18 Feb 2020

Air NZ to reduce flights through Shanghai and Hong Kong

4:55 pm on 18 February 2020

Air New Zealand is reducing the frequency of its flights through Shanghai and Hong Kong amid Coronavirus due to the changing customer demand.

International travel bans have caused the suspension of the Shanghai services, and Cathay Pacific has taken over the Hong Kong route.

From 30 March, pending the status of travel restrictions, Shanghai services will resume but will drop from seven return services a week to every second day through April.

Air New Zealand said the health and safety of the airline's crew and customers was paramount.

"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."

The airline will resume Hong Kong services on an Air New Zealand aircraft from 21 April through to 31 May but will reduce return flights to four times a week.

Air New Zealand chief revenue officer Cam Wallace said the airline "remains committed to its Shanghai and Hong Kong services despite the impact of the coronavirus".

"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."

The airline will directly contact customers affected by the changes this week.

Those who used a travel agent - including online agents - to make bookings will be contacted by their agent.

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