Air NZ suspends trans-Tasman flights as Australia responds to Auckland Covid-19 'hotspot'

Air NZ has suspended trans-Tasman flights after Australia imposed border restrictions for arriving New Zealanders due to recent Covid-19 community cases in Auckland. An Air NZ spokeswoman said the airline had suspended quarantine-free services to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane until Sunday following new border rules set by Australia’s state and federal governments regarding anyone who has been in Auckland recently. “Once more information is known about current restrictions, we will update our schedule and customers accordingly.” As of Thursday evening the airline had cancelled three Auckland-Sydney services, two Auckland-Melbourne services and three Auckland-Brisbane quarantine free services. More cancellations are showing through to Monday, taking the total number of cancellations to at least 15. Air New Zealand’s website shows Auckland-Sydney fares are not available until March 11, Auckland-Melbourne fares are not available until March 13 and Auckland-Brisbane fares are not available until March 20.<br/>