Air New Zealand adds flights for Cook Island travel bubble

Air New Zealand is adding flights for the Cook Island quarantine-free travel bubble and from May 17 will operate flights 2-3 times weekly using its 787-9 fleet. The airline expects to operate daily from July in time for the school holidays. Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran says it’s terrific to be opening the bubble between Rarotonga and New Zealand in both directions after four months of a one-way arrangement. “Today’s announcement is a major milestone for both New Zealand, the Cook Islands and Air New Zealand. “The Cook Islands hold a very special place for New Zealanders and Air New Zealand. More than a paradise with off-the-scale natural beauty, many Kiwis will be eager to head over for a warm break and some R&R. We know it’s a popular destination because in 2019, of the 446,000 Kiwis who took a trip to the Pacific Islands, almost 110,000 headed to Rarotonga. “We’re certain our Cook Island neighbours will welcome Kiwis with open arms for a much-needed boost for the local economy, and we’re looking forward to reconnecting friends and whānau who haven’t been able to take advantage of the one-way travel arrangement that’s been in place since January.”