Summary
- Air New Zealand has increased flexibility for travelers heading to the southern regions of New Zealand due to heavy rain, flooding, and fires disrupting travel plans.
- Passengers can change their flights to another service or put their ticket into credit for 12 months, giving them more time to select their next getaway.
- While some flights have been canceled, most flights to the affected regions are able to operate, but road access may be limited, hampering travel in the area.
The southernmost regions of New Zealand, including Southland and Otago, have recently borne the brunt of heavy rain, flooding, and even fires, which have thrown chaos into the plans of many school holiday travelers. Luckily, the nation’s flag carrier, Air New Zealand, has stepped in with added flexibility for travelers across the peak travel period.
A state of emergency was declared for the popular tourist mecca of Queenstown. Storms had battered its neighboring region of Southland, and this was followed quickly by a boil water notice due to an outbreak of cyrptosporidium putting many travelers off heading south.
Photo: Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock
David Morgan, Air New Zealand’s chief operational integrity officer, noted that the airline would be increasing its flexibility for passengers who are booked to travel to/from Dunedin Airport (DUD), Invercargill Airport (IVC), and Queenstown International Airport (ZQN), between the dates of September 21st to 28th, allowing passengers to have their change fees waived should they move their flights to another service. However, applicable fare differences will apply. As reported by online newspaper Stuff.co.nz, Morgan explained:
“Customers booked from September 21 to September 28 can change their booking to any time before Thursday, October 5, including to another Air New Zealand destination free of charges.”
Change for free or take a credit
Passengers also have the option to put their ticket into credit for 12 months, allowing those concerned to take their time in selecting their next getaway. With Queenstown being the most popular tourist destination in the country, over the nation’s school holidays, the region had expected to welcome almost 50,000 passengers over the next two weeks. Air New Zealand operates direct domestic services to Queenstown (ZQN) from Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG), and Christchurch (CHC).
Photo: Queenstown Airport
Destination Queenstown noted that they were still keeping high hopes for travelers to make their way to the scenic wonderland, nestled at the bottom of the Remarkable Range, and pointed out that the town center is accessible and remains open. However, travelers must boil water during their stay. The tourism body also encouraged travelers to watch for airline updates alongside road and council authorities.
Only a few canceled flights
Air New Zealand canceled just a handful of services, with most flights to the region being able to operate without disruption. However, road access for many has hampered the ability to venture far.
Air New Zealand isn’t the only carrier to offer options for flight change or credits. Low-cost-carrier Jetstar, which operates a range of services to and from Queenstown and Dunedin, has also stepped in with flexibility.
The airline stated on its website: “We’re also offering flexibility for those who no longer wish to travel. For flights to and from Queenstown and Dunedin departing up to and including Thursday, 28 September 2023, we’re offering free moves (up to and including Thursday, 5 October 2023, subject to availability) or voucher refunds.”
Have your plans to Queensland also been affected? Please let us know in the comment section below.
Source: Stuff.co.nz
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Air New Zealand
- IATA/ICAO Code:
- NZ/ANZ
- Airline Type:
- Full Service Carrier
- Hub(s):
- Auckland Airport, Christchurch Airport, Wellington Airport
- Year Founded:
- 1965
- Alliance:
- Star Alliance
- CEO:
- Greg Foran
- Region:
- Oceania
- Country:
- New Zealand
