Air NZ restarting North America, Asia services on October 31

Air New Zealand is dipping its toe back into the pond of international travel, announcing its return to destinations not serviced since Aotearoa's borders were closed amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline's updated schedule begins on October 31 and sees the return of services to Tokyo and Taipei, along with 12 per week to North America. Air NZ has also announced a service between Christchurch and Singapore operating five times a week from November 30, which may be an indication of where the airline believes future travel bubbles may open. However, the airline is playing down any speculation of a return to relative normality. "As much as we wish the addition of the long haul flights to our schedule meant the reopening of the borders, unfortunately, it does not," said Air NZ's general manager networks Scott Carr. Story has route details.<br/>