for customers and encouraging those with nonurgent travel to push their fare in credit.’’

More than 20 flights showed as cancelled on Auckland Airport’s domestic board yesterday morning. Most were Air New Zealand flights, but Jetstar and Barrier Air services were also affected.

An Auckland Airport spokesperson said flight disruptions yesterday had been ‘‘minimal’’.

‘‘At this stage, there are two cancelled domestic departures and three cancelled domestic arrivals from now through to tomorrow afternoon.

‘‘As always in busy periods such as the school holidays, we recommend people get to the terminal with plenty of time before their flight and if flying internationally, ensure they have all the correct documentation with them.’’

Seven flights showed as cancelled on Christchurch Airport’s domestic arrivals and departures board yesterday morning. Wellington Airport’s online flight information showed all Sunday services were either going ahead as scheduled or slightly delayed.

An Air New Zealand spokesperson said on Friday, when about 40 flights were axed, that 126,000 passengers would be affected over the weekend.