(PR.co.nz) UK authorities advise that current UK / Europe airspace restrictions will remain in place until at least midnight tonight Tuesday 20 April (NZ time).
The situation is highly changeable with reports of increased volcanic activity potentially causing further disruption.
As a result, Air New Zealand continues to strongly advise passengers with travel plans to affected parts of the UK and Europe to NOT commence their travel today. This applies to any Air New Zealand service and any connecting flight on another carrier to affected parts of UK / Europe.
For the past five days, Air New Zealand has been basing decisions on the operation of UK flights on the most recent information from UK authorities. The next update for carriers will be late this afternoon (NZ time), therefore Air New Zealand will advise a further update on the operation of today’s flights to and from London at approximately 5.30pm this evening (NZ time).
Existing services from Auckland to London today:
* NZ2 Auckland to London via Los Angeles will operate as scheduled however is likely to terminate in Los Angeles
* There is no scheduled flight today from Auckland to London via Hong Kong
Further advice for passengers:
Should passengers still decide to travel and there are disruptions to their plans, costs incurred will be at their expense. In addition, Air New Zealand has been informed there is no available accommodation in stop over points like Los Angeles or Hong Kong.
Passengers may defer their travel to another Air New Zealand flight of their same departure and arrival points without penalty. Those who no longer wish to travel can apply for a full refund.
Customers should continue to check the Air New Zealand website for regular updates, call 0800 737 000 (within New Zealand only), if outside of New Zealand go to Contact Us) or check with their travel agent.
Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.
Media Release 20 April 2010 2.00pm from Air New Zealand.