Air New Zealand is making cuts to its trans-Tasman network that will reduce capacity by 80%, starting from 30 March to 30 June.
The changes are a result of the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on travel demand, the carrier says.
It adds: “These dates may change if demand reduces further.”
Cirium schedules data shows that Air NZ has the largest market share on trans-Tasman routes, accounting for 34% of frequencies and 38% of seat capacity in February. Its closest competitors are Qantas and Virgin Australia, which account for 25% and 19% seat capacity, respectively.
Carriers flying trans-Tasman routes, February 2020
Across all operators, the services from Auckland to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane have the highest seat capacity, having accounted for about 22%, 16% and 12% of all trans-Tasman routes in December and January.
In its latest update, Air NZ reiterates its advice that customers should only contact the airline within 48 hours of their flight or if they need immediate repatriation to New Zealand or their home country, “due to the large number of schedule changes”.
