Air New Zealand advises that it will be reducing capacity on its Shanghai route throughout April, and Hong Kong route
throughout April and May as a result of the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on customer demand.
Shanghai services are currently suspended until 29 March as a consequence of international travel bans affecting crew
logistics and customer bookings. The resumption of these services is dependent on a change in status of international
travel restrictions. The health and safety of the airline’s crew and customers is paramount and re-entry into Shanghai
in particular will also be subject to guidance from the New Zealand Ministry of Health and Air New Zealand Medical team.
From 30 March, Shanghai services will be adjusted from seven return services per week to a return service every second
day through to 30 April. Hong Kong services, currently operated by Cathay Pacific, will resume on Air New Zealand
aircraft from 29 March and will be adjusted from seven return services per week to four return services per week from 21
April – 31 May.
Air New Zealand Chief Revenue Officer Cam Wallace says the airline remains committed to its Shanghai and Hong Kong
services despite the impact of the coronavirus.
“We have this week conveyed to officials in China our intention to resume services from April subject to the current
travel restrictions being lifted and the appropriate medical advice from the New Zealand Ministry of Health and our own
Medical Team. We are grateful for officials’ understanding of our temporary suspension of Shanghai services,” Mr Wallace
says.
“Clearly, the coronavirus has had an impact on bookings into Shanghai and Hong Kong, and our schedule for April and May
will reflect this with a lower flight frequency.”
Air New Zealand will directly contact customers affected by these changes in the coming week. Customers booked via a
travel agent (including online travel agents) will be contacted by their booking agent. The latest information will also
be published on the Travel Alerts section of the Air New Zealand website and customers are encouraged to check this, before calling the airline's contact
centre. Customers are also welcome to directly message the airline through its social media channels.