Qantas will continue to deliver air passenger services for Norfolk Island until 30 June 2022, due to the impacts of the current COVID-19 outbreak.
With the ongoing spread of COVID in Australia and suspension of the Trans-Tasman quarantine-free travel zone, Air New Zealand is unable to base crews serving Norfolk Island in Australia and therefore cannot operate passenger services to Norfolk Island from 30 August 2021 as planned.
To ensure continuity of essential air services to Norfolk Island, the Australian Government has worked with Qantas to secure services on Norfolk Island routes from 30 August 2021 to 30 June 2022. Final details of these services are currently being discussed with Qantas.
Later in 2021-22, the Government will conduct a procurement process to select a supplier to provide air passenger services to Norfolk Island from July 2022.
Passengers booked to fly to Norfolk Island with Air New Zealand after 29 August 2021 will receive full refunds from 18 August 2021 and will be able to rebook onto Qantas services via qantas.com or through their local travel agent. Alternatively passengers can call Qantas directly on +61 2 9067 1501. Air New Zealand wishes to pass on its thanks to customers for their patience and understanding while they work through this process.
To reduce inconvenience to those traveling to Norfolk Island, Qantas will offer special fares for flights on Norfolk Island routes. All Qantas fares are available via qantas.com or through travel agents until 15 September 2021.
Qantas and Air New Zealand have committed to work with the Norfolk Island tourism industry to ensure that changes to the Island’s air services are managed as smoothly as possible. Both airlines will directly engage with Norfolk Island travel agents in coming days to provide further advice on the transition.
Given the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, the Australian Government will continue to work with Qantas to determine the most appropriate flight schedule for Norfolk Island in response to lockdowns and passenger demand. Please check qantas.com for the latest information.
While it is unfortunate that circumstances beyond its control mean Air New Zealand is unable to provide services at this time, on behalf of the Australian Government, I want to thank Air New Zealand for serving the Norfolk Island community for nearly a decade to date. I also want to thank Qantas for agreeing to continue to provide this essential service at such short notice.
I will keep the community updated on future arrangements as we continue to provide reliable air services to Norfolk Island.
Eric Hutchinson
Administrator of Norfolk Island
18 August 2021