Air New Zealand is exploring a return to direct flights connecting Auckland and London. While the airline recently applied for daily slots at London Heathrow (LHR), its request was denied—a common challenge due to the high demand for Heathrow access. The only realistic way to secure Heathrow slots would be to purchase or lease them from an existing slot holder.

In a positive development, Air New Zealand successfully obtained daily slots at London Gatwick (LGW), opening the possibility of launching service as early as July 2025. However, the airline has yet to confirm whether it will move forward with these flights or specify a potential transit point.

A History of Auckland-London Flights

Until 2020, Air New Zealand operated flights from Auckland (AKL) to London Heathrow via Los Angeles (LAX). That route was discontinued following the sale of its Heathrow slots for $27 million, part of a broader strategy to refocus on core markets.

Fleet Overview

As New Zealand’s national carrier, Air New Zealand operates a diverse fleet tailored to regional and long-haul operations. Its aircraft include the Airbus A320, A320neo, A321neo, ATR 72-600, Boeing 777-300ER, 787-9 Dreamliner, and Dash 8-300.

What’s Next?

The secured slots at Gatwick present a viable path for Air New Zealand’s re-entry into the UK market. If the airline decides to proceed, travelers could soon enjoy a convenient new option for travel between New Zealand and London, subject to route and transit details being finalized.