Face masks no longer required on Air New Zealand flights at alert level 1

Passengers will no longer be required to wear face masks on Air NZ flights after Auckland moves to Covid-19 alert level 1 this week. PM Jacinda Ardern announced Monday that Auckland would join the rest of the country at level 1 at 11.59pm on Wednesday. Face coverings are currently mandatory on all Air NZ flights. The airline said in a statement when the entire country was at level 1, these would no longer be required. "Customers are welcome to wear their own face covering and we will still make masks available to customers who wish to use one.” Auckland’s move to level 1 also meant physical distancing would no longer be required at the airport. Lounge restrictions would also lift from Thursday, after being limited to 100 people under level 2. Inflight food and beverage services had already been reintroduced under level 2, with passengers able to temporarily remove their face coverings to eat and drink. The airline said it was working to bring back its Koru Hour service over the coming weeks. “As always, our top priority is ensuring we keep our customers and people safe and we will continue to be vigilant with hygiene practices at alert level 1. High touch surfaces will be cleaned regularly, and all our aircraft, lounges and airports will also be frequently cleaned. Hand sanitiser will be readily available.”<br/>