Auckland Airport reopens to tourists from more than 50 countries

Auckland Airport Chief Executive Carrie Hurihanganui, and Hon Stuart Nash, New Zealand’s Minister of Tourism, were among the first to welcome international visitors from visa waiver countries back to New Zealand.

New Zealand’s international borders reopened at 11.59pm May 1st, 2022, to fully vaccinated visitors from all visa waiver countries. Passengers will no longer need to self-isolate on arrival into New Zealand on provision of a negative pre-departure test.

Both Hurihanganui and Nash were on hand as the first flight, NZ5 from Los Angeles, arrived early in the morning on Monday 2 May. It was the first of 43 international flights scheduled to arrive and depart AKL that day, carrying an estimated 9,000 passengers.

International travellers were welcomed back to Auckland Airport with Whaea Dolly Paul and Haka the Legend performing Māori waiata (songs) in the international terminal public arrivals area, showcasing New Zealand’s unique culture and manaakitanga (welcome). The words ‘Kia Ora’ were also painted on the grass at the southern end of the runway.

Auckland Airport is now open to 88% of its pre-Covid markets.

In January/February this year, there were 12 passenger airlines operating to 20 destinations to and from Auckland Airport. By July, Auckland Airport expects there will be 17 passenger airlines operating to 31 destinations to and from Auckland Airport.

According to Stats NZ, international demand for the month of April recovered to 25% when compared to April 2019.