Home Travel News

FLIGHT DISRUPTIONS: Air New Zealand's Dreamliners undergo safety maintenance

Some 6,000 travellers scheduled to fly with Air New Zealand over the coming days have been warned of flight disruptions as the carrier attempts to resolve a Dreamliner engine issue.

Some 6,000 travellers scheduled to fly with Air New Zealand over the coming days have been warned of flight disruptions as the carrier attempts to resolve a Dreamliner engine issue.

The Boeing aircraft used on a number of the airline’s international services will undergo last-minute safety maintenance after US aviation regulators raised concerns over engine blade corrosion that could lead to engine failures.

Air New Zealand estimated that it could take up to nine days before all Dreamliners are back in the air, which in the meantime, means several flights have either been cancelled or re-timed, The New Zealand Herald reported.

Image: Air New Zealand/Facebook

Image: Air New Zealand/Facebook

Auckland-Perth and Christchurch-Perth flights appear to be the most affected, with at least 16 services cancelled between the two routes.

Meanwhile, several services from Auckland to Los Angeles, Perth, Nadi and Haneda have been delayed and re-timed from today until 25 April 2018.

Passengers on cancelled services will need to rebook their flights, while those on re-timed services will need to contact the carrier if updated times do not suit their schedule.

Air New Zealand tail

Air New Zealand said it will attempt to reassign passengers who pre-selected their seats to similar seats, however, due to a change in aircraft this can not be guaranteed. Additionally, some flyers may be required to travel in an alternative class.

The carrier said it will contact those who may need to switch classes and offer refunds to those who pre-paid seating and aren’t able to receive their desired location.

On a positive note, Air New Zealand was recognised as the most reputable company in Australia this morning, for the second consecutive year.

READ: Introducing flatbeds for kids so parents can chill during take-off

READ: Air New Zealand feels the backlash of a cheeky bouncer ad

Are you or someone you know affected by the Dreamliner engine safety checks?