Air New Zealand Follows Suit, Cuts Flights Due to Higher Fuel Costs

‍AUCKLAND – Auckland-based Air New Zealand (NZ) announced a 5% reduction to its scheduled flights in response to higher-than-normal aviation fuel prices exacerbated by the current conflict in the Middle East, impacting global energy supply routes.

The carrier’s Chief Executive Officer, Nikhil Ravishankar, acknowledged to New Zealand media that air travel affordability is a real challenge right now and “even in these unprecedented times, there’s a limit to what we can pass on to our customers.”

Impact on NZ’s Network, Passengers

The approximately 1,100 flight cancellations will occur now through early May, impacting approximately 44,000 passengers on both domestic and international routes.

Air New Zealand said it would accommodate affected passengers by rebooking them on other flights, most of which would be for the same day.  “Maintaining regional connectivity is very high on the agenda,” Ravishankar said.

Alternative Routes to Europe for NZ Passengers

Flights between New Zealand and the United States would not be impacted, as the airline expects passengers will seek alternative routes to European destinations. 

The Star Alliance member airline currently flies to six destinations in North America, offering codeshare flights on United Airlines (UA), Air Canada (AC), Lufthansa (LH), and Virgin Atlantic (VS), providing numerous options for flights from North America to Europe.

The airline has not announced which flights will be cancelled, but said it will cut proportionally across the network, targeting off-peak flights seeking to minimize the impact on passengers.
The news comes on the heels of Cathay Pacific (CX) announcing it will increase fuel surcharges for tickets issued from March 18, 2026, citing higher jet fuel costs due to the ongoing Middle East disruption.