Air NZ to start Cook Island travel bubble flights

Air NZ will restart commercial flights from Auckland to Rarotonga, on the Cook Islands, on 21 January following the recent announcement of a new one-way travel bubble. Moving forward, the airline will operate two A320 flights per week, departing Rarotonga on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The announcement comes after New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern said Cook Island residents would able to fly into the country without quarantine but not the other way around – in an effective reversal of the country’s bubble with Australia. “We said we would take a phased approach to resuming two-way travel and will do so only once all safety protocols can be met,” said PM Ardern. Those arriving in the country will undertake health checks and must wear masks in flight. Air New Zealand CE Greg Foran called the lifting of restrictions fantastic news. “We know many Cook Islanders will be eager to connect with friends and family in New Zealand, and we look forward to seeing what a two-way quarantine-free travel arrangement will look like,” said Foran. “Of course safety is our first priority for our customers and staff. We’ve been working closely with both governments, relevant agencies and airports on what is required to keep our customers and staff safe once travel opens up.”<br/>