Air New Zealand introduces 'no jab, no fly' policy for overseas travellers

Air New Zealand has joined Qantas and a number of other airlines in enforcing a 'no jab, no fly' policy for overseas travellers.

Set to be introduced as of next February, customers travelling on the airline's foreign network will be required to be completely immunised.

The regulation will apply to all passengers aged 18 and over who fly with Air New Zealand into or out of Aotearoa. Anyone who is unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons must submit proof.

Explaining the policy, Air New Zealand Chief Executive, Greg Foran with vaccination against COVID-19 now a requirement for international travel many of the sites New Zealanders desired to visit were already closed to unvaccinated guests.

Foran stated that the decision came "loud and clear" during recent staff meetings, commenting "we want to do everything we can to protect them. Mandating vaccination on our international flights will give both customers and employees the peace of mind that everyone onboard meets the same health requirements as they do."

Advising that all flight crew travelling internationally will also require full vaccination, Foran noted “we know this is the right thing to do to protect our people, our customers and the wider New Zealand community. We'll spend the next few months making sure we get this right, ensuring it works as smoothly as possible for our customers. This also gives anyone wanting to travel from next year plenty of time to get their vaccination."

Foran went on to advise that the company is in the process of putting out the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Travel Pass app, which will compare clients' health information to their travel details to verify they match the destination's entrance requirements.
Joe Cusmano