From February 2022, Air New Zealand will only carry passengers in international traffic who can prove they have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19. If this criterion does not apply, you can no longer fly with this carrier.

CEO Greg Foran announced this measure on Sunday and said among other things: "The compulsory vaccination on our international flights gives both customers and employees the certainty that everyone on board meets the same health requirements". Furthermore, Air New Zealand believes that vaccination against Covid-19 is "the new reality" for international travel.

In Australia, Qantas announced a long time ago that only vaccinated people would be transported. Since international flight operations will only be restarted shortly, the effects have so far been kept within very narrow limits.

Like Australia, New Zealand had so far followed the so-called "Zero Covid Strategy". The authorities have now admitted that this has failed. Relaxation in international travel has now also been promised.