New Zealand’s flag carrier and Star Alliance member.
Europe has faced jet fuel supply disruptions since late February due to the Iran war closing the Strait of Hormuz. Airports warn of shortages within weeks, risking flight cancellations and fare hikes this summer. Airlines like Ryanair and easyJet have reported fuel cost surges and potential operational impacts, while the EU plans to boost refining capacity to mitigate the crisis.
Air New Zealand is launching Skynest sleep pods on its Boeing 787-9 aircraft from November, offering economy and premium economy passengers four-hour lie-flat sleep options on long-haul flights. The pods are arranged in a triple-bunk layout, with strict etiquette and hygiene rules, aiming to improve passenger comfort on the Auckland to New York route.
Lufthansa is canceling less profitable routes and concentrating on Frankfurt and Munich hubs to save jet fuel amid surging prices driven by the Middle East conflict. Airlines warn of limited summer visibility as fuel costs climb, with EU officials forecasting prolonged pressure on prices and supply.
Wellington faces a forecast of powerful swells and gusts. Authorities have declared a state of emergency in affected areas. Flights are disrupted, ferries are cancelled, and residents are urged to shelter and stay away from coastlines as the weather system approaches.
Super Typhoon Bavi has direct-hit Rota with winds over 150 mph, triggering warnings for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Officials warn of catastrophic damage and prolonged outages as the storm tracks westward toward the Philippines and Taiwan amid El Niño-linked warming.