Air NZ questioned about flight prices

It is also retrospectively partially refunded air fares that were booked after 3pm on Friday, to reflect the price of $ 139.

"The airline has experienced a significant increase in demand for travel to and from Christchurch in the last 24 hours and flights have generally operated at full capacity or saturation," the company said in a statement. as a result of criticism regarding the price of some city.

"Air New Zealand has capped its one-way domestic fare for direct flights to Christchurch at $ 139 to help customers who need to go there to help those affected by the tragedy of the shooting. . "

Air NZ criticized the prices of flights available for Christchurch following Friday's terror attack in two mosques.

An appalled customer went on Twitter Saturday to express his horror at the prices of flights between Auckland and Christchurch.

At that time, a return trip would have cost between $ 747 and $ 787.

Finance Minister Grant Robertson also reprimanded the airline.

Robertson had contacted Air NZ to "clarify his point of view" that the airline should offer "advantageous fares".

Air NZ is owned by the government and Robertson is a shareholder minister of the airline.

"I just got in touch with Air New Zealand and I clearly expressed my point of view," he said late last night.

"I know they sometimes offer compbadionate rates and that should be one of them."

Robertson then added that Air NZ had confirmed to him "offer advantageous rates to affected families and they decided to drastically reduce fares to Chch for the next few days compared to what they were earlier today." 39; hui. "

"Their call, and the good."

In a statement this morning, Air NZ said: "The airline has set up a sympathetic fare support since Friday, which has allowed it to offer free trips to the deceased's immediate family, as well as fares preferential discounts to other friends and families involved, with nearly 100 bookings made up to now, including a number of group bookings. "

Guled Mire, who first collected the tickets over $ 700, said on Twitter: "[Air New Zealand] it's ridiculous! People are literally trying to go to Christchurch to find their loved ones and attend the funeral that will take place the next day or so. It's pretty pathetic to prioritize profit in the current circumstances. "

Air NZ responded quickly: "We are saddened by the tragic events that have occurred and we try to help those who travel during the weekend and those who are directly affected. Although we have increased our capacity, we have very little availability, which explains the increase in fares. "

Mire went on to say that Air NZ's response was "ridiculous and not acceptable".

"Islamic customs require that the deceased be buried as soon as possible. The least you can do is offer badistance or a discount to the people who are really affected by the current situation. I do not buy it if it's not in your hands, "he said.

The Post also attracted a lot of people's attention, calling the company's position "appalling", "exasperating" and "obscene".

"Sort this @ FlyAirNZ, this is not the time to make a profit," wrote one person.

Another said, "Oh my God @ FlyAirNZ. It's a national tragedy. Throw your rulebook for this occasion. Lower prices. People have to get in and out of Christchurch and this is not the time to profit from a tragedy. "

Another commentator also wrote, "People are trying to say goodbye to their loved ones and @flyairnz is taking advantage of it. I fly this route three times a week. These prices are x3 [normal]. Our national carrier benefits from terrorism. "

Air New Zealand was quick to change position and said in the following hours that "due to the increasing demand from customers to get to Christchurch in the coming days, we will reduce fares and increase the capacity.

The airline also said it would offer advantageous fares to the friends and family involved.

"Since the beginning of this tragedy, we have been providing direct badistance to the immediate family of the deceased and benefit from preferential rates at preferential rates to other relatives and friends around the world. We also supported the transportation of emergency personnel to Christchurch, "he said.

On Sunday morning, at 6 am, flights between Auckland and Christchurch were $ 139 and ranged from $ 109 to $ 289 from Wellington over the next three days.

Mire said that he was grateful for the compbadionate tariffs, but that Air NZ needed to communicate these messages better with the Muslim communities.

"So grateful for the power of social media … keep it up to this important cause."

Prices are still not low enough if you ask me, "he wrote.

In its statement this morning announcing the tariffs of $ 139, Air NZ said: "In addition to the actions taken by Air New Zealand for customers affected by the tragedy in Christchurch, she is working closely with the Prime Minister's Office to support the pbadenger transport. key people in Christchurch, including emergency services staff.

"The airline has transported more than 70 New Zealand police officers to Christchurch and various emergency support staff, including eight medical specialists from Auckland, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Wellington and of Tauranga. "

– This article originally appeared in the New Zealand Herald and has been republished with permission.