Air New Zealand to keep flying Norfolk Island

Air New Zealand has extended its agreement with the Australian government to operate flights to Norfolk Island until the end of August 2023. It comes after Qantas mounted a direct challenge to the Kiwi flag carrier by launching flights between the resort and Sydney and Brisbane earlier this year. That was for a period of three months beginning in March, and it’s not known yet whether Qantas’ service will be extended. Air New Zealand COO, Carrie Hurihanganui, said the airline will establish a temporary pilot and cabin crew base in Brisbane until 30 November to ensure potential disruptions to the travel bubble don’t affect the service. “Prior to the trans-Tasman bubble opening, crew operating domestic flights in Australia were required to have been in Australia for 14 days or have arrived in Australia on a quarantine-free flight,” said Hurihanganui. “This unfortunately resulted in us having to suspend services between Norfolk Island and mainland Australia in February. Having crew based in Australi"a will ensure we avoid disruption should the Australian border close again.<br/>