Customers disappointed as Air New Zealand cancels domestic flights

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

It is also warning that fares for the flights it does operate won’t be at bargain prices.

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

It could also cause concern for tourism operators as domestic tourists will be vital to keep them afloat in level 2.

Stuff is aware of Air New Zealand cancelling bookings for flights, including between Christchurch and Tauranga late this month, Wellington and Dunedin next month, Wellington and Timaru early next month, and Wellington and Queenstown next month.

Air New Zealand chief executive Greg Foran said the airline would operate about 20 per cent of its normal domestic capacity in level 2.

‘‘We’ve been keen to start domestic air services as soon as practicably possible to support New Zealand’s economic recovery and connect family, friends and businesses. But the ramp up to higher frequencies will be a slow journey and even when we come out of alert level 1, all of our domestic destinations will see fewer flights and reduced frequencies. This is the harsh reality of closed international borders and a depressed domestic economy . . . and people watching what they spend.’’

Foran said Air New Zealand would be working closely with Tourism New Zealand, regional tourism organisations, iwi partners and Government agencies to encourage Kiwis to see more of the nation.

But he said during alert level 2, Air New Zealand would not be able to offer its normal cheapest lead-in fares.

‘‘One-metre social distancing means we can only sell just under 50 per cent of seats on a turboprop aircraft and just 65 per cent on an A320. On that basis, to ensure we cover our operating costs, we won’t be able to offer our lowest lead-in fares until social distancing measures are removed.’’

Customers receive an ‘‘automatic credit’’ for their fares, meaning they will have to pay any cost difference when they come to rebook. Some customers have said that will leave them out of pocket.

Wellington resident Sharron Pardoe, who works for said she was disappointed to find a trip she had planned to Queenstown in late June for her husband’s birthday had been cancelled. She received an email from Air New Zealand yesterday outlining the cancellations.

The flights would be credited and new flights would need to be rebooked before June 30, 2021. Passengers would then have 12 months from the time the new booking was made to complete that travel.

‘‘I’m a bit disappointed and a bit surprised that it’s been cancelled when [in] alert level 2 . . . [the Government] has said we can travel,’’ Pardoe said. ‘‘I know Queenstown will be gearing up for snow and all that stuff . . . it would’ve been nice to have been able to support them as well as enjoy our long weekend and a bit of a break.’’