Air New Zealand has decided not to resume its seasonal service between Auckland and Seoul Incheon in October 2025 due to ongoing engine availability issues. The airline will operate its final flight on this route on 29 March 2025 before suspending the service indefinitely.

Helping Affected Customers with Alternative Travel Options

Air New Zealand will contact affected customers directly to offer alternative travel arrangements on partner airlines, including connections via Singapore, Taipei, or Hong Kong. Passengers can also apply for a flight credit or request a full refund.

“We know this decision is disappointing, and we sincerely apologise for the impact,” said Jeremy O’Brien, Air New Zealand’s chief commercial officer. “Since we continue to face challenges with engine availability, we have reviewed our network to ensure we can operate our schedule effectively.”

Expanding Fleet to Address Capacity Challenges

The airline is actively addressing its fleet constraints and has already taken steps to strengthen its capacity. It has leased three Boeing 777 aircraft to help offset the impact of engine shortages.

“We are committed to strengthening our fleet and enhancing the travel experience for our customers,” O’Brien said.

Air New Zealand is also making major investments in its fleet to increase long-term flexibility. The airline plans to:

• Reintroduce its first retrofitted Boeing 787 Dreamliner in the coming months.
• Start operating the first of its new 787s by mid-2026, with eight joining the fleet by the end of 2029, including some with the highly anticipated Skynest.
• Add four Airbus A321 aircraft to serve both domestic and international routes.

“These investments represent more than NZ$3.5 billion in our fleet’s future,” O’Brien said.

Although Air New Zealand faces short-term operational challenges, it remains focused on delivering a high-quality travel experience. The airline appreciates its customers’ patience and support as it works through this transition.