Air New Zealand is preparing to cancel around 1,100 flights through late April and early May as the airline faces rising fuel costs triggered by global oil market disruptions. The schedule changes are expected to affect roughly 44,000 passengers, although most travelers will be rebooked onto alternative flights on the same day.
The airline expects to carry around 1.9 million passengers during the same period while operating approximately 22,000 flights, meaning the cancellations represent about a 5 percent reduction in its network.
Airline trims off-peak flights but keeps routes open
The airline confirmed the cuts will be spread across its network, impacting both domestic and international services. However, no routes are being removed entirely.
Instead, the adjustments will mainly target off-peak flights, allowing the airline to reduce fuel consumption while keeping essential connectivity across the country.
Maintaining regional links remains a priority, with airline executives saying regional communities will continue to receive service even as schedules are trimmed.
Discussions have also taken place with regional leaders across New Zealand as the airline manages the changes.
Tauranga flights among services being reduced
Some regional airports will see temporary reductions in service levels. For example, flights to and from Tauranga will be scaled back between 16 March and 3 May 2026.
During that period, Auckland services will fall by 31 rotations, Wellington services will drop by 21 rotations, and Christchurch flights will be reduced by three rotations.
The airline said the schedule adjustments are designed to balance fuel costs while maintaining capacity during busy periods such as the April school holidays.
Global fuel crisis driving airline cost surge
The disruption comes as airlines worldwide face sharply rising jet fuel prices linked to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Energy markets have been rattled by instability in the region, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a shipping route responsible for transporting about 20 percent of the world’s oil supply.
Concerns over supply disruptions have pushed oil prices sharply higher, increasing operating costs for airlines that rely heavily on fuel.
In response to the surge in prices, the International Energy Agency announced the release of 400 million barrels of oil from global reserves, the largest coordinated release in its history, in an effort to stabilize markets.
Ticket prices rise as airlines adjust
Air New Zealand has already begun passing some of the higher fuel costs onto passengers.
Domestic fares are increasing by about $10, short-haul international fares by roughly $20, and long-haul flights by approximately $90.
Other airlines across the region are taking similar steps, with carriers such as Qantas and Jetstar also raising airfares following the sharp increase in aviation fuel costs.
Key international routes remain unchanged
Despite the reductions, Air New Zealand said its major long-haul routes will largely remain intact. Only a small number of long-distance services are expected to be trimmed.
Flights to the United States—including San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, and Houston—will continue operating.
These routes play a crucial role in connecting travelers between New Zealand and Europe, particularly while parts of the Middle East airspace remain disrupted.
Financial pressure building for the airline
The fuel shock comes during an already challenging financial period for the airline.
Air New Zealand recently reported a $40 million half-year loss for the six months ending December 2025, compared with a $106 million profit during the same period a year earlier.
The airline has also suspended its earnings guidance as uncertainty around fuel markets continues.
With global energy prices remaining volatile and geopolitical tensions ongoing, airlines worldwide are preparing for continued pressure on operating costs and flight schedules throughout the year.
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