It all seems to be happening at Air New Zealand right now! First Auckland direct flights to the Big Apple from September, and now the news that non-stop flights from Auckland to Chicago and Houston will restart this year.
Air New Zealand will be reviving its direct services to Chicago and Houston this year, following the forced cancellation of the services back in March 2020.
The airline has confirmed that its direct Houston flights will be returning from 7 July and its direct Chicago will be back on 30 October.
Direct services are becoming even more popular with travellers post-pandemic, as they make the travel process more convenient by taking away the stress of having to transit in busy airports, especially in the U.S.
The restart of the Chicago and Houston routes will allow New Zealanders to more easily reconnect with loved ones in the U.S. and will give Australians an alternative airline option for U.S. travel.
Last week, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the nation was “ready to welcome the world back” with most tourists allowed to return by May as the country continues to ease its coronavirus restrictions.
The announcement bought forward the date that tourists from countries including the U.S., Canada, Britain, and much of Europe can visit, without the need to quarantine, from the previously announced date of October.
Yesterday, Air New Zealand announced the exciting news that its new direct service to New York will be taking off on 17 September this year.
Landing at John F. Kennedy Airport, the airline will operate the flagship route three times a week, year-round with its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
“New York is an iconic yet familiar city, a bucket list item,” said Greg Foran, Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer.
“And now for the first time, Kiwis can visit the city of all cities with a non-stop flight. New Zealand lets you slow down – in New York, everything is bigger and faster, it’s exciting and awe-inspiring – and it’s now closer than ever.”
Find out more at www.airnewzealand.co.nz.