Flyers asked to give up seats
Air New Zealand is asking people to reconsider travel plans into Christchurch and has cancelled its own planned leadership team get-together there.
The airline is experiencing a big surge in demand for services to and from Christchurch following the mosque attacks last week. The airline wants people who can be flexible to change flights – any change fees and fare difference will be waived.
Many would-be visitors to Christchurch have already cancelled hotel bookings, but higher numbers have arrived to support the Muslim community following last week’s mosque shootings.
Rendezvous Hotel manager Faisel Sayed said business was more than 10 per cent above what was normally the busiest time of the year.
Sayed said he was at the Linwood mosque where one of the worshippers fought back, causing the gunman to flee, which probably saved his life.
‘‘It’s good to see the airlines come to the party.’’
Brent Thomas, House of Travel
Sayed, 30, is providing some free rooms to families who would be arriving this weekend to attend funerals.
‘‘It’s been very sad. There have been a lot of last-minute booking as well as cancellations. There will be more people arriving over the next two days which I expect will be the busiest time when the burials take place,’’ Sayed said.
In addition to family members there has been a small invasion of diplomats, government departments and representatives, and security personnel.
Bruce Garrett, manager of the George and Hotel Montreal, said the cancellations had mainly been by corporate and leisure travellers or people coming for cancelled events such as last weekend’s rugby match.
‘‘However we had a number of new bookings coming in . . .’’
Christchurch Airport was experiencing an influx of families while airline schedules remained unchanged.
House of Travel director Brent Thomas said his company had been busier arranging flights and accommodation for people going to Christchurch this week.
‘‘Business travel changed on Monday. A number of businesspeople had deferred trips out of respect and because it wasn’t appropriate under the circumstances.
‘‘It’s good to see the airlines come to the party. Longer term we just don’t know.’’