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

October 3 (Reuters) – Air New Zealand (AIR.NZ), New Zealand’s national carrier, said on Sunday it would require passengers on its international flights to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, in this which is one of the strictest policies for travelers.

“Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is the new reality of international travel – many destinations Kiwis want to visit are already closed to unvaccinated visitors,” Air New Zealand chief executive Greg Foran said in a statement. communicated.

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

“As with everything, there will be some who disagree,” Foran said. “However, we know it is the right thing to do to protect our people, our customers and the New Zealand community at large.”

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

Reporting and writing in Melbourne by Lidia Kelly; Editing by Sandra Maler

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