Air New Zealand plans fewer domestic flights and potential ticket price increases next year

Air New Zealand plans to reduce the number of domestic flights next year, which may lead to higher ticket prices. This change is attributed to decreased demand for business travel, influenced by remote work options like Zoom and Teams. Local leaders in Gisborne and Rotorua express concern that fewer flights could hinder regional growth and tourism. They emphasize the importance of connectivity for their communities, with many relying on Air New Zealand for travel. The airline's domestic manager acknowledged that ticket prices might rise due to fewer available seats. However, some local business leaders question the reasoning behind the cuts, citing full parking lots at airports as evidence of increasing demand.