Air New Zealand removes mask requirement on board flights

Air New Zealand will no longer be requiring face masks on board the carrier’s flights from 13 September.

The announcement follows the New Zealand Government’s announcement that face masks will no longer be required on inbound international or domestic flights. However, masks may still be required on some outbound international flights depending on the individual jurisdiction of the country the flight is arriving in.

Air New Zealand’s Chief Customer and Sales Leanne Geraghty commented: “Masks have played an important part in keeping customers, crew and communities safe during the Covid pandemic, but it’s time to say farewell. While some customers and employees will welcome this news, it doesn’t mean masks are disappearing forever. We really encourage customers to continue to do what makes them comfortable, which is the same message we’re sharing with our employees.

“I want to make a special call out to our frontline staff who have smiled behind masks during a difficult period, often wearing masks for hours on end. They’ve helped keep customers and our communities safe, and we’re looking forward to seeing their smiling faces again.”

Air New Zealand says that should customers wish not to travel following the change, they should opt into credit until 30 September.