Air New Zealand has made changes to its domestic services following Sunday evening's decision by the government to place the Auckland region into COVID-19 alert level 3 and the rest of Aotearoa into alert level 2.
The airline is asking customers travelling to and from Auckland to check they are eligible to travel under the new restrictions. Customers travelling from other regions can transit through Auckland on their way to other alert level 2 regions.
Food and beverage service onboard domestic flights had already been suspended in response to the latest coronavirus community cases and this suspension will remain in place until further notice. Water is available by request on all flights.
Air NZ's Auckland lounges and valet parking services closed as of Monday morning and due to capacity restrictions under alert level 2, the maximum number of people able to access the airline's lounges in other regions is capped at 100.
While the country is at elevated alert levels, Air NZ will be taking extra precautions to keep its staff and customers safe. The airline says its frontline staff and cabin crew will be wearing masks and gloves, and customers are required to continue to wear face coverings onboard.
Customers with existing bookings between Monday, February 15 and Sunday, February 21 who wish to rebook to travel before Sunday, March 7 will have any fare difference waived, and customers can call the contact centre to arrange this.
The airline's contact centre and social media team are currently experiencing very high demand.
Customers who hold a ticket for a domestic flight scheduled to depart up until March 30, 2021 and no longer wish to travel can opt in for credit and can do this via the airline's online booking tool.
Those unable to manage their booking online do not need to contact Air NZ immediately or prior to their flight's departure. Assistance will be provided later date to find an alternative flight option, or a credit note can be arranged.
