New Zealand’s aviation sector has responded immediately to the implementation of Level 3 in the Auckland region and Level 2 throughout the rest of the country at noon today under COVID-19 rules.
Co-chair of the New Zealand Aviation Coalition Justin Tighe-Umbers says having two alert levels means the logistics of handling passengers is more complicated, but NZAC members say they are working hard and expect to be largely ready by noon today.
People are asked to be patient while the aviation sector adjusts to these new alert levels.
What travellers can expect from noon today:
Domestic flights
Ex Auckland –
- Scheduled flights are continuing to operate under Alert Level 3
- Non-Auckland residents can travel to the airport to catch flights out of Auckland but will need to present a valid ticket or itinerary to travel to enter the Auckland Domestic Terminal
- Only Auckland residents who are essential workers can travel to the airport
- Passengers should expect to be required to wear masks on domestic flights. Airlines will provide these or people are free to bring their own. For more detail travellers should check their airline websites.
Rest of country –
- Scheduled flights are continuing to operate under Alert Level 2
- Domestic air travel continues for destinations outside of Auckland for all purposes
- Only essential workers needing to travel for work, or Aucklanders returning home, can fly to Auckland
- Passengers should expect to be required to wear masks on domestic flights, airlines will provide these or people are free to bring their own. For more detail travellers should check their airline websites
- Social distancing is required at airports and separation measures will be in place. Keep your distance from people you don’t know well, maintain good hygiene and track your journey
- Social distancing on domestic flights will be in place initially where passenger loads allow, and NZAC believes measures will be in place across the domestic network as soon as possible.
International flights
- People with confirmed tickets on international flights departing Auckland can travel to Auckland airport under Alert Level 3
- People can catch domestic flights to Auckland in order to transit to an international flight departing Auckland under Alert Level 3
- The international terminal at Auckland Airport will be open only to passengers with a valid ticket or itinerary to travel
- For the rest of New Zealand under Alert Level 2, people can travel to airports to catch international flights
- There are no changes to requirements for masks and social distancing on international flights
