Air New Zealand welcomes phased reopening which starts January 17, 2022

Air New Zealand has welcomed the news that from January 17, 2022, New Zealanders will be able to travel to and from Australia, and from February 14, 2022 Kiwis can return home or explore the rest of the world. And from April 30, 2022, the airline will be saying Kia ora to all visitors who meet the government’s requirements for travel. Air New Zealand said that "in line with the government’s requirements, all customers will need to provide evidence of a negative Covid-19 test prior to departure and must complete seven days home isolation upon arrival into New Zealand “Today’s announcement signals the beginning of the return to international travel. This is incredibly exciting news for New Zealanders at home and overseas and we can’t wait to welcome our customers back on board,” Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty said. READ: What we have learned so far from the revolutionary tracking of MH370 READ: Virgin Australia adds 7 737s and brings back all staff “We’ve kept our operation ready for this, so look forward to seeing the tens of thousands of Kiwis who’ll be making plans to board our aircraft soon.” "A date for travel is the certainty that Air New Zealand has been waiting for, and while it would have been nice to reunite friends and families this side of Christmas, customers will now have the confidence to plan reunions and holidays into the New Year. Ms Geraghty said the airline is hopeful the plans to reopen the border to all customers globally can be brought forward. “We can be ready before late April to fly visitors from around the globe and we’re hoping New Zealand’s success with vaccinations will see that decision reviewed and brought forward in the new year.” Following the New Zealand Government’s announcement, Air New Zealand will be readjusting its schedule to reflect today’s border reopening plan for both trans-Tasman travel, and the rest of the world. The airline said that quarantine-free ‘green’ flights from Australia and New Zealand from 1 – 16 January will be canceled, and customers will be accommodated on other services or have their fares placed into credit. The airline continues to operate a reduced schedule of flights into Sydney and Melbourne and 'red fights' from Australia into New Zealand for those with MIQ spots. Customers are encouraged to use the airline’s self-service options to adjust their booking or place their fares into credit. Those wanting to book to travel can do so via the Air New Zealand website where customers with credits can also use them as a form of payment. The airline said it will release more detail around its schedule soon, including when it will restart flying to key destinations like Los Angeles, Fiji, and Honolulu.  Customers are encouraged to continue to check the Air New Zealand Travel Alerts page for updates. Following the airline’s recent announcement, from February 1 all passengers traveling on Air New Zealand’s international network will be required to show proof of full vaccination.