Air New Zealand to require COVID-19 vaccination for international travelers

Auckland, October 3 (BNA) Air New Zealand, the national carrier of New Zealand, said on Sunday that it will require passengers on its international flights to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, in one of the world’s most stringent policies. for travelers.

“COVID-19 vaccination is the new reality of international travel – many destinations Kiwis want to visit are already closed to non-vaccinated visitors,” Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran said in a statement.

New Zealand plans to reopen its international borders, which have been closed since March 2020 to anyone who is not a New Zealand citizen, early next year. Air New Zealand said Air New Zealand will implement the vaccination policy from February 1.

“As with anything, there will be those who disagree,” Foran said. “However, we know this is the right thing to do to protect our people, our customers and the broader New Zealand community.”

In September, Qantas, Australia’s largest airline, said it would require all passengers on international flights to be vaccinated, becoming one of the first airlines in the world to require proof of vaccination for everyone on board.

HF