Air New Zealand has announced plans to cancel approximately 1,100 flights through early May 2026, impacting around 44,000 passengers, as the airline grapples with the global fuel crisis caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The move comes as the airline faces unprecedented challenges, with soaring jet fuel prices and disruptions to global energy supply routes.
“We know that affordability around flying is a real challenge,” Air New Zealand Chief Executive Nikhil Ravishankar said during an interview with the New Zealand news program Morning Report. “Even in these unprecedented times, there’s a limit to what we can pass on to our customers.”
The flight cancellations, which represent about a 5% reduction in the airline’s scheduled services, will affect both domestic and international routes. However, Ravishankar noted that flights between New Zealand and the United States would not be impacted due to increased demand for alternative routes to Europe.
Passengers affected by the cancellations will be rebooked on alternative flights, with most being accommodated on the same day. The airline has not yet announced the specific flights that will be canceled, but Ravishankar stated that services would be cut “proportionally across the board,” with a focus on off-peak services.
“Maintaining regional connectivity is very high on the agenda,” Ravishankar added, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to serving its domestic market.
The International Energy Agency recently agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil, the largest such move in its history, in an attempt to stabilize crude prices, which have soared due to supply shocks resulting from the US-Israeli war with Iran. Despite this intervention, Air New Zealand continues to face massive cost pressures, with jet fuel prices remaining at elevated levels.
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