Air New Zealand cancellations to affect 44,000 passengers amid fuel pressures

Air New Zealand has announced it will cancel around 1,100 flights between now and early May, a move expected to affect approximately 44,000 passengers as the airline grapples with rising fuel costs and operational pressures.

According to the airline’s chief executive Nikhil Ravishankar, the cancellations represent roughly 5 percent of the flights originally planned during that period. While the disruption is significant, the airline expects to carry around 1.9 million passengers overall, with most affected travellers being rebooked onto alternative flights on the same day.

The decision comes as airlines worldwide face volatile jet fuel prices linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have pushed aviation fuel costs sharply higher. Air New Zealand has already introduced fare increases to offset these costs, raising domestic ticket prices by NZ$10, short-haul international fares by NZ$20, and long-haul fares by NZ$90.

The carrier has also warned that further network adjustments may be necessary if fuel prices remain elevated. Regional leaders in New Zealand have expressed concern that potential service reductions could disproportionately impact smaller communities that rely heavily on air connectivity.

The announcement comes as Air New Zealand continues to navigate financial pressures, having recently reported a half-year loss and suspended its earnings guidance due to uncertainty in the global fuel market.